What is the Best Exterior Paint for Aluminum Siding on a Manufactured Home?

When selecting the best exterior paint for aluminum siding on a manufactured home, it's important to consider various factors and options to ensure your home remains beautiful and protected for years to come. Here, we will discuss the top paint types, additional considerations, recommended brands, and application tips.

Types of Paint

Acrylic Latex Paint

- Why Choose It: This type of paint is highly flexible, adheres well to aluminum, and resists fading and mildew. It's an excellent choice for manufactured homes where weather conditions can be unpredictable.

- Recommendation: Look for a high-quality exterior acrylic latex paint that is specifically formulated for metal surfaces.

Oil-Based Paint

- Why Choose It: Oil-based paint offers durability and a smooth finish, but it may not be as flexible as acrylic. This makes it suitable for areas where cracking or other issues may occur.

- Recommendation: Ensure the oil-based paint is suitable for aluminum and consider the longer drying time and potential for yellowing. This type of paint might be more suitable for metal-free or mild metal areas of your home.

Additional Considerations

Primer

Applying a good quality metal primer before painting is crucial, especially if your siding has never been painted or has rust spots. A rust-inhibiting primer is an optimal choice to prevent rust and ensure the paint adheres properly.

Color

Lighter colors are generally better for energy efficiency as they reflect sunlight and help keep the home cooler. This can reduce your cooling costs and improve the home's overall appearance.

Finish

A satin or semi-gloss finish is ideal for aluminum siding as it provides a balance between durability and aesthetics. A satin finish can minimize fingerprints, while a semi-gloss finish offers better glare resistance and durability.

Recommended Brands

Behr Premium Exterior Paint Sherwin-Williams Duration Benjamin Moore Regal Select Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint (for touch-ups or smaller areas)

Application Tips

To achieve a long-lasting finish, follow these essential steps:

Ensure the surface is clean and free of oxidation before painting. Consider using a paint sprayer for even application, especially on textured surfaces. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times and re-coating.

Preparation Before Painting

Proper preparation is key to a successful paint job. Here are two main preliminaries to consider:

Cleaning the Aluminum Siding

The surface must be free of any visible particles and have a smooth texture before a paint or primer application can be properly applied. This includes pressure washing the clapboards with a wide spray nozzle and ensuring the angle of the washer is in a downward position to avoid moisture lock or damage. Hand wash the siding with a scouring pad TSP mixture or a water and bleach mixture to remove mildew and dissolve pigments. Use proper personal protection equipment. Test for lead-based paint using a lead detection kit if necessary. Spray off the affected area if no lead is present. If lead is detected, consult a lead abatement specialist.

Selecting the Paint

A high-quality 100% acrylic-based paint is best for aluminum siding. Choose from top brands like Miller or Valspar. While primer is not always necessary with high-quality paint, always refer to manufacturer recommendations.

Common Defects and Failing After Painting

Chalking

Chalking occurs when the vehicle (the substance that helps the paint bind to the substrate) is broken down by ultra-violet radiation from the sun and released, causing pigments to come out of the paint. Rain and cold weather wash away the exposed pigments, leading to the exposure of the bare siding. This can be prolonged if painted in colder months, as the drying process is slower.

Alligatoring

Alligatoring is noticeable on the paint's surface and describes the effect of solvent evaporation. This cracking and wrinkling occur when the solvent evaporates too quickly from the paint. The paint is applied in the sun or too thickly, leading to residual solvents causing cracking or wrinkling.

Cracking and Peeling

Cracking can occur when the new paint layer does not react well to the old underlying layers. This can be due to the wood siding expanding or window sills becoming expansive due to wet conditions. Peeling paint is often the result of leakage into the siding, leading to excessive moisture build-up in the wood.

Crazing

Crazing is a network of cracks all over the paint surface, resulting from the outer layers of paint shrinking from drying. This can be avoided by proper application techniques.

Remember to use 100% acrylic-based paint with low-evaporating solvents, paint during cooler days with no rain or harsh sunlight, and ensure the old paints are removed properly. Always wear personal protective equipment during the cleaning process, and consult a specialist in lead abatement if lead is present.