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Choosing
exterior paint and stains
Painting the
exterior of your home is no small job. By taking care to
choose the right quality paint, you can avoid what could
ultimately prove a very costly mistake.
While color is naturally a primary consideration, you
should also base your decision on ease of application,
protection against weather and, most importantly, product
quality. Although a lower grade product will reduce your
initial cash outlay, the time and expense of more frequent
repainting will soon make you wish you hadn't compromised. Keeping the quality rule in mind, here's a summary of
paints and other coatings generally recommended for
specific surfaces and finishes.
WOODEN CLAPBOARD SIDING
You can use almost any house paint formulated for wood
surfaces on this popular exterior building material. Keep
in mind that use of a latex paint on wooden siding (and
other wood surfaces) can significantly reduce application
and drying time. We suggest Woodcraft Stain, Breeze
Acrylic Latex or Premium Alkyd.
DECORATIVE WOOD SHINGLES
Choose a clear water repellant preservative to retain the
pleasing natural grain of wood shingles. Alternatively,
add color by applying two coats of a high quality
pigmented stain. This will not only enhance the appearance
but will also offer added protection against weathering.
Woodcraft Stain is the preferred choice.
WOOD TRIM
Select an exterior enamel for wooden window sashes,
shutters and doors. These are available in both water and
oil-based finishes in a variety of sheens. Choose from
Premium Alkyd House & Trim Enamel, Breeze Acrylic Latex or
Envirogard.
MASONRY
Almost all exterior latex house paints may be used on
masonry surfaces, such as brick, cement, stucco, cinder
block and asbestos-cement. Another attractive finish for
brick is a clear water-repellant coating. Other options
for masonry surfaces include cement-based paints, colorful
rubber-based coatings, vinyl and acrylic latex paints. The
key to success, as with all paint jobs, is correct surface
preparation. Options are Breeze Acrylic Latex or Stucco
Coat. Check with your local paint store representative if
you're unsure of specific surface preparation
requirements.
ASPHALT SHINGLE SIDING
This surface requires specially formulated exterior
emulsions like Breeze Acrylic Latex. Again, check with
your local paint store representative.
METAL SURFACES
Galvanized iron, tin and steel building materials are
susceptible to rusting if not protected against moisture.
Although conventional house paints and exterior enamels
can be applied to these surfaces, rust inhibitive primers
must be applied to provide corrosion protection and
adhesion. Other metal surfaces, such as copper and
aluminum, will corrode if not protected. Ask your local
paint store representative about the products specially
developed for different metals.
SUNDECKS, PORCHES AND STEPS
The amount of foot traffic on sundecks, porches and steps
generally dictates that an extremely durable coating be
selected. Special porch and deck paints very well suited
to these heavy-wear areas and we suggest Porch & Floor
Enamel or Spantex/Stretch Deck Coatings. A thinned version
of the topcoat is sufficient as a primer for wood porches
and steps. Use a latex coating for best results on
concrete porches and steps, also thinning the first coat
to promote penetration. Before painting concrete that is
hard and glossy, etch the surface slightly with muriatic
acid but be sure to follow label instructions closely. |
