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Whether you are hoping to change the look of your home, or your exterior is due for some maintenance, choosing the right type of paint for your home’s exterior is crucial to ensuring its longevity, durability, and overall aesthetic appeal. With a wide variety of paint options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your specific needs.

Let’s explore the different types of paint that are commonly used for exterior surfaces and discuss why using the wrong type of paint can lead to potential problems down the road.

Related Article: Does Your Home Siding Color Change Your Interior Temperature?

Play It Safe With Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is one of the most popular choices for painting the exterior of a home. Acrylic paint is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to cracking and fading. It is also relatively easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a convenient option for homeowners looking to give their home a fresh coat of paint.

Acrylic paint is available in both water-based and oil-based formulas, with water-based acrylic paint being the preferred choice for exterior surfaces. This preference is due to its ability to expand and contract with the changing weather conditions.

Related Article: When It’s Time to Give Your Siding a Facelift

Choose Latex Paint for Humid and Sunny Climates

Another common type of paint used for exterior surfaces is latex paint. Latex paint is a water-based paint that is known for its ease of application, quick drying time, and excellent color retention. Latex paint is also resistant to mildew and fading, making it a popular choice for homes located in areas with high humidity or intense sunlight.

While latex paint is generally a good option for exterior surfaces, it is important to choose a high-quality exterior latex paint specifically designed for outdoor use to ensure long-lasting results.

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Avoid Paint Made for Interior Use

On the other hand, using interior paint on the exterior of your home is a big no-no. Interior paint is not formulated to withstand the harsh elements that exterior surfaces are exposed to, such as UV rays, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. 

As a result, using interior paint on the exterior of your home can lead to premature fading, cracking, and peeling, as well as an overall deterioration of the paint film. Interior paint also lacks the necessary additives and pigments that provide protection against moisture, mildew, and other environmental factors.

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Steer Clear of Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint is another type of paint that is not recommended for use on the exterior of your home. While oil-based paint offers a durable and high-gloss finish, it tends to become brittle over time and is prone to cracking and peeling when exposed to the elements. 

Oil-based paint also takes longer to dry and emits strong fumes, making it a less environmentally friendly option compared to water-based paints. Additionally, oil-based paint requires specialized cleaning agents for cleanup, which can be inconvenient for homeowners.

Related Article: Does My Siding Need Repair or Replacement?

Consider New Siding Instead

Choosing the right type of paint for your home’s exterior is essential for achieving a beautiful and long-lasting finish. Acrylic paint and latex paint are both excellent choices for exterior surfaces due to their durability, flexibility, and resistance to fading and cracking. However, you might consider re-siding your home instead!

If you are looking at an aging and worn exterior, it might be a better investment to replace the siding rather than paint over it. In doing so, you can protect your home and enhance its curb appeal for years to come. Contact Advance Inc. for an in-home consultation.

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