Tips on how to paint a vinyl outdoor surface

Question: My mother, who believes that if you say it is so, it must be so, has a vinyl roof on her bay window that she wants to repaint. My Internet search found that it can be done, and that a high-quality, 100 percent latex paint should be used, but she needs to hear it from the master.

Answer: The "master" defers to the Rohm & Haas Paint Quality Institute, which has never steered him wrong. The PQI says, "Yes, you can," with the proper surface preparation and, as you say, a high-quality, 100 percent latex paint.

You can follow the link http://www.paintquality.com/paint-professionals/newsletter/pdfs/0408newsletter.pdf, but, to summarize, this is what the institute recommends to contractors, for whom this article originally was designed:

"Unlike wood, these substrates - aluminum and vinyl - are significantly more rigid and dimensionally stable and, hence, there are generally less compelling reasons to paint these sidings."

But they do fade, chalk, and grow mildew and algae. As a result, aluminum and vinyl siding provide a great opportunity for painting.

Some things to keep in mind:

In most cases, simply power washing to remove dirt, chalk, and mildew is sufficient to prep the surface for painting. For mildew removal, washing with a mild bleach solution is recommended.

Painting transforms an otherwise dull exterior to a fresh, colorful finish. This is important not only from the standpoint of "curb appeal," but it can afford great creative satisfaction.

Top-quality 100 percent acrylic paints deliver good adhesion and durability on aluminum and vinyl siding.

Safe Kids' Week: That's what this week is called, and the people at FirstAlert, quoting the Home Safety Council and Safe Kids' USA, offer these tips for the home:

More than 850 children die from airway-obstruction injuries each year. Think like a child and walk through your home moving objects such as coins, buttons, and small toys out of reach.

While you might not think that they can reach a bathroom countertop, curious children often can accomplish remarkable feats. Keep your kids out of harm's way by securely storing pharmaceuticals in a compact security chest. And if someone in your family enjoys hunting, securely store ammunition and firearms in a heavy-duty gun safe.