The Ultimate How-To Guide For Painting Your Gutters

Yes, painting gutters is not only possible, but it’s also a great way to revitalize their appearance and boost the look of your home on a budget. If you plan to paint gutters yourself, there are several factors to keep in mind when selecting the right kind of paint. Depending on the height of the gutters, some people may also feel more comfortable outsourcing this job for safety reasons. When you get into the actual painting process, however, the task is pretty straightforward.

If you’re considering painting your gutters, there is really only one type of gutter material that you should leave unpainted. Copper gutters are among the most expensiveand are generally selected for their natural appearance and the patina they develop over time. While technically they can be painted, Forbes Home rarely recommends this approach.

Because most gutters are at roof levels, you will need to work at elevated heights to access them. An extension ladder is useful in such cases, but this is primarily a two-person job with one person securely holding the base of the ladder at all times.

Check the forecast before you dive into painting your gutters. It’s best to wait for a stretch of time without rain or snow. To allow the paint to properly adhere and set, the temperature should also be at least 50° Fahrenheitand should not drop below freezing overnight for the next few days.

Pros

• Budget-friendly way to improve curb appeal
• Helps protect gutters from wear and tear
• Offers more color customization options

Cons

• Painted gutters need to be touched up and maintained
• Painting gutters is a labor-intensive task
• Cost of materials can add up

1. Clean Debris From Gutters

In addition to rainwater, gutters also tend to catch a lot of debris—such as leaves, sticks and dirt. Before you begin the process of painting the gutters, take the opportunity to clean out anything trapped in the way. To do this, use the extension ladder to reach the gutters while someone on the ground braces for support. With utility gloves protecting your hands, scoop out anything clogging the gutters.

If left uncleared, gutters become ineffective and the water will spill over the side. This will cause the paint to chip or become discolored much more quickly. If you have any type of gutter guards or shields, remove them at this time and reinstall when you are done painting.

2. Scrub Gutters and Remove Flaking Paint

Fill a bucket with warm water and soap. For vinyl gutters, use a detergent dish soap. Otherwise, common household soap or a water and vinegar solution is fine. Using the scrub brush, clean the entire exterior surface of the gutters. If the gutters are dirty, the paint won’t be able to fully adhere and you’ll find yourself having to repeat the job much sooner.

If there was a previous coat of paint that is chipping off, use a paint scraper to remove large flakes. Just take care not to damage the gutters themselves with overly forceful scraping. If gutter braces are in the way, use the screwdriver to remove them. Just take care to keep track of the braces so you can put them back on when the job is complete.

3. Apply Primer

To improve the longevity of your paint job, it is an essential step to start by applying primer. Although there are ample paint and primer combinations available, we recommend using a true clear bonding primer when painting gutters. Acrylic primer is a good option as long as it’s free of ammonia.
In many cases, it’s impractical to keep a full primer or paint can on the roof while working on the gutters. We recommend using a small paint canister or hands-free paint bucket. Fill this with primer and apply an even coat to the surface of the gutters. For best results, wait a full 48 hours before moving on to the next step.

4. Paint the Base Coat

When the primer is set, you are ready to paint. There are endless shades available, but it’s generally advisable to go with an option that matches the trim and your house’s exterior color or roof. To paint gutters, you can use an oil-based or acrylic variety. However, Forbes Home typically recommends acrylic exterior paint because it’s the most beginner-friendly and is the best for aluminum gutters.

With clean paint brushes, apply a base coat to the gutters. You don’t need to go on too heavy at this point. That will just increase the chances of paint dripping onto the exterior of your house.

5. Paint the Second Coat

After waiting a minimum of four to six hours (or 24 for oil-based paint) for the first coat to dry, use the same process to apply a second coat of paint. This should create an even layer and will help the paint last longer before it needs to be touched up.

If you need to replace gutter braces, wait another day to allow the paint to fully cure.

For single-story homes where the gutters aren’t particularly high off the ground, it’s really a matter of comfort and preference if you want to call a professional painter. For taller homes, common extension ladders may not be far enough to reach the gutters—at least safely. In these cases, it’s advisable to get a professional who has the right tools and experience to work at these heights.

Painting gutters can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of linear footage of gutters. Although doing the job yourself is a good way to save money, it’s important to take into account the amount of time and energy you will spend on this job.