Rub siding with cloth to check for powdery paint pigment and mildew.
Painting chalky siding.
If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky it s completely dried.
By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine.
This ensures even coats and will prevent you from missing any spots.
To test the dryness of your paint touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area.
If your siding is horizontal paint left to right.
Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative.
As a rule of thumb paint takes two hours to dry.
If lead is present contact a licensed lead abatement specialist.
Some exterior paints such as those used on aluminum siding intentionally chalk for self cleaning.
If vertical paint up to down.
Test old siding paint for lead using a lead test kit.
Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint.
This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather.
You can paint it.
It is also important to use a cleaner when powerwashing so that it will actually help remove the chalk along with the pressure.
There are several steps in dealing with a chalky surface to ensure a long lasting paint job.
If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not.
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.
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If the paint color comes off on your hand the paint is chalking.
The first step is the surface must be power washed.