Are you feeling overwhelmed looking at all your exterior paint options? Or you've got a tin of paint and want to know if it's suitable to use outside. You needn't be a specialist when selecting outdoor paint for your home. But it helps to know a bit about the different types available to achieve your desired and long-lasting result.
Exterior paints can be water- or oil-based and offer different sheen levels and finishes. Paint finishes can be matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss and provide different levels of reflectivity, substrate coverage, texture, protection, and durability.
Depending on what you're painting outside, you might need to choose different types of paints best suited to the various substrates you're painting, e.g., walls and trim. This quick guide to outdoor paints and sheen for homes will help you narrow your options. Then, when you know what type of paint and sheen you want, you can settle on the perfect color for your home.
Types of Exterior Paints
When selecting the ideal paint for exterior surfaces, homeowners have many options. Exterior paints are generally more durable than indoor paints as they contain additives that must withstand environmental exposure. Each type has its own characteristics and advantages, allowing homeowners the opportunity to achieve the desired finish.
Below summarizes the different types of paints suitable for external residential use:
Latex (water-based)
Latex paint is a popular choice for exterior surfaces. It's easy to clean with water, dries quickly, and is flexible. Its flexibility helps it to withstand temperature fluctuations and building settling. It comes in various finishes, including flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Oil-based
Oil-based paints are long-lasting and provide a smooth, high-gloss finish. They are known for their long-lasting quality and ability to protect against harsh weather conditions. It can be challenging to work with as cleanup requires solvents.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints are a variation of latex paints, offering durability and flexibility. These are often used to resist fading and keep mildew growth at bay, making them suitable for exterior applications.
Alkyd
Alkyd paints are oil-based paints that provide a hard and durable finish. They are commonly used for high-traffic areas, e.g., doors and trim. It takes longer to dry than latex-based paints and has a more pungent odor during application.
Elastomeric
Elastomeric paint is a thick and flexible coating designed to bridge and seal cracks in surfaces like masonry and stucco. It is also highly waterproof, making it ideal for use in regions with extreme weather conditions or frequent rain.
Masonry
Masonry exterior paint is specifically designed for concrete, brick, and stone surfaces because it provides excellent adhesion and durability. It can be water- or oil-based, depending on the formulation.
Textured
Textured paint helps create textured finishes on exterior walls. They can add character and depth to a surface and hide imperfections.
Metal
Metal paints contain rust inhibitors to prevent corrosion. They are specially formulated to protect and decorate metal surfaces, e.g., iron fences, steel gates, or doors.
Stain
Exterior stains are typically used on exterior wood surfaces like decks, fencing, and siding. These paints penetrate the wood surface and enhance its natural beauty while protecting against UV rays, mildew, and moisture.
Primer
While not an exterior paint, per se, primers are essential for external surface preparation before painting. It improves paint adhesion, helps achieve a uniform finish, and prevents stains from bleeding.
What Type of Exterior Paint Finish is Best?
The type of exterior paint you select for your home depends on your preferences, your home's style, and the specific requirements of the surface you're painting. The finish you choose should meet the durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements you're after.
Below are some standard exterior paint finishes and their characteristics to help you make an informed choice:
What Sheen is Best for Exterior Paint?
The sheen you choose for the exterior walls of your home will depend on factors like climate, your home's architectural style, your personal aesthetic preferences, and the type and condition of the surface you're painting.
For example, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it would be preferable to use a semi-gloss or gloss paint for its moisture-resistant properties and durability. Remember that the higher the sheen, the more it reflects light and potentially highlights surface imperfections. So, it's better to assess the substrate's condition carefully and prepare it accordingly before painting.
On the other hand, flat-sheen exterior paints are great for homes with many imperfections or in areas with rough weather. They hide surface irregularities well and provide a non-reflective appearance. This said, flat finishes are less durable and more challenging to clean than higher-sheen paints, requiring more frequent painting.
Below is a quick reference guide for the 3 best paint options to use on various external surfaces:
Wood
Stucco
Trim
Concrete Walls
Brick
Final Thoughts
While many types of exterior paint exist for homes, choosing one that suits the substrate you're painting, the climate, and your aesthetic preferences is best. These paints can be water- or oil-based and offer various finishes and sheens. Paints with a glossier sheen are usually more durable but show imperfections. In contrast, low-sheen paints are great for concealing minor irregularities.
(Related article: 9 Examples of Paint that Goes Great with a Brown Roof)