Should You Paint Gutters and Downspouts?

When you look at your home’s exterior, something feels a little... off. Maybe you’ve had your house repainted recently, or maybe you’re just starting to think about it. But for some reason, the gutters and downspouts stick out like a sore thumb. They’re faded, dented, or just don’t match the new color scheme. You might be asking yourself, “Do I paint them? Replace them? Leave them alone?” You’re not alone in wondering if painted gutters and downspouts actually matter, or if they’ll just end up peeling or looking worse over time.

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, we’ve been painting homes, inside and out, since 1996. We’ve seen what happens when details like gutters are forgotten and how much of a difference it makes when they’re done right. We use premium materials, we don’t skip prep work, and we’ve worked on hundreds of homes across the Omaha area. So when it comes to something like painting house gutters and downspouts, we’ve got the experience to walk you through the pros and cons.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear answer to the question: Should you paint your gutters and downspouts? We’ll cover when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, what kind of paint works best, and what to look out for. Whether you're trying to boost curb appeal or just want things to match, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do next.

Can You Paint Gutters and Downspouts?

Yes, you can paint gutters and downspouts. In fact, many homeowners in Omaha choose to do exactly that, especially when repainting the exterior of their house. Painting rain gutters is a smart way to help everything look polished and pulled together.

That said, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Let’s walk through the key points to help you make the right decision for your home.

Why Homeowners Paint Gutters

Most of the time, homeowners choose to paint gutters and downspouts for one of these reasons:

• The existing color clashes with the new siding or paint
• The gutters are old, but still functional
• The original paint is faded or peeling
• They want everything to look more uniform or modern

Especially on older homes in Omaha, gutters and downspouts are often made of aluminum and installed decades ago. While still in working condition, they might not match today’s style or color trends.

Painting them gives your home a more complete look, and it’s more affordable than replacing them.

Should You Paint or Replace?

If your gutters are leaking, cracked, sagging, or completely rusted, painting won’t help. That’s when it’s time to replace them.

But if they’re solid and just need a cosmetic refresh, painting is a great option. Think of it like painting your garage door or trim; it makes a huge difference in how the whole home looks.

Here’s a quick way to decide:

What Paint Should Be Used on Gutters?

This part matters. You can’t just slap on leftover wall paint and hope it sticks. Gutters are made of metal, usually aluminum or galvanized steel, and they expand and contract with the weather. That’s especially true in Omaha, where we get freezing winters and hot summers.

The best paint for gutters:

• It is made for exterior metal surfaces
• Has strong adhesion and flexibility
• Is fade and peel resistant
• Matches or complements your house color

For aluminum gutters, an oil-based bonding primer followed by 100% acrylic latex exterior paint usually works best. At Brush & Roll Painting, we typically use high-quality products like Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior line, but what matters most is the prep work.

How to Prep Gutters for Painting

Good prep work is the difference between a job that lasts a decade and one that starts flaking in a year.

Here’s what professional painters should do before painting house gutters:

1. Clean the gutters thoroughly
   Remove dirt, mildew, and oxidation with a mild detergent or degreaser. Rinse and let them dry completely.
2. Scrape and sand
   Remove any loose or peeling paint. Lightly sand the surface to help the new paint stick better.
3. Prime the surface
   Apply a metal-friendly bonding primer to areas that were repaired and sanded; this is especially important for bare aluminum or steel.
4. Paint with the right exterior product
   Once primed and dry, paint the gutters with a high-quality exterior paint designed for metal. Two coats are usually recommended.

This process takes time and attention to detail, especially when working up on ladders and in the heat. That’s one reason many Omaha homeowners choose to hire a professional painting company instead of doing it themselves.

What Color Should You Paint Your Gutters?

There are a few different approaches to this, and the best choice depends on the style of your home.

Option 1: Match the trim
This is the most common choice. If your trim is white or off-white, painting gutters to match helps everything blend in cleanly.

Option 2: Match the siding
This can help gutters visually disappear, especially on modern or minimalist homes.

Option 3: Match the roof
Less common, but it can work well if you want the gutters to tie in with darker shingles or metal roofing.

Tip: Downspouts that run along siding are usually painted to match the wall color, so they don’t stand out.

In Omaha, where homes vary widely in age and style, we’ve seen all three approaches work. If you’re not sure, look at a few houses in your neighborhood or talk to your painter about what’s worked well in similar homes.

Will Painted Gutters Last?

Yes, if done right. With good prep, quality primer and paint, and the right application, painted gutters can look good for 7 to 10 years or longer.

That said, weather and sunlight always take a toll over time. South-facing sides of your home (which get the most sun) will usually fade faster. Occasional maintenance, like cleaning your gutters and inspecting for paint wear, helps stretch the life of your paint job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Gutters

Whether you’re hiring a painter or considering DIY, be sure to avoid these common issues:

• Skipping primer: Especially on bare aluminum, primer is a must.
• Painting over dirty or oxidized metal: Even if it looks “good enough,” the paint won’t stick for long.
• Using the wrong kind of paint: Interior paint or low-cost exterior paint won’t last.
• Bad color choices: Clashing colors or high-contrast gutters can look awkward unless it’s part of the overall design.
• Ignoring failing gutters: Don’t paint over damaged or leaky gutters. That’s like putting lipstick on a broken pipe.

Is Painting Gutters Worth It?

Here’s the short answer: Yes, if your gutters still function and just need a visual upgrade. Painting them costs far less than replacing them, and it can make your whole home look more finished and clean.

In Omaha, where we see a lot of older homes being updated, it’s often a great middle ground between doing nothing and replacing everything.

If you're already repainting your home, it’s the perfect time to paint the gutters too. You’ll get a cleaner look, better curb appeal, and everything will tie together nicely.

Exterior Painting in Omaha, NE

If you’ve made it this far, you probably had that little voice wondering whether painted downspouts and gutters would actually help your home look better, and now you have your answer.

We’ve covered why painting rain gutters can be a smart, cost-effective option, how to do it right, and what choices make the biggest difference. Whether you decide to match your trim, your siding, or just freshen up old aluminum gutters, painting can make a bigger impact than you might expect.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped Omaha homeowners with exactly these decisions since 1996. While we don’t believe in pushing services, we do believe in helping you feel confident in your choices.

Click the button below to get a quote, we’d be happy to take a look at your project.

And if you're still figuring out how much your exterior project might cost, click the button below to head over to our Exterior Painting Pricing Calculator and get a ballpark number in just a few clicks.