Want to give your home a new look? Whether you want to refresh your home’s current look or want to change it completely, painting the exterior of your home is a great way to accomplish the task. Exterior house painting is also an effective way to protect your home from damage due to exposure to the elements. However, you can only experience the benefits of exterior house painting when you use the right type of paint and ensure that the painting is done right. Below, we take a closer look at different types of exterior paint and provide guidance on how to achieve great results with exterior painting.

What Type of Paint is House Paint?

You may be wondering what type of paint is considered suitable for painting the exterior of a house. There are three main types of exterior paint formulas. The type of paint you use for your home will depend on various factors such as the climate in your area as well as your personal preferences. The three main paint types are:

• Acrylic paints

These paints often consist of high quality ingredients. They are viscous and thick. These paints are more elastic than other paints. They can therefore contract and expand with fluctuations in temperature thus leaving room for the exterior walls surface to contract and expand. This makes them ideal for exterior painting. Acrylic paints are also long lasting. They are best for painting over surfaces made of fiber cement, wood, aluminum, plaster and stucco.

• Oil based paints

These paints aren’t as popular today as they once were. This is because of the health risks associated with using them. These paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when wet. This can cause health problems when inhaled. They can also be overwhelming when painting. It is recommended that you wear a protective mask when applying these paints.

Oil-based paints aren’t as elastic as acrylic or latex paints. When they dry, they form a hard surface. They are durable but can crack and fade. They hold up well in high traffic areas and are perfect for porch floors, trim, doors and other small details.

• Latex paints

If you’re looking for an affordable exterior painting option, you should consider latex paints. These paints are more affordable than other paint options, are easier to apply and clean up easily because they are water based. Latex also offers the benefits of drying quickly and elasticity when exposed to temperature fluctuations.

When shopping for the latest paints, be sure to specify that you’re looking for exterior paints. There are interior latex paints available in the market too.

Choose the Right Finish

Aside from paying attention to the chemical formulation of the paint you choose for your exterior, you should also choose the right finish for your surface. Paints come with different finishes. The finish determines what the painted surface will look like once the paint dries. The finish is determined by the ration of binders and resins in the paint formulation to the pigment levels. The paint finish can add a point of interest to the surface. Some finishes to consider include:

• Matte or flat finish

These paints provide a flat and non-reflective finish. This is similar to what you would see on a chalkboard. This type of finish helps to hide imperfections. It is also ideal for achieving a modern look. However, flat or matte finish paints are porous. They are not durable and therefore not suitable for painting high traffic areas. They can be a great option for painting exterior siding.

• Glossy and semi-glossy finishes

Glassy finishes provide a shiny surface. These paints are durable and result in a surface that is easy to clean. They are somewhat water-resistant and do well when exposed to the elements. They are therefore great for use on surfaces that experience a lot of wear and tear.

While semi-glossy paints are less shiny than glossy paints they are also quite durable and stain resistant. They are therefore suitable for use on surfaces exposed to the elements such as trim and doors.

Preparing House for Painting Exterior

Not only is it important to choose the right exterior paint but also to ensure the right preparations if you want the best results with home exterior painting. The following are some key points to consider for exterior painting preparation.

1. Make repairs on exterior surfaces before painting
2. Use a primer to ensure better adhesion
3. Protect your landscape by covering plants and other greenery
4. Caulk areas that are damaged
5. Power wash exterior surfaces to get rid of dirt and debris

For even better results with exterior painting, consider hiring professional painters. We at 365 Painting Solutions will ensure the best results with your exterior painting.