what is the best paint for exterior woodwork

Best Exterior Wood Paints – My Top Picks.

• 1. Valspar 1533 Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel.
• 2. BEHR Premium 1 Gal. #ST-533 Waterproofing Stain and Sealer.
• 3. KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint.
• 4. KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint.
• 5. Rust-Oleum 1990730 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint.

Full Answer

What is the best paint for exterior wood?

• BEST OVERALL: Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex
• BEST VALUE: Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss
• BEST FOR BRICK OR STUCCO: Valspar Duramax Flat Masonry and Stucco Paint
• BEST FOR WOOD SIDING: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex
• BEST FOR PORCH FLOORS: BEHR Premium Low-Luster Interior/Exterior Porch Paint

What is the best paint for exterior paints?

• Snowbound by Sherwin Williams
• Swiss Coffee by Behr
• White Dove by Benjamin Moore
• Oyster White by Sherwin Williams
• Milk Moustache by C2 Paint
• Ultra White by Cabot
• Pure White by Sherwin Williams
• Nuance by Sherwin Williams
• Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
• Whisper White by Behr

What is the best paint for outdoor crafts?

Glow in the Dark Paint

• DecoArt Glow in the Dark Paint
• Handy Art Acrylic Paint Glow In The Dark
• Krylon Glowz Glow-in-the-Dark Paint
• Nuvo Glow Drops
• Plaid FolkArt Glow Acrylic Paint
• Plaid GloAway Paint
• Tulip Dimensional Glow in the Dark Fabric Paint

How do you paint outdoor wood?

• Sand the wood surface with 100-grit sandpaper.
• Sand the untreated wood with 150-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface for more even paint coverage.
• Wipe the sandpaper dust off of the wood using a damp rag.
• Apply exterior wood primer with a paintbrush or paint roller.

What is the best type of paint to use on exterior wood?

exterior acrylic paintsWhen painting exterior wood, oil-based paint offers the best protection and longest-lasting results. Next in line are high-quality exterior acrylic paints, which have been improved and are less likely to crack and peel than latex paint.

What is the longest lasting exterior paint for wood?

Acrylic paintAcrylic 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 creates a stronger and more durable finish, making it an excellent choice for exterior paint projects.

What type of paint is best for exterior trim?

SemiglossSemigloss: This shinier sheen is easier to clean, more durable, and more moisture resistant than a satin or eggshell paint. Best for trim, particularly on windowsills, which take the brunt of the weather.

What kind of paint do you use on exterior wood trim?

Acrylic Latex Exterior Paint Acrylic latex paint is the gold standard for painting exterior wood trim, windows and siding (wood and metal). Acrylic paint is also great for painting garage doors and wood window shutters.

What paint is best to waterproof wood?

Valspar 1534 Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel Exterior Paint.BEHR Premium Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Stain and Sealer.KILZ 10211 Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint.KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Exterior Paint.Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Latex Exterior Paint.More items...

What is the most durable paint for wood?

Oil Paint. Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is one of the most durable paints to use on furniture. However, this durability comes at a cost. Oil-based paints are usually expensive, take a long time to dry, and have high levels of VOCs that require abundant ventilation.

Do I need to prime before painting exterior trim?

It's important to prime bare exterior wood prior to painting because it seals the grain, prevents bleed-through and improves paint adhesion. It's just as important to prime other materials, such as stucco, metal and concrete, for similar reasons. It seems like extra work, but it can save you time and paint.

Should exterior house paint be flat or satin?

Paints with a higher gloss are a logical choice where exterior trim will need to be washed frequently. Because of their reflective shininess every bump and imperfection is more visible, so they are not a good choice for large areas of siding. Burke and Crew recommends a satin finish for the exterior of most homes.

What should I use for exterior trim?

The most common woods for use on trim are cedar and redwood, because they naturally resist moisture and insect activity, making them longer lasting than other woods. The costs for these materials have been rising along with availability, however, which has led to many builders looking for less expensive alternatives.

How do you seal exterior wood before painting?

InstructionsClean Painted Wood. Mix the TSP with warm water in the clean bucket. ... Lightly Sand Painted Wood. ... Remove Dust. ... Apply Polyurethane Sealer. ... Sand Cured Polyurethane. ... Remove Polyurethane Dust. ... Apply More Coats of Polyurethane Sealer.

How do you paint exterior trim like a pro?

1:335:09How To Paint Exterior Wood Trim - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey can receive the paint but the longer you let it dry the better. Then i just like to take myMoreThey can receive the paint but the longer you let it dry the better. Then i just like to take my finger and kind of tool that smooth smoothly so that you get a nice finish on. It.

How do you paint over old exterior paint?

How Do I Apply New Paint Over Old Paint?Wash the walls free of dust and grease.Fill the cracks, gaps, and holes with fillers, preferably a flexible filler.In case you are filling, make sure you sand and apply a primer to prevent a patchy look.Apply at least two coats of the new paint.More items...•

What exterior paint color fades the least?

Whites and lighter neutrals are going to get you the most fade-resistant results.

How long does Sherwin Williams Duration exterior paint last?

between eight and ten yearsDepending on the weather and the condition of your siding, Duration paint should last between eight and ten years. That means you will not have to think about repainting your home for quite some time. One big advantage of Duration paint is that it is self-priming.

Which paint is most durable?

High Gloss The most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens, high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. Think appliance-paint tough. High gloss is a good choice for area that sticky fingers touch -- cabinets, trim, and doors.

How long does Sherwin Williams exterior paint last?

Sherwin Williams exterior paint is made to withstand the elements with minimal cracking or fading. When used on stucco, exterior paint can last 8 – 10 years. If you have wood siding, then you can expect a slightly shorter lifespan, typically only 5 – 7 years.

What paint should I use for stucco exterior?

If you're looking to freshen up your exterior painted stucco, then you’re going to need a product like the Behr Premium Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint. This paint comes in flat and satin finishes. It has an alkali- and mildew-resistant finish, an ideal option for new or weathered stucco.

Which is better, acrylic or oil based paint?

While it’s true that oil-based exterior paint formulas offer excellent penetration, acrylic exterior paint is generally considered the most durable option. Why? Acrylic paint tends to have a more elastic formula that allows the paint to expand and contract in response to the environment and therefore has better weather resistance. Oil-based paints have the potential to crack under similar conditions.

How long does it take for Kilz paint to dry?

This exterior paint dries to the touch in 1 hour. It will be ready to recoat in 4 to 6 hours, allowing you to get the job done faster.

What is primer used for?

A primer is often used to cover up bright or dark colors or hide imperfections. Also, decide on the paint finish you prefer. Exterior paints come in gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or flat finishes. With these factors in mind, the following are the best exterior paints to use on your home.

What is the difference between enamel paint and oil paint?

This versatile oil-based paint can be used on interior and exterior surfaces, covering wood, concrete, masonry, and even metal. A difference with oil-based paint is that its clean-up requires mineral spirits, not water.

What is eggshell paint?

Farrow & Ball is known for its rich, beautiful paint colors. Its Exterior Eggshell paint is available in 148 colors; you're likely to match the hue you're looking for. This exterior paint is made from a flexible resin-rich formula that expands and contracts with the weather to prevent flaking, peeling, and fading for years. It has a 20% sheen for a silky finish. The water-based formula is quick-drying with minimal VOCs. It resists water, fungus, and algae growth. The only downside is that Farrow & Ball paint is expensive; the cost can add up quickly if you’re painting a large home.

How many square feet can you paint with water based paint?

The never-fade formula ensures it will always be as vibrant as the day you painted it. Each 1-quart container of this paint can cover up to 100 square feet.

What is the best paint for rain?

Acrylic is a binder that allows latex to flex slightly, making it less likely to become brittle and crack and, therefore, able to better repel rain. The highest quality latex paint labels feature the words “all acrylic” or “100 percent acrylic.”.

Why is paint important for outdoor surfaces?

Because outdoor surfaces can be subjected to extreme weather conditions, including harsh UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and battering storms, the best protection comes from a quality paint designed for the material you’re painting. Keep reading to learn what makes an excellent exterior paint and why the following formulas made the list as some of the best for particular outdoor projects.

How long does it take for paint to cure?

Cure time varies by paint, with latex and acrylic taking a couple of weeks and oil-based paint taking up to a month to cure.

What are the chemicals in paint?

Chemicals and solvents found in paint products can emit toxic fumes known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon-containing substances create noxious fumes during the painting process. These compounds have long been added to oil-based paints to improve their hardness and increase drying time. Many acrylic and latex paints also contain VOCs to a lesser degree, although the trend is toward reducing or eliminating the compounds to offer a healthier painting experience.

How many VOCs are in a liter of paint?

The amount of allowable VOCs varies by state, but in general, a “low VOC” label indicates the paint contains fewer than 50 grams of VOCs per liter. For those seeking minimal fumes, look for No-VOC or Zero-VOC paint, which contains fewer than 5 grams of VOCs per liter.

How long does it take for a second coat of paint to dry?

Most latex paints dry to the touch within a couple of hours, and a second coat can be applied in 4 to 6 hours.

What are the chemicals in paint that fade over time?

Low-quality paints can contain cheap pigments, such as talc, clay, and silica, that tend to fade over time, especially if the painted surface has a southern exposure and receives direct sun.

How CR Tests Exterior Paints

In our tough exterior paint tests, we evaluate how the paint will look after three, six, and nine years. Our tests have found that a brand's flat, eggshell, and semigloss paints perform similarly overall, so we combine the scores to make it easier for you to compare brands.

Top Exterior Paints from CR's Tests

The best paint in our exterior paint ratings? Behr Marquee Exterior; it's $51 per gallon at Home Depot and is a new front-runner for the category.

How to Paint

Do you have some painting projects planned for your home? On the " Consumer 101 " TV show, Consumer Reports' expert Rico De Paz shows host Jack Rico how to give walls the perfect coat.

What paint should I use for trim?

Because trim serves a decorative purpose, the best paint for trim should accentuate the details, so satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high gloss are all suitable. Semi-gloss, however, is the industry standard for trim, as it offers the best balance of looks and practicality; it’s smoother and more reflective than satin yet masks imperfections more ...

How much does oil based paint cost?

Oil-based paint ($20 to $50 per gallon) has a thicker consistency and longer drying time (as compared with water-based latex or acrylic paint) to ensure that it will fill small scratches, divots, or other minor imperfections in the trim work ( view example on Amazon ).

Why is trim paint not sold in sheens?

There’s a reason why trim paints generally aren’t sold in sheens lower than satin: Flat and matte finishes are not only coarser, and thus more difficult to wipe clean, their low reflective properties make them unable to highlight the ornate details in trim. Because trim serves a decorative purpose, ...

Can you paint trim and doors?

A: Paint labeled specifically for use on trim and doors is certainly one suitable option to refresh baseboards, moldings, soffits, and fascia (such as the front of the roof line). Trim paints are formulated with key properties that help them hold up and stand out on those areas, but you can also choose ordinary paint with similar strengths ...

Can oil based paint yellow?

Note that there’s a wide spectrum of whites available, from warm creams to cooler off-white to stark alabaster. Just keep in that mind that oil-based paint can yellow with exposure to sunlight and heat; so, if your trim is located near or facing a window, in a room that doesn’t receive much ventilation, or outdoors, look for an oil-based paint that offers some resistance to yellowing (e.g., Manor Hall Interior Alkyd ).

Is alkyd paint more resistant to moisture?

Alkyd or natural oil binders also makes these paints naturally more resistant to moisture and everyday wear-and-tear than water-based products—an asset when trim is located in a water-prone or high-traffic area (e.g., baseboards in a bathroom or hallway). RELATED: Solved!