The right type of exterior paint will protect your home from the elements and add to its resale value. It can also save you money in the long run, says John Streb, director of product marketing at Benjamin Moore.
Different types of paint have specific properties, such as moisture resistance or a high sheen level. You can choose from oil-based, water-based, and tinted paints, depending on the surface you’re painting and your budget.
Resins are the components that bind pigments to the surfaces they’re painted on, and they’re usually made from epoxy, silicone, or acrylic. Epoxy resins are softer than silicone and acrylic, making them easier to apply and allowing them to stick through rougher conditions.
Pigments are finely ground particles that give the paint its color. They can be organic, which provides bright colors, or inorganic, which produces earthy hues. The type of pigments you use is crucial for determining whether the exterior paint will fade or resist fading over time, and it is generally better to choose paint with higher-quality pigments in lighter shades.
Additives are chemicals added to paints that help them resist fading, handle changing temperatures, or avoid cracking. They can also be used to make the paint more mold and mildew resistant.
Aside from these, other additives can help the paint resist fading and damage caused by weather, such as acid rain or extreme sunlight. The additives also help the paint repel water and resist stains.
Sealing coats are the final layers of paint that provide a protective layer and can prevent leaks, warping, and other issues. They can be applied to any type of surface, including shingles, siding, and wood clapboards. They can be applied in either a gloss or satin finish, but a high sheen level is best for protecting high-traffic areas like windows and door frames from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
The toronto painters right kind of exterior paint will keep your home looking new for many years, especially if you do it correctly and regularly perform maintenance. It can extend the life of your roof, shingles, and siding, and it can prevent mold from forming.
Exterior paints are also more durable than interior ones, thanks to the fact that they have additives designed to withstand the harshness of the outdoors and a wide range of temperature changes. These additives include ultraviolet (UV) blockers, which shield the paint from fading and sun exposure.
It’s also a good idea to look for a paint that is made from an ingredient called titanium dioxide. This is a pricey but effective pigment that can help the paint stay colorfast in direct sunlight.
Keeping your home clean will help protect the paint, so plan to pressure wash it about once a year. This will remove any dirt or mildew that may have accumulated since your last exterior paint job.
Your local home improvement store will likely be able to recommend the right kind of exterior paint for your property, or you can ask your contractor for advice. They will know exactly what types of paints are available and will be able to provide recommendations based on the specific type of materials you’re painting.