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Exterior House Paint Types
The paint on your home's exterior is not just about decoration. The paint on your house is a protective covering that keeps the wood or masonry underneath protected from rain and snow. This primary purpose is what makes the number of paint products available so complicated.
If it were only about color and appearance, it would just be about taste and would be a simple choice. Because it's about more than that, some knowledge of the different types of exterior paints available is important. While surface preparation is key, knowing the right type of paint to use to cover your house is extremely important; if you want it to last.
Exterior paints are made up of 4 basic elements: additives, binders, pigments and solvents. The properties of each exterior paint type and finish is a blend of each of these. Pigments make up the color and the binder is what holds all of the pigments together, acting as a sort of glue to keep them on the surface. The additives and solvents are what make up the characteristics of the paint itself, such as protective qualities, paint hardness, mildew resistance, and so forth. The solvent keeps the paint wet and is what decides how long it takes it to dry. This can also affect how well the paint adheres and how long it lasts as well.
Latex (water-based) and alkyd (oil-based) are the two major types of exterior paint. Latex paints are usually the paint of choice for DIY painters and are more eco-friendly while alkyds are often used by professionals because they go on thicker and are easier to spread.
Most latex paints have a fast drying time and come in a huge variety of color options. They are, however, not generally as long-lasting and can often require more labor to put on in an even coat with no lingering marks from brushes, rollers, or over spray.
Alkyds have oil in their base and are thicker. This means they have a longer drying time, but give a better coating. High quality exterior paints for common surfaces such as wood will often be alkyd-based.
Some circumstances call for more uncommon paint types. Elastomeric paints are becoming more common, getting their name from their rubbery quality once applied. Once used mainly on semi-flexible structures to keep the paint from chipping, these are becoming popular exterior house paints as well, especially on stucco finishes. The elastomeric is thick and bonds well with surfaces, covering small gaps and holding its finish even if the surface flexes due to climate.
Urethane is another exterior finish that is becoming popular. This paint is used mainly on flooring such as porches, walkways, etc., made from wood. This durable, tough paint can really make a wood floor shine. Urethane should not be confused with epoxy.
It is important to choose the right paint for your home, as you'll save a lot of money over the long run by both making the job easier and by putting more time between painting.
If you live in the Naperville area and need a house painter, take a look at Naperville Painting.
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 Kop Flex Elastomeric Coupling Size 80  US $39.75
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 Kop Flex Elastomeric Coupling Size 60 US $39.00
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 TB Woods 7JE Sure Flex Elastomeric Coupling Insert US $12.74
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