Maintaining your gutters goes beyond just cleaning them—painting is another crucial aspect of upkeep that typically needs attention every 5-10 years, depending on your local climate. 

Knowing when to repaint your gutters can help prolong their life and improve their appearance. Signs that your gutters need repainting include chipping, peeling, blistering, cracking, fading, rusting, or, in the case of powder-coated paints, chalking. A fresh coat of paint can restore the look of your gutters, prevent corrosion, and extend their longevity.

Preparing Your Gutters for Painting

Before you start painting, it’s essential to prepare the gutters properly. Begin by removing any loose or peeling paint. Instead of using a metal scraper, which can damage the gutter, opt for a plastic knife. This will avoid any metal-on-metal contact that could leave scratches. Once the peeling paint is removed, apply a paint thinner or paint stripper to clear any remaining stubborn paint. Don’t worry if there are still small areas of old paint left behind; the primer and new paint coats should be able to cover them up effectively.

At this stage, you should also check what type of gutters you have. If they’re made of aluminum or steel, they’re worth repainting. However, if you have plastic gutters, it’s best to replace them altogether as they aren’t worth the investment in repainting.

Choosing the Best Paint for Steel Gutters

If your gutters are made of steel, acrylic paint is the ideal choice. Acrylic paint contains rust inhibitors, which can help slow the oxidation process. Oxidation occurs when iron in the steel reacts with water and oxygen, leading to rust. Applying multiple coats of acrylic paint on both the inside and outside of the gutters will help protect the metal. It’s crucial to prime the surface beforehand, as exposed steel will begin to rust if not properly sealed. Over time, this rust can spread beneath the paint layers and cause more extensive damage.

Best Paint for Aluminum Gutters

For aluminum gutters, oil-based paint is the top choice. Unlike steel, aluminum doesn’t require rust inhibitors because it naturally forms a protective layer of aluminum oxide, which shields it from exposure to oxygen and moisture. Oil-based paint adheres better to aluminum oxide, providing a durable and long-lasting finish. Although acrylic paint is a great option for steel, oil-based paint is the best match for aluminum due to its better adhesion properties.

Gloss vs. Semi-Gloss Paint Finishes

Whether you’re using oil-based or acrylic paint, it’s essential to choose the right finish. Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are recommended for gutter painting. High-gloss paint can highlight imperfections, such as any stubborn patches of old paint that couldn’t be removed, but it is more resistant to peeling over time compared to matte finishes. Matte finishes tend to peel faster, so opting for gloss or semi-gloss ensures a longer-lasting coat that can stand up to weather exposure.

Hiring a Professional for Gutter Painting

While painting your gutters may seem like a DIY-friendly task, hiring a professional is highly recommended. Professional painters have the experience and tools necessary to ensure the job is done right, from preparation to application. Though it may come with a higher upfront cost, hiring a professional is worth it to avoid accidents or injuries—especially if you’re working at dangerous heights.

K-Guard Offers a Paint Solution That Lasts a Lifetime 

At K-Guard Rocky Mountains, we offer a more permanent solution to gutter painting. We use scratch-resistant paints from top manufacturers like Lansing and Norandex, which are applied directly to the aluminum at the manufacturing plant before it’s rolled into a coil. These factory-applied paints come with a guarantee that they won’t peel, chip, crack, or blister for the lifetime of your home. If any issues arise that aren’t caused by external damage, we will repair or replace the affected area at no cost to you.

Our fully transferable warranty ensures that both you and future homeowners will never need to worry about scraping, priming, or painting gutters again. With K-Guard, you’re investing in a maintenance-free, long-lasting gutter solution.

Contact K-Guard Rocky Mountains to get your free estimate today!