Achieve Picture-Perfect Gutters: Painting Tips for Homeowners
Many people don’t give much thought to their gutters when they’re repainting the exterior of their home. The slim, metal structure that runs along the edges of the roof seems inconsequential compared to the vast expanse of a house’s facade. What many don’t realize is that neglected gutters stick out like a sore thumb. Far from being inconsequential, unpainted gutter systems can bring down your home’s curb appeal.
The Frame to Your Home’s Facade
Gutters are positioned perfectly to “frame” the facade and structure of your home. You can maximize this potential by giving it extra attention when you repaint your home.
Some of you might be wondering, why is painting gutters even an issue? Isn’t it automatic to include the gutters when repainting a house? You would think this is the case, but many people who repaint their homes get discouraged when they realize that painting gutters is more complicated than they thought.
Here are some of the things that make it challenging:
- Most gutter systems are made of aluminum. Regular oil paint doesn’t stick as well to aluminum as it does to timber.
- Gutter systems have lots of components like brackets and hangers. Gutters with protective coveringmust be painted separately, too, because leaving them bare will be unsightly (unless the roof is high enough that the tops are not visible).
- Also, since gutters are made of several components, it may be necessary to hand-paint the bare spots that can’t be coated by a roller.
- Gutters must be cleaned out first before painting, and this can be a massive job on its own.
Instead of viewing the above as problems that prevent you from painting gutters, add them to the prepping steps that must be followed before you start painting.
Recommended Steps for Painting Gutters
Here is the ideal process for painting gutter systems:
- Inspect your gutters for damage that you shouldn’t cover up with a paint job.
- Take note of any necessary repairs and replacements. If you must install a new segment in your gutter, you can hold off the actual installation until after the painting.
- Clean and remove all debris from your gutters. Flush out the downspout with water to make sure you get everything out.
- If there’s old paint on your gutters, you may have to scrape them off first. Consider the type of paint you’ll use and whether painting over the old color will have the same outcome as painting on a clean surface.
- Remove the secondary brackets so that you can paint more smoothly over the entire length of the gutter, including the hard-to-reach parts under or behind the braces. You can reattach those brackets after the paint dries.
- Apply a coat of primer. If you have aluminum gutters, use an oil-based or acrylic bonding primer. Either of these can make the paint cling better on the aluminum sheet. DO NOT use a primer that contains ammonia because it can react with the aluminum and form gas bubbles that will mar your paint job.
- Let the primer set for two days, after which you can finally paint on your gutters with enamel paint. If you must add a second coat, let the first layer dry completely before doing so.
As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want to go for an extra push and make your home look as beautiful and inviting as you can. Of course, functionality should still be the priority for gutters.
Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters provides your home with superior rain gutters and LeafLockTM protection systems. We also offer metal roofing for residential and commercial use.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and installation services. Make sure to ask for a FREE QUOTE.
