Vinyl gutters are available in a range of colors. The color is embedded in the vinyl during the manufacturing process so new vinyl gutters don’t need to be painted. With the great color choices available, most people go with a gutter color that will blend into their roof color, fascia, and/or siding. Consequently, the gutter blends beautifully into the home and appears to be part of the architecture or design. 

But there are several good reasons why you may want to paint your vinyl gutters. Maybe you changed your roof color or siding and all of a sudden the rain gutters don’t blend. They scream out and call for attention – far more noticeable than you’d hoped. Or maybe your gutters look grubby and grungy – worn and faded from sun exposure. So what’s the deal – can you paint them? 

Although there’s still plenty of confusion and debate around the question of painting vinyl gutters, the ultimate answer is yes, vinyl gutters absolutely can be painted. And many people opt to paint them because it’s a lot cheaper than replacing them. Just be aware that some gutter manufacturers don’t recommend painting, and some even will void your gutter warranty if you do. 

So, gather the appropriate materials, follow the right steps, and we’ll sort out what you need to do to paint your vinyl gutters:

1. Know Your Warranty

Some manufacturers will void their warranty if you paint your gutters. Before you decide to paint, carefully brush up on your warranty to make sure it will remain in effect if the gutters are painted.

2. Check the Weather

Painting gutters is a job that you don’t want to do in a driving rainstorm or on a windy day. Be sure to check the weather forecast so that you’ll be able to work in dry weather. Plan for enough consecutively dry days to clean, prep, paint, and allow time for the paint to cure.

3. Will You Work With Gutters Attached or Removed?

  • Decide if you’re going to paint the gutters while they’re attached, or if you’d rather remove them and paint them on terra firma. 
  • If you paint them while they remain attached, you’ll obviously be doing the entire job up on a ladder. Assess the risks and your comfort level of working up high. If you decide to paint attached gutters, wear goggles to protect your eyes from the prep work, primer, and paint and wear safe, non-slip footwear. 
  • If you decide to remove the gutters, dedicate an area around your home where you can lay out a tarp and have plenty of space to work. 
  • Weigh the advantages and disadvantages between painting with the gutters attached or removing them. Working with the gutters attached is a greater safety risk. Removing and replacing the gutters takes time and energy but at least you’ll be cleaning, prepping, and painting on solid ground. Also, when gutters are removed, you can use a spray gun to make the job go a lot faster.

4. Thoroughly Clean the Gutters

If you try to paint over dirt, the primer and paint won’t adhere. 

  • To remove all debris and dirt, spray down the gutters and downspouts with a hose, then gently scrub all surfaces with a soft bristle brush. 
  • A detergent that’s designed especially to clean siding will make the job easier. The solution breaks down dirt and stains so you don’t have to scrub as hard. If you need to remove mold, add bleach to the detergent. 
  • Thoroughly rinse all of the surfaces and be sure all surfaces are dry before you start the next step. 

5. Sand and De-Gloss

Vinyl gutters are glossy. You’ll need to remove the sheen so that the primer and paint will adhere. Also, if the gutters have been painted previously, you’ll need to remove all the old flaking and peeling paint. 

  • You can either use a foam wet-dry sanding block with fine to medium grade sandpaper, or a liquid sanding product to de-gloss the vinyl. 
  • Finally, after deglossing, wipe down the gutters with denatured alcohol.

6. Prime

Select a primer that will assure the paint bonds to the vinyl. If you’re unsure about the correct primer to use, your paint store can help. Check to make sure the primer is thoroughly dry before applying the first coat of paint.

7. Choose a Quality Paint

The paint you choose for your vinyl gutters is as important as the primer. 

  • You’ll want a high-quality water-based latex-urethane or acrylic paint that is formulated to be UV and weather-resistant. Acrylic paint is more elastic than latex but it requires paint thinner for clean up. Latex paint cleans up with soap and water.
  • Typically, you’ll need to apply at least two coats. Make sure each coat is thoroughly dry before applying the subsequent ones. 
  • Darker-toned paints absorb heat. If you choose a dark tone, select a paint company that manufacturers exterior vinyl paint that holds up to the expansion and contraction caused by heat.
  • Some people have found that adding a flex additive to the paint helps prevent the paint and vinyl from drying and cracking when it expands and contracts. 
  • Note: do not paint the inside of the gutters.

You want to take the time to paint your vinyl gutters the right way so that the results of your hard work are long-lasting. If the job seems overwhelming, you don’t want to risk your safety climbing up and down ladders, or you simply don’t have the time it takes to paint your vinyl gutters, Spout Gutter Pros will connect you with insured and licensed gutter painting professionals near you who have the materials and know-how to do the job right. We can also help you find the best gutter maintenance pros for cleaning and repairs.

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Trust Spout Gutter Pros to find expert and reputable vinyl gutter pros near you who are licensed and insured. Ask for a fast free quote today!