Paint aluminum siding regularly to prevent oxidation.
Since aluminum siding is lightweight and low-maintenance, it is installed on many mobile home exteriors. Aluminum siding is often painted to prevent corrosion and add style. Over time, pollution, sunlight and weathering cause paints to erode and develop small crevices in aluminum siding. Air exposure causes crevices in aluminum siding to eventually oxidize. Paint aluminum siding regularly to prevent the metal from developing structural damages. Use certain paints and supplies to coat aluminum mobile homes.
Instructions
1. Pour 1/2 cup of powdered laundry soap into a 5-gallon bucket. Fill the bucket with water from a garden hose.
2. Scrub the aluminum siding with the solution, using a soft, long-handled brush. Work in 6-foot-wide sections to prevent the solution from drying on the siding. Rinse each siding section with a garden hose before you wash the next. Allow the aluminum siding to air-dry for three days.
3. Fill any cracks or holes in the siding with paintable caulking, using a caulking gun. Apply caulking around windows and any exposed crevices. Allow the caulking to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Adhere masking tape around all doors, windows and other surfaces you do not intend to paint.
5. Pour 1 pint of paint thinner into a 3-gallon plastic pail. Add 1 gallon of high-quality oil-based primer to the paint thinner. Mix the paint thinner and primer together with a wooden paint stir stick.
6. Apply an even coat of the thinned metal primer to the aluminum siding, using a roller brush. Use an angled bristled paintbrush to coat the corners around windows and doors. Allow the metal primer to dry for 48 hours.
7. Apply an even coat of quality acrylic latex exterior house paint over the primer, using the roller brush. Use the angled bristled paintbrush to apply paint around corners and light fixtures. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
8. Apply a second coat of paint if more coverage is needed. Peel off the masking tape from the home once the paint is completely dry.
Tips Warnings
Paint aluminum siding during a cool, overcast day for better coverage.
Use high-quality paint and supplies for longer wear and better coverage.
Do not wash aluminum siding with a power washer; the high water pressure can cause leaks in the home.
Do not paint aluminum in windy weather conditions or direct sunlight; these conditions disrupt the chemical and mechanical bond between the paint and aluminum.
