Instead of replacing an old aluminum cladding, it is often cheaper to repaint it. It's a simple chore, and if you have some time to do the preparations and painting, it can be done without professional assistance.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Check the Aluminum
Step 1. First determine if the cladding is aluminum or galvanized steel
The latter must not be painted with oil-based paint; some manufacturers specify that water-based paint should be used on steel. You can use a powerful magnet to determine what material it is. If it sticks to the upholstery, you'll know it's steel.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare the Cover
Step 1. Clean the aluminum casing
Remove lichen, algae, grime and other dirt that has built up over time. An abrasive sponge is perfect for scrubbing. Simply apply a green nylon abrasive pad, spray some cleaner and scrub.
You can use any type of detergent, but take great care to rinse off any residue
Step 2. Determine if the coating needs primer
To decide whether to pass a coat, take the surface as a reference. If in doubt, apply a coat of primer all over. It is not harmful and will ensure a better performance of the work, favoring its durability. To find out if the coating requires primer, consider:
- If it has been previously painted using water-based paint and you are about to repaint it, the primer will not be necessary, unless the surface layer is in poor condition, peeling or chalking.
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If you need to apply a coat of primer, use a good quality oil-based primer with the addition of thinner (475 ml for 3.78 liters). It is preferable to use an oil-based primer rather than a latex, since the latter contains ammonia which, over time, reacts with the aluminum, forming micro bubbles, and causing premature deterioration of the layer. of primer (and therefore, of the paint).
Paint aluminum siding Step 3
Step 3. Remember that light sandblasting is useful before applying the last coat
This step will make the paint adhere better to the surface. Use 150-gauge sandpaper.
If you are repainting with acrylic latex over a previous layer of latex, it will not be necessary to sand, as the paint will adhere very well. In any case, if any area should be peeled or present micro bubbles, sand it a little, to prevent the first part of the coating from being damaged after passing the coat of paint
Method 3 of 3: Complete
Step 1. Apply a final coat of acrylic latex
Use a low luster finish or satin finish - so it will look much more like the original finish.
- For a smoother surface, use an airless sprayer with.017 tip. If you don't have one, you may want to consider renting one.
- If you want to paint with a roller, use a sponge, which will give the surface a discreetly smooth appearance.
- Whichever method you choose, consider using an additive that slows the drying of the paint and promotes its smooth, smooth appearance. Using the spray will take less, if you paint with the roller, it will take a couple of coats to get adequate coverage.
Advice
- A pressure washer will speed up cleansing. Consider if you should rent it. After using it, however, there may be some stains left that you will need to scrub to get rid of them. If the paint is flaking, a pressure washer is the best way to remove it.
- Pittsburgh Paint gives the coating a great finish. It is a good solution, albeit a very expensive one. You will have a better performance using the airless sprayer.
