Best Exterior Paint Consumer Reports
If you’re looking to spruce up the exterior of your home, painting is a great place to start. Not only does it give your house an instant facelift, but new paint can also protect your house from the elements and provide you with years of beauty and durability. Selecting the best exterior paint for your project can be daunting though – there are so many types and brands available on the market today! To make sure that you get the most out of your money, we’d like to provide some key points for choosing quality exterior paint. After reading our guide, you will be well-equipped to pick out the ideal type of paint for your next outdoor project.
Top 7 Best Exterior Paint
What is exterior paint?
Exterior paint is a type of paint specifically designed to protect and beautify the outside surfaces of buildings. It’s available in an array of colors, finishes, textures, and types that can be used on nearly any exterior surface. This includes wood, stucco, brick, metal, concrete block and asphalt siding. Exterior paint provides protection against wind-driven rain, UV rays from the sun, birds and animals as well as physical damage caused by people or insects like termites. In addition to protection and color enhancement it can also add value to a home or business when used correctly.
Factors to consider before buying exterior paint:
Quality of Paint: The quality and type of exterior paint you choose will have a significant impact on how long the paint job lasts. Look for high-quality, fade-resistant paints that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Consider using a latex or an acrylic/latex blend for your exterior painting project to ensure maximum durability in all weather conditions.
Color: You may have already chosen a color palette for your home’s exterior, but take the time to consider whether it is appropriate for your climate and environment. Darker colors tend to retain heat and can cause rapid fading in climates with excessive sunlight exposure. Lighter colors, like pastels, reflect light and are more resistant to fading when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. In addition, the color you choose should complement the natural environment around your home.
Surface Preparation: Painting a home’s exterior is not just about applying paint to the surface; it requires proper preparation of the surface prior to painting in order to ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts as long as possible. Start by removing any dirt, mildew or other debris from the surface with a pressure washer then fill any cracks or holes before moving on to painting.
Application Method: The method you use when applying paint will also determine how well it stands up against weathering and fading over time. Generally speaking, brushes do a great job of providing even coverage, while sprayers are ideal for larger surfaces. You may want to consider hiring a professional painter if you aren’t comfortable tackling the job yourself.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is an important part of prolonging the life of your exterior paint job. Depending on where you live, periodic touch-ups may be necessary every year or two in order to keep your home looking its best. Make sure to inspect your home’s exterior regularly and get any repairs done prior to painting to extend the longevity of your paint job as much as possible.
Benefits of exterior paint:
- Increased Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to your home’s curb appeal and exterior aesthetic. Painting the exterior of your house gives it a nice, clean look that will improve the overall appearance of your property.
- Improved Home Value: Exterior painting not only increases curb appeal, but also enhances the value of your home. This is especially true if you use a color scheme that complements the existing architectural style of your home and neighborhood. Potential buyers will be more likely to pay top dollar for an attractive looking property than one with peeling paint or other signs of disrepair.
- Increased Protection: Paint acts as a protective sealant against moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes. Exterior paint can help prevent water, snow and ice from causing damage to the underlying structure of your house. It also protects against mold, mildew and other organic growths.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Quality exterior paint helps reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed by a home’s walls and windows. This in turn reduces air-conditioning costs during the summer months, making it a great way to save money on energy bills each month.
- Reduced Maintenance: Painting your exterior surfaces regularly will reduce the need for repairs and maintenance over time. Regular repainting will protect against fading, chalking, peeling and cracking which can be costly to repair or replace if left unchecked. In addition, exterior paint can help cover up minor blemishes or flaws in your home’s walls, saving you time and money.
- Long-term Durability: Exterior paints are specifically designed to withstand the harsh outdoor elements that they will be exposed to, providing a long-lasting finish and peace of mind. With proper care and maintenance, quality exterior paint jobs should last for many years with minimal touch-ups required.
- Improved Safety: Dull surfaces can lead to slips and falls due to poor traction on walkways and stairs. A fresh coat of paint will improve visibility while also providing a better grip underfoot so that these areas remain safe for everyone using them.
- Increased Longevity: Not only will exterior paint improve the look of your home, but it can also help protect and extend its lifespan. By providing a barrier from moisture, sunlight, temperature changes and other outdoor hazards, quality exterior paint can help keep your home looking great while protecting it from the elements.
- Improved Air Quality: The right kind of exterior paint can reduce air pollution by blocking out harmful chemicals and other pollutants. This means that you can enjoy cleaner air in and around your home while reducing your carbon footprint as well.
- Increased Comfort: Exterior paint helps keep your home cooler in the summer months by reflecting sunlight away from it. This reduces heat absorption and keeps temperatures comfortable so that you don’t have to crank up the air conditioning to stay cool. In addition, exterior paint can reduce noise levels by absorbing sound waves which helps keep your home more peaceful and relaxed.
Pros and Cons of exterior paint
Pros:
-Exterior paint is a great way to protect your home from the elements. It can keep it safe from rain, sun, and wind, and it can help keep the inside of your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
-Exterior paint is often very affordable. You can usually get a gallon or two for under $20, which means you don’t have to spend much to cover an entire home’s exterior with paint.
-There are many colors available for exterior paint so you can choose one that matches your decorating scheme perfectly!
Cons:
-Exterior paint can fade if exposed to sunlight for too long without proper care. This means that if you’re planning on painting your house every year or so (or even once every couple years), then this might not be an option for you.
-If not applied correctly, exterior paint can start to peel or crack over time. This could potentially be a huge hassle and require more money for repairs.
-Exterior paint can also be difficult to clean if it gets dirtied up. It often needs special cleaners and solvents that you may have to purchase in order to keep your home looking its best throughout the year.
How to use exterior paint?
When painting the exterior of your home, it is important to follow the proper steps and use the right products. Before beginning your project, take into account the weather conditions in your area and make sure you have the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here are some tips on how to use exterior paint correctly:
- Start by cleaning the surface you plan on painting. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris that may be present – this will help improve adhesion and create a better finished product.
- Use a pressure washer or power scrubber with strong detergent to thoroughly clean any loose paint or other material from the surface before you start painting. This will ensure that it looks great when all is said and done!
- Repair any cracks, holes, or other imperfections in the siding using a good quality patching compound prior to painting.
- Prime all surfaces prior to applying paint for optimal adhesion and performance. Primer can also help seal off porous areas of wood so that paint does not soak in as quickly and helps maintain an even color throughout your coatings job.
- For best results when painting, always use high-quality paint specifically designed for outdoor use – these paints have superior protection from UV rays and can withstand harsh weather conditions better than standard interior paints. Be sure to read labels carefully before purchasing to ensure that you get the correct type of paint for your project.
- Begin by using a brush or roller to apply primer/sealer to all exposed surfaces (this includes doors, window frames, sills etc.). Allow each coat of primer/sealer ample time (at least 24 hours) between coats so that it has adequate time to dry completely before moving onto the next step of application – this will prevent streaks or “holidays” from appearing when putting on top coats of paint later on down the road!
- Once all patched areas have been filled in, sanded smooth, primed & sealed – it’s time for applying paint! Choose either oil-based alkyd paints for wood surfaces or latex/acrylic ones if painting masonry (stucco/brick). Begin by cutting in around windows & corners – this involves running a narrow line at edges with a brush first before filling in with rollers afterwards (this ensures neat lines & prevents spills). Work from top down & apply two thin coats rather than one thick one – this will result in more even coverage & better protection against humidity/moisture damage down the line!
- After both coats are applied, allow plenty of time for them to dry completely according to manufacturer’s instructions – usually about 24 hours depending on temperature/humidity levels outside which can vary greatly depending on region where project takes place at!
- Finally finish off with a good quality clear sealer over the entire job once everything has dried thoroughly – this will help protect painted surfaces from fading due excessive UV exposure while also providing an extra layer of defense against moisture infiltration due heavy rains etc…
Common mistakes when using exterior paint:
- Not preparing the surface adequately: Before applying any paint to an exterior surface, it is essential to prepare the surface by cleaning and repairing damaged areas. This will ensure proper adhesion of the paint, as well as a more even finish when painting larger surfaces.
- Choosing the wrong type of paint: It is important to select the correct type of exterior paint for your project. Exterior paints are designed for specific weather conditions and surfaces; selecting one that is not suitable can result in premature fading or peeling.
- Applying multiple layers too quickly: When painting large outdoor surfaces, multiple coats may be necessary for complete coverage. However, it is important to allow each coat to dry completely before adding another. Applying coats too quickly can result in an uneven finish and lead to cracking or bubbling of the paint.
- Not using primer: Primer is essential for preparing a surface for painting, as it helps to seal any cracks or uneven areas and acts as a base coat. Without using primer, your exterior paint may not adhere properly and could end up peeling off prematurely.
- Painting in cold temperatures: The ideal temperature range for painting is between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit (10-32 degrees Celsius). Painting in colder temperatures can cause the paint to dry too quickly and result in an uneven finish. It is also important to consider the humidity when choosing a time to paint; if there’s too much moisture in the air, the paint may not dry properly.
- Not using a high-quality brush or roller: Using a high quality brush and roller can ensure an even finish and help reduce brush marks. It is also important to make sure that the brushes you use are clean; dirt or other debris left behind on the surface can cause streaking or unevenness.
- Applying too much paint: Too much paint applied can result in drips or runs which can be difficult to fix once they have dried. It is best to apply thin, even coats of paint rather than thick layers; this will allow for better coverage and fewer drips or runs.
- Neglecting to protect siding: When painting the exterior of a home, it is important to protect any siding or trim that may come into contact with the paint. To do this, use painter’s tape or plastic drop cloths around windows and other areas of exposed siding. This will help keep the paint from bleeding onto these surfaces and give you a more even finish.
- Not protecting landscaping: Exterior paints can be harmful if they come into contact with plants and shrubs. It is important to cover nearby landscaping before beginning your project to prevent any potential damage from occurring. Once your painting is completed, make sure to clean up any drips or spills on surrounding plants or soil as soon as possible.
- Not taking safety precautions: As with any home improvement project, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. When exterior painting, be sure to wear protective eyewear and clothing; avoid using ladders and scaffolding if you are not experienced in doing so; and never paint in direct sunlight. These steps will help ensure a safe and successful painting job.
FAQs:
What finish is best for exterior paint?
When it comes to exterior paint, it is important to choose a finish that will provide maximum protection from the elements. The most durable and long-lasting finishes are often semi-gloss or high-gloss paints. Semi-gloss finishes offer a slight shine while providing good resistance to moisture, wear, and fading. High-gloss paints have an even higher level of protection against all of these threats. However, they may be too shiny for some tastes and can appear artificial in certain settings. A satin finish is also an option that provides excellent durability with less shine than the higher glosses, while still being quite attractive.
Conclusion:
Depending on the climate in your area and the amount of sunlight your home gets, you’ll want to choose a light or dark shade of exterior paint. A light color will reflect heat better, while a dark color will absorb it. If you live in an area with high humidity, you’ll need to select a paint that can withstand mold and mildew. And if you have any unique architectural features on your home, you’ll want to make sure the paint color highlights those details. With so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to choose the best exterior paint for your home. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the best exterior paints on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
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.