Discovering the Best Exterior Paint: Quality, Durability, and Color Options
Whether you’re painting your home, a fence, or a deck, choosing the best exterior paint can be overwhelming. The decision involves more than just selecting the right color and finish. Exterior paints are typically categorized by their binders or various oils. These binders determine the paint’s texture, durability, water resistance, and other essential qualities. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of different paints to make the right choice for your home in Methuen, MA.
Latex Paint
- Latex paint is created from synthetic binders like acrylic resin and polyvinyl acetate. This water-based paint is budget-friendly and can help you save significantly on exterior painting costs.
It adjusts to temperature changes, making it a suitable choice for temperature-sensitive materials like vinyl siding. Although not always the most durable, opting for a latex paint formulated for outdoor use can enhance its longevity.
Pros of Latex Paint
- Cost-effective
- Flexible, breathable, and resistant to mildew
- Simple to apply and clean up
- Available in colors and finishes
- Non-flammable with low VOCs
- Ideal for various siding types, porches, and patios
Cons of Latex Paint
- It can cause wood to swell
- It has limited durability in severe weather conditions
- It requires proper preparation and primer before application
- It may appear streaky on metal surfaces without multiple coats
- Brush marks can be difficult to avoid due to quick drying time
Acrylic Paint
- Acrylic paint is a water-based option made with acrylic resin. It offers versatility similar to latex paint and is suitable for nearly any exterior surface. However, acrylic paint is generally not as durable as oil-based exterior paints and can become pricey when bought in large quantities.
Despite this, acrylic paint’s porous nature allows water to escape, making it an excellent choice for exterior walls made from porous materials like stucco, concrete, or brick.
Pros of Acrylic Paint
- Simple to apply and clean
- Flexible, breathable, and resistant to mildew
- Non-flammable with low VOCs
- Suitable for various siding types, porches, and patios
Cons of Acrylic Paint
- Less durable in extreme weather conditions
- It may show streaks on metal surfaces
- It can cause wood to swell
- Brush marks caused by rapid drying
- Higher cost when bought in large quantities
- Limited finish options compared to latex paint
Oil-Based Paint
- Oil-based paint is known for its exceptional durability, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications. Designed to endure various weather conditions in Atkinson, it offers water and scratch resistance and dries to a smooth, hard finish. This makes it particularly suitable for high-traffic areas like doors and floors.
Pros of Oil-Based Paint
- Provides a smooth, thorough coverage with one coat
- Water-resistant
- Scratch-resistant
- Exceptional durability
- Ideal for metal, wood, and high-traffic surfaces
Cons of Oil-Based Paint
- Slow drying time
- High levels of VOCs
- More challenging to clean
- Flammable until fully dried
- Prone to cracking and bubbling
Epoxy Paint
- It differs from standard acrylic latex paint due to its added epoxy content. This enhancement makes it significantly stronger and more durable.
Pros of Epoxy Paint
- Waterproof
- Highly durable
- Resistant to gasoline and oil stains
- Ideal for surfaces like garage floors, driveways, and pools
Cons of Epoxy Paint
- Slippery when wet
- Limited variety of options
- Can crack, chip, or bubble
- More costly than latex paint
- Challenging to apply and remove
Takeaway
- When choosing the best exterior paint, consider your specific needs and the characteristics of each type. Select the paint that aligns with your project’s requirements and hire exterior painting professionals in Atkinson for exceptional results.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting. Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.