Painting Vinyl Siding & Window Trim

[LearningMustachian72]

Hey!

I am thinking of painting my vinyl siding and window trim as a summer project.  The house is light blue with white trim, I would like to convert to dark grey with black trim. 

Has anyone painted vinyl siding and/or vinyl window trim before?  I have read quite a bit online about the preparation and vinyl safe paint (VinylSafe = Sherwin Williams or Revive - Benjamin Moore) but was looking for some first hand tips/cautions.

I know a true Mustachian may not spend time or money on something purely aesthetic but my wife insists and I too think it will help the curb appeal/resale value.

Thank you in advance!

[cooking]

I'm not even pretending to know anything about painting vinyl siding, I will leave that to others who might have more knowledge on that topic.  What I do know, however, is that I have read many times that manufacturers don't generally make vinyl siding in darker colors because darker vinyl can absorb too much heat from the sun and warp.  So maybe take care on your color choice if you do decide to go ahead.

[Fishindude]

Some people do it, but it's not the best of ideas.
High odds that you won't get a good bond everywhere and will have peeling issues.   I'd save your money and just plan on replacing it if you intend to live there long term.

[LearningMustachian72]

@fishingdude that is what I am afraid of.  Supposedly the new vinyl-safe paint helps with this.  Do you think it is still risky even with that?

If so, would I face similar issues if I decided to hire a professional?

[lthenderson]

I've never painted vinyl and wouldn't want to just for the increased chances of getting peeling paint and required repaintings that negates the one advantage people have by installing the stuff. Also, I would never do it hoping to increase the resale value of the house. Very few if any projects like that get back more in resale value than what you spent doing it.

[LearningMustachian72]

Yeah for sure...I think the wise call is to not paint it. 

Iwill proceed with any other projects and have this very last on my list.  It was installed in 2004 and therefore should last until at least 2024 based on what I have read.  I plan to live there until at least 2024 so I think I will just wait it out. 

Appreciate the responses everyone!

[BudgetSlasher]

Also, I would never do it hoping to increase the resale value of the house. Very few if any projects like that get back more in resale value than what you spent doing it.

I would go as far to say as it might be detrimental when selling the house. Vinyl is not my favorite siding material, mostly because of the way it can sound in heavy winds, the way it looks (especially closer up), and a few other minor things. All that said, we have it on the house we bought. One of the few good things about vinyl siding to me is that it is very low maintenance, including that is does not have to be painted and then repainted.