Types of Exterior Paints
Exterior Paint
he most likely choice that will be made right after deciding to paint the exterior of your home is what color will be used. However, while choosing an appropriate color for your residential painting is very important, it is equally important to consider the different types of exterior paint that are available and which type would be the best to use on your dwelling. There really is not a “perfect” type of exterior paint, but there are definitely some choices which are the best option for certain types of exterior painting projects. There are actually several different types of paints and a little research can go a long way toward helping you choose the best one for achieving your desired results.
Finding the Best Paint for an Exterior Painting Project
In most cases, the best paint to use outside is acrylic latex. This is specially formulated and contains large amounts of acrylic resin. This is an ingredient that is considered a binder which means it acts sort of like glue. Acrylic latex is sometimes the preferred choice of homeowners because it resists factors which can affect the aesthetic quality of the paint such as mildew, fading and chalking. Another reason it is popular is because it is very versatile and can be used on a broad spectrum of surface materials such as wood, vinyl and aluminum. These and other materials like them expand with changes in humidity and temperature and the acrylic latex paints are created to specifically allow for this type of movement. There are some more modern formulas being used for these types of paints which also contain polyurethane. Manufacturers suggest that this ingredient works to improve the paint’s adhesion to the surface which makes it resistant to cracking and peeling as well. There are fewer odors that homeowners have to be concerned about since acrylic latex paints are water based. This also means that it is much easier to clean up after you’ve completed the project.
Exterior Paint and Finishes
Sheen is a term that is used to classify paints. It refers to the amount of light that the paint will reflect. Paints that have less sheen are less resistant to staining. Gloss is considered as one of the toughest sheens. It is popular because it is easy to clean up and its appearance also makes it a great choice to use on trim or shutters. Paints that have a glossy sheen are very eye-catching in appearance and have a sleek look. The problem that most homeowners experience with high gloss paints is that they tend to reveal imperfections which exist on the surface at least more than some of the lower sheen paints. Semi-gloss paints fit somewhere in the middle and have less shine but are still very durable. These are also very easy to clean up.
Satin finishes are also called “eggshell” or “low luster” paints. These have just the right amount of sheen and are very easy to keep clean. However, they do still have some sheen. The satin finishes are commonly used on siding that is already in good condition. Flat paint is the preference for aluminum and vinyl siding that is beginning to show some signs of wear and tear. Flat paints are good to cover up dents and scratches; and when using flat finishes for exterior painting projects it offers the option of easy touch ups should it become blemished.
How to Choose High Quality Exterior Paint
High quality paints have some worthwhile characteristics that make them very good choices for using on exterior surfaces. One feature of high quality paints is that is can sufficiently cover the surface being painted. This is simply because of the paint’s pigment. It’s also important to choose a paint that is going to retain its color even if it is exposed to weather or direct sunlight. It is also important to ask about paints which are specifically resistant to chalking as it can be irreversible and is unsightly. Exterior paints of good quality will resist chalking which naturally occurs over time as the binder slowly breaks down. Another question to ask about paint selection is if it will blister. The homeowner can provide some protection from blistering by making sure the surface to be painted is completely dry before the painting begins.
Finding the Best Paint for an Exterior Painting Project
In most cases, the best paint to use outside is acrylic latex. This is specially formulated and contains large amounts of acrylic resin. This is an ingredient that is considered a binder which means it acts sort of like glue. Acrylic latex is sometimes the preferred choice of homeowners because it resists factors which can affect the aesthetic quality of the paint such as mildew, fading and chalking. Another reason it is popular is because it is very versatile and can be used on a broad spectrum of surface materials such as wood, vinyl and aluminum. These and other materials like them expand with changes in humidity and temperature and the acrylic latex paints are created to specifically allow for this type of movement. There are some more modern formulas being used for these types of paints which also contain polyurethane. Manufacturers suggest that this ingredient works to improve the paint’s adhesion to the surface which makes it resistant to cracking and peeling as well. There are fewer odors that homeowners have to be concerned about since acrylic latex paints are water based. This also means that it is much easier to clean up after you’ve completed the project.
Exterior Paint and Finishes
Sheen is a term that is used to classify paints. It refers to the amount of light that the paint will reflect. Paints that have less sheen are less resistant to staining. Gloss is considered as one of the toughest sheens. It is popular because it is easy to clean up and its appearance also makes it a great choice to use on trim or shutters. Paints that have a glossy sheen are very eye-catching in appearance and have a sleek look. The problem that most homeowners experience with high gloss paints is that they tend to reveal imperfections which exist on the surface at least more than some of the lower sheen paints. Semi-gloss paints fit somewhere in the middle and have less shine but are still very durable. These are also very easy to clean up.
Satin finishes are also called “eggshell” or “low luster” paints. These have just the right amount of sheen and are very easy to keep clean. However, they do still have some sheen. The satin finishes are commonly used on siding that is already in good condition. Flat paint is the preference for aluminum and vinyl siding that is beginning to show some signs of wear and tear. Flat paints are good to cover up dents and scratches; and when using flat finishes for exterior painting projects it offers the option of easy touch ups should it become blemished.
How to Choose High Quality Exterior Paint
High quality paints have some worthwhile characteristics that make them very good choices for using on exterior surfaces. One feature of high quality paints is that is can sufficiently cover the surface being painted. This is simply because of the paint’s pigment. It’s also important to choose a paint that is going to retain its color even if it is exposed to weather or direct sunlight. It is also important to ask about paints which are specifically resistant to chalking as it can be irreversible and is unsightly. Exterior paints of good quality will resist chalking which naturally occurs over time as the binder slowly breaks down. Another question to ask about paint selection is if it will blister. The homeowner can provide some protection from blistering by making sure the surface to be painted is completely dry before the painting begins.