Glenda Taylor | Updated 7:31 PM, July 9, 2021

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Painting the outside of the house may not be a good idea for you. However, if you use the correct house paint, you can expect the results to look fresh for ten years on stucco surfaces and up to seven years on siding. The best exterior wall paint, whether it is latex paint or oil-based paint, can form lasting adhesion on siding, decks, or anything else you paint outdoors, and provide protection while giving it a new look . However, using the wrong paint can cause cracking and peeling within a year.

Because outdoor surfaces can be affected by extreme weather conditions, including severe UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and storms, the best protection comes from high-quality paint designed for the material you are painting. Read on to understand what an excellent exterior wall paint is and why the following formulations are the best formulations for specific outdoor projects.

The appearance of the house is the basis for creating a pleasant roadside attraction, so choosing the right exterior paint is very important. The best exterior wall paints can withstand weather conditions, protect against moisture and protect the wood surface, while providing a low-maintenance surface. Whether it is an outdoor project, the following factors must be considered before buying paint.

Top latex and acrylic paints usually contain higher quality ingredients, such as more acrylic solids and pigments. They are generally thicker and more viscous (tacky) than low-quality paints. However, for oil-based paints, this does not apply, because oil-based paints are generally thinner and more fluid. Generally speaking, oil-based paints are more durable than acrylic or latex paints, but they tend to yellow faster. In addition, due to their high VOC content (see the low VOC section below), they have become less popular. In the past few decades, the quality of acrylic and latex paint has been significantly improved.

Durability is also related to the number of coatings applied; more coatings will make the surface more durable. A well-mixed paint will also affect durability, because over time, ingredients will settle to the bottom of the tank. If the paint has been purchased for a while, please stir thoroughly before use. In addition, using paint rollers or brushes instead of sprayers to apply paint can leave a thicker, more durable coating on the surface.

Gloss is also an indicator of durability; the higher the gloss, the more washable and durable. Paint finishes range from low-gloss eggshell finishes to high-gloss enamels for decoration or exterior furniture. Note, however, that high-gloss gloss will show defects on the surface, such as rough patches, while flat or matte gloss will help cover up subtle differences.

The chemicals and solvents in paint products emit toxic fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOC). Carbonaceous substances can produce toxic fumes during the painting process. For a long time, these compounds have been added to oil-based coatings to increase their hardness and increase drying time. Many acrylic and latex paints also contain lower levels of VOC, although the trend is to reduce or eliminate compounds to provide a healthier painting experience.

If you inhale these foul-smelling fumes can cause headaches and nausea, although it is unlikely to bother you when painting outdoors, you may still want to choose paints marked as "low VOC" or "zero VOC". Among the two exterior wall paints, oil and latex, oil-based paint has a higher VOC content. The allowable VOC content varies from state to state, but generally speaking, the "low VOC" label means that the paint contains less than 50 grams of VOC per liter. For those looking for minimal fumes, look for VOC-free or zero-VOC paints that contain less than 5 grams of VOC per liter.

Different paints have different drying times. Waiting for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat is the key to obtaining a high-quality finish. Most latex paints will dry out in a few hours, and a second coat can be applied in 4 to 6 hours. However, oil paints will dry out in 6 to 8 hours, and it may take up to 24 hours to apply the second layer. The drying time is usually listed on the paint can.

Although the paint may dry out to the touch within a few hours, and even prepare a second layer, it may not cure. When the liquid components of the paint evaporate, the paint is completely cured. The curing time varies from paint to paint. Latex and acrylic require several weeks, while oil-based paints can take up to a month to cure. Curing time will be slower under humid and cold conditions, and faster at temperatures above 50 degrees and lower humidity levels. Before the paint is cured, be careful not to brush onto the painted surface.

Low-quality paint may contain cheap pigments, such as talc, clay, and silica, which tend to fade over time, especially when the paint surface is exposed to the south and exposed to direct sunlight.

Also remember that dark colors fade more easily than light colors. If you choose a dark or bright shade for your decoration or shutters, look for "titanium dioxide" in the ingredient list. This expensive but long-lasting pigment usually only appears in high-quality paint series. For those who want to create artificial textures, such as paintings that look like wood, try using exterior wall paints that contain UV protectors to prevent the paint effect from fading.

Good paint should be able to handle anything thrown by Mother Nature. Oil paints are very resistant to rain and are easy to clean. Before the development of acrylic-based latex paint, oil was the standard exterior paint for many years.

Acrylic is an adhesive that can bend the latex slightly, making it less brittle and cracking, so it can better protect it from rain. The labels of the highest quality latex paints are marked with the words "All Acrylic" or "100% Acrylic". Although cheap paints usually contain a small amount of acrylic acid, their content is usually not enough to make the paint truly weather resistant.

Paint requirements vary from region to region, and paint suitable for high desert areas in New Mexico may not be the best choice for humid regions such as Louisiana. Paint additives can distinguish between paint jobs that last more than ten years and paint jobs that last only a few years.

For paint jobs in damp or rainy areas, paints marked "anti-mold" may be preferred. If you are in the sun most of the time, paints labeled "UV resistant" will help.

Although there are exceptions, the general rule is to use the same type of paint as the surface. For example, if your siding is already coated with latex, please choose latex. On the contrary, if it is oiled, choose oil. Applying paint to latex usually causes blistering and peeling, because the solvent in the paint may melt the latex.

If the paint is compatible with the material being painted, it will also be more successful. Paint designed to cover wood siding may not adhere well to aluminum or vinyl siding. Compatibility is usually listed in the online description of the paint can and product.

Adequate preparation is essential for long-lasting exterior wall paint work. For best adhesion, the surface must be cleaned of all dirt and grease. It should also be dry, because the paint does not adhere well to wet surfaces. In addition, any loose or peeling paint should be scraped off. Smaller items, such as outdoor furniture, can use paint remover to remove existing paint.

Like any painting project, proper precautions can prevent paint from accidentally getting on decorations or other objects. Covering nearby objects with drip cloth can prevent them from splashing, and using paint tape can help create a clean, clear paint edge. Exterior wall paint is easy to apply with exterior wall paint brush, very suitable for processing paint into joints and wood grain. For narrow-walled slats, use a small paint roller that is relatively the same size as the slats. The fastest application method is to use a paint sprayer, but it is also the most risky in accidental spraying. To ensure that the paint adheres well, a combination of various techniques can be used, such as spraying or rolling on the paint coating, and then brushing in a process called "back brushing".

There are many factors to consider when choosing exterior wall coatings. To make searching easier, some of the best options based on category are listed below. All these paints are of high quality and can help provide long-lasting finishes to help achieve the goal of curbing attractiveness.

Sherwin-Williams Duration coatings are made of advanced acrylic copolymers with long-lasting durability and are the best overall choice for many exterior wall coating projects. The paint contains a lot of acrylic solids and is a self-absorbent primer, so DIYers only need to apply one layer on the pre-painted work and two layers on the bare wood. As one of the manufacturer's top paint series, Duration is designed to prevent cracking, blistering and peeling.

As a bonus, Duration is low VOC, so compared to some other exterior paint options, it is less likely to produce offensive fumes. Duration is available in more than 100 colors and can be used at temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, making it versatile and durable. One gallon can cover 300 square feet.

Use Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite exterior paint to protect and update the appearance of siding, sheds and outdoor furniture. Zinsser comes from Rust-Oleum's professional paint and coating product line. It is a pure white latex paint that is ideal for spraying a variety of exterior surfaces, such as siding, Adirondack chairs, and picket fences. The paint is a self-absorbent primer, so only one coat is needed on the previously painted material, while two coats are needed on bare wood.

Zinsser has anti-mold and anti-mold ingredients to protect the external wood, as long as there is no existing mold or mildew on the surface before painting. The paint provides good coverage and, like many Rust-Oleum products, prevents stains from seeping out. It has a semi-glossy luster that can remove dirt and moisture. One gallon can cover up to 100 square feet.

Latex-based Valspar Duramax Flat Masonry and Stucco Paint are dried to an ultra-flat finish, so that the surface defects of the bricks are almost invisible. The paint contains elastomers that help prevent cracking and peeling. It comes in a 5-gallon bucket (enough to cover 650 square feet) and can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer.

Duramax includes FlexShield365 technology, designed to improve its resistance to extreme weather (such as high winds and heavy rain), while providing a certain degree of mildew and mildew resistance. The paint is a 100% acrylic formula, so it can effectively cover the fine lines and cracks in the existing paint to obtain a smooth surface appearance. It is contained in a 1-gallon external white tinting can. One gallon can cover up to 130 square feet.

Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint provided by Sherwin-Williams prevents blistering and peeling, and provides a high concealed flat finish to hide defects in the siding. Low-VOC paint contains anti-mildew additives and anti-mildew agents, which is very suitable for use in humid areas.

Emerald Exterior is a self-priming paint that produces a smooth and flat coating without the need for a separate primer. A gallon can cover up to 250 square feet and provide a strong, resilient surface to stop dirt. Paint is easily applied by brush, roller or sprayer.

There will be a lot of traffic on the porch and terrace floor, which requires the use of tough paint to withstand the test. BEHR high-quality low-gloss interior/exterior porch coatings can meet the requirements and will not scratch, crack, peel, or wear under your feet. Behr Porch and Patio floor paint contains anti-mold agent, which helps prevent the formation of mold and mildew, and is suitable for concrete and wood surfaces. The coating also has anti-ultraviolet and anti-fading functions.

This high-quality porch coating provides a strong, low-gloss finish and is ideal for most porch applications. One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet. It uses traditional slate gray and can be dyed to create other colors. Behr Premium can dry out in 1 hour in mild weather, and a second coat can be applied after 48 hours.

Now that you have a better understanding of the characteristics that can distinguish exterior wall coatings, there may be new or lingering problems. The following answers to some of the most common questions about exterior wall coatings may be helpful.

Any paint designed for outdoor use should be labeled "Exterior Paint". Paints used only indoors do not contain the ingredients necessary to resist damage caused by rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations.

Oil-based paints have the longest lifespan, but colored water-based paints are unlikely to fade.

On bare wood, a primer is usually required. However, paint and primer combination products do not require a separate primer.

Painting on old painted exterior walls is a good way to seal any existing cracks in the material and increase its weather resistance. However, the general rule is to apply oil paint on old paint and acrylic or latex paint on old acrylic or latex. If you want to use different types of paint to paint on the old exterior wall paint, you can use some new primers to help the transition between different types of paint.

A new layer of paint will protect the siding, decoration and many other outdoor objects. Even if painting is not your favorite DIY project, it is worth protecting and beautifying exterior wall panels and other objects.

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