Gutters are an indispensable part of your home’s external look because they are right on the front and do not go unnoticed. Therefore, you should pay attention to their cleanliness and appearance, and if they appear dull or dirty, then it’s time to give them a thorough cleaning and a proper paint job. To help you give a new life to your gutters, we have provided everything you need to know below:

When Should You Paint Your Gutters?

It is better if you do the cleaning of the gutters every spring to keep them in top shape, however, you should refurbish and paint the gutters if:

• They do not return to the original condition after regular cleaning
• If the paint is flaking or they are worn out
• If you are repainting the house and need to match the gutters with the new colour

Before you start painting your gutters, we suggest that you first decide if you want to paint them where they are or remove them first. Removing the gutters is, of course, time-consuming, but it will make the paint job much easier.

However, if you are painting them while they are mounted, then you should pay attention to areas like braces or corners that are hard to reach.

Steps for Painting the Gutters:

Step 1: Start by Cleaning

You need the gutters to be free from dirt, debris, and leaves so that your paint job goes smoothly. If you can, use the power washer to force out the layers of dirt and especially spray in hard to reach areas.

Now fill a bucket with soapy water, dip a soft, bristle brush in it and scrub the gutters in gentle circular motions to get rid of any stubborn dirt that refuses to go out otherwise.

Now just rinse using clean water and wait for at least four hours for it to dry completely. It is important that you ensure the gutters are thoroughly cleaned or the paint may not stick.

Step 2: Check for Damages

After you are done cleaning the gutters, all the damages and signs of wear and tear that were hidden behind the layers of dirt will be visible. So give a detailed eagle-eyed view to the gutters to see if any part needs replacing.

If you come across mildew or mould then we suggest that you use a mould retardant to get rid of it before moving on.

You can easily get a mildew or mould remover from your local store. We strongly recommend that you wear gloves while working with these chemicals.

Step 3: Get Rid of the Old Paint

Now it’s time to bid farewell to your old paint and make a place for the fresh one. It is better if you use a putty knife to get rid of the paint. Make sure it’s a plastic knife as metal can put scratches on the gutter lines.

Keep a paint stripper with you so you can remove the leftovers of old paint once you are done using the putty knife. Again, paint stripper contains strong chemicals, so it is recommended that you wear gloves when using it.

Step 4: Sand the Gutters

We know it’s getting lengthy, and you want to go right to the point where you get to apply your favourite paint to your gutters. However, these steps are necessary for you to follow; otherwise, you might not get the desired results.

So get medium sandpaper and softly sand the gutters’ surface. Light sanding will get rid of any small bits of old paints while also smoothing out the surface.

Remember to sand both the sides and bottom of the gutters and when you’re done, rinse using clean water and wipe with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Coat with Primer

Now you need to apply the primer to ensure your paint sticks to the gutter. It is best that you use a rust-resistant, ammonia-free and oil-based paint for gutters so that your paint job can last longer.

Professionals mostly use clear acrylic bonding primer so you can go with that if you are confused. Lastly, apply the primer using an airless sprayer or use a regular brush if you don’t have it. Once done, let it dry for 48 hours.

Step 6: Coat with Oil-Based Enamel

The last step before applying the paint is to coat your gutter with the oil-based enamel, and though some people consider it an optional step, we suggest you do it.

You can use a gloss or satin enamel because both of them resist water for longer periods and also dry faster.

Just apply a thin coat of the enamel and let it dry for at least two hours; apply the second coat after that.

Step 7: Apply the Paint

Now you can go ahead and apply the paint you want. Choose the colour that works well with the overall scheme of your house. You can also match it with the colour of the roof or trim.

Keep in mind that darker colours like different shades of grey look better than light colours in terms of longevity.

Apply one coat, allow it to cure for 24 hours, and then apply a second coat if you want. Once the paint dries, inspect the whole gutter to see if you missed any spot; if you did, paint it as well.

Over to You:

Well, there you go, you can paint your home’s gutters on your own now. And since the UK usually receives a fair share of rain, we suggest you do it while the sun is still visible. You can always talk to us if you need any assistance, and we would love to help.