Can You Paint the Metal Siding on Your Tampa Property?

Metal is a popular siding material option among property owners in Tampa and beyond. For one, metal boasts enhanced durability and minimal maintenance. It costs a bit more than vinyl siding, but it’s cheaper than wood, stucco, or brick siding.

While metal siding stands up well to the elements and maintains its visual appeal for a long time, it may sustain scratches, dents, or fading over time. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Can you paint the metal siding on your Tampa property?” 

As Tampa’s professional painting company, the experienced painters at Original Florida Painting Company explain when and how to paint the metal siding on your property. 

When To Paint Your Metal Siding 

You’ll often find metal siding composed of steel or aluminum, but more expensive options like zinc and copper siding exist. All of these metal siding options can last for decades if you repair the damage promptly and invest in proper maintenance. 

However, any siding eventually shows signs of wear. Symptoms of metal siding in need of a new paint job include:

• Peeling, chipping, or cracking of previous paint or coating 
• Chalky paint or paint with a powdery residue when touched 
• Rusting 
• Fading color 
• Loss of gloss 
• Cracked caulking 

You want to address any of these issues as soon as possible and repaint your metal siding to prolong its life.

Prepping the Metal Siding Surface for New Paint

The key to painting metal siding is to prepare the surface well. Start by fixing any damage to the siding. If one of the metal panels has a deep dent, replacing rather than repainting it will serve you better because the badly dented panel will still look unsightly even after a new paint job. 

You should also look out for loose metal panels, sagging gutters, drainpipes, and soffits.  

Next, clean the surface of any mold, mildew, bird droppings, grease, caulk, and other debris. A pressure washer works well for this type of cleaning. However, you want to exercise caution as soft metals like aluminum siding may bend under high pressure. 

While you can rent a pressure washer from your local home improvement store in Tampa, it’s best to hire a professional contractor who knows Florida regulations for building and painting structures on your property.

If your siding has mildew, use a mixture of water and bleach or vinegar to kill invisible mildew spores and prevent future infestations. 

How To Paint Your Metal Siding 

So, can you paint the metal siding of your Tampa property? Yes, you can. Here’s how:

To save time, line up the following tools for the painting project before you start: 

• Paint sprayer or large rollers and brushes 
• Ladder 
• Oil-based metal paint 
• Primer suited for your metal siding 
• Painters’ tape 
• Plastic window masking 
• Acrylic latex paint 

Once you have the supplies ready, follow the steps below for a high-quality paint job: 

Protect Your Windows 

Cover any sections or areas you don't want to paint, like the trim, windows, and soffit, with the painters’ tape and plastic masking. A sharp knife will come in handy for cutting the tape to the perfect size. 

Prime the Siding 

You’ll need to prime the surface when dealing with severely weathered siding, exposed metal, or a surface that still feels chalky even after cleaning it thoroughly. Once you’ve protected the areas you don't want to paint, you can use the sprayer or roller to apply the primer.  

Make sure you use the right primer for your type of metal siding. For example, steel and aluminum require different primers for maximum adhesion.  

You also want to ensure the primer is compatible with the paint you plan to use. Using the wrong primer may lead to premature chipping and peeling. 

Apply the Paint 

After priming, you can choose a paint color and finish of your choice, then add as many layers as you deem necessary to achieve a solid, streak-free look. Light shades work well for exterior surfaces, as darker colors absorb more heat and quickly date your siding.  

When selecting a paint finish, consider flat or matte finishes for a contemporary look or satin finishes for easier cleaning and maintenance. Use oil-based paint and give the paint ample time to dry fully between coats so you can tell whether to add another coat. 

Apply a Topcoat

While you don’t necessarily have to add a topcoat, applying an acrylic latex topcoat will enhance your paint’s weather resistance and extend its lifespan. A topcoat provides long-lasting color, keeps rust at bay, and prevents chipping and peeling. 

Like most things, your siding needs some TLC to look its best. Clean your siding regularly to maintain the paint and ensure it lasts longer. 

Why Hire a Professional Painting Company to Paint Your Metal Siding?

Hiring a seasoned painting company in Tampa to paint your metal siding is a good investment. While you can do the job yourself, hiring a professional will yield more satisfactory results.  

An experienced professional knows how to prepare the surface for the best results. Not to mention, professionally painted metal siding will maintain its aesthetic appeal for two decades, keeping your house looking as good as new should you decide to sell it.

Call Original Florida Painting Company for Exterior Painting Services in Tampa

If you live in Tampa or nearby areas, trust Original Florida Painting Company for fast and reliable painting services. This dedicated team strives to do the job right and pay precise attention to detail to deliver world-class paint jobs. Whether you’re still wondering, “Can you paint the metal siding on your Tampa Property?” or would like to learn a few tips for painting a house exterior, contact the Original Florida Painting Company today.