It is also important to use a cleaner when powerwashing so that it will actually help remove the chalk along with the pressure.
Painting chalky siding.
To test the dryness of your paint touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area.
Rub siding with cloth to check for powdery paint pigment and mildew.
If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky it s completely dried.
This is very important because this is what actually removes the chalk before the primer is put on.
If your siding is horizontal paint left to right.
If the paint color comes off on your hand the paint is chalking.
You can paint it.
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This oxidation that occurs on aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum.
By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine.
Some exterior paints such as those used on aluminum siding intentionally chalk for self cleaning.
The first step is the surface must be power washed.
Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint.
If vertical paint up to down.
This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather.
As a rule of thumb paint takes two hours to dry.
There are several steps in dealing with a chalky surface to ensure a long lasting paint job.
Test old siding paint for lead using a lead test kit.
If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not.
If lead is present contact a licensed lead abatement specialist.
Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative.