Problems with Exterior - Aluminem Siding

4363 Views 18 Replies 11 Participants Last post by boman47k, Sep 18, 2008

MrPainter

Discussion Starter · Jul 24, 2007

Hi, I'm a student painter for the summer and we had this job today, where we had to paint the alumenim siding of a house. I know these really shouldn't be painted, but they wanted to. Basically, we used 3mm rollers and it was leaving a rough paint texture. The aluminem siding is completley smooth and the client wanted it to look perfectly smooth. So we have no way of meeting his expectations. I don't know any other way to do this (maybe a paint sprayer?).

So at this point, my manager and the client have agreed to void the contract of this project, as long as we remove the paint that we already put on so the siding is restored to its original looks. So we bring out our pressure washer, and this paint does not budge. The paint doesnt come off at all. I used another product called "Goof off" but this thing is so strong. It rremoves the paint the we put on, as well as the original paint underneath it, so that wont work either. We're out of ideas now. Is there anything else that can help us remove it?

Also, what are our options if nothing works and the paint doesnt come off? Would we be in trouble or something? I don;t want to end up paying hundereds of dollars to get this stupid thing fixed. Any help is apreciated. Thank you.

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

Rich

· #2 · Jul 24, 2007

I'm guessing the aluminum siding was chaulky, which caused the paint to adhere more than if it wasn't. What paint did you guys use and how long was it after you applied it that you tried to remove it?

I personally would think a correct pressure washing technique on fresh paint, would remove it and leave the old, but seems like it would be a delicate task.

...and why are you (the student painter) the one looking for answers...what's your boss doing?

MrPainter

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 24, 2007

Hey Rich, thanks for reply.

The paint we are using is called "Devflex". I beleive it is a self priming paint. So we don't have to prime, then paint. We have used this type of paint before on a previous job. We tried to remove the paint with the power washer about 3 hours after painting it.

Mandrake

· #4 · Jul 24, 2007

I'm sure a lot of guys will tell you that it should have been sprayed from the start and i would agree but its too late for that. I believe Devflex is a DTM from Devoe, not a bad coating but a bear to get off aluminum.

May I suggest calling a local professional with spray experience to take a look or even getting the Devoe rep to make some recommendations. Maybe if you hit it with a 3M pad and then spray, it might level out enough.

Where are you located?

Mndrk

MrPainter

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 24, 2007

We are located in Toronto, Ontario (Canada).

We'll try calling a rep and see if anyone can help.

Can anyone comment on the consequences of NOT getting the paint off? Like what will happen if we cant remove it (which is the most likely scenario at this point)? Any legal issues for screwing up their siding?

Humble Abode

· #6 · Jul 24, 2007

Did you have a contract with them? An actual piece of paper signed by your "manager" and the client?

Of course there is legal recourse the client can take. He can force you to pay a real painter to fix your mistake, which is well within his right. If you refuse he can sue you.

Give the guy his money back so he can get someone out to sand the roller texture and spray two coats of paint on.

There are no problems painting aluminum siding, people do it all the time. Just properly prep it and use a bonding primer.

welovepainting

· #7 · Jul 24, 2007

No offence but wow you guys are using Devflex on aluminum siding and you are trying to get it off after rolling it out. What size of nap did you use? That stuff will be extremely hard to get off. Devflex is a light ind/commercial coating not made for beginners... any exterior satin paint would of been just fine aluminum should be sprayed to acheive best results. Devflex only comes in semi gloss and gloss I hope you have some sun glasses for that job.

Father-n-Son

· #8 · Jul 28, 2007

You can paint aluminum siding with a good latex. You should have used a brush, two (2) coats. I painted a house with aluminum siding 22 years ago and it's still holding up.

Paint Aluminum Siding:
1) Powerwash the house, use TSP a similar product.
2) Two (2) Coats of paint ,apply with a brush for best results.

Don't know what your going to do with the part you rolled. That was a mistake from the start. Also when you paint a house with aluminum siding you may get whats called "Surfactant Leaching" It will go away over time. But it is best if you go back a wet the house down a couple of times, this will help remove the leaching.

nextlevelpaintco.

· #9 · Jul 28, 2007 (Edited)

I use devflex all the time ici is the only paint paint store for me.usually I prime with devflex pf it is a flat primer as opposed to the glossy top coat.As a company you should tell the boss to fix the promblem and make it right bringing someone else in will only make you look bad but not doing anything can put the company out of business.Heres what I would try first saturate the whole area painted with tuff strip unless you done a whole side then you better get a sand blaster wipe the area as best you can then using a sprayer prime with the the whole house with the pf as planned sand the area while the flat is on and paint as usual the primer is not so bad but on the gloss top coat make sure you spray on a dry sunny day otherwise the paint will run like crazy.but keep a 9 inch foam roller on hand just in case.as far as taking the paint off and never knowing it was there forget it.the original agreement should be fair.

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nextlevelpaintco.

· #10 · Jul 28, 2007

oh yeah,if it's a small area and don't want to to mess with a remover or use a primer and get it in one coat use a dulling agent on the gloss prime with any flat primer(the same color of the original siding and sand it out then paint but I recomend priming the entire house with the devflex primer or the top coat may come off in sheets on the first storm that comes along.

welovepainting

· #11 · Jul 28, 2007

nextlevelpaintco. said:
I use devflex all the time ici is the only paint paint store for me.usually I prime with devflex pf it is a flat primer as opposed to the glossy top coat

have you tried duluxe satin from ici i would compare it to sherwin williams super satin.

nextlevelpaintco.

· #12 · Jul 29, 2007

actually no.but I am not opposed to it where is a good place to use it?

welovepainting

· #13 · Jul 29, 2007

nextlevelpaintco. said:
actually no.but I am not opposed to it where is a good place to use it?

Good for aluminum, wood, and a bunch other stuff. they have an interior and exterior line. i love devflex xp we use it on metal hollow doors frames, aliminum clad windows, cafateria walls, bathrooms, I beleive duluxe satin would be a better and more cost effective product for painting aluminum siding.

nextlevelpaintco.

· #14 · Jul 29, 2007 (Edited)

I usually use the devflex for flexible aluminum such as doors or awnings,it has proven itself to be strong and fade resistent to sun. But I will ask about the satin and give it a try.Let me ask you this as far as trim paint ICI ultra hide or BM satin impervo.They both are strong and have super coverage.

monteith

· #15 · Aug 29, 2007

Hi There,
I am not sure how you write up your contracts but if you were painting something that you thought you shouldn't you should have made a waiver note on the contract document that you would not be responsible for the outcome.
The best way to re paint siding is to thoroughly remove any loose paint and sand the surface really well. Then apply a 2 component Epoxy promer followed by a 2 component ISO Free Acrylic type coating for maximum exterior protection.These coatings are usually spray applied on site electrostatically or otherwise for a smooth finish.
I am not sure what you have put on the siding as far as coating type but you may have to sand the whole thing and spray over it with a compatible finish coat for exterior use.

painttofish

· #16 · Sep 8, 2007

MrPainter said:
Hi, I'm a student painter for the summer and we had this job today, where we had to paint the alumenim siding of a house. I know these really shouldn't be painted, but they wanted to. Basically, we used 3mm rollers and it was leaving a rough paint texture. The aluminem siding is completley smooth and the client wanted it to look perfectly smooth. So we have no way of meeting his expectations. I don't know any other way to do this (maybe a paint sprayer?).

So at this point, my manager and the client have agreed to void the contract of this project, as long as we remove the paint that we already put on so the siding is restored to its original looks. So we bring out our pressure washer, and this paint does not budge. The paint doesnt come off at all. I used another product called "Goof off" but this thing is so strong. It rremoves the paint the we put on, as well as the original paint underneath it, so that wont work either. We're out of ideas now. Is there anything else that can help us remove it?

Also, what are our options if nothing works and the paint doesnt come off? Would we be in trouble or something? I don;t want to end up paying hundereds of dollars to get this stupid thing fixed. Any help is apreciated. Thank you.

wow

Ken S.

· #17 · Sep 10, 2007

Student Painter,
What did the contract specify as to application method?
What was discussed & agreed to prior to commencing the project?

May have to wet sand(180 grit or so) what has been done with roller
Get ahold of a decent airless sprayer capable of 1/2 gpm and a .517 tip. Apply a sealer coat, ICI-"Gripper" works well(move quickly with arm & body so no drips occur, about 14" or so from substrate), then apply Devflex or other 100% acrylic paint finish with airless.
You may want to experiment on some old "ratty" substrates before doing a customer's home.
Or sub the project out to an experienced airless painter to complete the project.

welovepainting

· #18 · Sep 10, 2007

"student painter" :no: that pretty much sums it right up. What a

shame

boman47k

· #19 · Sep 18, 2008

Rich said:
I'm guessing the aluminum siding was chaulky, which caused the paint to adhere more than if it wasn't.

I know this is old, but this statement is exactly opposite of what I always thought. My way of thinking is to get as much of the chaulky oxidation off as possible. Am I missing something?

Anyone know how student painter came out on this one?

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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