While it may not seem like the most significant concern for property owners, choosing the right paint for your building is an important decision. Not only does it have a direct impact on the overall aesthetic and curb appeal of the building, but the exterior paint is also what provides the first layer of protection against the elements.
If you’re planning an upcoming exterior painting service, you might be overwhelmed by just how many paint options there are on the market. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide of what you should look for when choosing the ideal exterior paint for your property.
Questions to consider when choosing an exterior paint.
What kind of material am I painting over?
The type of paint you choose will largely depend on what kind of surface you’re targeting with the upcoming exterior painting service. That’s because different types of paint work better on certain materials than on others.
Brick, for example, are better suited for a silicate or mineral-based paint because it’ll allow the bricks to breathe and maintain their structure for longer. For wood siding or shingles, on the other hand, it’s better to choose an oil-based, water-based, or acrylic paint.
How durable is the paint?
The solution you choose for your exterior painting service is going to be constantly exposed to the elements, so unless you want to have to repaint overly often, you should ask about the durability of the ones you’re considering.
You can learn about the durability of exterior paints by researching non-biased, independent consumer testing publications. Alternatively, you can also check to see how long the manufacturer is willing to stand behind their product. The longer the manufacturer’s warranty, the more durable the paint tends to be.
What type of finish do I want?
Exterior painting services are a great way to build the curb appeal you want, and a significant factor in getting your desired aesthetic is deciding on the type of finish you want. That’s because different finishes can change the way a building looks drastically.
A gloss finish, while easy to clean and durable, is more prone to showing surface imperfections than other options. Conversely, a flat finish can easily mask any surface imperfections, but it is more likely to scuff and is harder to clean. You can also choose a semi-gloss or satin finish which fall between gloss and flat paints.
What is your timetable for completing the exterior painting services?
How much time you have dedicated to completing your new exterior paint job is another factor that can dictate which type of paint is best for your needs because different paints take longer to dry than others.
Most latex paints, for example, can be dry to the touch within a couple of hours after the initial coat, and you can add a second coat in as little as 4 to 6 hours after the first application. If there’s no rush on how quickly it needs to be completed, though, you can opt for a longer drying paint like oil-based options. These take 6 to 8 hours to dry, and it could be as long as 24 hours before the second coat can be applied.
Do you have an upcoming exterior paint project?
Then make sure the job gets done the right way without any of the stress by contacting the team here at Fox Painting. Proudly serving the Greater Orange County area for more than a decade, we offer premier exterior painting services for both residential and commercial properties.
When you choose to partner with us, you know that you’re getting the highest level of craftsmanship and superior paint choices, all backed by our unparalleled customer service. Learn more about our promise to you, or you can get started now by booking your free estimate.
