Do you know why painting your aluminum siding or other outdoor materials is important for home maintenance? You can do it to make sure your facade lasts as long as it can.
Painting aluminum can be tricky because if the high gloss paint gets too hot, it peels right off again (due to a chemical reaction between the metal and the paint).
It’s important to think about what type of finish you want before making your purchase. Do you prefer a glossy or matte look? Will there be any exposure to sunlight?
In this blog post, we will cover the best paint for aluminum siding and other helpful tips on what you should know before starting your project.
Rust-Oleum 7515838 Professional Enamel Spray Paint
Dupli-Color EDE1615 Ceramic Paint Aluminum
Majic Paints 8-9400-2, Satin Painting Aluminum
Top 9 Picks For Painting Outdoor Aluminum Reviews
Researching and understanding the right paint for your aluminum siding can take some time. Paint comes in many varieties, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
1. Rust-Oleum 7515838 Professional Enamel Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum is a high-quality type of color you can use to coat metallic surfaces like aluminum. This professional-grade rust-preventative paint will work well in most environments and requires little maintenance for the long-term care of your exterior facade.
A one-gallon container covers up to 14 square feet, provides multiple coats within 15 minutes and an hour’s recoat time after each layer dries for quick project completion. This oil-based color formula features a high output tip for precise application, as well as a commercial and industrial grade ideal for heavy use environments.
Rust-Oleum is one of the most trusted paint brands in existence today, and it’s no secret why the company meets or exceeds industry standards on all levels. For top-quality aluminum siding paint that will last you for years to come when applied appropriately, Rust-Oleum professional spray paint is an excellent fit.
Highlighted Features:
- A rust-preventative paint for most environments
- A one-gallon container covers up to 14 square feet,
- Multiple coats of paint within 15 mins and an hour’s recoat time
- This oil-based paint formula features a high output tip for precise application
2. Dupli-Color EDE1615 Ceramic Paint Aluminum
Dupli-color is known for its commitment to quality in car and truck refinishing, OEM, and specialty coatings.
The Perfect Match paint provides buyers with the color match they need while the Ceramic Engine Enamel used on engine blocks and other accessories helps prolong wear across a wide range of temperatures.
Dupli-Color utilizes EZ Touch Conical Nozzle technology that produces an even finish with no globbing and can be easily touched up by using Dupli-Color’s touch up kits for any small imperfections.
Dupli Color also has resins that will keep paint from flaking or peeling when exposed to harsh conditions like hot temperatures which are typically experienced under hood applications.
Highlighted Features:
- Good painting aluminum siding or exterior aluminum
- Quality color for car and truck refinishing, OEM, and specialty coatings
- Perfect Match color provides buyers with the color match they need
- Paint that won’t flake or peel when exposed to harsh conditions
3. Majic Paints 8-9400-2, Satin Painting Aluminum
The Majic Paints 8-9400-2, White, Interior/Exterior Satin Paint is known to be a great paint for outdoor aluminum. The color is white and it’s for both interior and exterior use.
It can be used on wood, metal, brick, drywall, glass steel tile vinyl, etc. It levels to a nice smooth finish that doesn’t require sanding or priming beforehand. This means you don’t need to prepare your aluminum surface before painting with this paint sprayer.
Saves time and money by applying 1 fresh coat of paint to renovate homes, barns, garages, outside sheds, furniture, and much more. It produces a satin finish that is perfect for painting aluminum siding or other paint jobs that need to last a long time.
Highlighted Features:
- One of the best for painting aluminum.
- Can be used on wood, metal, brick, drywall, steel, glass, and vinyl
- Save time and money by saving on priming and sanding
- Provides satin finish to last longevity outdoors.
4. Rust-Oleum 7715502 Stops Rust Gloss Brush On Paint
When looking for the top coating for a project, you need to ensure that your color is chip-resistant and offers lasting protection. One of the best options on the market when it comes to accomplishing those two objectives in one product.
Rust-oleum’s latest paint comes in 40 colors and three sheens. You can ensure that your paint is even longer-lasting when you apply self-etching primer. Just load up the brush and paint away! It dries in hours, not days. And it’s easy to touch up.
Freshen up your outdoor furniture or patio set with new painting. Whether you’re just looking for a change of color or want to protect an expensive item from the elements, Stops Rust will do the job.
Highlighted Features:
- It is resistant to chipping and peeling
- Rust-oleum’s latest paint comes in 40 colors and three sheens.
- Stop Rust Primer ensures that your paint is even longer-lasting.
- It dries in hours, not days. And it’s easy to touch up.
5. TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint
The TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint is a paint that will be useful for anyone who’s looking to start painting their boat. This paint has been specifically designed with aluminum in mind and can even be used on aluminum boats below the waterline.
It’s reasonably easy to apply paint without needing to etch or prime first unless you’re applying it directly to galvanized metal.
It needs some type of base coat before applying the actual topcoat of your choice. The coverage rate for this product is rather good at 80-100 square feet per quart and 320-400 square feet per gallon.
This product comes in quart size or gallon size depending on its use and how many boats you’ll need to be painted. You should make sure to either get the right size or that you have enough color to finish a single boat depending on the number of boats you want to be painted.
Highlighted Features:
- Consistent Coverage Rate
- Low VOCs
- Weatherproof, flexible, and durable
- Available in Quart or Gallon size
6. Duralux M736-1 Marine Paint
DURALUX M736-1 MARINE PAINT One of the finest house paint and boat paints in the world. Available in a rainbow of colors, Duralux offers more shades than any other premium marine color manufacturer. There are also traditional camouflage colors available with Duralux Marine Color Green Progue, Drab Duck boat Green and Dead Grass Green.
Choose a base coat with our Sub-Trop Red Priming Marine Primer that eliminates priming and saving you half the labor. This professional quality can be easily washed from metallic surfaces after painting.
For best performance use on aluminum surface or galvanized surface where vinyl type coating excels and acts as a preservative seal. Excellent adhesion properties assure excellent coverage because it avoids having to prime first before painting.
Highlighted Features:
- There’s a shade for every big or small project.
- Protect your aluminum siding so you can enjoy it for years to come.
- assures excellent coverage with their special formula
- helps to maintain good condition and longevity.
7. Seymour 16-055 Alumi Blast Spray Paint
Recognized for its durability, Seymour 16-055 is one of the perfect spray paints for outdoor use. You can trust that it will be resistant to chipping and won’t fade over time.
Likewise, this aluminum spray paint is one of the more affordable options out there. Even if you’re not an avid DIY enthusiast or carpenter, you’ll find Seymour 16-055 easy to apply because it has excellent coverage and dries quickly.
The spray paint is easy to clean up too, so you won’t need to worry about having any leftover mess. You can use it over an existing aluminum surface that’s made of metal or previously painted surfaces, so it’s ideal for professional painters.
If you’re looking to apply paint for your aluminum siding or other outdoor building materials, make sure that you do so as soon as possible. Doing so can help ensure that your exterior facade lasts as long as possible and that it’s in good condition.
Highlighted Features:
- Creates an even, durable aluminum surface
- Provides excellent coverage in one coat
- Can be used to cover previously painted or aluminum surfaces
- Affordable and easy to use
8. Diamond Brite Paint 46000
Diamond Brite Paint offers a large selection of different options for painting that is great for outdoor aluminum construction. They offer both high gloss and low gloss paints, so you’re sure to find the perfect paint job to match your desires with the rest of your home’s exterior.
To paint Aluminum with a brilliant finish, Diamond Brite Paint is ideal for chain link fences, radiators, and other machinery and architectural aluminum surfaces.
The paint offers corrosion resistance as well as excellent gloss/color retention, superior coverage, and concealment, protecting against the elements.
Painting can be done indoors or outdoors, but should not be done if the temperature is below freezing.
Highlighted Features:
- Ideal for hot surfaces (brings hardness on metal roofs)
- Paint can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed
- Protects your investment from rust by ensuring top quality coat of enamel
9. S. M. Arnold Chrome Aluminum Spray Paint
Spray paints like this are a good option to use as a fast-drying lacquer which provides durable indoor/outdoor protection and can be used for most metal, wood, and wicker. Additionally, the paint produces an elegant metallic finish that many aluminum wheel owners have come to appreciate.
It dries to the touch in 5 minutes and can be recoated after 20 or more. Resistant to weathering and chemical exposures, it guarantees beauty for years. Emit no odors or fumes after application so you won’t need paint filters nor respiratory protection during use.
Available in 12 fluid ounces with an additional protective coating of semi-gloss when dry. For bare or rusted metallic surfaces, use primer 66-110 light gray for best results.
Highlighted Features:
- Fast-drying lacquer
- Paint aluminum wheels with an elegant metallic finish
- Dries to touch in 5 minutes and can be recoated after 20
- Available in 12 fluid ounces
Facts to Check While Buying Paint for Outdoor Aluminum
Check the following facts before buying an outdoor aluminum paint
Consider Ozone and Paints
When painting aluminum siding, pay attention to what type of paint you are buying. The most effective aluminum paint has a primer that contains vinyl acrylic copolymer which is absolutely vital for ensuring strong adhesion.
If you don’t want to use the recommended primer, make sure that you select acrylics or alkyd paints because they have stronger adhesion with any surface, no matter the material.
Surface Material
The other major thing that needs to be taken into account is whether the surface is made of metallic materials or existing paint surfaces.
For the next painting project of metallic surfaces, use aluminum paints with proper primers (acrylic or alkyd). If it’s a previously painted surface, aluminum paint can be applied for the particular painting project.
Water-based Paint at All Costs
Water-based paints are much better than oil-based paints and stains because they’re less harmful to the environment while being just as strong and durable.
Oil-based color contains mineral spirits which evaporate faster into the air, so if you don’t want to inhale or harm the environment, stick with water-based paint.
Consider Your Location
Paint is usually made for specific climates (e.g. coastal areas), so choose your paint carefully depending on the paint job and the location.
Coastal paints tend to last longer in saltwater environments, so if you live by the sea, select a paint that is made to withstand saltwater.
Read the Reviews
Reading reviews is the best way to learn about a product before even purchasing it. Make sure you read the reviews for the aluminum paint and evaluate how well they describe the actual product’s performance in different situations and environments.
FAQs
Which Option is Best for an Aluminum Paint Job?
The most suitable option to buy for an aluminum paint job is the one that is made for your location and will last as long as possible in an environment that has high humidity.
The dewpoint of an area plays a big part in deciding which paint would be best suited for your needs. Look at reviews before purchasing any product online so you get a sense of how well it works.
Is it Better to Use Water-Based or Oil-Based Paints?
I would recommend using water-based paint that is less harmful to the environment because you won’t need to use it as much and it won’t evaporate into the air.
Oil-based paint will last for a few years in humid weather, but after some time, it will begin cracking if used in humid environments.
How Should Exterior Aluminum be Painted?
All exterior aluminum should be painted by a professional so it lasts longer and looks better.
It’s easy to paint aluminum yourself but it will take considerably more time, skill, and practice.
Which Paint Will Stick to Aluminum?
The best paint for aluminum will stick the longest if it’s an oil-based lacquer.
If you need to paint aluminum siding, you should get an oil-based paint with a vinyl acrylic copolymer or self etching primer. That way, it will stick to the aluminum longer and better than anything else.
If not, get the best water-based paint you can find if you want to use a different primer.
Last Thought
This post has been an overview of how to choose the best paint for your aluminum siding or other exterior building materials, but we hope you found it helpful.
To maintain your exterior facade at its superior, you might consider using the best paint on the market. Doing so will help to ensure that your building materials last longer and are in good condition. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.