How much does it cost to paint vinyl siding?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Your siding makes or breaks your curb appeal, which is why keeping it in good condition is important. Rather than spending a large amount on replacement siding, many homeowners opt to paint their vinyl siding. In addition to improving aesthetics, painted siding adds a layer of protection and increases your home’s lifespan. The cost to paint vinyl siding varies based on the size of the house, the type of paint being used, and so much more.

The national average cost ranges between $2,700 and $5,500. Most homeowners spend around $4,200 to fully clean, prepare, prime, and paint a 2,000 sq.ft. home and add a satin or eggshell finish. Some homeowners pay as little as $1,200 to paint the vinyl siding on a one-story, 800 sq.ft. home with a matte finish. Others spend upwards of $9,000 to clean, prime, and paint a three-story 3,000 sq.ft. house with a satin finish.

Average Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

Painting vinyl siding is possible and is a rather popular project for homeowners across the country. However, it is important to weigh your options before you do it. Vinyl is a low-maintenance material, but it is incompatible with paint in many ways. This is because vinyl expands and contracts easily with changes in temperatures. In fact, painting vinyl siding was discouraged in the past.

Today, however, better acrylic-based paint options make painting a more viable option for homeowners looking for a more cost-effective way to keep their siding in good condition. So, before you decide to paint your siding, it is important to do your research and ensure you find the right type of paint for your home. That way, you do not have to deal with chipping, cracking, or peeling over time.

Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding per Square Foot

A couple of factors impact the cost of painting siding: the size of the home and the siding itself. One of the first steps in planning your exterior paint job is to measure your home accurately. You must know how much it will cost to paint your home to ensure you stay within your budget. Take accurate measurements of your exterior and research to know how much paint you need. You can expect to pay between $1.50 and $4 per sq.ft. for painting vinyl siding for labor and materials. You should also keep in mind that a gallon of paint covers approximately 250 and 400 sq.ft. with one coat. The cost to paint vinyl siding ranges between $1,200 and $12,000, depending on siding size.

Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding on a House by Number of Stories

The number of stories your home has affects the overall square footage of your siding. This means you can expect to pay more to paint it. Moreover, you can expect to pay more in labor costs since the job will take longer and be more dangerous. Your contractors will most likely have to get a permit to use a scaffold. These factors must be considered when budgeting the paint job for your vinyl siding. Every home is different, making it even more important to take accurate measurements of your home. For these estimates, we assume a single-story home ranges from 800 to 1,500 sq.ft. A two-story home is 1,500 to 2,000 sq.ft. A three-story home is between 2,000 and 3,000 sq.ft. Depending on the size of your home, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $12,000.

Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding on a House With Acrylic Paint

When painting vinyl siding, the best type of paint to choose is 100% acrylic. Water-based acrylic paints work well because they are flexible, lightweight, and durable. This is especially important when it comes to vinyl because it expands and contracts as the temperature changes throughout the year. While latex paint is also water-based, you should avoid using these on vinyl, especially lower-quality options. They crack and peel easily as the vinyl shifts over time. Typically, acrylic paint costs between $20 and $90 per gallon.

Vinyl Siding Primer Price by Type

Using a primer before painting your vinyl siding is not always necessary; however, it is a great idea in many cases. If the color on your siding has completely worn away or has become porous, it is crucial to prime the surface before painting. Otherwise, the paint looks uneven and bubbles, peels, and cracks as it dries. If you plan to use a primer, find the right one for your project. Additionally, the paint you select must successfully seal to the primer.

Manufacturers offer several options for vinyl exterior surfaces, including adhesion primers, latex-based primers, and acrylic primers. Adhesion is a fast-drying, water-based, modified acrylic primer that is great for getting paint to bond to tough-to-paint surfaces. Latex primers are also water-based. They are flexible, fast-drying, and highly durable, so they will not peel or crack as easily. Acrylic primers offer a great seal that is slightly absorbent and leaves behind a semi-textured surface that works well with acrylic paints.

Painters use other primers for exterior paint jobs, but they do not adhere to vinyl surfaces well, so you should steer clear of them. This includes oil-based and shellac primers. It is also important to note that some exterior paints come with primers included. However, for something as complex as painting siding, it is recommended to use a primer first if needed and then proceed with painting. Depending on your choice, you can expect to pay between $10 and $60 per gallon.

Vinyl Siding Painting Cost by Finish

After you have painted your entire home, it is time to add one more layer. A paint’s finish adds texture to the finished product and affects how much light is reflected. People use various finishes when they paint certain areas of their homes. When it comes to vinyl siding, there is one preferred option that stands out among the rest: satin finishes. This is because they look similar to the natural sheen of vinyl surfaces. Plus, it is not too shiny or too flat, which means it will not track dirt as much and will be easy to clean once it starts to look dirty.

Other options still work well with vinyl siding, depending on the color of the paint and the conditions where you live. In this order, the next best finishes are eggshell, semi-gloss, matte, and high-gloss.

Eggshell is very similar to satin, except it is a bit duller. Semi-gloss finishes are slightly shinier. Additionally, semi-gloss finishes reflect more light away from your home. Flat finishes are a great option for homes with lighter colors because they absorb more light, thus not creating as much of a sheen. You will most likely want to veer away from high-gloss finishes for your home’s siding and use them for the trim and window shutters instead, but you still can technically use them. Depending on your finish, you can expect to pay between $15 and $90 per gallon.

Average Cost of Painting Vinyl Siding by Brand

Homeowners can choose from several different paint brands. When deciding on the right fit for your project, it is important to assess all your wants and needs. Finding the right one is based on your personal budget and project requirements. It costs between $15 and $90 per gallon of paint. Learn more about the top brands so that you can find the right match.

Valspar Vinyl Siding Paint

Valspar vinyl siding paint ranges from $15 to $50 per gallon. Valspar offers various exterior paints for commercial and residential properties throughout the United States. Their exterior paint is easy to apply with a roller because it is much thinner than many other exterior paints. Because of that, it generally dries much faster, making it a great choice for efficiently painting vinyl siding. However, keep in mind that quick drying times can be good but can also cause paint streaks to appear more often. Also, your painters need to apply multiple layers due to the thinness of the paint.

Behr Vinyl Siding Paint

A gallon of Behr paint for your vinyl siding costs between $25 and $60. Behr offers quality paints that do not easily crack or fade. Their exterior vinyl paints spray on surfaces easily and evenly, meaning you will use less paint to get the job done. However, it can be challenging to apply with a roller due to its thickness. You may be able to get away with painting one layer even though vinyl siding typically calls for two. Most Behr paints easily block mildew but have difficulty resisting dirt, so you will have to clean your exterior more often.

PPG Vinyl Siding Paint

PPG offers a wide range of acrylic latex paints for exterior vinyl projects. These typically range in price from $30 to $70 per gallon. In terms of performance, PPG exterior paints are great across the board, offering thorough coverage, durability, and style. Plus, they are one of the more cost-effective options on the market, making them an ideal choice for homeowners on a budget.

Benjamin Moore Vinyl Siding Paint

Benjamin Moore paints are a bit more expensive than other options, ranging from $50 to $80 per gallon. Benjamin Moore is a locally owned and operated business that offers a wide range of quality paints that are great for vinyl siding. They are known for having a wide range of colors and styles that all roll on smoothly and cover vinyl surfaces well. In terms of quality, their paints are very similar to Sherwin Williams.

Sherwin Williams Vinyl Siding Paint

At regular price, Sherwin Williams vinyl siding paint cost per gallon ranges between $50 and $90. Sherwin Williams is one of the most well-known corporate brands in the painting industry. They offer a diverse range of premium paints that provide customizability, durability, and longevity, which means they are a great choice for vinyl. Many of their high-quality paints are more expensive, which can turn people on a budget away. However, most contractors get a discount on Sherwin Williams paint, including vinyl-safe paint.

Labor Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding

When painting vinyl siding, it is always a good idea to hire a professional painter to help you through every step of the process. A professional exterior painter will perform a site inspection, advise you on the best paint types and colors to use, and help with any minor damages to ensure the paint adheres properly to the surface of the siding. Due to the amount of prep work needed to paint vinyl siding, labor costs typically make up approximately 70% to 80% of the overall cost to paint the siding.

A few factors to consider when calculating the cost of the project include the house size, project length, type of paint, and the current state of your siding. To paint the average 2,000 sq.ft. house, you can expect three to four days of work between cleaning and preparing and painting with two or three painters on-site. Most contractors charge between $1.35 to $2.75 per sq.ft. or $25 and $100 per hour.

Vinyl Siding Paint Colors

It is recommended to choose your new siding color based on the current siding. Though you may be searching for a drastic change, choosing a similar or lighter color than the current siding is best. If you are set on painting vinyl siding darker, choose vinyl-safe paint. Vinyl is temperature-sensitive and warps or buckles under high heat. Since darker colors absorb more heat, it is advised to steer clear of them if you live in warmer climates or use paint with the correct light reflective value (LRV) rating since darker colors are more likely to warp your siding in high temperatures. Usually, you will want to look for ratings of 55 or higher.

On the other end of the spectrum, painting white vinyl siding also comes with challenges, especially if your current siding is already a darker shade. Plus, white siding gets dirty more easily, leading to more work for you in the long run. There are countless colors between black and white from which you can choose for your home siding depending on your wants for your home’s appearance. For a more natural look, you can veer toward beiges, tans, sage greens, and blues. If you want to make a statement, you can choose bright reds, deeper greens, and yellows. Other great options include pewter, taupe, cream, and more!

How to Prep Vinyl Siding for Paint

Arguably the most important step in the painting process is the cleaning and preparation you need to do beforehand. Painting vinyl siding can be a challenging task to do on your own. At the very least, you should enlist a professional contractor to inspect your home beforehand to ensure your siding is in adequate condition to be painted. Typically, a property survey costs between $350 and $700. If there are any serious damages, you can expect to pay $3 to $20 per sq.ft. for siding repairs.

After that, thoroughly clean your siding, which typically costs between $0.30 and $0,40 per sq.ft. If dirt or grime is left on the surface, the paint will look bad and peel off much faster. Next, you should select your paint color and decide if you need a priming coat. If the color you chose is a big change from the one currently there, the professional will prime first. After the actual painting is done, be sure to check your siding regularly for any problem areas. It is also a good idea to clean your siding at least once a year.

How Much Paint Will You Need to Paint Vinyl Siding?

The amount of paint you need to paint your vinyl siding depends on the amount of siding you have and how many coats you want your painters to apply. It is recommended to have two coats of paint for your vinyl siding, but it depends on the climate where you live and other factors. We will discuss how much paint you need to complete one coat of paint in the table below. Depending on the square footage of your siding, you can expect to need between 2 to 12 gallons of paint.

Pros and Cons

Painting vinyl siding is a worthwhile project for your home for many different reasons, but it also comes with its downfalls. On the plus side, painting vinyl siding is an affordable and efficient way to improve your home’s appearance, performance, and overall value. With a new paint job, you can customize your home’s exterior to match your preferred aesthetic better. A paint job provides additional protection from the elements as long as your siding is in decent condition.

On the other hand, painting your vinyl siding is not as effective as replacing it when it comes to keeping your home’s exterior in peak condition. Plus, it will not be a valuable project if your siding is already damaged. Furthermore, you will have to make sure a new paint job will not void your siding warranty.

Painting vs Replacing Vinyl Siding

When deciding if you should paint or replace your vinyl siding, it is important to consider a few things. Painting is advantageous in many ways, including the overall cost, the project time, and the ability to customize your home’s look. In most cases, it extends the lifespan of your siding. It costs between $3,000 and $5,000 to paint vinyl siding on a 2,000 sq.ft. house. It costs from $3,450 to $19,500 to install vinyl siding. Also, you have to pay for an installation permit, old siding removal, and other services such as delivery charges and clean up, all of which add up.

Though painting is much more affordable, it will not last nearly as long as installing new siding. For this reason, completely replacing your vinyl siding will always be the most effective option in the long run. This is especially true if your siding has sustained serious damage. Painting over damaged areas can be extremely challenging and may result in more expensive fixes down the road. Newer siding will benefit from a paint job in both style and performance. Many homeowners lean toward this choice since replacing siding can be rather expensive.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Mold Removal From Vinyl Siding

Before painting your vinyl siding, the surface needs to be cleaned thoroughly. This process can be a bit more complicated if you have to deal with mold or mildew. In this case, a mold remediation specialist will have to take care of the problem. Typically, mold removal costs between $10 and $25 per sq.ft. However, you will also have to pay for a mold inspection, which costs $450 to $800, depending on the extent of the damage. The mold removal process entails a contractor finding the mold, identifying the source, containing it, removing it, and ensuring it will not grow back.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Likely, you will not need a permit to paint your siding, but contractors may need one to use scaffolding to paint multi-story homes. Additionally, it is important to be up to date on local property requirements, especially if you live in an area of historical significance. Local zoning boards and homeowners’ associations may also limit you.
• DIY. You can paint your vinyl siding on your own, but it can be a challenging task. Additionally, it can be risky. If you mess something up, you may spend even more money fixing it.
• Home value. In many cases, adding a fresh coat of paint enhances your curb appeal and increases your home’s overall value. Since new paint improves the look and lifespan of a home’s exterior, an appraiser may give you a few extra points overall.
• Time of year. The best time to paint is mid-spring or early fall. To properly paint your siding, you need to have ideal weather conditions. If it is too hot, too windy, or too cold, you risk the chance of the paint bubbling, cracking, or peeling before it dries.
• Warranties. Many manufacturers will not honor warranties if the vinyl siding has been painted. This can be important if your home suffers any damage or you are trying to sell your property in the future. Before you decide to paint, make sure to check your specific warranty for any caveats on paint.
• Painting methods. When painting vinyl siding, most professionals prefer spray painting, but using a roller is also acceptable. Spray painting is much faster and easier than using a roller, making labor costs lower. However, equipment costs make spray painting the more expensive option. Using a roller takes longer but does not cost more for the materials.
• Hazardous materials. If your home was built before 1978, there is a chance that it may still have lead paint, which can be toxic. Typically, it costs between $8 and $17 per sq.ft. for a professional to remove lead paint plus about $250 to $450 for the initial lead paint test.
• HOAs. If you have to answer to a Homeowners Association, it is important to check with them before deciding what color you will paint your exterior. Many have guidelines that you must follow in terms of matching the rest of the neighborhood.
• Repainting vinyl siding. Typically, the cost to repaint vinyl siding will not vary because you often do not have to remove old layers of paint before repainting unless the paint is chipping or cracking. In this case, removing the old paint costs between $3 and $10 per sq.ft.
• Siding characteristics. The width and style of your vinyl siding will not alter the overall cost of painting unless it has intricate patterns and features. Siding is typically smooth, and more complex patterns can be found on the trim. The amount of siding is the most important factor in how much the vinyl siding paint job costs.