Exterior Painting

Exterior paint has a role not only in improving a home’s appearance but also in protecting the outdoor surfaces from moisture, fading, chipping, and temperature changes. When it comes to outdoor paint, long-lasting results are a priority, and to reach them one needs to use the right type of paint for each project.

There are different types of paint for outdoor uses, each with individual properties and specific recommendations. They can be used for several parts of a home’s exterior including siding, doors, gutters, fences, and more.

Find out what to look for and how to choose the best exterior paint for your project.

WATER-BASED EXTERIOR PAINT

This type of exterior paint is best for vinyl sidings, masonry, and roofs. Water-based paint is naturally breathable, so it does not trap moisture and dries quickly, in only 1 to 6 hours. Stains and dirt can easily be cleaned with soap and water.

Compared with oil-based paint, water-based is less likely to crack or peel.

OIL-BASED EXTERIOR PAINT

With gloss finish and stain-block, oil-based exterior paint is long-lasting and dirt resistant. It dries slowly, between 8 to 24 hours, and should be applied in areas with great ventilation. Oil-based exterior paint is best for chalky or stained surfaces, metals prone to rusting, bleeding woods, doors, and railings.

This type of paint is more likely to crack or peel over time.

SURFACE PREPARATION

An important step in obtaining long-lasting results is preparing the surface. This not only makes the exterior paint last longer but also creates a more professional look.

What to consider:

Scraping off any peeling paint before applying a new coat using steel wool or any other scraping tools.
Cleaning and fill holes in the surface prior to paint application.
Sanding unpainted wood that is weathered with sanding rolls.
Priming all bare wood with a primer undercoat.
Hosing off dirt, leave, and rainwater that might accumulate over time.

THE RIGHT PAINT FOR THE JOB

A deck or a patio – acrylic latex paint
A front door – high-gloss finish, such as Dulux Trade High Gloss White
Outdoor metal furniture – oil-based exterior furniture
Outdoor wood/wicker furniture – latex-based exterior spray paint

MAINTAINING EXTERIOR PAINT

There are a few tricks to keep your home’s exterior looking fresh. Depending on the climate you live in and the siding material on your house, high-quality exterior paint can last up to 10 years. However, over time, outdoor surfaces accumulate dirt, rainwater, or leaves, which is why it’s recommended to hose them off a couple of times a year.

NEED HELP?

If you’d like advice on your specific projects, you can always drop by at one of our branches. Our team is qualified to give you professional advice and will help you make the best decisions.

All of our branches, except Beaconsfield, have a paint mixing service so you can achieve that perfect colour scheme.

Check here to see the full range of painting and decorating products, as well as useful tools on Lords Builders Merchants at trade prices.