What Types of Exterior Paints Are Best Used?

Painting the façade of a house can be a long and arduous process. However, if the work is carried out well, the transformation can be rather drastic! When a quality product is applied to a well-prepared surface, said painted surface will have a longer service life. 

Furthermore, it’ll protect the house from the effects of the sun, wind, rain, and snow. While the price of paint often speaks to the quality of the product, there are several factors that will help you determine which paint product is right for your home.

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Paint

1) Water-based paint

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There's an ongoing debate about the most appropriate product to use for exterior surfaces. The battle is between oil-based products, which include alkyd paints that work with mineral spirits, and water-based paints, better known as latex paints. Most experts say that water-based paints are better, hands down.

While oil-based paints prevent mould and mildew growth inside a home, water-based paints allow water vapour to be released through the paint film.

You may be inclined to skimp a bit when it comes to selecting a specific paint to save money since the price of such products does vary quite a bit. However, most experts maintain that any manufacturer's high-end line is the preferred choice. Also, check whether the product you choose comes with a warranty, as this will also speak to the paint’s quality level.

2) Titanium dioxide-based pigments

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If the product in question contains a high-quality pigment, it'll last longer; it's as simple as that. If you choose a paint type with low-quality pigments, you'll end up having to apply more coats, which means more work, as well as more product use. For long-lasting results, stick to a product with titanium dioxide pigments.

3) High solids paint

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The "solids content" refers to the remnants that linger after the paint has dried. In this respect, you should look for a high solid content paint, preferably with a level above 45%, resulting in a very dense and resistant layer of paint.

Some manufacturers add low-end fillers to boost the percentage of solids. For that matter, it’s important to ask the sales representative questions as to the percentage of solids since this information is typically not written on the label. 

4) An acrylic binder

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Binders are used to hold pigments, anti-mould agents, and all other solids together to make the paint. For the most effective results, choose an acrylic binder. It's more durable than vinyl and acrylic vinyl. Also, consider the type of material being coated in paint.

The majority of water-based paints can be used on wood, siding panels, vinyl, aluminum cladding, and masonry. If you happen to be working with stucco, elastomeric paint can be a valuable option. Also, consider paints that are designed for weather conditions specific to your region, since climate plays a key role in terms of the paint's durability. 

Choosing Colours for an Exterior Paint Project

If you're having a tough time deciding what colours you'd like to use to coat your home, don't sweat it too much. Stop by a local hardware or paint store and consult with someone who can give you some colour samples for your walls, trim, and siding.

If samples aren't available, a paint retailer can assist you in finding the right colour palette. It's best to choose lighter shades for the front of your home, as darker colours tend to retain more heat, which can contribute to moisture problems down the line.

Preparing Exterior Surfaces 

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Got a colour and type of paint picked out? Then you're ready to start prepping! However, if your home isn't quite ready to receive a new coat of paint, no matter what type of paint you've chosen, the result may not be up to par. Therefore, make sure to apply a coat of primer if the surface hasn't already been processed. The primer will seal the surface and provide a worktop where the paint can adhere.

If you happen to be working with untreated wood, choose an alkyd primer, as it’ll prevent spots or stains from bleeding through. If you're applying a new coat of paint to a previously painted surface, you'll need to apply a primer, even more so if you notice paint cracks or chips. It's also super important that you follow the instructions listed on the label, as temperatures outside will affect the degree to which the paint and primer will adhere to the surface.

For more information about exterior paint, check out another of our blog articles: How to Paint the Exterior Walls of Your Home.

To get an idea of the costs involved for an exterior paint project, check out our article How Much Does an Outdoor Paint Project Cost?