Consumer Reports Best Exterior Paint
Are you looking for a paint job that will stand up to the elements and make your home look beautiful? Are you trying to decide on the best exterior paints for your house? If so, then you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the top exterior paint brands and analyzed their features, durability, and cost effectiveness so you can easily choose which one is right for your project. Keep reading to learn more about what makes each type of paint unique, how it performs against various weather conditions, and which brand provides great value without sacrificing quality.
Top 10 Best Exterior Paint
What is exterior paint?
Exterior paint is a type of paint specifically designed to protect the exterior surfaces of homes and buildings from the elements. It is formulated to resist mildew, fading, cracking, chipping, and peeling caused by exposure to sun, wind, rain, and other environmental factors. Exterior paints typically contain higher levels of pigment than interior paints in order to provide better protection against harsh weather conditions. They are also formulated with binders that help them adhere more firmly to exterior surfaces such as walls and siding.
Factors to consider before buying exterior paint:
Surface to be painted:
Consider the type of surface that needs to be painted before making a purchase. Different types of surfaces require different types of paints. For example, wood and metal surfaces may need a primer before applying the paint, while vinyl and stucco surfaces may not need one at all.
Climate:
The climate in which the exterior will be painted is an important factor to consider when purchasing paint. Exterior paints are formulated for specific temperatures and humidity levels. If you live in an area with extreme cold or heat, it’s important to select a paint designed specifically for that environment.
Colors:
When choosing an exterior paint color, consider how well it complements your home’s overall design. For example, if you have a brick home, you may want to choose a color that will make the brickwork stand out. Additionally, it’s important to consider the colors of your neighbors’ homes and select one that won’t clash with their exterior colors.
Durability:
Exterior paints are designed to withstand various types of weather conditions and last for several years without fading or cracking. When choosing an exterior paint, look for one labeled as “long-lasting” or “high-durability” as this indicates that it has been formulated with quality materials and is better equipped to handle outdoor elements such as rain, snow, heat and humidity.
Gloss Level:
Choose an exterior paint with the right amount of gloss for your desired look. High-gloss paints deliver a glossy, reflective finish that can make colors stand out and give your home a more modern feel. On the other hand, low-gloss paints offer a softer, less shiny finish that is better suited for traditional designs.
Brand:
Although brand is not the most important factor when selecting exterior paint, it can still make a difference in terms of quality and durability. Look for brands with good customer reviews and warranties that cover any potential defects or problems.
Price:
Exterior paints come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to consider what fits your budget. Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest product available; instead, look for one that provides good value for money and has the features you need.
Material:
Exterior paints are usually made from either acrylic or oil-based formulas. Acrylic paints are more resistant to mildew and fading, while oil-based paints can provide better coverage and durability but require more maintenance. Consider which type is best suited for your needs before making a purchase.
Style:
The style of exterior paint you choose will depend on the overall design of your home and its architectural elements. For example, if you have a traditional-style home, you may want to opt for a neutral paint color that won’t draw too much attention. On the other hand, if your home is more modern, you may be able to choose bolder colors that will make your exterior stand out.
Warranty:
Many exterior paints come with a manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees their durability and performance. Look for one with a good warranty period so you are covered in case of any defects or problems.
Customer Service:
Before making a purchase, make sure to look into the company’s customer service policies and procedures in order to ensure that they provide good support if needed. Check reviews to see how well they handle returns and complaints.
Maintenance:
Finally, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do after painting in order to keep your exterior looking its best. Some paints are designed to require minimal upkeep while others may need regular maintenance such as washing or recoating in order to retain their original color and quality. This factor is especially important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions like snow, rain, or high humidity.
Benefits of exterior paint:
Exterior paint is a great way to protect your home’s exterior surfaces from the elements and improve its overall aesthetic. It adds value to your home and can help keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Here are some of the benefits of exterior paint:
-Increased Property Value: A freshly painted house will always have higher market value than an unpainted one. This means that if you ever decide to sell, you’ll get more money for your property.
-Improved Durability: A quality coat of exterior paint is meant to last for several years (many manufacturers offer warranties on their products). This means that you won’t need to repaint nearly as often as with other types of finishes, saving you time and money.
-Weather Protection: Exterior paint provides a barrier between your home’s walls and the elements, helping to protect it from moisture, dust, and other damage. This can reduce wear-and-tear on your siding, keeping it looking newer for longer.
-Improved Aesthetics: An exterior paint job can give your home an instant facelift. You can choose from a wide range of colors to create whatever look you desire for your house. Plus, updating the color of your home can change its entire feel and improve curb appeal.
-Low Maintenance: Once applied to your home’s exterior surfaces, you won’t need to do much else besides washing it occasionally. It’s a great way to keep your home looking fresh without having to do too much work.
The pros and cons of exterior paint:
Pros:
– Exterior paint can help protect your home from the elements, such as wind and rain.
– It can also act as a shield against fading caused by UV rays.
– Painting the exterior of your home can give it an updated look and increase its curb appeal.
– Applying paint to the exterior of your house can also prevent wood rot and insect infestation.
Cons:
– Exterior painting is often more expensive than interior painting due to the size of your home and the need for extra prep work.
– The process of painting the outside of a house can be labor intensive, depending on how much area needs to be covered.
– The weather conditions must be taken into account when painting the exterior of a home. It’s important to make sure the temperature and level of humidity is suitable before starting a project.
– Paint can fade over time, so it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance and touch ups as needed. This may involve repainting every few years.
How to use exterior paint?
- Prepare the surface: Exterior paint adheres best when the surface is cleaned and treated to remove dirt, mildew and other contaminants. Scrape away any loose or flaking paint before starting. If needed, use a pressure washer to clean off dirt and debris or scrub with a stiff brush.
- Caulk cracks: Use exterior-grade caulk to fill gaps around windows, doors and trim pieces. The caulk will block moisture from getting in behind the siding and rotting the wood beneath it, ensuring a long-lasting paint job.
- Prime surfaces: Priming helps seal porous surfaces so that your topcoat of paint goes on evenly and lasts longer. Be sure to use a quality exterior primer on bare wood, and use a stain-blocking primer for previously painted areas.
- Apply the paint: Use a brush, roller or spray gun to apply the paint to the surface. If you’re using a brush, start with the edges and corners first before filling in larger areas. Move from top to bottom when painting so that any drips are covered in subsequent layers.
- Allow adequate drying time: Wait at least two hours between each coat of paint and let your final finish dry completely before exposing it to water or moisture. Depending on temperature and humidity levels, this can take several days or longer before your paint job is fully cured.
- Clean up: Clean all brushes, rollers and other painting tools so that they last for future projects. Use mineral spirits or paint thinner to remove any excess paint, then rinse them thoroughly with water.
Common mistakes when using exterior paint
When painting your home, there are a few common mistakes that can be made. Here’s a list of things to avoid:
- Not cleaning the surface properly before painting. This means cleaning all dirt, grime and grease from the surface you’re going to paint, as well as removing any flaking paint from previous coats of paint.
- Not using enough primer on the surface before applying paint. A good primer will help seal the surface and prevent it from absorbing water or moisture from the air later on down the road which will lead to peeling and cracking later on down the road as well as preventing any stains from being absorbed into your walls which could lead to mold issues later on down the road if not addressed immediately once discovered!
- Not using enough paint for your project! Sometimes people get carried away with how much money they can save by purchasing less paint than what they actually need but this will result in having to go back over areas several times because it won’t cover up properly due to lack of coverage by using too little paint initially! It’s better to spend more upfront by buying more than enough paints needed for each area required rather than saving money in the short term.
- Not using the right brush for the job. Using the wrong brush can lead to streaks, uneven coverage, and a poor finish overall. It’s important to use a high quality brush that is designed specifically for the type of paint being used (oil-based or latex-based).
- Not protecting yourself while painting! Paint fumes can be hazardous if inhaled and it’s important to wear protective clothing such as gloves, goggles and a face mask when doing any sort of painting project. Additionally, make sure you have good ventilation in your workspace so that all those pesky paint fumes don’t stick around!
FAQs:
What happens if you use exterior paint outside?
If you use exterior paint outside, it will provide a protective barrier against the elements, such as rain and sun. This can help to extend the life of your home’s exterior surfaces, providing long-lasting protection against dirt, mildew and other forms of weather damage. Another benefit of using exterior paint is that it contains special pigments that reflect ultraviolet light which helps reduce fading caused by direct sunlight exposure. It can also add to the overall curb appeal of your property. If you want to make sure your home’s exterior looks its best for years to come, make sure you use high-quality exterior paint!
How long does exterior paint last?
The longevity of exterior paint depends on various factors, such as the quality of the paint and the amount of direct sunlight, rain, snow and wind it is exposed to. High-quality paints may last up to 10 years or more when applied correctly and with proper maintenance. If you are using a low-quality paint in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, then the paint may need to be replaced after just a few years.
Conclusion:
When it comes time to repaint the exterior of your home, you have a lot of decisions to make. One of the most important is what type of paint to use. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your project. In this blog post, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each type of paint and given you our top pick for the best exterior paint. We hope this information helps you choose the perfect paint for your home renovation project!
I’m Ella Andrews, owner of the website https://bestconsumerstips.com/
I give you valuable information about good products to help you choose the best product.