Vinyl is a versatile material commonly used in various applications such as siding, flooring, shutters, and fences.
While vinyl usually comes in a wide range of colors, sometimes you may have a specific color in mind that is not readily available. In such cases, painting vinyl is a viable option. So what is the best primer and paint to use?
An acrylic-based paint is the best option for painting vinyl. This paint offers superior adhesion and won’t peel off easily. For the primer, a bonding primer is the best choice for vinyl. It provides a strong bond between the paint and the surface, helping to ensure that your finished product will look great.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 6 factors to consider when choosing paint for vinyl
- What type of paint to use
- What finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for vinyl
The 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Vinyl
1. Adhesion
The first factor you want to consider when choosing paint for vinyl is adhesion. This is important because vinyl is a slick, non-porous surface that is difficult for paint to stick to. Look for paint specifically designed for vinyl use or with a primer already mixed in to help with adhesion.
2. Durability
Durability is another crucial aspect to take into account when selecting paint for vinyl. Since vinyl exteriors are exposed to elements like UV rays and various weather conditions, it’s important to consider the paint’s long-term durability.
It’s essential to seek out paint explicitly created for exterior use, capable of withstanding fading, chalking, and peeling.
3. Type of Paint
Choosing the right type of paint is crucial to ensuring that it adheres to the vinyl surface and provides adequate coverage. Typically, latex or acrylic paints are the best options for painting vinyl.
These paints are elastic, making them ideal for surfaces that expand and contract, as vinyl tends to do. They also do not crack, chip, or peel easily.
4. Quality of Paint
The quality of paint is critical when it comes to painting vinyl. Cheaper paints may not provide good coverage and may not be durable.
High-quality paints, however, will provide excellent coverage, ensure durability, and stay vibrant for a long time. So, spend some money on the paint quality you’re considering using.
5. Environmentally-friendly
Most paints contain toxins, which can be detrimental to the environment and your health, particularly when emitted into the air during evaporation.
Choose a low or zero-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint if you’re looking for something that’s environmentally friendly.
VOCs refer to the chemical substances found in paints that contribute to air pollution and can harm the environment and human health. Low or no VOC paints are more environmentally friendly, healthier for humans, and less toxic.
6. Ease of Application
Finally, you should consider how easy vinyl paint is to apply before purchasing. Some paint products may require a primer, while others don’t, and not all paints can be applied using a brush or sprayer.
Before buying your vinyl paint, consider the type of application tools you have and whether the paint can be applied using those tools. Also, check that the paint is easy to clean and doesn’t require complicated processes.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a great choice for painting vinyl. It’s durable, water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and provides good coverage. Acrylic paint dries quickly and can be applied with a brush or sprayer. Be sure to use an acrylic primer first before applying the paint.
Pros
- Good Adhesion: Acrylic paint sticks well to vinyl surfaces.
- Water-Resistant: It provides a protective layer that is resistant to water.
- Quick Drying: Dries faster compared to oil-based paints.
- Environmentally Friendly: Contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Flexible: Can expand and contract with the vinyl due to temperature changes.
Cons
- Multiple Coats: May require more coats for full coverage.
- Not as Smooth: The finish may not be as smooth as oil-based paints.
- Preparation: Requires careful surface preparation (cleaning, priming).
Latex Paint
Latex paint is another popular choice for painting vinyl. It’s easy to apply and offers good coverage and durability. Like acrylic paint, it also contains lower levels of VOCs, making it a safer option for the environment.
Pros
- Good Adhesion: Latex paint sticks well to vinyl surfaces.
- Environmentally Friendly: Contains lower levels of volatile organic compounds, making it safer for the environment.
- Easy Clean-Up: Can be cleaned with water and soap.
- Quick Drying: Dries faster compared to oil-based paints.
- Flexible: Can expand and contract with the vinyl due to temperature changes, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
Cons
- Less Durable: Generally less durable than oil-based paints.
- Multiple Coats: May require more coats for full coverage.
- Less Stain Hiding: Not as effective in covering stains.
- Surface Preparation: Requires careful surface preparation (cleaning, priming).
- Finish: May not provide as smooth a finish as oil-based paints.
Specialty Vinyl Paint
Specialty Vinyl Paint is designed to restore color and gloss to vinyl surfaces. It’s ideal for applications on vinyl or fabric car and boat seats, dashboards, upholstery, luggage, furniture, sports equipment, and more.
Pros
- Good Adhesion: Sticks well to vinyl surfaces.
- Elasticity: Adheres perfectly to any porous and/or absorbent surface.
- Non-toxic: Safe for indoor use.
- Excellent Coverage: Provides superior coverage.
- Resilient: The added resin makes the paint hard-wearing.
Cons
- Limited Application: Not suitable for all types of surfaces.
- Potential Damage: Can damage the original paint if not applied properly.
- Corrosion: May lead to corrosion over time.
- Rough Edges: May leave rough edges if not applied evenly.
- UV Fading: Prone to fading due to UV rays if exposed to intense sunlight.
What Paint Finish Is Best?
Vinyl is a material commonly used for its durability and moisture resistance, making it a popular choice for outdoor surfaces such as fences, shutters, and siding.
When it comes to choosing a paint finish for vinyl, the most recommended options are either semi-gloss or gloss. These finishes are formulated with a higher degree of durability and resistance, which makes them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor surfaces.
Semi-gloss is a perfect option for a finish with less shine. It provides a more subtle sheen than gloss, making it a popular choice for interior walls and surfaces.
However, if you are looking for a finish with a high level of shine, gloss is the way to go. Gloss provides an ultra-shiny finish that is perfect for surfaces requiring significant durability, such as outdoor furniture and doors.
Ultimately, the type of paint finish you choose for your vinyl surfaces will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a finish that offers both durability and shine, go for a semi-gloss or gloss finish.
However, if you’re looking for a less shiny finish, a satin finish may be an option to consider with caution, given its less-than-optimal durability for vinyl surfaces.
The Best Paint and Primer for Vinyl
Best Paint
Sherwin-Williams Duration Premium Exterior Coating is the go-to choice of professionals when painting vinyl.
This advanced acrylic latex paint is formulated with PermaLast technology and infused with co-polymers that provide exceptional durability and performance.
With its self-priming properties, you can get the job done with just a single coat for repaints and two coats for new surfaces, making painting exteriors fast and efficient.
The PermaLast technology in Sherwin-Williams Duration Premium Exterior Coating makes for a thicker coat than ordinary latex paint, which provides better protection against cracking, peeling, and blistering.
Furthermore, the flash rust resistance minimizes nail head rusting, and its tannin bleed resistance is superior to conventional latex paints.
With these features and more, it ensures long-lasting performance that is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of vinyl exteriors.
For added convenience and ease of use, it can be applied even in colder temperatures, down to 35°F (2°C).
Additionally, Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe paint colors offer a wide range of color options, including a limited selection of darker colors specifically formulated to resist warping or buckling when applied to sound, stable vinyl siding.
This flexibility in color choices allows you to choose the ideal shade to complement your vinyl exterior without worrying about damage caused by paint application.
It is also available in flat, satin, gloss, and low-luster finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect look and level of shine for your exterior surfaces. Backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
Best Primer
When looking to paint a surface like vinyl, it is important to choose a primer that can provide superior adhesion despite the material’s slick and non-porous characteristics. And this is where Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Interior/Exterior Primer shines.
This product is designed to coat hard, glossy surfaces and is an ideal choice for those who want to paint vinyl materials with minimal surface preparation.
This primer’s tightly-bonding properties ensure that topcoat finishes adhere uniformly without sanding or extensive cleaning.
One of its best features is its one-coat application, which makes painting vinyl materials a breeze. This product also dries quickly, so you can continue with your painting project without having to wait for too long.
This primer assures that the topcoat will stick even to hard-to-stick surfaces such as vinyl. With the Extreme Bond Primer, you can paint your vinyl materials with confidence, knowing that the finish coat will last for years.
The Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer can also be tinted and is compatible with a full range of finish coat products. This opens up various options for homeowners or professionals looking for a specific color or finish for their vinyl projects.