How Much Does It Cost to Paint Aluminum Siding in 2025?
The average cost to paint aluminum siding is $5,730
The average cost to paint aluminum siding ranges from $3,125 to $8,300 for a 2,500-square-foot home.
Total costs shift with labor rates, paint quality, and the amount of preparation required for your metal siding.
Plan on $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot to paint aluminum siding.
Hiring an exterior painting pro saves you time and delivers a longer-lasting finish.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Most homeowners spend between $3,125 and $8,300 to paint the aluminum siding on a 2,500-square-foot home, with smaller projects starting at $1,500 and larger projects reaching $10,000. The average cost to paint aluminum siding is $5,730. Your final price depends on labor rates, paint quality, and the extent of preparation required for your siding. Expect to pay $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot for a pro to handle everything from washing and prep to the final coat and cleanup. A fresh coat can modernize your curb appeal, and a trusted exterior painter will handle the prep work so the new finish lasts.
Painting your aluminum siding can give your home a fresh, updated look. When you hire a professional exterior painter, they’ll determine the preparation required for the job and ensure quick and correct completion.
Painting Aluminum Siding Cost Factors
Painting aluminum siding isn't as simple as opening a can and grabbing a brush—several factors can drive up the final cost. From the size of your home to the type of paint and the amount of surface prep needed, each element affects your total.
Size
Plan on $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot to paint aluminum siding. In most cases, the old finish leaves a chalky film that prevents fresh paint from adhering, so you’ll need a thorough wash and other preparation before the first coat can be applied.
If the siding shows heavy oxidation, you’ll land near the top of that price range. Minimal wear usually means a good power-wash is enough, which can keep you on the lower end of the budget.
Prep Work
Prep is critical for a smooth, durable finish. Even a siding in good shape needs a power wash to remove dirt and residue. If the original finish has broken down, stripping it can be costly, sometimes accounting for nearly half of your total project cost.
Most painters fold the costs of pressure washing and other preparations into the overall cost.
A gallon of primer covers approximately 250 square feet and costs between $20 and $50. Your painter will assess the house and bring enough product to achieve full coverage.
Stick with an oil-based primer on exterior aluminum siding. Latex primers can react with the metal, trapping gas bubbles that lead to early flaking and peeling.
Labor
Painters charge $25 to $100 per hour. Rates climb with larger or more complex homes—think multiple stories or tricky, hard-to-reach spots—because those jobs take more time.
Lead Testing and Abatement
If your home was built before 1978 and you don't know its whole history, you'll need to have a lead test performed to ensure the paint—both inside and outside—is safe. The average cost of a lead inspection is $340, but the price can range from $130 to $600.
If the inspection does find lead, you'll need to pay for lead abatement costs, which average $3,500.
Paint Type
The average cost of paint for aluminum siding is $35 to $70 per gallon. It’s important to use 100% acrylic paint on top of an oil-based primer for the most even and long-lasting coverage. For the average 2,500-square-foot home, you’ll need 10 gallons of paint, costing between $250 and $700.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring an exterior painter near you is more cost-effective and far more convenient than undertaking the project yourself, especially when considering the time, materials, and expertise required for a quality finish. Professional painters arrive with power washers, sprayers, ladders, scaffolding, and all the other gear necessary to complete the job efficiently and safely, saving you the $1,000-plus you’d spend renting or purchasing equipment you may never use again.
A seasoned painter also lowers the risk of uneven coverage, peeling, or skipped prep steps that could lead to costly repaints down the road. They know how to prepare surfaces properly, select the right primers and paints for your home’s siding, and apply coatings under optimal weather conditions for maximum adhesion. The result is a smoother, longer-lasting finish that protects your home from the elements and enhances curb appeal.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
For aluminum siding, go with a high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint. Start with an oil-based primer to ensure the finish adheres and shields the metal from oxidation and moisture. The primer seals the surface and provides the acrylic with a surface to grip. Skip latex primers or paints—their reaction with aluminum can trap bubbles and cause early peeling.
How long will painted aluminum siding last?
A well-done paint job on aluminum siding can last around 15 years, making the upfront effort worthwhile. Longevity hinges on solid prep: thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove chalky residue, dirt, and mildew so the new paint can adhere properly. It’s also important to paint when temperatures are between 50°F and 80°F, as extreme heat or cold can affect drying and adhesion. Steer clear of rainy days—moisture under the paint weakens adhesion and speeds up peeling or fading, which can significantly shorten the lifespan of your fresh coat.
Plan on repainting when the finish starts fading or leaves a chalky, white residue on your hand. Check the siding each year; if there’s a powdery residue on your palm, it indicates oxidation is underway on your siding. A fresh coat of paint stops peeling before it starts, boosts curb appeal, and keeps the metal protected.
Spray painting aluminum siding offers significant benefits compared to other application styles. Spray painting delivers even coverage, rapid application, and enhanced adhesion compared to traditional painting methods. This technique ensures every surface is evenly coated, minimizes labor time, and provides a sleek, professional finish that withstands weather and oxidation for lasting results.
The return on investment for aluminum siding is 70%. For example, a $10,000 aluminum siding installation will add $7,000 to your home’s resale value. Regional housing markets, the quality of siding materials, and ongoing upkeep—including repainting and repairs—influence final ROI. Investing in professional installation and regular maintenance ensures you recoup a significant portion of your siding costs when it’s time to sell.
Several materials can replace aluminum siding, each offering unique trade-offs. Vinyl siding requires minimal upkeep and resists fading, lasting up to 30 years. Wood siding provides classic warmth but demands regular painting or sealing. Fiber cement and composite siding offer exceptional durability and design flexibility, requiring minimal maintenance. Brick veneer and stucco create premium, long-lasting exteriors, but they come with higher upfront costs and increased installation complexity.
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