Choosing the right exterior paint for your house is not only about what it looks like but also what protective properties it gives your home and how it can withstand the elements. With so many brands and types available, choosing the right one can feel like a tough task. How do you choose the right paint?
The answer? Consider all aspects of each option. Think about the quality, finishes, brand reputation, price, environmental impact, and color choices. This way, you can choose a realistic option that fits your aesthetic preferences while simultaneously protecting your home and fitting your budget.
Considered the Quality of the Paint
The quality of the paint is probably the most important aspect to consider when choosing an exterior paint brand. Good-quality paints are crafted to withstand the elements an exterior surface will go through: rain, sunlight, snow, ice, and changes in temperature. If you choose low-quality paint, you might end up with a faded, peeling mess not too long after repainting.
So, to give your fresh paint the best chance of looking crisp and clean for years to come, look for paint with these features:
- UV resistance: Paints that are exposed to too much sun have a tendency to lose some of their vibrancy and fade. UV-resistant paints will hold their color better and last longer, keeping your home looking great for longer.
- Mildew resistance: All outdoor surfaces are exposed to water, which, over time, can gradually build up and provide a growing ground for not-so-nice mold and mildew. Mildew-resistant ingredients help reduce the potential for unsightly growth and reduce maintenance.
A good-quality paint shouldn’t peel, crack, or chip. Instead, it should take years before it begins to degrade. By choosing a durable paint brand, you should be able to get the most out of your investment thanks to fewer touch-ups and repainting.
Compare Paint Finishes
Exterior paints, like interior paints, come in all sorts of finishes, each with different looks and functionalities. Understanding the difference between the finishes is a must when considering your paint options for your home’s exterior.
- Matte finish: This type of paint is smooth and non-reflective. It does a great job at camouflaging imperfections, such as signs of age on an older home or textured surface, because it doesn’t reflect the light.
- Satin finish: This paint has a light luster, reflecting some light but not too much. It’s a versatile choice that works on most substrates. It’s easy to clean and offers a polished appearance, so it can be a great choice for both interior and exterior trim and siding.
- Gloss finish: These paints have a brilliant luster that provides an eye-catching and shiny reflective appearance. They have a high sheen and put contours on full display, making them a good choice for trims, railings, and doors. They’re incredibly easy to clean, but since they reflect a good bit of light, they’re less popular for large surfaces (like the entire exterior of your house) since they highlight imperfections.
Choose a finish that fits your needs and reflects your home’s architectural style and the level of maintenance you’re willing to take on. For example, if your home has a modern aesthetic, you might go with a sleek satin finish. Or, if your home emanates traditional vibes, you might opt for the understated elegance of matte paint. It’s up to you!
Evaluate the Brand’s Reputation
Not all paint brands are created equal. Some have surged above others, earning themselves a spot at the top due to their quality, consistency, and innovative products. Here’s what to look for when considering each brand’s reputation:
- Read customer reviews: Look for comments from homeowners who have used the brand. Pay attention to comments that relate to durability, ease of application, and color accuracy.
- Get professional recommendations: Chat with your local painting company or contractor, like our team at Image Painting. We can help you determine the right paint to use based on your preferences, budget, and needs.
- Look into reputable brands: There are several accredited brands, like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr, all well-known for producing high-quality paint products. If you’re not sure which brands to choose, these three are a great place to start.
Factor in the Price
While price alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor, it’s a relevant consideration in terms of the value of the paint. Sure, premium brands cost more, but they also provide superior coverage, durability, and overall performance. Over time, the added cost up front often pays for itself since you won’t have to repaint or do touch-ups nearly as often as you would with low-quality paint.
When considering the differences in costs, pay attention to coverage and durability. The better the quality of the paint, the better it covers, meaning you’ll need to apply fewer coats. Additionally, more expensive paints tend to be more durable, lasting longer, and, as such, saving you money in the long run.
Ultimately, you should balance your budget with what your home specifically needs. This way, you can get the best option without compromising on quality.
Environmental and Health Considerations
The modern homeowner is quite concerned with environmental and health implications of products they use, including paint. If you’re looking to minimize your environmental impact and keep your family safe from harmful emissions while painting, you’ll need to consider a few things.
First, look for a low-VOC paint. VOCs are organic chemicals containing carbon that can evaporate at room temperature and give off fumes during application and for some time afterward. Choosing a low-VOC or zero-VOC paint lessens the pollution of both indoor and outdoor air, keeping the living atmosphere in your home healthier for your family.
Second, look for brands that use eco-friendly formulas. These are becoming increasingly common thanks to the shift toward greener initiatives. Look for certifications like Green Seal or Greenguard to ensure your pick is actually eco-friendly. These paints, in addition to helping save the planet, tend to be safer for people with sensitivities or allergic problems. It’s a win-win!
Availability of Colors and Customization
The color of your home is one of the first things people see when they drive up. Good quality paint and an equally good-quality paint job makes a great first impression. Choose a paint color that helps boost that first impression while reflecting your aesthetic preferences.
If you can’t find one that meets your specific needs, look into custom paint colors. While there are hundreds of paint colors available from most brands, you might not find exactly what you’re looking for. In this case, custom paint colors can be a good option. This way, you can blend different hues to find the perfect match.
When you’re choosing the color, remember that the painted color might not appear exactly as it does on the swatch or on screen. Different lighting conditions can greatly impact the exact shade, so be sure to start with a sample can to swatch your top picks on your home. This will give you a better idea of how each color will actually look on your home.
Choosing the Best Exterior Paint Brand: In a Nutshell
Finding the best paint brand for your house can seem quite daunting when you consider all of the contributing factors, including quality, finish, reputation, price, environmental aspects, and color. But while that might seem a bit excessive, it’s important to consider all of the above. This way, you can get a paint that elevates your home, reflecting your aesthetic preferences while protecting your home from the elements.
Your effort here will pay off in the long run, especially if you opt for a premium paint. When you choose a good-quality option, you won’t have to touch up or repaint as often. Instead, you can ensure your home remains beautiful and protected for years to come.
Of course, if you’d rather not go through the hassle of selecting the right paint and repainting yourself, you could always go the professional route. Our experienced team at Image Painting is happy to help, from choosing the perfect brand and color to the finishing touches. Contact us today to learn more about our exterior painting services.