Facts You Should Know About Different Types of Paint for Your Home

If it looks like it's time to refresh your home with a new coat of paint, many options exist for house painters. Between finishes, different bases, and more colors than the biggest Crayola box, it can all seem overwhelming. Who knew paint could be so involved?

Paint type is the first decision house painters must make. Differences can include price, application, durability, and surface placement. Local climate and aesthetic preferences can also play into which paint type best suits your needs. Three main formulas are used for exterior paint: acrylic, latex, and oil-based. Let's review them.

Acrylic

The use of high-quality ingredients results in a paint that is thick and viscous. Acrylics are also very elastic, meaning they can expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. It's this ability to expand and contract that makes acrylic paint ideal for exterior projects.

Long-lasting and durable, acrylics can be applied to a wide range of surfaces including wood, aluminum, and cement sidings. Drywall, plaster, and stucco are also covered well with acrylic.

Latex

Latex paints are less expensive than acrylic but easier to apply. Being water-based, latex paints dry quickly. An application of latex is dry to the touch in two to three hours and a second coat can safely be applied in four to five hours. Like acrylic, latex paint will expand and contract as temperatures change.

Latex paint can be used for both exterior and interior painting projects. When shopping for latex paint, make sure you grab a formulation specifically designed to be used outdoors.

Oil Based

Oil-based paints don't see wide use today due to health restrictions. When wet, they can emit hazardous fumes, so they are safer used outside than indoors. A protective mask is a must for house painters using oil-based paints.

Despite that, oil-based paints are ideal for some projects due to less shrinking than acrylic and latex paints. They glide on smoothly and hold up very well. The surfaces they are best used on are smooth and hard. A drawback to oil-based paints is a higher likelihood of fading and cracking. They are also more difficult to clean due to not being water-based.

When shopping for exterior paint, take into account the surface it is being applied to, weather, and exposure. When you hire experienced house painters to perform the job, you can rest assured they'll pick the best paint for your project. Contact Flores Drywall and Paint to learn more today!