Whether you have just purchased a new home and it is a fixer-upper or are just looking at the tired appearance of your home and want to give it a new lease of life, exterior paint is hard to get right. Because there are so many varieties to choose from, color is the easiest decision. What you want is longevity. Once the paint has dried, most people want to be able to enjoy their fresh looking house for many years before they need to repaint. This is why we are looking at what quality exterior paint should be capable of.
Different Types of Exterior Paint
The following are the most common although there are other varieties, they tend to. fall into the following categories.
Water-Based or Latex Paint
This is one of the most common types of exterior paint and is popular because it does not trap moisture so it won’t crack or peel after you have applied. There isn’t much of an odor with this type of exterior paint and most products dry fast.
Expect it to dry within six hours with some brands even drying around the hour mark, this is great if time is of the essence and you are worried about the weather. In warm weather, water-based paint expands then contracts when things cool down.
Acrylic
This is another water-based exterior paint but mixed with acrylic. It is well known for being long-lasting paint and is durable yet best used for siding, drywall, and plaster among others. When primed correctly, acrylic paint sticks well and is breathable so it won’t crack.
It also retains its color better than most paint types, providing excellent protection against the sun and UV rays. To top it off, it dries fast and has a low odor.
Oil Based
These products are good for blocking stains and are highly adhesive to the wall. Any stained surface of the chalky types is well suited to this type of exterior paint and metals that are prone to rust.
The downside is that they take longer to dry with some needing up to a day before they are completely dry and at a minimum expect 8-10 hours.
Primer
In the strictest sense, this is not an exterior paint but will be the base coat used by most people. This is the best approach for ensuring the new paint sticks and lasts longer. Before you pick up any type of primer, make sure it matches the type of exterior paint you are using as a water-based primer is only to be used with water-based paint, and the same goes for an oil-based primer with oil-based paint.
Which Exterior Paint Lasts The Longest?
Acrylic paint will last longer than other types of exterior house paint but it isn’t always the finish that everyone wants. Still, they are available in a variety of colors from most reputable brands.
Expect this paint to last around 5 – 10 years before it needs a new coat, which is more than most.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Last?
This depends on a few factors, notably the type of exterior paint you are using. The quality of the paint will come into it too but most water-based paints don’t last as long as the acrylic types.
Sometimes you can get nearly ten years out of other brands, just check the tin to see what the company advises you to expect.
Why Use A New Exterior Paint?
It doesn’t matter if you are looking to sell and want to make your house stand out for all the right reasons, or have noticed yours looking a little tired, there are plenty of reasons to repaint the exterior of a house.
Over time, paint starts to bubble and can peel, not to mention the amount of damage the elements can cause over the years. The amount of protection the exterior paint can offer the house wears off eventually so it is important to give it fresh paint to protect the interior from any potential mold.
Should I Hire A Pro To Paint My House?
It is always nice to see the results of a professional who will not only get the job done faster but will take the strain off the homeowner.
However, this is a task that can be done in a reasonable time by most people. As long as you have the equipment, prime the surface before painting and practice a little patience, you should be fine.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint The Exterior Of A House?
A two-story will cost an average of $1750 – $3,200 to paint a 2,400 sq ft house. This includes a primer and all layers but will change depending on what type of paint you use, what shade you are painting over and covering it with, and the quality of the brand you choose.
How Long Does It Take To Paint A Home Exterior?
This depends on a few things. First of all, how many people do you have on hand to help? If it is just you then it is going to take significantly longer. The average house can take 2 – 4 days to paint with a team of two people tackling the job.
It might take longer if you are using an oil-based exterior paint as they take longer to dry, with some requiring up to 24 hours. Also, the climate can impact how long it takes to finish.
When Should I Paint The Exterior Of A House?
You don’t want to be doing this task when the heavens are susceptible to opening or when there is a chill in the air. The humidity also needs to be favorable with fewer variations in the weather over the days it takes to finish the painting.
Early summer and late fall are two of the best times of year to get this task done. You don’t want to be painting in the months where the temperature drops significantly overnight as this will impact how it dries and adheres to the wall.
