Many people decide to live in a mobile home. These housing units are usually sided with metal siding that can withstand being outside in the elements year-round. Some mobile homeowners decide to paint the metal siding on their mobile home to spruce it up or to provide an extra layer of coating to preserve the material.
There are a few methods to paint metal siding on a mobile home to consider. Read on for some practical tips on how to paint the exterior metal siding surfaces and how to best determine which painting method and which type of mobile home exterior paint is right for your home!
“Time plays a role in almost every decision. And some decisions define your attitude about time." – John Cale
About Metal Siding on Mobile Homes
Most mobile homes today have metal siding on the exterior walls. This is a more durable material than its earlier material options like muslin leatherette siding that the first models of mobile homes had.
It is important to keep up with the exterior maintenance to ensure that the siding will not rust or break down due to overexposure to harsh sunlight, freezing temperatures, rain and snow throughout the year.
Many mobile homeowners decide to paint the metal siding to brighten up the appearance and upgrade to newer and more fashionable colors. There are currently a few different methods to paint this type of siding.
Always Clean Mobile Home Siding Before Painting with Any Method
It is important to thoroughly clean off your mobile home exterior siding prior to painting using any of the below methods. Any leftover dirt and grime will tend to undermine the new paint causing it to blister and peel off over time.
This cleaning job can be done using some gentler power-washers and hiring a local handyman or professional cleaner may be a good option for many.
Method #1: Painting Metal Siding with a Paintbrush
Many mobile homeowners offer tips online for painting mobile home walls using a standard paintbrush. Since a mobile home is usually a lot smaller than most homes, this method of painting can be quite effective and should not take too much time for an experienced DIY-er.
This method of painting should only take about a week or less to complete. The cost of the paint and supplies is generally around $300.00 making it a cost-effective choice for most.
Materials
- About 5 1-Gallon Paint Cans
- Paint Rollers & Paint Pans
- Good Paint Brushes
Painting an entire mobile home with standard paint rollers and brushes does take some effort to complete. If you are unable to perform the job yourself, there are usually local handyman and painting companies that will do the work for you for a reasonable fee.
If doing this paint job alone, it could be smart to enlist the help of family, friends or neighbors.
Pros
This paint method allows the painter to focus precisely where each stroke of paint will go, and the end results are usually well-worth the added effort.
Cons
This paint method does take more time than spray painting usually does. The work itself can be taxing on someone unused to this sort of labor outdoors.
Method #2: Can Aerosol Spray Painting Metal Siding
Another method of mobile home painting is to use canned aerosol spray paint. This process of painting metal siding is by far usually the cheapest method. Another plus is that this option takes little time or effort to complete.
Most homeowners that used this method convey that their costs for materials was usually under or around $100.00. The average person takes about 2 to 3 days to complete the task.
As with the brush painted method, your mobile home's exterior walls will need to be thoroughly cleaned too for the spray paint to stick.
Materials
- Cleaning Supplies
- Masking Tape
- Face Mask
- Choice of Spray Paint - Use Only Paint Suitable for Painting Metal
Note
Most stores that sell paint will not have enough of the color needed in stock for completing this job. Always order your spray paint cans ahead of time to ensure that you are using the same color lot numbers necessary for a cohesive color blend.
Pros
Fast and inexpensive.
Cons
Requires ordering ahead of time and the job will take about 30 to 40 cans of paint. You will need a good day that is not windy or too cold or hot. This paint method is less accurate than using a professional compressor spray so runs and uneven coats may show through.
Method #3: Spray Painting Metal Siding Using a Sprayer
Some mobile homeowners purchase or borrow an electric paint sprayer to perform this task. There are many advantages of using this method of painting on your metal siding.
Materials
- Cleaning Supplies
- Face Mask
- Spray Paint Cans for Metal Painting
- Masking Tape
- Electric Paint Sprayer
Pros
This is the fastest method of painting metal siding, and it usually only takes a day or two. Still less expensive overall and gives a better end result that looks professional and even.
Cons
Poses some potential dangers due to the aerosol cans. Make sure to only use it on nice days without a lot of wind. Wear a protective mask when painting. Dispose of the paint cans in a responsible manner when through.
Do Your Research Before Diving In
Always get recommendations before purchasing your paint. Choose a resin paint for mobile homes or another that is suited for painting metal surfaces that will be outside. Anyone not feeling experienced enough to paint their siding themselves will find it easy to find nearby professional mobile home painters able to do the job faster and better usually for reasonable rates.
Don’t have the time or patience to do this project yourself? Then contact a local mobile home painter and request a free quote!
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