Painting the exterior of your home takes time, money, and patience. Since it’s no small task, you want your paint job to last as long as possible so that you don’t have to repeat the process again prematurely. There are several things that can be done to increase the longevity of your paint, some involving preparation on your part such as using a primer. The type of paint you choose and the type of surface it will be painted on matters as well. Let’s take a closer look at the primary types of paint used in and on homes today.

Primer Paint

Latex Paint

It’s a misleading name, but latex paint refers to water-based paint—there is no actual latex in latex paint! Water-based paint is the easiest to clean and remove, but when it comes to longevity, latex paint is not the best choice.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is also a water-based paint, but with the addition of acrylic as the binding agent. Acrylic paint comes in many varieties such as:

• Acrylic latex
• Acrylic enamel
• Acrylic latex enamel

Acrylic paint is durable and long-lasting and is best for use on siding (wood, fiber cement, or aluminum), stucco, plaster, drywall, and porch floors.

Oil-based Paint

Oil-based paint creates a stronger and more durable finish, making it an excellent choice for exterior paint projects. The downsides are that they take longer to cure than water-based paints, are oftentimes mixed with harsh chemicals, and also emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Oil-based paints do have a tendency to crack and yellow over time, especially when used on wood siding, which expands and contracts with the weather.

Oil-based paints used to be the go-to choice for exterior projects for many years, but the recent technological advancements made in water-based paints makes them the overall better choice. Acrylic paint is the most durable of all. It’s long-lasting, flexible, and able to withstand fading from the sun or damage from rain and other elements.

Are you ready to paint the exterior of your home and choose the right paint? Let Stanford Painting help you find the perfect long-lasting paint to enjoy for years to come. Call us at 650-321-9302 to request your quote today!