If you’re thinking about replacing the siding on your home, you’re probably weighing a lot of options. Cost, appearance, durability — and maybe one more question that doesn’t always get asked upfront: “If I ever want to paint this down the road, will I be able to?”
That’s a smart thing to consider, especially if you like the idea of changing your home’s color in the future without having to replace the siding again. Some materials take paint well and give you more flexibility in the long term. Others can be tricky, or might not hold paint at all.
So if you’re investing in new siding now, it’s worth thinking ahead about which options give you the most control over your home’s look, and what kind of upkeep you’re signing up for.
Painting your home’s exterior can be a big decision, and it’s not always easy to know what your siding needs or what kind of prep is involved. If you’re in Omaha, where our weather runs from freezing cold winters to humid summers, knowing how paint will perform on your specific siding matters even more.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting homes across Omaha, Nebraska, since 1996. We’ve seen it all. From classic wood siding in older neighborhoods to newer vinyl or composite exteriors in suburbs like Elkhorn or Millard, our team understands what it takes to make paint stick and last.
We don’t just spray and go. We believe in doing the prep work, using high-quality products, and understanding the material we’re working with before ever picking up a paintbrush. That’s why homeowners across Omaha trust us to help them get lasting results.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of how painting different types of siding works, what kind of prep each one needs, and which materials can or can’t be painted effectively. You’ll also get tips for what to ask a painter before the project starts, so you don’t get stuck with a peeling mess in a year or two.
Not all siding is created equal. Here’s a breakdown of how the painting process changes depending on what your home is wrapped in.
Wood siding is beautiful and classic, but it also requires the most care and attention. You’ll often find this type of siding in older parts of Omaha—areas like Dundee, Benson, or Fairacres. If your home has wood siding, here’s what to know.
Why paint it:
Wood needs protection from moisture, insects, and sun exposure. Paint acts like a raincoat for your home.
Prep required:
This is the siding that demands the most prep. Expect scraping, sanding, and cleaning. Rotten wood needs to be replaced, and gaps should be caulked.
Priming:
Yes. Always. Bare wood absorbs paint unevenly, so a bonding primer is a must.
Paint type:
High-quality exterior acrylic paint works best, ideally in a satin or low-sheen finish to shed water without showing too many surface flaws.
What to expect:
If prepped and painted properly, painted wood siding can last 7 to 10 years. But skip the prep, and you could be repainting in 2 or 3.
Many homes built in the 90s and early 2000s in Omaha suburbs like LaVista, Papillion, and West Omaha have vinyl siding. It’s low maintenance, and most people think you can’t paint it. But you can—with a few important rules.
Can vinyl be painted?
Yes, but only with specific paints designed for vinyl.
Prep required:
It needs to be washed thoroughly, often with a mild detergent or soft pressure wash. No scraping or sanding needed unless the surface is damaged.
Priming:
Not always needed, unless the surface is chalky, aged, or on surfaces where repairs were done. A bonding primer may be used in specific cases.
Paint type:
Use vinyl-safe paint. This means paint that can expand and contract with the siding. Also, never choose a color darker than the original—dark paint can warp vinyl.
What to expect:
With the right products, painted vinyl can last 7 to 12+ years. It’s a great way to freshen up faded siding without replacing it.
Fiber cement siding is becoming more common across newer neighborhoods in Omaha, especially in custom homes or mid-to-high-end builds.
Why paint it:
Fiber cement holds paint well and is often installed with a factory primer. Over time, paint fades and needs a refresh.
Prep required:
Wash it, check for cracks or caulking failures, and re-caulk where needed.
Priming:
If it’s already factory-primed or painted, you usually don’t need primer. But if the siding is weathered or raw or on surfaces where repairs were done, primer helps with adhesion.
Paint type:
Acrylic latex paint works well on fiber cement.
What to expect:
Painted fiber cement can last 10 to 15 years if maintained.
LP SmartSide is another product often seen in newer Omaha homes. It’s designed to look like wood but with more durability and less maintenance.
Can it be painted?
Yes, and many times it’s pre-primed when installed.
Prep required:
Wash it, inspect for moisture damage, and re-caulk joints.
Priming:
Usually not necessary (unless it's over repaired ) if it’s pre-primed and in good condition.
Paint type:
Use high-quality acrylic latex.
What to expect:
Paint can last 7 to 10 years on this material.
Yes, although fewer Omaha homes use it today. You may find aluminum siding on homes built in the 60s and 70s.
Prep required:
Clean thoroughly and scuff-sand the surface so paint can grip.
Priming:
Yes. Use a bonding primer made for metal.
Paint type:
100 percent acrylic paint is best for aluminum.
What to expect:
It can last 5 to 8 years, depending on exposure and prep.
No matter what type of siding you have, here are a few important questions to ask your painter before signing a contract:
Getting clear answers to these questions can help you avoid shortcuts and make sure your paint job lasts.
Paint doesn’t just have to look good—it has to perform through heat, cold, snow, wind, and rain.
Here’s what really makes a difference:
Painting your home’s siding isn’t just about choosing a color. It’s about knowing what your house is made of and how that material interacts with paint, prep, and weather.
This article has walked you through how wood, vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, and aluminum siding are all different. We’ve covered what prep is involved, what kind of paint works best, and how long you can expect the results to last.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve spent decades learning how to get the most out of each surface. We’re here to help Omaha homeowners make smart, lasting decisions, whether you hire us or just use what we’ve shared here.
If you’re ready to move forward with your own painting project, click the button below to get a quote.
If you’re still figuring things out, try our exterior painting pricing calculator to get an idea of what your project might cost. It’s free and easy to use.