How (and Why) to Paint Vinyl, PVC, Concrete, and Cement Board

Vinyl and PVC siding are common alternatives to wood sidings in our region. You'll also find concrete and cement board, both inside and outside of buildings. These are sturdy materials that, in many cases, don't need to be painted. But vinyl and PVC colors will fade and get "chalky" over time, while the flat gray of concrete and cement board can be very dull to live with. A good paint job cures both problems.

None of these materials is difficult to paint; just don't assume you can treat them like wood. There are differences in the preparation, choice of paint, and application that have to be taken into account in order to get a good result that will last.

Painting Vinyl and PVC

Vinyl and PVC products need to be cleaned before painting, and there are several factors to consider in choosing the right paint and paint color. First the cleaning:

* Don't paint until it's completely dry.

There are three important considerations to choosing the paint. First, vinyl and PVC can warp if they get too hot, so choose a paint with high Light Reflectance Value (LRV, which is usually listed on paint chips and can labels). The higher the LRV, the more light is reflected, which means less heat and less warping.

Second, and for the same reason, it's best to avoid a new color that is darker than the original color. Pick hues that are the same shade or lighter.

Third, Vinyl and PVC siding will expand and contract as the temperature changes, so the panels are designed to overlap loosely. This allows them to slide up and down over each other. However, thin strips of the original color may show in cold weather if the painting is done in very hot weather. The solution is to paint on cool days and when the sky is overcast or the sun is on the other side of the house. Don't paint in direct sunlight.

Finally, use a high quality acrylic paint with a water/urethane base. Acrylics will adhere best to the smooth, non-porous surface of vinyl and PVC. You don't need to apply a primer.

Painting Concrete and Cement Board

Heat is not the same issue with these materials, though dampness can be because they are porous. Again, the basic process is clean, prep, and paint, using products that are designed for masonry.

Click here to continue reading