As the seasons turn and time passes, every homeowner is faced with an important question — what exterior house paint suggestions should I utilize? Choosing the right paint can transform the look of your home and protect it from the elements. To ensure you make the best decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to exterior house paint suggestions.
Editor’s Note: This guide was last updated on [Publish Date] to ensure it reflects the latest trends and product recommendations.
Our team has analyzed dozens of paint brands, consulted with industry experts, and pored over countless reviews to provide you with the most up-to-date information on exterior house paint. Whether you’re looking for a classic white, a bold accent color, or something in between, we have the perfect suggestion for you.
Key Differences Between Exterior House Paints
| Feature | Oil-Based Paint | Water-Based Paint | Acrylic Paint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Finish | High-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte | Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss | Flat, eggshell, satin |
| Application | Requires primer, multiple coats | Easy to apply, fewer coats | Easy to apply, dries quickly |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive | Least expensive |
Main Article Topics
- Choosing the Right Color
- Preparing Your Home for Painting
- Applying Exterior Paint
- Maintaining Your Exterior Paint
Exterior House Paint Suggestions
When choosing exterior paint for your home, there are a number of factors to consider, including the climate you live in, the style of your home, and your personal preferences. Here are eight key aspects to keep in mind:
- Color: The color of your home’s exterior can have a significant impact on its overall appearance. Consider the style of your home, the surrounding landscape, and your personal preferences when choosing a color.
- Finish: The finish of your paint can affect its durability and appearance. Flat finishes are less reflective and hide imperfections well, while glossy finishes are more reflective and easier to clean.
- Durability: The durability of your paint is important, especially if you live in a climate with extreme weather conditions. Look for paints that are resistant to fading, peeling, and cracking.
- Application: Some paints are easier to apply than others. Consider your experience level and the size of your home when choosing a paint.
- Cost: The cost of paint can vary depending on the brand, type, and finish. Set a budget before you start shopping for paint.
- VOCs: VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that are released into the air when paint is applied. Choose paints with low VOCs to improve indoor air quality.
- Warranty: Many paint manufacturers offer warranties on their products. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your paint will last for a certain period of time.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other homeowners before you purchase a paint. This can help you avoid choosing a paint that is difficult to apply, fades quickly, or peels easily.
By considering these eight key aspects, you can choose the perfect exterior paint for your home. With a little planning, you can achieve a beautiful, durable finish that will last for years to come.
Color
When choosing a color for your home’s exterior, it’s important to consider the style of your home, the surrounding landscape, and your personal preferences. The right color can enhance the architectural features of your home and create a cohesive look with the surrounding environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a color for your home’s exterior:
- Architectural style: The style of your home will influence the colors that look best on it. For example, a traditional home might look best in a classic white or gray, while a modern home might look better in a bold color like blue or green.
- Surrounding landscape: The colors of the surrounding landscape can also influence your choice of exterior paint color. For example, a home surrounded by trees might look best in a green or brown color, while a home near the beach might look better in a blue or white color.
- Personal preferences: Ultimately, the best color for your home’s exterior is the color that you like the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors until you find one that you love.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect color for your home’s exterior and create a beautiful and cohesive look.
Finish
The finish of your exterior paint is an important consideration, as it can affect both the durability and appearance of your home. Flat finishes are less reflective and hide imperfections well, making them a good choice for homes with uneven surfaces or in areas with a lot of rain or snow. Glossy finishes are more reflective and easier to clean, making them a good choice for homes in areas with a lot of sun or for homes that are prone to dirt and grime.
- Durability: Flat finishes are generally more durable than glossy finishes, as they are less likely to show scratches or wear. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, are more resistant to fading and staining.
- Appearance: Flat finishes create a more subtle, matte look, while glossy finishes create a more reflective, shiny look. Flat finishes are good at hiding imperfections, while glossy finishes can make imperfections more visible.
- Maintenance: Flat finishes are easier to maintain than glossy finishes, as they do not require as much cleaning. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, are more resistant to dirt and grime, so they may require less frequent cleaning.
- Cost: Flat finishes are generally less expensive than glossy finishes.
Ultimately, the best finish for your home will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a durable finish that will hide imperfections, a flat finish is a good choice. If you are looking for a finish that is easy to clean and resistant to fading and staining, a glossy finish is a good choice.
Durability
The durability of your exterior paint is important for several reasons. First, it can help to protect your home from the elements. A durable paint job will be able to withstand rain, snow, wind, and UV rays without fading, peeling, or cracking. This can help to extend the life of your home’s exterior and save you money on repairs in the long run.
- Resistance to fading: Fading is a common problem for exterior paints, especially in areas with a lot of sun exposure. A durable paint will be able to resist fading and maintain its color for many years.
- Resistance to peeling: Peeling is another common problem for exterior paints, especially in areas with a lot of moisture. A durable paint will be able to resist peeling and stay adhered to your home’s surface.
- Resistance to cracking: Cracking is a less common problem for exterior paints, but it can occur in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. A durable paint will be able to resist cracking and maintain its integrity.
When choosing an exterior paint, it is important to look for products that are specifically designed for durability. These paints will typically contain high-quality ingredients that are resistant to fading, peeling, and cracking. By choosing a durable paint, you can help to protect your home from the elements and extend the life of your paint job.
Application
The application of exterior house paint is an important consideration, as it can affect the overall quality and durability of the paint job. Some paints are easier to apply than others, so it is important to choose a paint that is appropriate for your experience level and the size of your home.
If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a paint that is easy to apply and forgiving of mistakes. These paints typically have a longer working time, which gives you more time to brush or roll the paint on evenly. They also tend to be more self-leveling, which means that they will smooth out any brush strokes or roller marks.
If you are painting a large home, it is important to choose a paint that can be applied quickly and efficiently. These paints typically have a shorter working time, which means that you will need to work more quickly to avoid the paint drying too quickly. They also tend to be more viscous, which means that they will not run or drip as easily.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between easy-to-apply paints and difficult-to-apply paints:
| Characteristic | Easy-to-Apply Paints | Difficult-to-Apply Paints |
|---|---|---|
| Working time | Longer | Shorter |
| Self-leveling | More self-leveling | Less self-leveling |
| Viscosity | Less viscous | More viscous |
By choosing the right paint for your experience level and the size of your home, you can ensure that your paint job is successful and that your exterior paint lasts for many years to come.
Cost
The cost of exterior house paint can vary significantly depending on the brand, type, and finish. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping for paint so that you can narrow down your choices and avoid overspending. Here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for exterior house paint:
- Brand: The brand of paint can have a significant impact on the price. Some brands are more expensive than others, but they may also offer higher quality products.
- Type: The type of paint you choose will also affect the price. Oil-based paints are typically more expensive than water-based paints, but they are also more durable.
- Finish: The finish of the paint will also affect the price. Glossy finishes are typically more expensive than flat finishes, but they are also more durable and easier to clean.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to set a budget for your exterior house paint. It is important to be realistic about how much you can afford to spend, and to factor in the cost of labor if you are not planning to paint the house yourself.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right exterior house paint for your needs and budget.
Table: Cost of Exterior House Paint
| Brand | Type | Finish | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Oil-based | Glossy | $50-$70 |
| Benjamin Moore | Water-based | Satin | $30-$50 |
| Behr | Oil-based | Flat | $20-$40 |
Please note that these prices are estimates and may vary depending on the specific product and retailer.
VOCs
When choosing exterior house paint, it is important to consider the VOC (volatile organic compound) content. VOCs are chemicals that are released into the air when paint is applied, and they can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. High levels of VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and other health problems. They can also contribute to smog and other environmental problems.
Exterior paints with low VOCs are a good choice for people who are concerned about indoor air quality and the environment. These paints emit fewer chemicals into the air, making them a healthier choice for your home and family.
There are a number of different ways to reduce VOC emissions from exterior house paint. One way is to choose paints that are water-based instead of oil-based. Water-based paints emit fewer VOCs than oil-based paints, and they are also easier to clean up.
Another way to reduce VOC emissions is to choose paints that are certified by a third-party organization, such as Green Seal or the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These organizations have strict standards for VOC emissions, and they only certify paints that meet their standards.
By choosing exterior house paint with low VOCs, you can help to improve indoor air quality and protect the environment. Here are some of the benefits of choosing low-VOC paints:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduced risk of health problems
- Contribution to a healthier environment
When choosing exterior house paint, it is important to consider the VOC content. By choosing paints with low VOCs, you can help to create a healthier and more sustainable home.
Table: VOC Content of Different Types of Paint
| Type of Paint | VOC Content (g/L) |
|---|---|
| Oil-based paint | 250-500 |
| Water-based paint | 50-150 |
| Low-VOC paint | <50 |
Warranty
A warranty is an important consideration when choosing exterior house paint. A good warranty will protect you from the cost of repainting your home if the paint fails prematurely. Warranties typically cover peeling, cracking, fading, and other defects. The length of the warranty will vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of paint. Some manufacturers offer warranties of up to 25 years.
When choosing a paint warranty, it is important to read the fine print carefully. Some warranties have exclusions and limitations. For example, some warranties may not cover damage caused by extreme weather conditions or improper application. It is also important to make sure that the warranty is transferable if you sell your home.
A good warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that your paint will last for many years to come. However, it is important to remember that a warranty is only as good as the manufacturer that backs it. When choosing a paint manufacturer, it is important to do your research and choose a company with a good reputation for standing behind its products.
The following table provides a comparison of warranties from different paint manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Lifetime warranty on most products |
| Benjamin Moore | 25-year warranty on most products |
| Behr | 10-year warranty on most products |
As you can see, the length of the warranty can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. It is important to choose a warranty that meets your needs and budget.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other homeowners is an important step in choosing the right exterior house paint. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance of different paints in real-world conditions. By reading reviews, you can learn about the durability, ease of application, and color accuracy of different paints. This information can help you avoid choosing a paint that is difficult to apply, fades quickly, or peels easily.
- Durability: Reviews can provide information about the durability of different paints. Some paints are more resistant to fading, peeling, and cracking than others. By reading reviews, you can learn which paints are likely to last the longest in your climate and on your type of home.
- Ease of application: Reviews can also provide information about the ease of application of different paints. Some paints are easier to apply than others. By reading reviews, you can learn which paints are likely to be the easiest to apply yourself, saving you time and money.
- Color accuracy: Reviews can also provide information about the color accuracy of different paints. Some paints may not match the color that you see on the swatch. By reading reviews, you can learn which paints are likely to be the most color-accurate, helping you to avoid costly mistakes.
- Overall satisfaction: Reviews can also provide information about the overall satisfaction of other homeowners with different paints. By reading reviews, you can learn which paints are likely to provide the best value for your money.
Reading reviews from other homeowners is a valuable way to learn about the performance of different exterior house paints. By taking the time to read reviews, you can avoid choosing a paint that is difficult to apply, fades quickly, or peels easily. This can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Exterior House Paint FAQs
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, there are a lot of factors to consider. From choosing the right color to selecting the best paint type, it can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you make the best decision for your home.
Question 1: How do I choose the right color for my home’s exterior?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a color for your home’s exterior. The style of your home, the surrounding landscape, and your personal preferences all play a role. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always consult with a professional color consultant.
Question 2: What is the best type of paint for my home’s exterior?
The best type of paint for your home’s exterior will depend on a number of factors, including the climate you live in and the condition of your home’s surface. If you’re not sure what type of paint to choose, you can always consult with a professional painter.
Question 3: How do I prepare my home’s exterior for painting?
Before you start painting, it’s important to prepare your home’s exterior. This includes cleaning the surface, repairing any damage, and priming the surface. By following these steps, you can ensure that your paint job will last for many years to come.
Question 4: What are some common mistakes to avoid when painting my home’s exterior?
One of the most common mistakes to avoid when painting your home’s exterior is not using the right type of paint. Another common mistake is not preparing the surface properly. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your paint job will be successful.
Question 5: How often should I paint my home’s exterior?
The frequency with which you need to paint your home’s exterior will depend on a number of factors, including the climate you live in and the type of paint you use. However, a good rule of thumb is to paint your home’s exterior every 5-7 years.
Question 6: What are some tips for choosing a professional painter?
When choosing a professional painter, it’s important to do your research. Ask for references, read reviews, and make sure the painter is licensed and insured. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re hiring a qualified professional.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your exterior house painting project is a success.
Transition to the next article section: For more information on exterior house painting, please see our other articles on the topic.
Exterior House Paint Suggestions
Choosing the right exterior paint for your home can be a daunting task. With so many different brands, types, and colors to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips to help you choose the perfect paint for your home.
Tip 1: Consider your home’s style and architecture. The style of your home will help you narrow down your choices. For example, a traditional home might look best with a classic white or beige paint color, while a modern home might look better with a bolder color like blue or green.
Tip 2: Think about the surrounding landscape. The colors of your home’s exterior should complement the surrounding landscape. For example, a home surrounded by trees might look best with a green or brown paint color, while a home near the beach might look better with a blue or white paint color.
Tip 3: Choose a paint that is durable and weather-resistant. The climate in your area will play a role in determining the type of paint you choose. If you live in a hot, sunny climate, you’ll need to choose a paint that is resistant to fading and peeling. If you live in a cold, wet climate, you’ll need to choose a paint that is resistant to moisture and mildew.
Tip 4: Don’t forget about the primer. Primer is an essential step in any painting project. It helps to seal the surface and create a smooth, even finish. Be sure to choose a primer that is compatible with the type of paint you are using.
Tip 5: Apply two coats of paint. For the best results, apply two coats of paint. This will help to ensure that the paint is evenly applied and that it provides adequate coverage.
Tip 6: Allow the paint to dry completely before using your home. Once you have applied the paint, allow it to dry completely before using your home. This will help to prevent the paint from being damaged.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect exterior paint for your home and ensure that your paint job lasts for many years to come.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Choosing the right exterior paint can help to protect your home from the elements and improve its curb appeal.
- By following these tips, you can choose the perfect paint for your home and ensure that your paint job lasts for many years to come.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Now that you know how to choose the right exterior paint for your home, it’s time to get started on your painting project. With a little planning and preparation, you can achieve a beautiful, lasting finish that will protect your home for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the right exterior house paint is an important decision that can impact the look and longevity of your home. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision that will protect your investment and enhance the beauty of your home.
Remember to consider the style of your home, the surrounding landscape, the climate in your area, and the durability of the paint. By following these tips, you can choose the perfect exterior paint for your home and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
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