How do you paint ACM panels?

ACM panels are modern and practical cladding materials currently used for various applications, including commercial and industrial building projects. Due to the wide range of ACM panels advantages, from extreme weather durability and minimum requirements for maintenance to aesthetics and modern appearance, architects and builders prefer to use them instead of traditional building cladding materials. However, for many reasons, which we will discuss in the next paragraph, one of the most critical questions for aluminum composite materials is how you should paint ACM panels.

Aluminum composite panels often offer a longtime service which can sometimes exceed 20 years if maintained properly. However, customers may encounter minor damage or peeled paints on the cladding material when buying a home with ACM material for its facade. The good news is that by utilizing proper painting supplies and particular substances, resurrecting these metal claddings will not be challenging, and such issues should no longer be a concern. Thus, it is more cost-effective to paint ACM panels rather than replacing them or reinstalling a new board. The paint finish recovering process is considerably straightforward, and most homeowners can take care of it without any need for professionals.

Equipment and Tools Needed to Paint ACM Panels

Some essential equipment and tools are needed to paint ACM panels with the best quality, resulting in more durable finishes and better aesthetics. These tools and equipment are including:

• Primer with an Oil Substance: This is used for sealing any porous surfaces, and it will allow the paint for better coverage of ACM panels.
• Acrylic Paint: For better paint bonding on the cladding material, it is practical to utilize exterior acrylic paint.
• Brushes with Synthetic Fibers: When working with acrylic brushes, it is essential to use synthetic fiber brushes to paint ACM panels.
• Lambswool Roller: For having a smoother paint finish and maximizing the surface area coverage, utilizing a lambswool roller can be helpful.
• Simple Ladder: Use a ladder to reach and access the higher sections of the cladding material.
• Plastic Bucket: The painter can hang the paint bucket from the ladder during the process, increasing the work speed.
• Plastic Paint Trays: It is necessary to utilize plastic paint trays for lambswool rollers.
• Drop Cloths: It is essential to keep the painting area clean with drop cloths during the job to avoid splattering the paint on the floor, which will be difficult to remove.

ACM Panels Painting Steps

There are a few yet essential steps to take when considering painting ACM panels without asking for help from experts. These painting steps are also practical for other cladding materials, including Aluminum sidings. Each phase has its particular role, and to paint ACM panels, the painter should follow them precisely.

Step One: Preparation for Painting ACM panels

Preparing aluminum composite panels for painting starts with scraping off paints that are already damaged or peeled with a scraping tool. Then the painter should remove any mildew with ten-part water to one part bleach combination. If the ACM panel is dingy, it is recommended to rent a power sander and sand down the cladding.

Step Two: Applying the First Coat of Primer to Paint ACM Panels

The second phase to paint ACM panels involves creating a first coat of primer when the weather is mild and dry for preventing different factors such as rain and debris from destroying the paint finish. Using a paint-roller will make the process easier, and it can apply the primer evenly while taking a few seconds per 0.09 meters. Additionally, it is essential to use the first coat in only one direction for maximizing the dry time.

Step Three: Adding a Second Layer of Primer

After applying the first coat of primer, the painter should add the second layer after the first layer is dried thoroughly. Generally, primer takes about four hours to dry. Thus, it is more efficient to start the process accordingly.

Step Four: Start Painting the Cladding Material

The most efficient way to paint ACM panels is to do the process from top to bottom by using long and even brush strokes. For better results, it is recommended to paint the aluminum composite panels in the same direction as installed, whether horizontal or vertical.

Step Five: Applying the Second Coat of Paint

After the fourth step, it is essential to wait about two hours to dry and then apply the second paint layer. This phase will help the painter correct any flaws that occurred during the cladding material painting. Buying an extra gallon of paint is practical for additional touchups.

Step Six: Inspect the ACM panels to Find Issues

Once applying both layers of paint is finished, the paint-finish must be left to dry for at least 3 hours. Then it is crucial to inspect the work for missing spots, drips or bumps. If there is a sign of the old ACM panel finish notable beneath the new finish, the painter should apply one more paint coat.