Exterior Painting – Choosing the Right Paint and Finish
It’s important to pick the right paint and finish when it comes to exterior painting. Using the wrong type of paint can cause your work to crack, fade, or peel.
To avoid this, you must thoroughly prepare your surface and use low-VOC paints. Taking care of these details will ensure that your hard-earned investment doesn’t go to waste.
Alkyd paint is a durable oil-based paint that can be used on interior and exterior surfaces, including wood and metal. This variety of paint resists impact, abrasion, moisture, and chemical damage, making it perfect for areas of the home that receive a lot of traffic. Alkyd paints also offer a wide range of sheen options, so homeowners can choose the look that best suits their aesthetic preferences.
Although modern varieties of latex paint are more durable than ever, many painters still prefer to use alkyd paint for their projects. This is because this paint type provides a richer finish and offers better stain resistance. Additionally, it is easier to clean up than traditional latex paints, and it will not peel or flake. However, it is important to remember that alkyd paints are more expensive than latex, and the application process can take longer than with other types of paint.
For these reasons, it is essential to choose the right paint for your project before you start. One option is to buy an alkyd primer, which will help ensure that your topcoat will last as long as possible. It is also important to choose the right sheen level for your workpiece, as different sheens will require varying amounts of maintenance.
Traditionally, alkyd paints have been preferred by professionals due to their ability to adhere well to surfaces and provide a hard, smooth surface that minimizes surface imperfections and hides brush or roller marks. These qualities made them a popular choice for doors, cabinets, furniture and commercial wall coverings. However, recent improvements to the durability and block resistance of these paints have caused many painters to switch to Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterbased Acrylic Alkyd.
These high-quality paints can be applied by spray or brush, and they are easy to clean up with mineral spirits or paint thinner. However, they do not dry as quickly as latex paints, and they can emit a strong odor during the application process. For this reason, it is important to use proper ventilation when applying these paints. It is also a good idea to apply multiple coats of these paints, as this will increase their durability.
Acrylic
When it comes to painting your home’s exterior, the best choice is acrylic. This durable paint protects against UV rays, wind, moisture, and other weather elements that can cause damage to your home’s exterior. In addition to being weather resistant, acrylic paint is long-lasting and easily cleanable. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood and aluminum siding, stucco, drywall, and plaster. Acrylic paints also form an excellent bond with masonry and cement surfaces.
Another benefit of using acrylic latex paint for exterior painting is that it dries quickly and has a low odor. This makes it easy to clean up and use, especially for homeowners who have children or pets in the house. This type of paint is also water-based, which means it is safer for the environment and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like alkyd oil.
Acrylic paints also offer strong adhesion and are breathable, which means they can be used on a wide variety of surfaces. They also withstand fluctuating temperatures, making them a great option for outdoor areas. In addition, acrylic paints can withstand moisture and sun damage, and they are also less likely to crack or peel than other types of paints.
If you choose a high-quality acrylic latex paint, it can last up to 10 years or more before it needs to be repainted. However, it is important to keep in mind that this depends on the quality of the paint, climate conditions, and the material being painted. To help extend the life of your paint job, you should perform regular power-washing to remove dirt, mildew, and other debris.
Another reason to choose acrylic for your exterior painting is that it offers a wide range of color options. This means you can find the perfect color to match your home’s style. Acrylic paints also dry a lot faster than oil-based paints, which can be beneficial for professional painters who need to finish commissions or do demos on location. This fast drying time also allows you to make changes or re-paint your work without waiting days or weeks.
Epoxy
If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-clean finish, epoxy paint is an excellent choice. This versatile material can be used for a variety of surfaces, including concrete floors and walls. It’s available in a wide range of colors and unique mixes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your space.
Epoxy coatings are thicker than standard paint, and they’re also highly resistant to abrasions, impact, chemicals, oil and grease. Because of their durability, they can last for a long time. Epoxy can be very slippery, however, so it’s important to use caution when applying it.
Another benefit of epoxy coatings is that they are dust-resistant. This feature makes them a great option for garages and workshops, where traffic can disturb dusty powder that can be difficult to clean off cars, tools and storage units. Additionally, epoxy can withstand high temperatures, which means it’s ideal for saunas and swimming pools.
Epoxy can be very expensive to apply, but it’s worth the investment if you want a tough and attractive surface that will last for years to come. It’s important to prepare the surface for application, and you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also essential to let the epoxy dry between coats, so be sure to plan accordingly.
While epoxy can be used on a variety of surfaces, it’s most commonly used for garage floors and other concrete areas that are exposed to heavy traffic and moisture. It’s an excellent alternative to a bare concrete floor and can improve the look of your home or garage.
If you’re considering epoxy for your home or business, you should contact a professional painting contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. These professionals can help you select the best products and apply them according to your specific needs. They can also advise you on how much epoxy you need and whether you need to apply a clear topcoat. In addition, they can recommend a suitable surface preparation product and etching solution for your substrates. It’s also important to note that epoxy and urethane are fairly technical coatings, so care must be taken when choosing them for your project.
Finishes
The finish of a paint job is just as important as the color used. The type of sheen you choose can make a huge difference in how long your exterior paint lasts, as well as how easy it is to clean. There are many different types of sheens to choose from, so it is important to select one that suits your style and needs.
Flat or matte finishes are good for hiding imperfections in the surface of your siding. They are also easier to clean than glossy paints. However, they can show stains and dirt more easily, so are not the best option for high-traffic areas of your home.
Satin and eggshell finishes are better options for surfaces that will be regularly exposed to the elements. They are relatively low in reflection and have a subtle sheen. They do a good job of hiding bumps and imperfections in the siding surface, and they are more durable than flat or matte finishes. They also tend to produce a slightly richer color, so can be a good choice for homes that want to make a bold design statement.
Glossy sheens are more reflective and have a lot of shine. They are generally very easy to clean, but they can be more difficult to apply. They are great for painting trim and doors, and they can help brighten up dark or dull areas. However, they can be hard to apply to larger areas of your home, and they are more likely to show dirt and scratches than other types of sheens.
If you are looking for a high-performance finish, opt for oil-based paints. These are more resistant to UV rays than latex, and they are usually less expensive than other types of paint. However, it is important to use proper prep techniques for these paints. This includes washing, sanding, and priming the surface before applying the coat.
If you are choosing a flat or satin sheen, it is recommended that you opt for a water-based rather than an oil-based paint. Water-based paints are easier to clean, and they are also more durable than oil-based paints.
