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