Since the 1980s, vinyl siding has been a popular choice for home exteriors. Touted for its durability and ease of maintenance, it’s frequently used on homes as an alternative to brick or wood. Consequently, with its long lifespan, many Chicago homeowners grow tired of their vinyl siding’s color and often ask about painting it.

Ten years ago, most painters would strongly advise against painting vinyl siding. However, it's now possible thanks to new advancements in paint.

It’s vital to use the right type of paint to make your project a success. Several new types of paint have been developed for vinyl siding which consist of urethane and acrylic resins. These paints can be absorbed into the siding unlike traditional exterior paints.

The color of the paint used will also determine the success of the job. A good rule of thumb is to choose a color lighter than your current vinyl siding. Painting with a darker color may cause the siding to absorb too much heat, which can cause it to warp if exposed to the hot sun. In Chicago, the ideal time to paint is in the late spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.

If you don’t like to paint or are worried about damaging your siding, you can always call a professional house painter. Professional painters will likely have better painting equipment and more experience with vinyl siding. Angie’s List has consumer reviews on hundreds of highly rated house painting companies in the Chicago area.

One downfall to painting vinyl siding is that some manufactures will void your warranty if the siding has been altered in any way. If you are worried about losing your warranty, you probably shouldn’t paint your siding.

Painting vinyl siding in challenging, but with the proper materials and some elbow grease, you can give your home’s exterior a fresh new look.