As we’ve noted here, vinyl siding can be painted, extending it’s life and saving you money (as compared to replacing your siding). One of the advantages of painting your siding is that you can choose from a more extensive palette of colors than is typically offered by siding companies.
BUT THERE IS AN IMPORTANT CAVEAT: dark colors can cause your siding to warp/melt. As explained here: colors with low LVR scores absorb light rather than reflect it. Too much light (and associated heat) absorbed and siding can break down. Broadly speaking, LVRs in the 55-65 range are generally safest; low LVRS are not safe.
Note:
Vinyl siding manufacturers normally specify the range of LVR scores safe to use on your particular siding. When possible, check.
Note:
Paint manufacturers have formulations that may have the same or similar name, like “vanilla cream” for an off-white. But their respective LVRs may not match because the formulations are different. Names aren’t important; numbers are.
Warning:
Do NOT use a custom-mixed color on your exterior as you can’t know what the LVR score is. A custom-color is a new formulation that hasn’t been measured for light reflectance.
Sherwin Williams Vinyl Safe Colors Palette
Sherwin Williams has developed a slate of colors in their VinylSafe® line specifically formulated to use on vinyl siding.
Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe® paint colors allow you the freedom to choose from 100 color options, including a limited selection of darker colors formulated to resist warping or buckling when applied to a sound, stable vinyl substrate.
OPPW uses Sherwin Paints unless otherwise requested. With the VinylSafe® color range you can feel confident your vinyl siding will hold up in the face of the hottest, sunniest Ohio days.