Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats Patch#

In our experience, a second coat is often required. Although some paints claim to cover in one coat, that tends to be in ideal conditions (whatever they are). The manufacturer usually indicates the minimum and maximum temperatures on the can, but high humidity can cause more problems than high temperatures. Try to paint on cooler days with lower humidity. That way you’re always working away from newly painted areas and won’t risk damaging them, which could happen if you work from the bottom up.Īvoid temperature extremes and high humidity.

However, it depends on the exterior paint you’ve chosen. Applying a primer is usually a good idea because it improves the adhesion of the top layer of paint. Now is the time to do all those little maintenance jobs you’ve been putting off. Don’t “paint over the cracks.” Those faults will be harder to rectify later. This general advice will help you do a great job. If you really must do that, it will probably be quicker in the long run to strip off the old paint if at all possible.Ī good exterior house paint can last seven to ten years, but it’s important that it’s applied properly. It’s very difficult to cover a dark color with a lighter one. You’ll probably need two coats and in some cases three. In practice, this isn’t always as successful as the maker suggests. Most exterior paint manufacturers claim that their product offers excellent opacity - it will cover previous coats without those coats showing through.

Make sure you keep the color ticket provided so you can get more if necessary. If you need a precise match, you’ll need a custom mix from a local paint retailer. Many manufacturers will sell you a small sample first so you can check. It’s likely there will be a minor difference between the color you see on the screen of your computer, tablet, or phone and the color of the paint in real life. Putting a gloss finish over a surface that was previously matte is easier, but if you want to do the reverse you’ll likely have to sand the surface in order for the new paint to adhere properly.

Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats Patch#

If you can get a sample can, it’s a good idea to do a patch test on an area in the back of your house or another place that’s likely to go unnoticed or can be concealed. If you use a flat finish, those same flaws will usually go unnoticed.Īlso bear in mind that even if you buy the same color from the same maker, a matte finish will look quite different than a semigloss or gloss finish. Putting gloss on an uneven surface can cause unattractive shadows and highlight worn areas. The less reflective the finish, the better it hides any imperfections. It’s common to use a flat (matte) or low-sheen finish for concrete, brick, or stucco and a satin, semigloss, or gloss for window frames and doors. FinishĪlthough the surface finish is a personal choice, it’s something you need to consider at the outset because while some manufacturers offer a wide variety of finishes - and even interior and exterior versions of the same paint - others have a more restricted range. On everything else, water-based latex paints offer more flexibility: they’re as good for siding as they are for plain walls. If you have steel railings or other metal structures to paint, oil-based paints are still recommended because they adhere better to those surfaces and create a hard-wearing skin. They’re breathable and so don’t trap moisture that can cause mold and mildew. They have greater UV resistance and so, in general, retain their color longer. They clean up with soap and water (oil-based paints need turpentine or thinners). They are kinder to the environment and to you. Wherever possible, we would recommend water-based paints for several reasons. Go back a decade and water-based paints were really only used indoors, but now they’re much tougher and longer lasting. Key considerations FormulaĪll exterior house paint falls into one of two categories: oil based (also called solvent based), and water based (also known as latex and/or acrylic). If you’re patient, you can use a brush to paint the exterior of your house, but a roller is usually faster.