An aluminum screen enclosure is a beautiful way to enjoy outdoor living while staying protected from pests, debris, and the elements. But as Florida weather takes its toll, homeowners often notice fading or wear and begin to wonder:
Technically, yes — you can paint an aluminum enclosure. But at Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, our professional recommendation is not to paint your screen enclosure, and there’s a very important reason why:
Here’s what homeowners need to know before picking up a paintbrush.
While painting might seem like a quick and affordable facelift, it often creates more problems than it solves.
Aluminum is a smooth, non-porous material. Without flawless prep work — cleaning, sanding, etching, and priming — paint will not adhere correctly. Even with ideal preparation, painted aluminum often:
This leads to repeated repainting or premature enclosure failure.
Once aluminum is painted, moisture can become trapped between the paint layer and the metal. Over time, this accelerates:
What started as a cosmetic project can unintentionally shorten the lifespan of your enclosure.
If your enclosure needs painting, it’s typically because:
At this point, replacement—not painting—is usually the smarter, longer-lasting solution.
While Lafferty Aluminum & Screening does not offer painting services, we understand some homeowners may still decide to do so. If you proceed, following proper steps is crucial to avoid accelerated damage.
Wash the entire structure with mild detergent to remove dirt, mildew, and grime.
Check for loose screws, corrosion, or structural weakening. Painting over damage only masks the issue.
Use fine-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface so the primer can bond.
This is non-negotiable. Aluminum requires a specialty primer to prevent peeling.
High-quality acrylic latex paint withstands heat and humidity better than standard paints.
Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer to reduce drips and uneven curing.
Painted aluminum needs frequent cleaning and touch-ups to prevent deterioration.
If your enclosure is fading or showing age, it may be nearing the end of its service life. A replacement offers:
Instead of short-term cosmetic fixes, a new enclosure provides a fresh, durable, long-lasting upgrade.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we want homeowners to make decisions that protect their investment rather than unintentionally harm it.
Our experts can evaluate your existing enclosure and help you determine whether repair or replacement is the safest and most cost-effective solution for your home.
If you're wondering whether painting, repairing, or replacing your screen enclosure is the best choice, our team is here to provide honest, expert guidance.
👉 Use our Contact Form or call (321) 652-1078 to speak with a specialist today.
Let us help you protect your outdoor space — and avoid costly mistakes.
"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."
Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed.
"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job! I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
