What's behind our paint Ratings? and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers. Many aspects of paint performance depend more on the quality of the base than on the color. The tint base largely determines the paint's toughness and resistance to dirt and stains, while the colorant contributes to hiding and how much the paint will fade. Here's how to pick the right one for the job: CO & smoke alarmsExterior paints have improved over the past decade. They’re more durable, and less prone to cracking and fading. Consumer Reports’ latest exterior paint tests show what you can expect after a paint has been exposed to sun, rain, snow, and wind for years. It’s not always pretty. You want to know which exterior paints are likely to last the longest on your home. One year of our severe testing is equivalent to about three years of normal weathering. After three years of testing, you get a glimpse at how this paint will look after nine years. We evaluate cracking, color change, and resistance to dirt and mildew.

It all begins with painting pine test panels and putting them on racks on the roof of our headquarters in Yonkers, New York. We face the boards south at an angle of 25 degrees to intensify the effects of sun and weather. Most tested exterior paints—14 out of 15—looked great after three years. At six years, we saw changes in most, and even more changes after the equivalent of nine years. Most tested exterior paints will look good for eight to 10 years, including Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $39, and Clark+Kensington, $35. (Prices are per gallon.) But some paint cracked and faded by year nine, so you’ll probably have to paint again after six to nine years. These paints include Glidden High Endurance Plus, $29, Sherwin-Williams Resilience, $63, and Behr Marquee, $48, the lowest scoring of the tested paints. Consider Your Climate and Weather Sunny, hot and dry climates require a paint that resists cracking and color change. Warm and muggy areas call for mildew resistance, and desert homes need paint that resists dirt.

You’ll see which paints did well in the Features & Specs section of our exterior paint Ratings. And check the weather forecast. Daytime temperatures between 50° and 90°F with little or no wind are best for painting; never paint in the rain. Start with our paint buying guide, then see our exterior paint Ratings. Our tests have found that a brand’s flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss paints perform similarly overall, so we combine the scores to make it easier for you to compare. room decorating tips and tricksClick the Features & Specs tab to narrow your choices.pinterest beach house decor Types of Exterior Paintvintage wedding decorations for tables

Solvent-based (oil or alkyd): Oil-based paint dries slower than latex - usually taking 24 hours to cure. It cleans up with turpentine or paint thinner. Oil-based is the best choice if you're going to paint over a surface that's already been painted with an oil-based paint. Latex should not be used over an oil-based paint because it will peel. Water-based (latex): Latex paint dries fast and cleans up easier than oil-based paint, requiring only soap and water. Another advantage is that latex expands in warmer temperatures and contracts in cooler temperatures so it's durable under varying conditions.best black paint color for exterior door Sheen describes the degree of light reflection paint has. home decorating wholesale productsUsually the less sheen paint has, the less stain-resistant it is. room decoration ideas for student

Different manufacturers may have various trade names for them, but in general sheens are classified as follows: Gloss is the toughest. It cleans easily and resists scuffs better so it's a good choice for areas in constant use, like door jambs and window casings. For shutters and trimwork, gloss paint provides a nice contrast to the siding. Gloss paint will, however, show imperfections in the surface more than other sheens. Semi-gloss paints are also durable and easy to clean, but have less shine than gloss. They are, however, just as suitable for trimwork and casings. Satin (sometimes referred to as eggshell or low luster) offers a good combination of easy-clean and moderate sheen. It works well on siding that's in good condition. Flat paint is the best choice for vinyl and aluminum siding that's scratched or dented because it hides imperfections well and spatters less when applied. It's also easier to touch up. Good to KnowIf you want to change colors, buy a small quantity of your color choice.

Try it out before purchasing several gallons. Paint a small area and wait a few days. Paints can react to each other and cast reflections that may change the appearance. Characteristics of Quality Exterior Paint Hiding power is the ability of the paint to sufficiently cover or conceal the surface where it's applied. Hiding power comes from the paint's pigment and is affected by the manner and thickness of the application. Color retention refers to tinted paints only. The paint's ability to maintain its original color during exposure determines its color retention. Chalking resistance prevents the white chalky powder from forming on the surface and lightening the color of the paint. Chalking occurs over a period of time when the binder slowly degrades. The telltale streaking of paint (chalk run-down) is one consequence of using a paint that isn't chalk-resistant. Blister resistance will keep excessive moisture from coming through the substrate and affecting the paint layer.