Different paints have different drying times, and waiting until the first coat is dry before applying a second coat is key to achieving a quality finish. Most latex paints dry to the touch in a couple of hours and a second coat can be applied in 4 to 6 hours. However, oil paint dries to the touch in 6 to 8 hours and can take up to 24 hours before applying a second coat. Drying times are usually indicated on the paint can.
Acrylic is a binder that allows latex to flex slightly, making it less likely to become brittle and crack and therefore able to better repel rain. The highest quality latex paint labels include the words “all acrylic” or “100 percent acrylic”. While cheaper paints often contain a small amount of acrylic, they usually don't contain enough to make the paint truly weatherproof. As a bonus, the durability is low in VOC, so it is less likely to generate unpleasant fumes than other exterior paint options. Consult with a local paint store like Pigment Paint Supply for guidance in selecting the best paint for your project.
Available in over 100 color options, Duration can be applied in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, making it versatile and durable. One gallon covers up to 300 square feet. Zinsser has mold- and mildew-inhibiting ingredients to protect the exterior wood provided the surface is clean of any existing mold before painting. The paint provides good coverage and, like many Rust-Oleum products, blocks bleeding from stains.
Comes in a semi-gloss shine that repels dirt and moisture. One gallon covers up to 100 square feet. Duramax contains FlexShield365 technology that is designed to increase its resistance to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and torrential rain while offering a measure of resistance to mold and mildew. The paint has a 100 percent acrylic formulation, so it effectively covers the fine cracks of existing paint for a smooth surface.
Comes in a 1 gallon tintable white outer tin. One gallon can cover up to 130 square feet. Emerald Exterior is a self-priming paint that produces a smooth, flat coat and does not require a separate primer application. One gallon can cover up to 250 square feet and provide a strong, sturdy surface that discourages dirt.
The paint is easy to apply with a brush, roller or spray. This premium porch paint provides a strong, low-gloss finish, ideal for most porch applications. One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet. Comes in traditional slate grey and can be dyed to create other colors.
Behr Premium dries to the touch in 1 hour in mild climates, and a second coat can be applied after 48 hours. With 100 color combinations to choose from and a self-priming formula with low VOC content, Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint is our top choice for most outdoor projects. For those on a budget, Rust-Oleum exterior paint is a worthy alternative. This self-priming paint resists mold and mildew buildup while blocking dirt and stains, although it only comes in white and contains VOCs.
In our search for the best exterior paint, we only consider the options of the best paint brands. Certain factors, such as durability, longevity, and weather resistance, determined which paints stood out above the rest. Each top pick covers at least 130 square feet per gallon of paint and will last for years. Modern advances in paint technology, specifically the advent of all-acrylic formulations, have made the task of finding a top-notch product quite simple.
Just look for 100 percent acrylic latex on the label. You will get a paint that remains flexible, breathable, and does not fade for much longer than paints made with vinyl resins or acrylic blends. And since it sticks tenaciously to most surfaces, you can use it confidently on wood, vinyl, metal, and masonry. How long will it last? It depends on the paint and the surface to which it is applied.
Two coats of high-quality paint on primed wood can last from 10 to 15 years. Two layers on stucco can hold much longer. Paints made with 100 percent acrylic resins rank as the best, but, as these three Benjamin Moore products show, ingredient ratios, coverage rates, and dry film thicknesses can vary significantly. This information can be found in the Technical Data Sheets (TDS), which are provided by all manufacturers at no cost online.
But in a house before 1978, the paint could contain lead, and assaulting it carelessly will be detrimental to you, your family, and your property. This exuberant late 19th-century style took full advantage of the new earthy color options available in mass-produced paintings. This branch of colonial-style architecture from the 18th century is often painted with striking reds, oranges, and yellows, not just white. Overall, we recommend Benjamin Moore Ben Soft Gloss Finish.
This acrylic paint has a low gloss finish that is appropriate for a number of exterior surfaces, such as wood, siding, tile, brick, stucco, concrete, and even metal. It comes in hundreds of colors and provides excellent coverage that is also resistant to mildew. Overall, we recommend Benjamin Moore's Ben gloss finish. Exterior paint offers great coverage and a smooth gloss finish and can cover up to 475 square feet, which is more than many paint options available.
Acrylic paints are usually made with high-quality ingredients that make them thick and viscous. Chemicals in chemical-based acrylic paints make it more elastic, meaning it can expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. The elasticity of acrylic paint makes it ideal for exterior painting projects. While most paints generally require two coats, this outdoor paint does the job with just one coat.
The best exterior paints change for houses that have a lot of peeling paint or where peeling paint is an ongoing problem. We recommend painting the bevels (the lower parts of the insert) with a manual brush and then paint the insert panels, the center and the outer flat surfaces with a roller. The paint should contain acrylic and urethane resins, which help to accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl. Acrylic, latex and water-based paints offer good coverage that creates a flexible coating that won't crack or peel off as easily as oil-based paints.
Despite the strong waterproof finish that also resists dirt and mildew, this paint is formulated to let the surface breathe and can release moisture. If you're looking to freshen up your exterior painted stucco, you'll need a product like Behr's Premium Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint. Top-of-the-line acrylic and latex paints often contain higher-quality ingredients, such as more acrylic solids and pigments. Keep in mind that the paint will be dry in an hour, but you will have to wait two hours before applying the second coat.
For best results, you need an exterior paint that is packed with high quality resins, pigments and additives, as well as a clean, smooth surface for the new finish to adhere to. When painting stucco, you want a paint that lasts; the cement-based surface of stucco is susceptible to staining and discoloration over time. Whether the exterior of your home has peeling paint or you just want a fresh new look, a fresh coat of paint is a great way to enhance your outdoor space. It is an all-in-one paint and primer and provides maximum resistance against mold, mildew, and algae, all common problems with painted wooden surfaces.
Brick that deteriorates, molds or splinters is not a good candidate for painting, as the paint will trap moisture in the brick and accelerate its decomposition. . .
