Painting Chalky Siding

Rub siding with cloth to check for powdery paint pigment and mildew.

Painting chalky siding.

There are several steps in dealing with a chalky surface to ensure a long lasting paint job. Wipe the surface with the palm of your hand. As a rule of thumb paint takes two hours to dry. Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint.

Test old siding paint for lead using a lead test kit. 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. If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky it s completely dried.

The first step is the surface must be power washed. If the paint color comes off on your hand the paint is chalking. 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.

To test the dryness of your paint touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area. If your siding is horizontal paint left to right. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine. If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not.

If lead is present contact a licensed lead abatement specialist. If vertical paint up to down. You might also like. Cover ground and nearby shrubs with drop cloths.

Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative.