Regardless of your home’s exterior – whether it is wood, metal, brick, or concrete – it deserves a “shield” that will help slow down its degradation and protect your residence for many years. And that shield is a fresh coat of good-quality paint.
Of course, a successful exterior house painting job does not depend on quality paints alone. Professional exterior painters near me know that without solid preparation on exterior surfaces, even the best paints won’t stick to them.
However, good prep work does not also give you an excuse to purchase cheap but inferior paints or the wrong paints that may not last. Good prep work and quality paints must go hand in hand in providing exterior surfaces with a solid, beautiful, and long-lasting finish.
If you are planning an exterior paint project, it is easy to get stressed wondering which paint is best for your home. The answer depends on the type and condition of your home’s exterior surface and your preferences – and it goes much further than just choosing the best colors or finishes.
The most recommended exterior paints
1) Latex paint
Latex paints are the most popular choice for house painting for a reason. They are budget-friendly and can significantly save on the costs of painting your home.
Latex paints are water-based with synthetic binders such as acrylic resin and polyvinyl acetate. Since they are water-based, latex paints are flexible as they expand and contract to temperature changes. However, they are not the most durable, so you should choose latex paints specifically formulated for outdoor use.
They are also available in various colors and finishes, leaving you with many options, especially if you intend to paint your home with a different color. It would help to choose latex paints with a glossy finish since exterior surfaces are more subject to weather elements and temperature fluctuations.
2) Acrylic paint
Acrylic paints are water-based paints that have the same composition and use as latex paints. However, acrylic paints contain more significant amounts of acrylic polymers than latex. These properties give acrylic paints a thicker and more viscous consistency, making them more flexible, durable, and long-lasting than latex paints.
Because of the said characteristics, acrylic paints are ideal for most exterior paint projects. They also work well for plaster, stucco, and drywall. However, they are somewhat more expensive than latex paints.
3) Oil-based paint
Although oil-based paints have fallen out of favor mainly due to their impact on health and the environment, some professional painters still prefer them over latex for exterior paint jobs. Oil-based paints are highly durable, hold up very well to traffic and cleaning, and give a nice and smooth flow when applied.
As the paints dry, they form a smooth and hard surface, making them ideal for doors, trim, deck floors, railings, and the entire siding.
On the downside, oil-based paints are less flexible than latex and acrylic paints. Thus, they are more prone to cracks and discoloration. They are also challenging to clean.
4) Epoxy paint
Epoxy paints are basically acrylic paints with amounts of epoxy mixed into them. This addition gives epoxy paints a thick consistency and allows them to bond and adhere firmly to concrete.
Epoxy paints give you the double benefits of acrylic paint and an epoxy coating without applying two different products. They are resistant to moisture, abrasion, oil, grease, and chemicals, making them ideal for basements and garage floors.
However, many do not know that epoxy paints work just as well on exterior walls, whether made of concrete, brick, stone, wood, or metal.
5) Elastomeric paint
Elastomeric paint is a high-build coating designed to protect masonry surfaces, such as brick and building stones ranging from concrete to marble to granite. Painters can also use it on other surfaces, like wood, metal, and vinyl.
While elastomeric paints are most commonly used for commercial and industrial applications, homeowners can also use them for house painting.
As elastomeric paints harden, they form a durable but flexible and water-tight layer, which will protect the surface from the elements and bridge and repair non-structural hairline cracks.
Types of paint finishes
When choosing paints for exterior surfaces, you must consider factors other than the formula. Exterior paints give off a finish that determines how they look once they dry. The paint’s overall finish is the ratio of binders, resins, and pigment levels in the paint. Some finishes are better for trim and smaller details, while others are ideal for the entire siding.
- Flat or matte – They have a solid and non-reflective finish. Flat or matte paints provide excellent coverage and hide from surface flaws. However, they are the least durable and most prone to scuffing, so they’re not commonly used for exterior applications.
- Eggshell – Paints with eggshell finish have a faint sheen, making them more resistant to scuffing and easier to clean than flat paints. Eggshell paints are also excellent in hiding surface flaws so you can use them for exterior walls.
- Satin – Satin paints are a bit glossier than eggshell, making them more durable. They reflect light, giving the surface a brighter, shinier appearance. Unfortunately, that sheen reveals some surface flaws.
- Semi-gloss – These paints give off a much more noticeable sheen than eggshell and satin. They are more durable and resistant to moisture, scuffing, and scrubbing. Semi-gloss paints are typically used on doors, trims, and anywhere else where their shiny appearance won’t be distracting.
- Glossy – These paints are the shiniest and most durable on the market. They are also the easiest to clean. Their highly reflective, mirror-like appearance attracts the eye. Unfortunately, the high level of sheen can show imperfections that might draw unwanted attention. Glossy paints are best for doors, trim, railings, deck floors, and smaller architectural details. However, you want to be sure that the surfaces are well prepared before applying glossy paints on them.
If you still need professional recommendations, hire a licensed painter near me for exterior house painting. They will guide you in choosing paints that will give your home’s exterior surfaces a great-looking finish and a protective layer that will extend the life of your home.