The Right Way To Paint Vinyl Siding in WNY
Posted on April 2, 2025
In a frigid northeastern city like Buffalo, NY, any kind of exterior painting can seem like a daunting task at best. Add vinyl siding into the equation, and it can be difficult to know where to start, let alone how to finish. Thankfully, CertaPro of WNY is here to help ease the anxiety that can accompany an exterior vinyl painting project, and we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide to walk you through the process.
Paint Choice
When choosing colors for your vinyl siding, it’s essential to ensure your favorite shades are available in an exterior latex urethane paint that can withstand the expansion and contraction caused by heat, cold, rain, and, in our case, snow. To ensure durability against the elements, we recommend Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe paint. Cooler or brighter colors retain less heat, so it’s often best to choose a shade similar to or lighter than the current color. Darker colors can cause maintenance issues over time.
Preparation
As with any painting project, the “work before the work” is essential—perhaps even more so when painting vinyl siding. Because vinyl is not a common bonding surface for paint, removing any dirt or debris is of the utmost importance. A simple but thorough power wash will eliminate potential adhesion issues and provide a clean canvas for your project.
Painting can quickly become messy, so be sure to spread plenty of drop cloths to protect walkable surfaces such as driveways, decks, and porches. Use painter’s tape to mask off all areas that should remain unpainted, and you’ll be ready to begin!
Painting
Time to get started! First and foremost—check the forecast. To achieve the best possible results, aim for medium temperatures, low humidity, minimal sun exposure, and preferably two consecutive dry days to allow for proper adhesion. A primer is recommended to ensure a strong bond, especially if your vinyl siding has extensive fading or if you’re making a significant color change.
Once the primer has dried completely, apply an even coat of paint to all surfaces, preferably using a sprayer if available. Use brushes for corners and edges. Two coats are recommended, but be sure to inspect your work thoroughly and paint to completion.
CertaPro Painters of WNY delivers fast, efficient painting services with minimal disruption to your home. With their expertise, they’ll work around your schedule, making it easy to refresh your home’s exterior—so you can enjoy a stunning new look sooner than you think!
Maintenance
A yearly cleaning can help preserve your beautiful new paint job. Lightly clean your vinyl siding with a soft brush and soapy water, then rinse completely—but do not pressure wash. Be sure to keep any leftover paint for touch-ups to prevent chips, cracks, and peeling from becoming larger issues over time.
If done properly, painting vinyl siding can enhance your home’s aesthetic and last for a decade or more—even in the wild winters of Western New York.
Enhance your home’s exterior with the beauty and durability of expertly painted siding! CertaPro Painters of WNY provides experienced, professional service. Contact us today to schedule a free painting estimate and learn more about how our exterior painting services can upgrade your home.
