what is the best type of exterior paint
Truck & Tool Rental The Home Depot Logo DIY Projects & Ideas Flooring & Area Rugs Lighting & Ceiling Fans Protect your home and increase curb appeal with the best exterior house paint A new coat of exterior paint improves your home’s appearance while simultaneously protecting it from moisture, fading and temperature changes. This guide will help you understand the different varieties of exterior paint and determine which type is best for your home. Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paint Water-based paint is typically used for most exterior applications, but oil-based paint may work better on metals and bleeding woods. Consists of pigment and binder with water used as carrier Flexible: Expands and contracts with siding on house Breathable: Won’t trap moisture and crack or peel Dries faster (1-6 hours) with less odor Latex paints with an all-acrylic binder hold up to weather better than those with a vinyl-acrylic binder. 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 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
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
most popular exterior house colors 2014 australia Should not be used for waterproofing or to repair roof leaks
room decorations ideas tumblr 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. Wind, rain and humidity can also affect the drying time and final appearance. Check your paint label for recommendations on temperature ranges before starting. Exterior Paint, Stain & Waterproofing Masonry, Brick & Stucco Paint Ask A Home Depot ExpertErrors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.
Types of Exterior Paint 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. Sheen describes the degree of light reflection paint has. Usually the less sheen paint has, the less stain-resistant it is. 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. If paint is applied over a damp or wet surface, you can count on an unwanted blistering problem. Good to KnowYou can lessen toxic chemicals by choosing a low-VOC exterior paint. A primer is necessary to help paint adhere to the surface, providing a more uniform appearance and a longer-lasting finish. A primer is also needed if you're repainting over existing bright or dark colors.