How to Paint Colorlok Siding

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Pressure washer

  • Palm sander

  • 120-grit sandpaper

  • Professional painter's tape

  • Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths

  • Acrylic latex primer

  • Roller frame

  • Nap roller cover

  • Roller extension pole

  • 2- to 4-inch nylon paintbrush

  • Acrylic latex paint

  • Extension ladder

Sand the siding to ensure adhesion.

Colorlok is an engineered siding manufactured by Masonite. If you're thinking about painting your Colorlok siding, keep in mind that unlike wood, which is porous, Colorlok is not suited for adhesion, so you must properly condition it before painting it. Also remember to use acrylic latex primer and paint, which are engineered with elasticity that allows the finish to expand and contract with the siding as temperature fluctuates.

Advertisement

Step 1

Clean the siding, using a pressure washer. Allow 2 to 4 hours of drying time after you wash it.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Ensure paint adhesion by sanding the siding with sandpaper until it feels slightly rough. If you do not abrade the siding before priming and painting, flaking will ultimately result.

Advertisement

Step 3

Cover surfaces adjacent to the siding with professional painter's tape. Cover the areas beneath the siding with heavy-duty fabric drop cloths.

Step 4

Coat the abraded siding with acrylic latex primer, using a roller stocked with a nap cover. Affix the roller to an extension pole if and when necessary. Use a nylon paintbrush to apply primer to areas of siding inaccessible to the roller. Allow 2 hours of drying time.

Advertisement

Step 5

Clean the painting tools with water.

Step 6

Coat the primed siding with acrylic latex paint, using the roller. Use the paintbrush to apply paint to areas of siding inaccessible to the roller. Allow 2 hours of drying time. Add a second coat if you can see the primer bleeding through.

Warning

Never prime unsanded Colorlok siding, or the finish will fail. Never paint bare Colorlok siding, or the paint will peel. Don't use ordinary latex paint on exterior Colorlok siding, or the finish will fade and crack.

Advertisement

Video of the Day