How Much Does It Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding?
Your siding can make or break your curb appeal, which is why it’s important to keep it in good condition. Rather than spending a large amount on replacement siding, many homeowners opt to paint their vinyl siding. In addition to improving aesthetics, painted siding adds a layer of protection and increases your home’s lifespan.
The cost to paint vinyl siding varies based on the size of the house, the type of paint being used, and so much more. The national average cost ranges between $3,000 and $5,000, with most homeowners spending around $4,000 to fully clean, prepare, prime, and paint a 2,000 square foot home and add a semi-gloss finish. Some homeowners pay as little as $2,500 to paint the vinyl siding on a one-story, 1,500 square foot home. Others spend upwards of $6,750 to clean, prime, and paint a 3,000+ square foot house with a satin finish.
Average Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding
| Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $4,000 |
| Average range | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Minimum cost | $2,500 |
| Maximum cost | $6,750 |
In this guide
Vinyl Siding Paint Cost by Brand
Vinyl Siding Priming Price by Type
Vinyl Siding Painting Cost by Finish
Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding
Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding per Square Foot
Average Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding by Number of Stories
What Kind of Paint to Use on Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl Siding Paint Colors
Preparing Vinyl Siding for Painting
Painting Vinyl Siding vs Replacing
Additional Considerations
FAQs
Paint Vinyl Siding Cost by Project Range
Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?
Painting vinyl siding can be done. However, it’s important to weigh your options before you do it. Vinyl is a low-maintenance material on its own, but it is incompatible with paint in many ways. Before you paint your siding, it’s important to do your research and ensure you find the right fit for your home. In the past, painting vinyl siding was discouraged. Today, better, acrylic-based paint options make painting a more viable option for homeowners looking for a more cost-effective way to keep their siding in good condition.
Vinyl Siding Paint Cost by Brand
Homeowners can choose from several different paint brands. When it comes to deciding the right fit for your project, it’s important to assess all your wants and needs. Finding the right one is based on your personal budget and project requirements. On average, it costs between $30 and $200 per gallon of paint. Learn more about the top brands so that you can find the right match.
| Siding Brand | Paint Costs per Gallon (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Valspar | $30 - $150 |
| Behr | $40 - $160 |
| Benjamin Moore | $50 - $190 |
| Sherwin William | $60 - $200 |
Valspar Vinyl Siding Paint
Valspar vinyl 1 siding paint ranges from $30 to $150 per gallon on average. It offers various interior and exterior paints, stains, and sealants for commercial and residential jobs throughout the United States. Their exterior paint is easy to apply with a roller, as it is much thinner than many other exterior paints. Because of that, it generally dries much faster, too. Quick drying can be a good thing but can also cause paint streaks to appear more often than not. Also, you will need to apply multiple layers due to its thinness.
Behr Vinyl Siding Paint
On average, a gallon of Behr paint for your vinyl siding costs between $40 and $160. Behr is known to offer quality paints that don’t easily crack or fade. It also sprays on surfaces easily and evenly, meaning you will generally have to use less paint to get the job done. However, it can be a bit of a challenge to apply with a roller due to its thickness. Most Behr paints easily block mildew but have difficulty resisting dirt, which means you’ll have to clean your exterior more often.
Benjamin Moore Vinyl Siding Paint
Benjamin Moore paints are a bit more expensive than some other options, ranging from $50 to $190 per gallon. Benjamin Moore is a locally owned and operated business that offers a wide range of quality paints that are great for every part of a home. They are known for having a wide range of colors and styles that all roll on smoothly and cover different surfaces really well. In terms of quality, their paints are very similar to Sherwin Williams.
Sherwin Williams Vinyl Siding Paint
At regular price, Sherwin Williams vinyl siding paint cost per gallon ranges between $60 and $200. Sherwin Williams is one of the most well-known corporate brands in the painting industry. They offer a diverse range of premium paints that provide customizability, durability, and longevity. Many of their high-quality paints are more expensive, which can turn people on a budget away. However, most contractors get a discount on Sherwin Williams paint, including vinyl-safe paint.
Vinyl Siding Priming Price by Type
Using a primer 2 before painting your vinyl siding isn’t always necessary; however, it is a great idea in many cases. If the color on your siding has completely worn away or has become porous, it is crucial to prime the surface before painting. Otherwise, the paint will look uneven and begin to bubble, peel, and crack as it dries. If you plan to use a primer, it’s important to find the right one for your project. Additionally, the paint you select must successfully seal to the primer.
Manufacturers offer a few different options, including adhesion primers and latex-based primers. It is important to note that some exterior paints come with primers included. However, for something as complex as painting siding, it is recommended to use a primer first if needed and then proceed with painting.
| Type of Primer | Paint Costs per Gallon (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Latex | $10 - $45 |
| Adhesion | $15 - $50 |
Vinyl Siding Painting Cost by Finish
After you have painted your entire home, it’s time to add one more layer. A paint’s finish adds texture to the finished product and affects how much light is reflected. People use various finishes when they paint certain areas of their homes. When it comes to vinyl siding, three finishes stand out as the best options: flat or matte finishes, semi-gloss finishes, and satin finishes.
Flat finishes are a great option for homes with lighter colors because they absorb more light, thus not creating a sheen. Semi-gloss and satin finishes take a bit more time to prepare. However, in the long run they are more low-maintenance in terms of cleaning and upkeep. Additionally, it reflects more light away from your home.
| Type of Finishes | Paint Costs per Gallon (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Flat | $15 - $50 |
| Semi-Gloss | $20 - $40 |
| Satin | $20 - 60 |
Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding
Painting vinyl siding can be a challenging task to do on your own. At the very least, you should enlist a professional contractor to inspect your home beforehand to ensure your siding is in good condition to be repainted. After that, you can’t simply begin painting. Cleaning and other preparations must be made. These extra steps tack on a few extra days to the process before the painting begins.
A few factors to consider when calculating the cost to paint vinyl siding include the house size, project length, type of paint, and more. To paint a 2,000 sq. ft. house, you can expect three to four days of work between cleaning and preparing and actually painting. You’ll generally have two or three painters on site. Most contractors charge between $20 and $40 an hour. On average, you can expect to pay $4,000 for labor costs and materials to paint the siding of a 2,000 sq. ft. house.
Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding per Square Foot
A couple of factors that impact the cost of painting siding is the size of the home and the siding itself. One of the first steps in planning your exterior paint job is to get an accurate measurement of your home. You must know how much it will cost to paint your home to ensure you don’t go over budget. Take accurate measurements of your exterior and research to know how much paint you need. On average, a gallon of paint covers between 250 and 400 square feet with one coat. The cost to paint vinyl siding ranges between $2,550 and $6,000 depending on siding size.
| Vinyl Siding Size | Average Home Size | Paint Costs (Including Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500 sq. ft. | 1,500 sq. ft. | $1,000 - $6,250 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. | $1,500 - $7,500 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | 2,500 sq. ft. | $1,750 - $9,500 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. | $2,000 - $10,000 |
Average Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding by Number of Stories
The number of stories your home has affects the overall square footage. This important factor must be considered when it comes to budgeting the paint job for your vinyl siding. Every home is different, making it even more important to take accurate measurements of your home. While it’s crucial to do so on your own, here’s a good place to start:
| Number of Stories | Average Home Size (sq. ft.) | Paint Costs (Including Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,500 sq. ft. | $2,550 - $4,500 |
| 2 | 2,500 sq. ft. | $3,290 - $5,540 |
| 3 | 3,500 sq. ft. | $4,450 - $7,500 |
What Kind of Paint to Use on Vinyl Siding?
Painting vinyl siding is possible, but it requires hard work and care. Once you’ve decided to paint your vinyl siding, it’s important to choose the right paint. Acrylic-based paint works best with vinyl because it’s lightweight and can easily stick to vinyl. Thicker paints start to flake much faster, which is why it’s much safer to use acrylic paint for vinyl siding.
For best results, apply two coats of an acrylic-based paint by spraying rather than rolling or brushing it on. In addition to saving time, spray painting is the best way to create a look that is close in texture to your original siding. So, what kind of siding shouldn’t you use? Latex or oil-based paint products. Siding is built to let water slide off the surface, so many of these types of paints will do the same.
Vinyl Siding Paint Colors
In general, it is recommended to choose your new siding color based on the current siding color. Though you may be searching for a drastic change, choosing a similar or lighter color than the current siding is best. If you are set on painting vinyl siding darker, be sure to choose vinyl-safe paint.
Vinyl is temperature sensitive and warps or buckles under high heat. Since darker colors absorb more heat, it is advised to steer clear of them if you live in warmer climates. On the other end of the spectrum, painting white vinyl siding comes with some challenges. Try to stick to lighter tones that don’t vary too greatly from white and use a primer beforehand.
Preparing Vinyl Siding for Painting
Arguably the most important step in the painting process is the cleaning and preparation you need to do beforehand. The first step is to make sure the siding is in good shape. Have a professional contractor come out and survey your space to ensure your siding is completely ready to be painted.
After that, thoroughly clean your siding. If there is any dirt or grime left on the surface, the paint will look bad and peel off much faster, too. Next, you should select your paint color and decide if you need a priming coat. If the color you chose is a big change from the one currently there, the professional will prime first. After the actual painting is done, be sure to check your siding regularly for any problem areas. It’s also a good idea to clean your siding at least once a year.
Painting Vinyl Siding vs Replacing
When deciding if you should paint or replace your vinyl siding, it’s important to consider a few things. Painting is advantageous in many ways, including the overall cost and the ability to customize your home’s look. In most cases, it extends the lifespan of your siding. On average, it costs about $4,000 to paint vinyl siding on a 2,000 sq. ft. house. As far as long-term upgrades for siding, completely replacing it will always be the most effective option. This is especially true if your siding has sustained serious damage.
Painting over damaged areas can be extremely challenging and may result in more expensive fixes down the road. Newer siding benefits from a paint job in both style and performance. Many homeowners lean toward this choice since replacing siding can be rather expensive. Installation costs range from $7,500 to $12,000. Also, you have to pay for an installation permit, old siding removal, and other services such as delivery charges and clean up.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Likely, you won’t need a permit to paint your siding, but it is important to be up to date on local property requirements—especially if you live in an area of historical significance. Local zoning boards and homeowners’ associations may also limit you.
- You can paint your vinyl siding on your own, but it can be a challenging task. Additionally, it can be risky. If you mess something up, you may spend even more money fixing it.
- In many cases, adding a fresh coat of paint enhances your curb appeal and increases your home’s overall value. Since new paint improves both the look and lifespan of a home’s exterior, an appraiser may give you a few extra points overall.
- The best time to paint is mid-spring or early fall. To properly paint your siding, you need to have ideal weather conditions. If it’s too hot, too windy, or too cold, you risk the chance of the paint bubbling, cracking, or peeling before it dries.
- Many manufacturers will not honor warranties if the vinyl siding has been painted. This can be important if your home suffers any form of damage or you’re trying to sell your property in the future. Before you decide to paint, make sure to check your specific warranty for any caveats on paint.
FAQs
- Can you paint old vinyl siding?
It’s possible to paint old vinyl siding, but it likely won’t extend the life of your siding beyond around five years. If your siding is approaching 20 years old, it’s probably best to opt for a replacement. However, if it’s still in good shape, a new paint job goes a long way.
- Can you paint vinyl siding a darker color?
Yes, but it is a bit trickier than going lighter. Darker colors provide a bold, unique look for your home and hide any flaws in your siding. However, darker colors tend to absorb more heat, which can cause your siding to warp more quickly. Do your research and make sure to look for vinyl-safe paint.
- How much does it cost to paint vinyl siding?
Painting the vinyl siding of a 2,000 sq. ft. house takes an average of three to four days, with the work divided among two or three painters. Most contractors charge $20 to $40 an hour. You can expect to pay $4,000 between labor costs and materials.
- How long will my vinyl siding last if I paint it?
With the proper vinyl-safe products, painting your siding can add another two decades to your home’s exterior. On average, painted vinyl siding lasts about 40 years.
- What kind of paint will stick to vinyl?
Siding is built so that water slides off the surface, which means most paints will do the same thing. The best way to paint vinyl siding is with acrylic-based paints. Urethane-modified acrylic paint works well because it sticks without cracking or chipping. Whatever you do, don’t use low-quality latex or oil-based paint products.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others
2 Primer: Preparatory coat applied to materials (drywall, wood, metal, etc.) before painting to ensure paint adhesion, extend paint durability, and help seal and protect the surface to be painted
How much does it cost to paint vinyl siding in my city?
Cost to paint vinyl siding varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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