Are you installing vinyl siding? Does the window molding have to be the same material as the siding? I'm confused. Here is my house with hardi plank and the window moldings are painted MDF. We will install shutters, but if we didn't, these moldings would be wide enough to stand alone, I think. This is an old picture so excuse that the paiting is not finished.

Exterior trim like yours is painted every day. As long as the trim aluminum is clean and dull, any quality exterior acrylic enamel will do well. I prefer Duration Exterior, since it's self priming. Be sure all caulking is done with acrylic latex caulk and has at least 4 hours to dry before painting.

Our contractor said "Savannah Wicker" is the most popular color siding used now and most people in our neighborhood used it as well. We went with three colors -- Savannah wicker for the normal siding, a second, lighter color for the window trim and a third color for the "cedar shake" we put in the peak. Just an idea -- we had boring vinyl replacement windows. Our aluminum trimmed them out beautifully -- if you can find someone who is good at bending aluminum -- they can really dress up your windows and make them pop!

The answer depends on your specific objectives for initial cost, maintenance, and aesthetics. Accordingly, you'll need to answer the question yourself. Here are some things to consider as you arrive at an answer: With respect to initial cost, aluminum-wrapped wood trim should be less expensive. With respect to maintenance, and assuming your PVC trim is painted, it will require periodic repainting. Aluminum wrap comes in colors that don't need to be painted. With respect to aesthetic appeal, I much prefer PVC. However, since you have aluminum wrapped trim on your home already, continuing that same look might be a better choice.