The Savvy Homeowner's Complete Guide to Painting Gutters

Gutters are part of your home’s first line of defense against rain and moisture. They direct water away from your home’s foundation, roof, siding, and windows. However, their daily exposure to the elements causes fading, discoloration, mildew growth, and even rusting, depending on their material. Without regular maintenance like cleaning and repainting, gutters will need to be replaced more frequently, adding to your costs of ownership. 

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about painting gutters, whether you are doing this project for the aesthetic value of a new color choice or as part of a gutter repair.

How Often Do Gutters Need Repainting?

How frequently you should repaint your gutters depends on the gutter material and quality, how often they are cleaned, and where you live. 

While you’re painting your gutters, you may want to check out your home’s paint, too. A home should be repainted every five to 10 years.

Gutters typically see more water and debris than other parts of the exterior of your home, so they will likely need touch-ups before your house paint, window trim, or other areas. You may need to repaint your gutters every three to five years if you live in a region with high temperature and precipitation fluctuations. Both of these tend to accelerate gutter wear and tear. 

For example, if you live in an area that sees lots of rain in the winter and high heat in the summer, you likely need to repaint your gutters more often. Regularly unclogging and cleaning gutters will keep them looking well-maintained and can reduce the need to repaint as often. You can also get matched to a professional to help.

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How Do I Know If I Need to Paint My Gutters?

If you notice any of the following on your gutters, it may be time to repaint:

• Fading
• Discoloration
• Dirt or mildew stains 
• Rust

People will often include the gutters during a whole-house painting project or an update to the trim. If you notice gutter discoloration to a point that it no longer matches your home’s siding or trim color, you may wish to repaint them more frequently. 

Should You Replace or Repaint Your Gutters?

Cost, wear and tear, and appearance are the typical deciding factors when choosing between replacing or repainting gutters. 

What Does It Cost to Repaint vs Replace Gutters?

The average cost to replace gutters is $2,834 to $5,170 per 200 linear feet. Visit Modernize’s gutter replacement cost calculator for a more detailed cost estimate for your home. 

The average cost to repaint gutters is $525 to $1,136 per 200 linear feet.

Repaint or Replace?

If your gutters are in disrepair and can no longer direct and move water away from your home’s foundation, siding, and windows, it may be time for a full replacement. 

How to Pick Paint for Gutters

When painting gutters, your choice of primer is the most important factor that can make or break your project. Selecting the right primer for your gutter type creates optimal adhesion to the top coat and prevents gas bubbles or other chemical reactions from occurring.  

Aluminum Gutter Paint

For aluminum gutters, a clear acrylic bonding primer will offer the most adhesion. Avoid latex primers on aluminum gutters, as they contain ammonia that reacts with oxidized aluminum and creates gas bubbles beneath the paint surface. Oil-based primers are also an option for aluminum gutters. 

Vinyl Gutter Paint

For vinyl gutters, a latex primer works best. As mentioned previously, remove the vinyl’s glossy finish before applying primer.  

Galvanized Steel or Copper Gutter Paint

Choose a metal primer for added protection and to ensure good adhesion with the top coat of paint. 

For the top coat, an acrylic latex exterior paint works well for all gutter materials. When deciding on a gutter paint color, match your home’s siding or trim color for a cohesive look. 

Step By Step Guide to Painting Gutters

Repainting gutters requires a few days and several steps. The most important thing to remember is to allow plenty of time for gutters to dry between steps for the best results. 

1. Remove all debris from the gutters. 
2. Use a phosphate-free cleanser to clean. If you have vinyl gutters, a gentle dish detergent works best. Scrub and rinse, including all downspouts. 
3. For minor rust areas, use a wire brush to remove and rinse clean. Apply rust converter paint over the area as a protective base and let dry. 
4. Using a paint scraper, scrape off old paint as best you can and rinse clean. Allow gutters to dry completely. If you have vinyl gutters, remove the glossy finish to create an adhesive base for the new paint. Liquid sanding solution or fine-to-medium-grained sand paper is recommended. 
5. Apply a primer that’s recommended for your gutter material and let dry. 
6. Paint gutters with high-quality acrylic latex exterior paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat.  

When to Call a Contractor 

Repainting your home’s gutters requires some time and extra labor, but regular maintenance increases your home’s curb appeal and saves money on replacement costs. While this type of home maintenance is a doable DIY project, if gutters aren’t cleaned properly or if they are in need of significant repairs, it may be time to call a gutter or house painting professional. 

If you prefer to remove your gutters before painting, that’s also a task best left to the pros. Gutter removal may impact your manufacturer’s warranty, so understand the terms and coverage before starting your project. 

As an alternative and to save costs, you may wish to have your gutters professionally cleaned, and then repaint them yourself. Let Modernize handle the research and match you with a professional and pre-vetted gutter service for your project.