Vinyl siding is commonly considered to be relatively maintenance-free. One thing that makes it so is the fact that it doesn't need to be painted. It comes with a colour mixed with the material that is more or less permanent. But over time the colour can fade, and often unevenly on different areas of the house, due to different rates of sun exposure. And whether it's faded or not, if you weren't the one to pick the siding, you might not be crazy about the colour to begin with.
The good news is that you can paint vinyl siding. Just be aware that the siding will be only as maintenance-free as the paint itself. Also, there are some rules and limitations to follow when painting vinyl siding. First and most important, confirm that painting the siding won't void its warranty, if the warranty is still active. Even if the warranty permits painting, make sure you comply with any of the siding manufacturer's stipulations, such as the type and colour of paint to use.
If you'd like to get a quote from a professional company, you can get one here as well as a free consultation.
Using Primer on Vinyl Siding
There are different schools of thought regarding primer. Some pros use it in almost all cases, while many others start with primer only when it's warranted by the condition of the siding. For example, a primer may be recommended if the siding is pitted or shows other signs of deterioration or severe weathering. A simple solution is to follow the advice of your paint manufacturer. Keep in mind that paint sticks to the layer directly beneath it, whether that layer is bare siding or primer. If you do use a primer, make sure the paint is formulated to stick to it.
Expect Thermal Expansion
It's important to understand that vinyl siding is designed to be installed so that it slides back and forth slightly at its overlapping seams, moving with the expansion and contraction of the material. When the siding contracts in cold weather, you may have a slight colour gap at the seams.
Choose a Safe Color
Every type of vinyl siding is designed for a specific amount of heat absorption. Because dark colours absorb more heat than light colours, you should not choose a paint colour that is darker than the original siding colour.
Quality paint manufacturers offer paints specifically formulated for vinyl siding and usually specify a variety of "vinyl safe" colours—that is, colours that won't absorb too much heat. Many paints for vinyl are a blend of urethane and acrylic resins, combining flexibility and excellent adhesion.
If you'd like to get a quote from a professional company, you can get one here as well as a free consultation.