Choosing The Best Paint For Your Home's Exterior

We look at choosing the best paint for your home's exterior. Find out more about the crucial factors that influence paint choice, including durability, weather resistance, colour selection, and material compatibility. 

What are the different types of exterior paint?

Choosing the best paint for your home's exterior hinges on understanding the various types of exterior paint. There are two main kinds: oil-based paint and water-based paint. Oil-based paint, sometimes called alkyd paint, is renowned for its strength and durability. It can stand up to wear and tear better than other types and offers a glossy finish.

On the other hand, it takes longer to dry and can emit potent fumes, meaning that you'll likely need to take time off from your painting project. Water-based paint, also called latex or acrylic paint, is another excellent choice for numerous homeowners.

One of the major pros of opting for this type of paint is that it dries quickly, and it is easier to work with. It provides a finish that resists the effects of direct sunlight and doesn't tend to crack or peel. Then, you have masonry paint, designed specifically for bricks and concrete. This kind of paint can ensure your walls stand up against harsh weather elements and requires less maintenance.

Conversely, utilising more vibrant colours like a radiant white could emit a joyous and energetic atmosphere. Such colours can spark a feeling of happiness, making the environment feel brighter and more animated.

Hence, colours play a key role in mood formation and should be chosen carefully. Furthermore, it's essential to deliberate the long-term effects of your choice. Certain hues demand routine upkeep, whereas others provide longevity. 

Lighter tints such as white and beige typically prevail when it comes to endurance. Notably, they're proficient at resisting the undesired appearance of dirt and stains, outshining their darker-coloured counterparts. So, for practicality and ease, consider these factors when making your selection.

In conclusion, never overlook the essential step of trialling samples before you finalise your choice. Applying a small amount of paint to a section of your space allows you to witness the colour in variegated lighting. From the bright morning sun to artificial evening lights, the tone can significantly alter. 

 Observing these changes throughout the day helps you confirm if you indeed love the paint colour in all circumstances. The last thing you want is to commit to a colour only to later realise it doesn't suit your space as you thought in certain lights. It such a small step but the value it brings in ensuring your satisfaction is immense. 

How do I make exterior paint last long?

When it comes to enhancing the lifespan of exterior paint, it is essential to stress the importance of adequate preparation and regular maintenance procedures. Initially, it is absolutely crucial the exterior walls are thoroughly cleansed, completely dry, and void of any old, chipping or peeling paint. Applying a high-quality primer can remarkably contribute to the longevity of your paint work as it provides an excellent base for the paint to adhere to.

Furthermore, the type of paint selected can significantly impact the durability of your paint job. Opting for premium quality paint expressly curated for exterior use is a wise choice. These specialised formulations are engineered with the capability to resist harsh weather conditions, thus assuring your house exterior retains its aesthetic appeal for many years.

In addition, adopting a routine of regular cleaning and inspection is paramount in prolonging the life of your exterior paint job. Promptly deal with areas that display signs of wear or damage by touching up the paint. Doing so will halt the progress of further deterioration. This ultimately ensures your exterior paint is well preserved, keeping your home looking smart and well cared for, thereby maintaining its value and charm. 

For obtaining the best results, it's always advisable to keep a close tab on the weather forecast prior to undertaking your painting project. This will help avoid any unwelcome surprises and ensure the longevity and visual appeal of your applied paint.

Besides, bear in mind that paint takes longer to dry in high humidity, so you might want to avoid rainy seasons. Each paint brand has recommended temperatures for application usually listed on their label, so always consider this when planning your project. Always aim for optimal weather conditions and you will achieve the best results in your exterior painting project.

What tools do professional painters use for exterior painting

Professional painters use a range of tools to ensure superb, long-lasting results when painting a home's exterior. This includes pressure washers for prep work, paint rollers and brushes of varying sizes for different surface areas and detailing, extension poles to reach high areas, paint sprayers for efficient and even coverage, painters’ tape for neat edges, and drop cloths to protect the surrounding areas from paint drips and splatters.

Furthermore, painters often carry items such as paint scrapers and putty knives, which help to prepare the surface before painting. They may also use tape to protect certain areas from paint splashes, and a variety of brushes and rollers suitable for different surfaces and paint types. While most professionals have a standard set of tools, there are times when they need to use special equipment, for instance, when dealing with old or damaged walls that require extra care.

One key point to consider, especially when painting at heights, is the importance of safety equipment. This is often overlooked, but should be an essential part of every painter's toolkit. Safety goggles help protect the eyes from splashes and debris, while gloves minimise the risk of skin irritations from paint chemicals. A safety harness, in conjunction with the proper use of a ladder, can prevent accidents when working at high elevations.

Choosing the right tools is crucial in achieving a desirable end result. The condition of the house exterior, the weather conditions, the type of paint being used - all these factors influence the tools a professional will need for the job. This selection process ensures efficiency, work precision, and guarantees a professional-looking finish, that can transform a house appearance dramatically, giving it a fresh and inviting feel.

Do you require exterior painting and decorating services in Edinburgh?

Then W. Martin can help. No matter the scale of the project, our professional team are on hand to help. If you need our services, do not hesitate to get in touch and contact our team today.