Painting vinyl siding

[dennis thompson]

We have vinyl shakes on our house. They are in perfect shape but my wife has decided she wants to change the color. I had a painter in yesterday to get an estimate. He said would prime first with the chosen color . He then said he would recommend a solid stain for the second coat. He said it would last longer than paint. I was surprised because I thought stain was only used on wood.
What do you think of his stain recommendation?
Thanks

[Jim Becker]

Opaque "stain" is more "paint like" that you might think...and is a lot more flexible which is an asset on vinyl since that material expands and contracts with temperature in a meaningful way.

[Bert Kemp]

But remember painting over the original vinyl will eventually fade, flak and need repainting were as the original will last a long time.

[Steve Jenkins]

When painting vinyl do not paint it a darker color. Neighbor did this and it warped and twisted something fierce. Google "painting vinyl"

[Bruce Wrenn]

The expression used to be "vinyl is final,"meaning you were stuck with the color as long as it was on the house. Don't care to live in a recycled milk jug. Go by local paint store and ask what they recommend and warranty.

[Mike Wilkins]

I painted the vinyl soffit/fascia on my home about 8 years ago and have not had a problem since. Even power-washed a few times with no adverse effects at all. The guy at the paint counter at the local Lowes suggested an exterior-grade acrylic latex paint after matching it to the sample of the vinyl on a sunroom addition. You have to prep the material first with a good thorough washing, but mine has weathered well.

[Bruce Wrenn]

One big problem on painting vinyl is it contracts and expands with temp. changes. Paint it when warm, and you will have "holidays" when it contracts.

[dennis thompson]

My wife wanted to change the color from a light tan to a dark grey. I emailed the people who make vinyl siding and they recommended not to paint the vinyl. I also emailed Sherman Williams and they recommended against painting a darker color, so we are not going to paint the vinyl.
Thanks for the responses.