Main Content

The best exterior paints to protect your home

With the harsher weather right around the corner, now would be a great time to review your home exterior. Do you see spots of peeling paint? Are you just tired of the faded look of your front door? When deciding to update the exterior paint you need to consider more than just what color you like. When it comes to exterior paint the type an quality are both important points to spend time reviewing.

There are several paint brands that sell products specifically made both indoors and out, but you’ll need to consider the surface you’ll be painting, wood, vinyl siding, brick, and metal all have different surface texture that affects paints coverage.

Here are the key features to compare when shopping:

  1. Base – Options include oil, acrylic, latex, and water based paints.
  2. Color – Color is up to you, but consider exterior colors as three parts: primary, accent, and trim.
  3. Finish – The most common outdoor finishes are satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss, and flat.
  4. Surface type – Here you need to consider which of the above paints work well with your specific home exterior.

Overall, bigger name brands will have more options. If you’re working with a unique surface, always seek advice from a professional. Typical lifespan of a well painted home is 5 to 10 years. Depending on your specific goals, it is also important to consider the lot or neighborhood as well.