Exterior paint quality: Why it matters

House paint not only boosts your home’s curb appeal, but it also protects siding from weather damage. It is important to choose high-quality exterior paint that is both durable and beautiful.  With so many options it can be hard to know what type of paint to choose.

In this post, we will explain what sets high-quality exterior paint apart from low-quality exterior paint and why the extra investment will pay off in the long run. 

Exterior paint gets formulated using solvents, pigments, additives, and binders. Solvents are liquids that suspend a paint’s binders and pigments. Pigments are powdered minerals that give the paint its color. Binders are resins that form a paint film once the solvent evaporates. Additives can add extra features to paint, like mildew prevention and faster drying.

Does the quality of house paint matter?

Your exterior paint gets subjected to daily weather changes, moisture, and sunlight. The quality of your house paint should be the most important factor to consider when choosing an exterior paint, though you will likely need to spend more for higher quality paint. Exterior paint can be an expensive material to purchase depending on the size of your home, with some top-quality house paints exceeding $50 per gallon. 

Although cheaper exterior paint may be appealing since you will save a good amount of money for the initial purchase, you’ll get what you pay for in the long run. 

Cheap paint gets made with lower-quality ingredients that will make the paint less durable over time. For example, paint with a low-quality binder will start to look chalky as the binder breaks down. Low-quality paint colors are also more likely to fade, and the paint might bubble and blister if the binder can no longer repel moisture. 

Remember that a higher-quality paint may end up saving you money in the long run by reducing the number of times you’ll need to repaint your home in the future. 

Types of exterior paint

All acrylic paint formulations are flexible and breathable, making them ideal for most common exterior paint projects. All-acrylic paint is suitable to use on wood, vinyl, metal, and masonry siding. 

Before all acrylic paints came around, oil-based paints were the standard. Oil-based paints can withstand moisture but were not as flexible as acrylic paint. 

Paint additives can also make some paint formulations better than others for different regions. Exterior paints labeled as “mildew resistant” are ideal for humid and rainy climates, while exterior paint labeled as “UV resistant” is ideal for sunny and arid regions. 

Choosing the best quality paint and the right color

Top-quality exterior paint typically comes with a higher price tag than lower-quality formulations. Although you’re paying more per gallon, it can be worth the investment. Check to see if the paint you want has a warranty. A warranty gives you an idea of how durable the paint is and helps protect your purchase. 

Choose an exterior paint that is “all acrylic” or “100% acrylic,” according to an article published by Bob Vila. Cheaper paint often contains just a small amount of acrylic, but quality exterior paints usually have the maximum amount of acrylic to ensure the paint is weatherproof. 

When you’re choosing between different acrylic paints, you can take a look at a paint’s technical data sheet, which will list the proportions of ingredients each paint formula contains. Paint with a high solid ratio indicates tells you how much resin and pigment will be left once the paint solvent evaporates, according to an article by This Old House. 

Just because you’re purchasing paint from a trusted brand does not mean that the paint was made with high-quality ingredients. Many paint companies offer different paint formulations at various price points. It is very important to pay attention to what the paint label says.

It’s also a good idea to consult a local painting professional to choose the best quality exterior paint that’s suited for your region. 

FAQ

What is the longest-lasting exterior paint? 

The lifespan of exterior paint is affected by weather conditions and the type of siding. A top-quality exterior paint on wood could last 10 to 15 years, whereas stucco siding can hold onto the paint for decades. 

You can help your exterior paint last longer by cleaning your siding a couple of times each year using a garden hose to rinse away dirt and debris. Some paint can also withstand occasional pressure washing, but you’ll want to ask a professional beforehand. 

What type of exterior paint finish is best? 

The most common exterior paint finishes include high gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or flat. Satin paint finishes are ideal for most siding because they can hide surface imperfections while providing good durability. Semi-gloss and high gloss paints are even more durable, but they are not as good at hiding imperfections and can be more challenging to apply. They’re usually used to paint smaller areas like trim. 

Spectra Painting Contractors is based in the greater Boston area. We proudly serve both residential and commercial clients on their exterior painting projects. Visit our website where you can learn more about our services and read more blog posts about painting and home improvement.