Table of Contents:
Larry asked: How do I clean aluminum siding? Do you know how to remove paint, caulk and deck stain from aluminum siding? I’ve used soap, water and a putty knife to remove some paint and caulk. However, the putty knife has marred the aluminum siding. The deck stain has been on the siding for many years and nothing has helped. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thank you.
In order to clean paint, caulk, and deck stain from aluminum siding, you’re going to have to strip it. For best results, after cleaning, check out the additional tips and advice to finish and protect your siding.
You Will Need:
- Paint Stripper
- Water
- Bucket
- Mild dish soap
- Sponge
Steps to Remove the Stain:
- Before you begin, shake the paint stripper vigorously.
- Apply the paint stripper directly to the problem areas, following the label directions.
- Allow it to sit for up to 24 hours, depending on the number of layers you need to remove and the age of the stains.
- Test to see if the paint has softened before continuing. Reapply stripper if necessary.
- Remove the paint as it softens and releases from the surface. This can be done with soft cloths or plastic scrapers (plastic ones are less likely to damage the surface).
- Rinse the area clean with water.
- Use the sponge to wash and neutralize the area with a mild detergent and water.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Once the aluminum siding has been stripped clean, you can paint it or provide a sealant or other protective layer to keep it looking its best.
- Although this product is nontoxic and environmentally friendly, be sure to follow label precautions including eye and skin protection, as applicable.
- If clumps of caulk remain, use a paint scraper (again, plastic ones work well) to pop them loose then remove residue with the stripper.
- Only use products that are indicated for aluminum siding. Other products may cause damage or pitting.
Leave a Reply