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What Is The Best Type of Paint For Home Exteriors?

the exterior of a house that has been painted

Painting the exterior of your house is a big job, and you want to make sure you choose the right paint to protect your investment. There are many factors to consider, such as the type of surface you’re painting, the climate you live in, and the desired finish. 

This guide will break down the most popular types of exterior paint to help you make an informed decision. If you are looking to paint your home and want to hire a professional team to ensure everything goes perfectly, call Finest Painters for a free quote today at 416-997-8668.

Types of Exterior Paint

Latex Paint

One of the most popular choices for exterior paint is latex paint. It’s budget-friendly, easy to apply and clean, and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Latex paint is also flexible, breathable, and mildew resistant. However, it may not be as durable as some other types of paint, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Here are several reasons why Latex paint is a popular choice for painting house exteriors:

  • Budget-friendly: Latex paint is generally cheaper than oil-based exterior paints. This can be a significant advantage, especially for larger projects like painting your entire house.
  • Easy application and cleanup: Since latex paint is water-based, it’s much easier to work with than oil-based paints. Cleanup is a breeze – soap and water will do the trick, eliminating the need for harsh solvents and chemicals.
  • Fast drying times: Compared to oil-based paint, latex dries significantly faster. This allows you to apply multiple coats in a shorter time frame and get the job done quicker.
  • Lower VOCs: Latex paint typically boasts lower levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can irritate your lungs and contribute to air pollution. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice and reduces the potential for lingering paint fumes inside your home.
  • Versatility: Latex exterior paint comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your house.
  • Flexibility and crack resistance: Exterior latex paint creates a somewhat flexible finish that can withstand minor temperature fluctuations without cracking or peeling. This is especially important in areas with seasonal changes.
  • Mildew resistance: Latex paint is a good choice for exterior surfaces as it resists mildew growth, which can be a common problem in humid climates.

Acrylic Paint

Similar to latex paint, acrylic paint is another water-based option that’s popular for exterior use. It’s a good choice for porous surfaces like stucco, concrete, or brick because it allows water vapor to escape, preventing blistering. While not quite as durable as oil-based paints, acrylic paints are a good balance between affordability and performance.

Acrylic paint shines as a popular choice for house exteriors, offering several key benefits:

a painted garage door
  • Durability: Acrylic paint is known for its resilience against the elements. It can withstand sunlight, rain, and even some snow and ice, making it a long-lasting option for your home’s exterior.
  • Breathability: Unlike oil-based paints, acrylic paint allows water vapor to escape from the underlying surface. This prevents moisture buildup that can lead to blistering and peeling.
  • Mildew resistance: Similar to latex paint, acrylics resist mildew growth, a common concern in humid climates. This helps maintain a clean and fresh look for your exterior walls.
  • Easy application and cleanup: Water-based acrylic paint is user-friendly. Applying and cleaning up spills is a breeze with soap and water, eliminating the need for harsh solvents.
  • Fast drying times: Just like latex paint, acrylics dry quickly, allowing you to apply multiple coats faster and get the job done quicker.
  • Wide color variety: Acrylic exterior paint comes in a vast array of colors, giving you the freedom to personalize your home’s exterior with the perfect shade.
  • Flexibility: Acrylic paint offers a somewhat flexible finish that can accommodate minor shifts and movements in your house’s structure without cracking or peeling. This is particularly beneficial in areas with seasonal temperature fluctuations.
  • Cost: While generally affordable, acrylic paint can be slightly more expensive than latex paint, especially in large quantities.
  • Finish options: Compared to latex paint, acrylic paint might have a slightly more limited selection of finish options (flat, eggshell, satin). However, the most common finishes are still readily available.

Overall, acrylic paint offers a strong balance between affordability, ease of use, durability, and weather resistance, making it a great choice for painting your house exterior.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint is known for its exceptional durability. It’s water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and dries to a hard finish, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like doors and trim. However, oil-based paint is also high in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be harmful to your health and the environment. Additionally, oil-based paint is more difficult to clean up and takes longer to dry than water-based paints.

Oil-based paint, while a classic choice, faces increasing competition from water-based options, but it still holds some distinct advantages for house exteriors:

  • Unmatched Durability: Oil-based paint is the king of tough exteriors. It creates a hard, enamel-like finish that is exceptionally resistant to harsh weather conditions. From scorching sun to heavy rain and even freezing temperatures, oil-based paint can take a beating and keep your house protected for years.
  • Superior Water Resistance: Oil-based paint forms a strong barrier against water penetration. This is crucial for preventing moisture damage that can lead to rot, warping, and peeling paint. It’s particularly well-suited for areas with frequent rain or high humidity.
  • Excellent Scratch and Stain Resistance: Oil-based paint’s hard finish makes it highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains. This is ideal for high-traffic areas like doors, trim, and porches that are more prone to wear and tear.
  • Smooth, Flawless Finish: Oil-based paint often goes on smoother and self-levels better than water-based options, resulting in a more even and flawless finish. This can be especially noticeable on larger surfaces.
  • Long-Lasting Gloss: Oil-based paint typically has a higher gloss sheen, which not only creates a classic, polished look but also helps resist dirt and grime buildup. This makes cleaning easier and keeps your exterior looking fresh for longer.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider:

  • High VOCs: Oil-based paint contains higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can irritate your lungs and contribute to air pollution. Proper ventilation is essential when using oil-based paint.
  • Strong Odors: The strong solvent smell associated with oil-based paint can be unpleasant and linger for some time after application.
  • Slower Drying Time: Oil-based paint takes longer to dry compared to water-based options. This can extend your project timeline and limit how quickly you can recoat.
  • Cleanup Challenges: Cleaning up oil-based paint requires solvents like mineral spirits, which can be messy and pose disposal challenges.
  • Susceptibility to Cracking: While durable, oil-based paint can become brittle over time and develop cracks, especially on flexible surfaces.

Overall, oil-based paint remains a valuable option for exterior surfaces that demand maximum protection and a classic finish. However, be aware of the drawbacks and ventilation requirements before choosing this paint type.

Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint is often mistaken for oil-based paint, but it’s actually a different type of paint. Alkyd paint offers many of the same benefits of oil-based paint, such as durability and good adhesion, but it’s easier to apply because it’s thinned with a solvent. However, alkyd paint also has a high VOC content and can be prone to cracking and bubbling.

Alkyd paint offers a compelling blend of the positive aspects of both oil-based and water-based paints, making it a popular choice for house exteriors. Here are some of its key benefits:

a painted front door
  • Durability: Alkyd paint offers excellent durability, similar to oil-based paint. It creates a tough, protective finish that can withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, sun, and even freezing temperatures. This translates to long-lasting protection for your home’s exterior.
  • Faster Drying Time: Unlike oil-based paint, alkyd paint dries much faster, similar to latex paint. This allows you to apply multiple coats quicker and finish your project faster.
  • Easier Application and Cleanup: Alkyd paint is thinned with solvents, making it easier to apply than oil-based paint. Cleanup is also simpler, requiring mineral spirits but generally less than oil-based paint. While not quite soap and water like latex paints, it’s an improvement over oil-based options.
  • Better Adhesion: Alkyd paint boasts excellent adhesion properties. It can adhere well to various surfaces, including wood, metal, and even previously painted surfaces with latex paint (whereas oil-based paint typically shouldn’t go over latex).
  • Smooth Finish: Alkyd paint often provides a smooth, even finish similar to oil-based paint. This can be especially desirable for achieving a clean, polished look on your exterior walls.
  • Mildew Resistance: Similar to acrylic and latex paints, alkyd paint offers good mildew resistance, which is important for maintaining a clean exterior in humid climates.

However, there are some limitations to consider with alkyd paint:

  • VOCs: While generally lower than oil-based paint, alkyd paint still contains VOCs that can irritate your lungs and require proper ventilation during application.
  • Odors: Alkyd paint has a noticeable solvent odor, though not quite as strong as oil-based paint. Proper ventilation is still important.
  • Susceptibility to Cracking: Like oil-based paint, alkyd paint can become brittle over time and develop cracks, especially on flexible surfaces.
  • Limited Color Selection: Compared to latex or acrylic paint, alkyd paint might have a more limited selection of colors available.

Overall, alkyd paint offers a good compromise between durability, ease of use, and drying time for exterior painting. It’s a strong choice if you prioritize a long-lasting finish with a faster drying time than oil-based paint, but be mindful of the ventilation requirements and potential for cracking.

Epoxy Paint

Epoxy paint is a tough and durable paint that’s ideal for high-traffic areas like garage floors, driveways, and patios. It’s also resistant to gasoline and oil stains. However, epoxy paint can be slippery when wet and is more difficult to apply and remove than other types of paint.

Epoxy paint offers a unique set of advantages for specific areas of your house exterior, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits and drawbacks:

  • Unmatched Durability and Toughness: Epoxy paint boasts exceptional durability, even surpassing oil-based paint. It creates an extremely hard, chemical-resistant finish that can withstand heavy traffic, abrasion, and harsh weather conditions. This makes it ideal for high-wear areas like garage floors, driveways, patios, and basement floors.
  • Waterproof and Stain Resistant: Epoxy paint forms a nearly impenetrable barrier against water, oil, and even some chemicals. This makes it perfect for areas exposed to moisture, spills, and potential staining, like pool decks or walkways.
  • Excellent Adhesion: Epoxy paint adheres exceptionally well to various surfaces, including concrete, tile, and even some metals. This strong bond ensures a long-lasting and protective coating.
  • Available in a Variety of Colors and Textures: While not as vast as latex or acrylic options, epoxy paint comes in a decent range of colors and even textured finishes. This allows you to add a decorative touch while maintaining functionality.

Drawbacks to Consider:

  • Slippery When Wet: Epoxy paint creates a very smooth finish that can become slippery, especially when wet. This can be a safety hazard in areas like walkways or patios. Adding a non-slip additive can help mitigate this issue.
  • Difficult Application and Removal: Epoxy paint requires a more meticulous application process compared to other options. It cures quickly, leaving little room for error. Removing epoxy paint is also a challenging and labor-intensive task.
  • Limited Use: Epoxy paint isn’t suitable for vertical surfaces like walls. It’s primarily designed for horizontal surfaces that can handle its weight and rigidity.
  • Cost: Epoxy paint is generally more expensive than latex or acrylic paints.

Overall, epoxy paint excels in specific exterior applications where extreme durability, waterproofing, and stain resistance are critical. However, its slippery nature, challenging application, and limited use cases make it a niche choice for house exteriors.

Elastomeric Paint

Elastomeric paint is a very flexible type of paint that’s ideal for exterior masonry surfaces like stucco and brick. It can bridge small cracks and is highly water-resistant. However, elastomeric paint can be expensive and time-consuming to apply, as it requires multiple coats and a long curing time.

Elastomeric paint stands out as a unique option for exterior painting, particularly for masonry surfaces like stucco and brick. Here’s a closer look at its advantages:

  • Superior Crack Bridging: Unlike traditional paints that can crack along with minor surface movements, elastomeric paint boasts exceptional flexibility. It can bridge hairline cracks and gaps in stucco, brick, and other masonry surfaces, forming a flexible, protective membrane. This helps prevent moisture infiltration and extends the lifespan of your exterior walls.
  • Exceptional Water Resistance: Elastomeric paint creates a water-tight barrier that shields your home’s exterior from rain, snow, and wind-driven moisture. This is crucial for protecting susceptible masonry surfaces from water damage that can lead to mold growth, rot, and structural issues.
  • Breathable Membrane: While elastomeric paint provides excellent waterproofing, it also allows water vapor to escape from within the masonry walls. This breathability helps prevent moisture buildup and blistering that can occur with less-flexible paints.
  • Durability Against Elements: Elastomeric paint is formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions, including UV rays, extreme temperatures, and freeze-thaw cycles. This translates to a long-lasting protective finish for your exterior.
  • Low Maintenance: The flexible and water-resistant nature of elastomeric paint helps it resist dirt accumulation and minor scratches. This translates to a lower maintenance exterior paint compared to some options.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  • Cost: Elastomeric paint is generally more expensive than latex or acrylic paints.
  • Thicker Application: Due to its thick consistency, elastomeric paint requires a thicker application compared to other paints. This can translate to more paint and potentially higher labor costs.
  • Multiple Coats: Typically, multiple coats of elastomeric paint are recommended to ensure proper coverage and achieve optimal performance.
  • Drying Time: While faster drying than oil-based paint, elastomeric paint may have a longer drying time than latex or acrylic options.

Overall, elastomeric paint is a strong choice for masonry exteriors where flexibility, crack bridging, and superior water resistance are top priorities. However, be mindful of the increased cost, thicker application, and multiple coat requirements.

Choosing a Paint Finish

In addition to the type of paint, you’ll also need to choose a paint finish. The finish will affect the look and durability of your paint job. Here are the most common types of paint finishes:

paint finishes including high gloss, semi gloss, satin, eggshell, flat or matte

Flat or Matte

This finish has no shine and is the least durable. It’s not a popular choice for exterior paint because it’s prone to showing dirt and scratches.

Eggshell

Eggshell has a slight sheen, making it easier to clean than flat paint. It’s a good choice for hiding imperfections on exterior walls.

Satin

Satin has a bit more sheen than eggshell and is more durable. It reflects light, which can make a surface look brighter.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint is a good choice for trim because it’s easy to clean and resistant to moisture and scratches.

High Gloss

High gloss paint is the most durable and dirt-resistant finish, but it can also be the most difficult to apply and will show any imperfections in the surface.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exterior paint for your home requires considering several factors. By understanding the different types of paint and finishes available, you can make an informed decision that will protect your home and look great for years to come. 

Looking for a painter in the Toronto area? Contact Finest Painters today for a free quote! Our friendly team will discuss your project, answer your questions, and help you determine the best course of action for your specific needs. Call us at 416-997-8668 and let’s get started on creating an exterior for your home that you’ll love!

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