Choosing the Right Exterior House Paint for Your Home
Dealing with the exterior of your home requires the right kind of paint - one that can withstand various weather conditions and deteriorations over time. This guide will walk you through the selection process, provide insights into the best types of paints, and help you make an informed decision based on location, style, and budget.
Types of Exterior House Paint
Acrylic paints are a popular choice for exterior projects due to their high-quality ingredients. These paints are thick and viscous, which makes them ideal for painting surfaces that need to withstand temperature fluctuations. Acrylic paints have a chemical composition that allows them to be more elastic, meaning they can expand and contract as temperatures change. This elasticity is particularly important when it comes to protecting your home from the elements.
Creating a Classic Vintage Look
To achieve a classic vintage look, start with a base of neutral colors such as beige, white, or gray. This will allow you to easily incorporate pops of color and vintage accents without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. Popular colors for achieving this look include burgundy, lemon, and light brown. The choice of colors can be influenced by climate - warm reds and yellows are ideal for hot climates, while blues and chocolate tones work better in cooler climates.
Budget vs. Premium Paint Options
When choosing between budget and premium paint options, it's important to consider your home's resale value and your budget. For budget-friendly options, consider brands like berger Paints Anti-Dust Weather Coat. This paint is designed to resist dust and weather, providing a long-lasting finish. For premium paint that offers superior durability and longevity, Weather Coat Long Life is a highly recommended choice.
The Best Colors for Resale Value
If you're considering resale value, it's a good idea to choose popular colors that are likely to remain in vogue over time. Light colors such as white, beige, and light grays are often more appealing to buyers, as they tend to reflect heat and create a bright, refreshing appearance. Meanwhile, darker colors absorb more heat and can make a home feel warmer or more cozy. In hot climates, lighter colors are preferable, while in cooler climates, darker shades can add warmth and character.
Choosing Quality Paint and Primer
Traditionally, oil-based paints were considered the standard for exterior use. However, there are now high-quality acrylic paints available that are specifically designed for outdoor conditions. When selecting an exterior paint, it's important to choose a reputable brand and the top level of their product line. Each brand will have different levels of paint, ranging from inexpensive to high-quality.
Professional painters may have a preference for certain brands based on their experience, and some people may claim that one brand is superior to another. However, it's important to note that the quality of a brand's products can change over time as they continually improve their formulations. Therefore, it's best to go with a well-known brand and select their highest grade of paint. This ensures that you're getting what you pay for, with better pigmentation and additives that enhance weathering resistance and protection against chalking, mold, mildew, and UV exposure.
My Personal Choice in Paints
Over the years, I have used several major brands for painting my own home and those of my family members. Personal experiences and research have shown that while certain brands may have a long-standing reputation for quality, the most important factor is choosing a reputable brand and the top-quality grade of paint within that brand.
Popular brands I have used include Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, and Olympic. In 45 years of painting, I have never found a reason to prefer one major brand over another. My decision-making process is straightforward: choose a major brand, look at their top-quality grades, and select the color that you like. This method has consistently delivered satisfactory results.
Conclusion
Selecting the right exterior house paint is a combination of understanding your home's needs, your budget, and your personal style preferences. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly or premium options, ensuring you choose a reputable brand and its top-quality grade will significantly impact the durability and appearance of your home for years to come.