So, you're looking to paint your exterior to create that awesome curb appeal that makes your home the envy of your neighbors. Great idea! But come to think of it? What paint should you use? What paint is best for your exterior?
To answer that question, we must consider some things. First of all, you should never use interior paint for your exterior. The best exterior paint, be it oil-based or latex, must form an adhesive bond with the wall, siding, or deck and must be able to stand the harsh weather conditions outside.
Secondly, some paints are more suitable for some surfaces than others. Paint for stucco will usually not form a good bond with wood siding. So it's important you purchase exterior paint based on the surface it's going on.
Using the wrong paint for your exterior will quickly lead to cracking.
Ultimately, there are several great durable exterior paints as there are low-quality ones. But to put you in the right direction, we have put together a list of the best paint brands to use for your exterior.
Best overall: Sherwin-Williams Durable Exterior Acrylic Latex
Best for Value: Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss
Best for Porch & Patio: Kilz Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex
Best for Brick: ROMABIO Bianco White Limewash
Best for Wood Siding: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex
Top things to consider when choosing the best exterior paint
We've briefly discussed some factors that determine what paint is best for your exterior. We've also highlighted some of the best paints for certain exterior surfaces. But now, what are the things that qualify these things as best among the rest?
Durability
High-end latex and acrylic paints are known for their outstanding durability as they contain top-quality ingredients, including acrylic solids and pigments. And notably, such paints are often more viscous than lower quality paints. So when you check the feel, you should be able to differentiate a superior exterior paint from an inferior.
Additionally, an exterior paint that has more sheen will typically last longer without fading.
Low VOCs
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are toxic fumes emitted during the painting process. Although they act as relevant solvents, these fumes can cause headaches and nausea. Oil paints usually have a higher amount of it to increase their hardness and drying time, but latex and acrylic paints have a lesser amount. You should go for a paint labeled "Low VOC" or "Zero VOC."
Ingredients
When checking for the best exterior paint, look at the list of ingredients. Low-quality paints will usually contain talc and silica, which tend to fade quickly, especially when exposed to sunlight (of course, it's your exterior).
Moreover, brighter colors are known to last longer than darker ones. If you're looking to create a faux finish for your exterior, buy exterior paint containing UV protectants to protect the effect from fading.
Final Words
While painting can be fun, it's the end product that's your reward. And that means getting it right. But if DIY exterior painting isn't your thing, you can always get help from a professional painter near you.
Do you live in Newmarket, Ontario, and looking for the best painter to do your exterior painting? From the best exterior paint to use to the process of applying it, we at Pro Painters Ontario have got you covered. Give us a call.