Painting Chalky Siding

To test the dryness of your paint touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area.

Painting chalky siding.

Cover ground and nearby shrubs with drop cloths. Some exterior paints such as those used on aluminum siding intentionally chalk for self cleaning. This is very important because this is what actually removes the chalk before the primer is put on. This oxidation that occurs on aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum.

You can paint it. Wipe the surface with the palm of your hand. This ensures even coats and will prevent you from missing any spots. It is also important to use a cleaner when powerwashing so that it will actually help remove the chalk along with the pressure.

Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine. Rub siding with cloth to check for powdery paint pigment and mildew. If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not.

If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky it s completely dried. If lead is present contact a licensed lead abatement specialist. Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative. This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather.

There are several steps in dealing with a chalky surface to ensure a long lasting paint job. If your siding is horizontal paint left to right. Test old siding paint for lead using a lead test kit. As a rule of thumb paint takes two hours to dry.

If vertical paint up to down.