Exterior Paints

Selecting the right exterior paint can be challenging due to the variety of surfaces involved, such as clapboard and aluminum siding, wood shingles, tar shingles, cedar shakes, brick, concrete block, stucco, and old paint. Older homes often feature a mix of these surfaces. Thankfully, there's an exterior paint for every surface type, and some paints work across multiple surfaces.

The links below will guide you to helpful articles that will assist you in choosing the perfect exterior paint for your project. You'll explore various types of exterior paints and learn how to calculate the right amount needed for your job.

Similar to interior paints, exterior paints come in water-thinned or solvent-thinned formulas and are available in three finishes: flat, semigloss, and gloss. However, exterior paints differ in several key ways. They tend to be more expensive, contain more resin for moisture resistance and durability, and have a higher pigment content for vibrant color.

You may want to consider using the same type of exterior paint that was previously applied. Similar to interior paints, latex works best over latex, and alkyd works best over alkyd. If you're unsure about the existing paint type, it's safest to use an alkyd-based paint.

Latex exterior paints are easier to apply, dry faster, and help reduce moisture issues by allowing the surface to "breathe." Cleanup is simple, requiring just soap and water. However, these paints don't adhere well to oil-based or alkyd-based paints, nor to poorly prepared surfaces. Alkyds, on the other hand, are highly durable but more challenging to work with due to their slow drying time. Solvents are necessary for cleaning brushes, rollers, trays, and any paint spills.

One type of alkyd-based exterior paint stands out due to its self-cleaning feature, known as "chalking." Over time, the paint surface oxidizes, and each rainfall removes a small amount of the paint along with dirt, effectively renewing the surface. This process used to leave a chalky residue on foundations and shrubs, but newer formulations minimize the shedding to prevent stains on nearby surfaces.

Chalking paint may not be ideal for every home. In areas with limited rainfall, the powder can accumulate on the surface, dulling the finish. In regions with frequent rainfall, the benefits of chalking paint may not justify the extra cost, as rain will keep the exterior clean regardless of the paint used. If you live in such areas, consult your paint dealer to determine if chalking paint is suitable for your location.

In the meantime, the following articles should help address many of your questions about exterior paints.

Choosing the Right Exterior Paint

The surface you're painting, the desired finish, and the climate conditions you expect to face are all important factors when selecting the perfect paint. Find out which type is best suited for your needs.

Calculating Exterior Paint Requirements

Buying too much paint means dealing with excess that takes up unnecessary space. This guide will help you determine the right amount of exterior paint you'll need for your project.

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Choosing Exterior Paint

One key difference between painting indoors and outdoors is the variety of surfaces you have to account for when painting the exterior. These surfaces can include clapboard, aluminum siding, wood shingles, tar shingles, cedar shakes, brick, concrete block, stucco, and even old paint. Many older homes have a combination of these surfaces. Fortunately, there is a paint suitable for every type of surface, and some paints can work across multiple surfaces. Like interior paints, exterior paints come in both water-thinned and solvent-thinned formulas, with finishes available in flat, semigloss, and gloss. However, exterior paints are typically more expensive and contain more resin for moisture resistance and durability, as well as more pigment for vibrant color.

You might want to select your paint based on the type already used. Just like with interior paints, latex works best over latex, and alkyd works best over alkyd. If you're unsure about the existing paint type, it's safest to use an alkyd-based paint.

Latex paints are easier to apply, dry quickly, and help reduce moisture issues by allowing surfaces to "breathe." Cleanup is easy with soap and water. However, these paints don't adhere as well to oil-based or alkyd-based paints, nor to poorly prepared surfaces. On the other hand, alkyd paints are highly durable, but they are harder to work with and take longer to dry. You'll also need solvents to clean brushes, rollers, trays, and any spills when using alkyd paints.

One particular type of alkyd-based exterior paint is appealing due to its self-cleaning feature, known as "chalking." Over the years, the paint oxidizes gradually. Each rainfall removes a small amount of the paint along with dirt, constantly refreshing the surface. This process used to leave a chalky residue on foundations and shrubs, but modern formulas control the shedding, preventing stains on nearby surfaces.

Chalking paint isn't suitable for every home. In regions with little rainfall, the powder can remain on the surface, dulling the paint. In wetter areas, the extra cost of chalking paint may not be worth it since regular rainfall keeps the house exterior clean regardless of the paint used. If you live in a region with these weather extremes, consult your paint dealer to see if chalking paint is right for your area.

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Calculating Exterior Paint Requirements

The amount of paint you need will depend on several factors, including the size of your house, the condition of its surfaces, the type of coating you choose, and how you plan to apply it.

Exterior walls made of narrow lap siding, shingles, shakes, masonry, or stucco typically require 10 to 50 percent more paint than smooth, flat surfaces.

Airless sprayers, which apply the equivalent of two coats at once, might use up to twice the amount of paint as traditional brushes, rollers, or pads for the same surface area.

If you run out of paint, you can always purchase more of the same premixed paint. Many stores also offer refunds or credits for unopened gallons. However, if you're using custom-colored paint, it might be difficult to get an exact match if you need more. It's a good idea to calculate your needs carefully and buy an extra gallon just to be safe.

To estimate how much paint your house needs, first measure its perimeter. Then, multiply that by the height, excluding any gable ends. You can either use a steel tape measure or reel out twine around the house, marking and measuring it. If you're using a different paint for the trim, subtract 21 square feet for every door and 15 square feet for each window. Finally, divide the result by the square footage coverage specified on the paint can to determine how many gallons you'll need for a single coat.

If your house features gables, simply add 2 feet to the height when making your calculations. For a more accurate measurement, measure the width of the gable wall and multiply it by its height. Divide the result by 2 to determine the gable's square footage.

As a general guideline for trim paint, plan on 1 gallon for every 6 gallons of wall paint. For greater accuracy, account for the areas of doors, windows, and shutters. When it comes to gutters, consider that a linear foot is approximately equivalent to a square foot, so for 50 feet of gutter, purchase enough paint to cover 50 square feet.

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