How to Paint Aluminum Rain Gutters

It is quite a misconception that painting aluminum gutters is too demanding a task to be done by oneself. While it is true that the painting task necessitates some degree of preparation and effort, it is not out of reach of any homeowner’s capacity for exterior painting.

Listed below are the rudimentary steps of painting an aluminum gutter unit.

Clean Them First

Before you start painting your gutters, make sure that you have a clean surface to work with. Washing them with a power washer is easier and more convenient and will save you more time. You could either rent a power washer or buy one at a hardware store near you. However, make sure that your gutters are not severely rusted prior to using the power washer as it can be detrimental to their condition. Stand on a secure ladder to get as close as you can to the gutters and rinse them thoroughly to remove all the dirt, debris, or flaking paint. Also make sure to get to all the corners and joints.

If you don’t have access to a power washer, you could wash your gutter unit by hand. Make a solution using mild soap and water and take a brush with gentle bristles and wash it using swirling motions.

Let Them Dry

Wait for a few hours to let them air dry before you paint over them. Additionally, if your gutters were infested by mold or mildew, you can add mildew retardant. You can buy this product at a hardware store or online.

Apply a Primer

Before painting your gutters, make sure to prime them first. For this base material, clear acrylic bonding primer will yield optimal results. Apply the primer on the dried, clean surface of your gutter thoroughly to coat them in an even layer of the primer. After that, wait for the primer to settle down and dry. As mentioned before, be certain that the surface is completely dry before you prime or paint.

Apply an Oil Based Enamel

After approximately 48 hours have passed, you can proceed with applying enamel. The best enamel for this material would be an oil-based high-gloss one. This enamel will add a layer that is favorable for fast rainwater flow. Once the first layer of enamel has dried down, add a second layer for extra protection.

Apply an Aluminum Appropriate Paint

Again, you would have to wait for 48 hours for the enamel to have dried completely before proceeding to paint the surface. Make sure that the paint you have settled on is compatible with your primer and your enamel. Select a good-quality 100% acrylic paint. This paint should be devoid of ammonia as it can react badly with the aluminum surface. You can even choose one with UV protection to minimize the risks of sun damage. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid getting paint on surfaces other than your gutter. Additionally, make sure that the weather is conducive to your painting- execute this task when there is bright sunshine and pleasant breeze so that the paint dries quickly.

If you live in the GTA area and are in need of premium quality aluminum gutters, you can count on Century Aluminum Services to provide you with the best units and excellent customer service at unbeatable prices.