Aluminum Siding Painting FAQ — Metro Detroit Homeowner Guide

Aluminum siding shows up on a huge number of Metro Detroit homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. After 30+ years, the original factory finish chalks, fades, and starts looking tired — but the panels themselves are usually still structurally fine. A proper paint job extends the life of the siding by another 10–15 years for a fraction of replacement cost. Below are the questions we’re asked most often.

Can aluminum siding actually be painted?

Yes, and it’s one of the better candidates for repainting. Aluminum holds paint exceptionally well when properly prepped — better than vinyl, in our experience. The metal accepts a bonding primer cleanly, and modern 100% acrylic latex paints flex with the metal as it expands and contracts seasonally.

How can I tell if my aluminum siding needs to be painted?

Look for these signs:

• Chalking — wipe a panel with a dark cloth. White residue means the original finish is breaking down.
• Fading — south- and west-facing walls fade first. If they look noticeably lighter than north walls, the pigment is going.
• Visible oxidation — patches of dull, flat finish where the original sheen has weathered off.
• Hairline cracks in the paint film — usually appears around fasteners and panel edges first.

What’s the prep process?

For aluminum specifically: pressure wash with a mild detergent at 1,500–2,500 PSI to strip chalk; scrape any loose flaking paint; sand chalky panels with fine-grit pads; spot-prime any bare metal with a metal-bonding primer; mask windows, doors, fixtures; then two coats of 100% acrylic latex.

What paint do you use?

Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior are our default specs for aluminum siding. Both are 100% acrylic latex, both have lifetime warranties, and both flex with seasonal metal movement. We can match any color including original factory shades.

How long does the paint job take?

A typical 1,800 sq ft single-story home: 3–4 working days. Two-story or colonial: 5–7 working days. We schedule weather-dependent work and only paint when surfaces are dry and temperatures are 50°F or above.

Will the paint peel?

Not if it’s prepped right. Peeling on aluminum siding is almost always a prep failure: chalk wasn’t stripped, or the primer was skipped, or the paint was applied below temperature. With our process, we warranty against peel for 7 years.

Can you change the color completely?

Yes. Going from a dark color to white or vice versa just takes an extra coat (so factor in another 8–12% on cost). Colors are limitless — we color-match to chips you bring or to fan decks from the brands above.

Do you paint aluminum trim, soffits, and gutters too?

Yes — soffits, fascia, gutters, downspouts, and aluminum window/door wrap all get painted with the same system. Most homeowners do everything at once for visual continuity.

What about Michigan winter?

We schedule aluminum siding painting between April and late October in Metro Detroit. The paint needs surfaces above 50°F and dry for proper cure. We won’t paint in marginal weather just to keep a schedule.

What happens if a panel is dented or damaged?

Light dents that don’t compromise the panel can be painted as-is. Severely damaged panels should be replaced before painting — we coordinate with siding contractors for that. Minor scratches and small dings get filled and sanded as part of normal prep.

How do I get a quote?

Request a free on-site estimate and we’ll walk the home with you, measure, photograph, and send a detailed line-item quote within 48 hours. No pressure, no commitment.