I just talked to a business owner, he wants me to paint his awnings that hang over his windows. The old owner, hanging around to boast I guess, told me he painted his other awnings (as he points proudly to the new and improved version).He used gloss dark blue paint for 40 bucks. He would not divulge the secret paint used on the project but it looked good,no peeling etc. I know Ronan Aquacote works well on vinyl when I have used it (if the old guy used 2 gallons on his awning I'll need 4 to 5 times that amount on the project I am bidding on), he has me wondering about his paint, any suggestions?
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I've used Nazdar PX series screenprinting ink. I've used it to silkscreen awning graphics, but also to paint letters on them. It's designed to maintain a flexibility, which is a particularily good thing for outdoor awnings that might be flapping in the wind a little. I've also painted lettering with One Shot paint & had equally good results. I've never painted the whole awning though, & I have one to do in the next week, so I'm interested in what other tips show up here.
Posted by Steve Vigeant (Member # 439) on :
Aquacoat works, but it isn't a stain blocker and I had a problem with some sort of dripping from either road dirt or roofing leach that never went away. I eventually had to go over it with oil primer then Chromatic enamel. Go ahead with the Agua or tycoat, but count on two coats. Also loosen up the paint somehow, maybe with rapid tac, because it's a tough lay to keep down lap marks, gloss streaks or orange peel. Definately don't put it on right in the sun.
Posted by ScooterX (Member # 2023) on :
i've painted awning with semi-gloss latex exterior housepaint. took 2 or three coats (it was a light color covering a darker color). do one coat, have lunch, then do a second coat.
the biggest problem is the "ghost" left from the thickness of the previous painted signage.
Posted by Kevin Mann (Member # 7161) on :
Thanks for the tips. I dont think the owner will pay to get new awnings, painting sounds like the way to go. I need to remove the old vinyl lettering that is on it, if possible. Some of it is peeling badly.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I was thinking of a canvas type awning, but when you mentioned vinyl lettering... are you asking about painting a vinyl awning?
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Its been a while since I've painted an entire awning whether it was canvas or vinyl. However, in both cases, I've taken the awning down frame and all and after a thorough cleaning sprayed them with vinyl ink.
To me, using vinyl ink resulted in a more natural finish. I've tried using latex but I was never satisfied with how the finish looked.
But, that's just me.
.
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
if the awning is vinyl I have sprayed latex with excellent results. I did mention that I would suggest they replace with new fabric. If thats a no-go Ill spray with latex. great results.
in some situations I have rolled with foam roller, aggravating though
Posted by Kevin Mann (Member # 7161) on :
I was under the belief most awnings are made out of vinyl today. The existing lettering on it is vinyl however. I hadn't considered taking them down, I may need a return trip this weekend to look into that and verify the material used. It has been years since I painted canvas. Back in the day that is all we painted (for banners,etc.)-hated it though.
Posted by Dawud Shaheed (Member # 5719) on :
I painted a few awnings and they came out nice with high quality acrylic latex. Then I used vinyl as a paint mask and lettered on top.
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Latex, Latex or Latex.
jack
Posted by Steve Vigeant (Member # 439) on :
Ditto what Jack put so well. I didn't realize you might be talking about Sunbrella. If so I've painted dozens of awnings with low sheen or flat latex. Use scrap paint for a first coat and follow up with two with very little waiting necessary between coats. They usually look great even over old lettering, which really needs flat, and a disclaimer to the customer that it might be a little visible.
