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 vary based on labor, paint prices, and the condition of the metal siding.
Most painting professionals charge based on the project size, ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
Hiring an exterior painting professional saves time and ensures high-quality, lasting results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Most homeowners spend an average of $5,730 to paint the siding of a 2,500-square-foot home, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. Your total expenses will vary based on labor, paint prices, and the condition of your siding. On average, this project costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot, including preparation, labor, and cleanup. 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
The cost to paint aluminum siding depends on factors including the prep work required, your chosen materials, and local labor rates.
Size
Expect to pay between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot to paint aluminum siding. However, in most cases, you can’t apply a new coat directly over the old finish as the chalky residue from the degraded surface prevents the new paint from adhering correctly. Therefore, your siding requires substantial prep work and cleaning to prepare it for the new paint.
If your siding shows signs of aging and oxidation, expect to pay toward the higher end of the per-square-foot cost. However, if there's no excessive wear or oxidation, a deep clean may be all needed, keeping your expenses toward the lower end of the budget.
| Area to Paint (Sq. Ft.) | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $750–$1,250 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$3,750 |
| 2,000 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| 2,500 | $3,750–$6,250 |
Prep Work
Prep work is essential to achieve an even, lasting finish when painting aluminum siding. Even if the siding is in reasonably good shape, power washing is the minimum requirement to remove dirt and residue. If the siding is old and the original finish has degraded, you'll need to remove it, costing up to 50% of the project total.
A contractor will often include pressure washing costs and other prep work in your quote.
Primer
One gallon of primer covers approximately 250 square feet and costs an average of $20 to $50 per gallon. A contractor will measure your home and bring the appropriate amount for full coverage of your project.
When selecting a primer, oil-based options are the ideal choice for exterior aluminum siding. Avoid latex-based primers, as they can react with the aluminum and form gas bubbles that lead to premature flaking and peeling.
Labor
Labor rates to paint aluminum siding range from $25 to $100 per hour per painter. Total prices may fluctuate depending on the size and complexity of your project. Homes with multiple stories and hard-to-reach areas may take longer, resulting in higher painting costs.
Lead Testing and Abatement
If your home was built before 1978 and you don't know its full history, you'll need to get a lead test to ensure the paint–inside and out–is safe. The average cost of a lead inspection is $340, but you could pay anywhere 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 and $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 will need about 10 gallons of paint, costing between $250 and $700.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When painting aluminum siding, hiring an exterior painter near you is often more cost-effective and convenient than tackling the project yourself. Painting contractors come equipped with essential tools like power washers and paint sprayers, eliminating the need for costly rentals, which can add up to over $1,000. Hiring a professional painter will reduce the risk of common mistakes like uneven coverage, peeling, or improper preparation and achieve more consistent, longer-lasting results than you would with a DIY approach.
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
When painting aluminum siding, opt for a high-quality acrylic paint designed specifically for exterior surfaces. For the best results, start with an oil-based primer followed by 100% acrylic paint for lasting durability and longevity. Avoid latex-based paint, as it reacts with the metal, leading to bubbling, peeling, and premature wear.
Painted aluminum siding can last about 15 years if applied correctly. Proper surface preparation—including cleaning and applying paint and primer in temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees—is crucial for longevity. It’s also important to avoid painting in rainy conditions, as moisture can interfere with adhesion and lead to premature peeling or fading.
Unlike other siding materials, aluminum siding doesn’t always show obvious signs that it needs repainting. However, if your siding fades, oxidizes, or becomes chalky, it may be time to consider repainting. Subtle fading can be hard to notice, but it's time for a fresh coat of paint if you see white, chalky residue on your hands and clothes when you touch the siding.
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.
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