what is the best exterior paint

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 alarmswhat's the best exterior paint brand? 1 2 3 NEXT YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... 11 Paint Colors Designers Pick for Their Own Homes 15 Old House Features We Shouldn't Abandon 13 Lazy Cleaning Tricks for a Spotless Home Laundry Room Ideas to Knock Your Socks Off Insanely Easy 60-Minute Home Improvements 12 Sheds You Could Live (or Work) In Assembly Required: 15 DIY Kit Homes 7 House Sounds You Never Want to Ignore 10 Surprisingly Simple Woodworking Projects Worth It: 8 Renovations That Pay You Back Organize Your Life with 12 Dollar-Store Buys

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Consists of pigment and resin in a solvent thinner. When thinners evaporate, the resins form a hard coating, leaving behind the pigment, which provides the color Longer dry time (8-24 hours) Better adhesion and stain blocking: Ideal for chalky or stained surfaces, bleeding woods (tannin or sap) and metals that rust
decorations for christmas out of paper Tip: Water-based paint can be applied over oil-based paint, but oil-based paint shouldn’t be applied over water-based paint. On surfaces with four or more coats of oil paint, stick with oil, since a water-based paint may cause the oil paint to pull away and crack. Bare wood and a few other bare surfaces need to be primed before you paint them. Like paint, primers come in oil- and water-based varieties. Oil-based primers are suitable for use with oil- or water-based paint, so you can prime a chalky surface with oil-based primer for better adhesion and still take advantage of the benefits of latex paint.

Like oil-based paint, these primers are preferable for stained wood, bleeding wood (sap or tannin) and metals that rust. Water-based primers are recommended for most applications, but should only be used with water-based paint. Look for specific primers to be used wood, concrete, and metals such as galvanized steel, iron and aluminum. Choose between flat/matte, glossy and satin finishes. Flat/matte finish: A flat finish hides imperfections better than a glossier finish but doesn’t clean as well. Flat finishes are generally used for siding. Glossy finish: Glossy paint creates a hard, shiny, durable finish that is easy to clean. Glossy paint brings out details, so it is usually preferred for trim and doors. It also accentuates imperfections, so it is not well-suited for siding or walls. Satin finish: A satin finish has a slight gloss, so it is easier to clean than flat paint yet still hides imperfections well. Exterior paint must withstand harsh weather, sunlight, temperatures and more.

For this reason, some formulas are designed for use on specific parts of your home. What You Should Know Oil and latex available; 100% acrylic latex lends the best results Provides weather-resistant coverage for garages, porches, decks and concrete surfaces Oil and latex are both available; oil is better for tin gutters Adheres well to galvanized steel and aluminum A galvanized metal primer must be applied before painting Oil and latex formulations available Will withstand wear and exposure to severe weather conditions Manufacturers offer specific formulations for regional climates Ideal for stucco, concrete, cement and shingles Most require a special pretreatment or bonding primer Pool and Marine Paint Look for a polymerized cement-based product for concrete and gunite pools Look for paints that provide stain- and abrasion-resistance Be sure to check for compatibility with your surface (pool, concrete deck or spa)

Look for an acrylic-latex blend Most are mildew- and algae-proof Should not be used for waterproofing or to repair roof leaks Can be tinted to match roof color Surface Preparation and Painting Even the best paint won’t adhere well or produce good results if you don’t prepare the surface correctly. If the surface has been painted before, check for peeling paint and scrape it off prior to applying a new coat. Clean, scrape and fill holes in the surface prior to paint application. If unpainted wood is gray or weathered, it should be sanded. Sleek surfaces may require light sanding to improve adhesion with primer or paint. Prime all bare wood, including bare spots and nails on previously painted surfaces. Tip: Paint in the right weather: In temperatures colder than 50 degrees, most paint won’t dry, but cold-weather paints are available for cooler climates. In warm temperatures or direct sunlight, paint may dry too fast, causing lap marks.