Exterior Wood Paint: All You Need To Know
Shutters, siding, deck, outdoor furniture… all become dull at some point due to the elements.
If this is your case, then it’s time to invest in exterior wood paint.
If you want an exterior wood paint that lasts over time, there are certain steps you will need to follow.
In this article, we share tips on how to choose exterior paint and how to apply for the best results.
There are three main types of exterior wood paint:
Acrylic paint: it is a microporous water-based paint. It lets the wood breathe and prevents water from entering. It has a low content of Volatile Organic Compounds and is not prone to flaking.
The oil-based paint: it is made of paint oil. Its drying time is 8 hours on average. It has very good adhesion and is resistant to humidity.
Alkyd paint: it is a mixed-based paint (water and polyurethane resin in general). It has few polluting compounds and holds very well. However, it also takes time to dry.
How to Properly Apply Exterior Wood Paint?
First of all, choose the day you are going to paint.
To optimize adhesion and durability, choose mild weather.
Avoid applying below 5°C and above 35°C.
Surface Prep
• Brush and wash the wood if it is varnished to remove the residue of old products,
• Sand with sandpaper or an electric sander
• Brush to get rid of dust and particles
• Fill the holes with a plaster
• Use a wood bonding primer to improve adhesion. Apply the paint.
Apply A Finish To Strengthen The Paint?
The stain can only be applied to an old layer of stain or on raw wood. If there is already varnish or paint on your wood, it will have to be stripped first.
Why use stain for your exterior wood painting?
The stain is, above all, a means of protection and finishing.
Its maintenance requires reapplying it every 3 to 5 years.
It has three advantages:
• It does not create a film and thus prevents chipping
• It keeps the grain of the wood visible
• It protects from light and humidity
Exterior wood paint for wooden shutters
Each type of paint will have its advantage depending on the specifics of your shutters.
Acrylic: New wooden shutters
Glycerol: Shutters already painted or stained and New wood shutters
Alkyd: Shutters already painted or stained and New wood shutters
What color for your exterior wood paint?
Just like with more classic paints, you have a plethora of choices for exterior wood paint colors.
Be careful, though; some colors benefit your wood more than others.
Two things to remember here:
• Dark colors contribute to increased heating of the wood in the event of exposure to the sun. Your shutters or your siding may therefore deform,
• Light colors: unlike dark colors, retain little heat. But their price may be higher.
The charcoal gray has long been a staple color to the wood. But this shade is starting to lose popularity now. Our painting experts can give you more info on this and advice about the best colors.
This is not the case with Basque red, for instance. This color is attractive thanks to its originality and vitality.
Also, it is full of pigments, which strengthens its protective ability.
Otherwise, you can go with a grey-blue. This tone remains timeless. It is often appreciated as a go-to paint color for wooden shutters in particular.
Need Some Help with that?
If you don’t have the painting and design skills and experience required to choose paint and paint your exterior wood, consider hiring a professional painting contractor in West Chester, PA, like Left Moon Painting.
We have years of experience offering residential repainting services in Kennett Square, PA, and West Chester, PA.
If you would like to try us, request a FREE estimate below to get started or call us at (484) 757-5295 for more information.
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