A: Thanks for your inquiry. I consulted a service professional with experience as a painting contractor as well as installing vinyl and aluminum siding for the following advice:

Sometimes people do paint vinyl siding by priming it first, but we don't recommend it because vinyl expands and contracts too much, which will cause the paint to crack. Today's vinyl siding is much improved over what was made in years past so you are advised to replace it for the best looking, longest lasting results.

Aluminum siding, however, has a baked enamel finish so it can be sanded or scuffed up, then primed with a special etching primer developed just for this purpose. (It costs about twice as much as traditional primer and is available at painting specialty stores). Then it can be painted with a premium acrylic house paint.

To locate some reputable vinyl siding contractors to give you estimates for your project, visit Home Advisor, and be matched with service professionals in your area.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com