Painting Chalky Siding

This ensures even coats and will prevent you from missing any spots.

Painting chalky siding. This is very important because this is what actually removes the chalk before the primer is put on. Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint. Rub siding with cloth to check for powdery paint pigment and mildew. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine.

If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky it s completely dried. Test old siding paint for lead using a lead test kit. If lead is present contact a licensed lead abatement specialist. The first step is the surface must be power washed.

To test the dryness of your paint touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area. You can paint it. Some exterior paints such as those used on aluminum siding intentionally chalk for self cleaning. You might also like.

If the paint color comes off on your hand the paint is chalking. Cover ground and nearby shrubs with drop cloths. As a rule of thumb paint takes two hours to dry. 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.

It is also important to use a cleaner when powerwashing so that it will actually help remove the chalk along with the pressure. Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative. Wipe the surface with the palm of your hand. If vertical paint up to down.

This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather.