When choosing an exterior paint color for your house, red is a bold and eye-catching option. With so many shades of red paint to pick from, it can be tricky to decide which one is the best choice for weather resistance, coverage, and overall look. This article will examine the most important factors to consider when selecting an exterior red paint, and provide recommendations for the best red paint brands and specific shades that are ideal for exterior house painting projects.
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Quick Overview: Key Factors for Choosing Exterior Red Paint
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting an exterior red paint:
- Durability – Look for exterior paints that offer UV protection, resist fading, and can withstand weathering effects over time.
- Coverage – High quality red paint will provide good hide and may require fewer coats to achieve full, even coverage.
- Finish – Flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes are best for exterior surfaces. Glossy paints can look plasticky and show imperfections.
- Quality – Invest in premium or mid-range exterior paint lines from reputable brands. Avoid cheap paints which have less pigment.
- Shade – Deeper, more saturated reds will hold up better than light tints. Lean slightly darker than you think for best results.
- Undertones – Choose warm reds with yellow, orange or brick-red undertones rather than cool, blue-based reds.
Now let’s dive into more detail on each of these key factors:
Durability
When painting the exterior of a home, durability is by far the most important feature you should look for in an exterior paint. Exterior paint coatings endure brutal weather conditions year-round, from scorching sun, heavy winds, rain, snow, and radical temperature fluctuations. Over time, this extreme exposure can cause exterior paints to fade, peel, crack, or develop a chalky appearance.
To combat weathering effects, the best exterior red paints contain special UV absorbers and light stabilizers that reflect sunlight and prevent pigments from breaking down. They form a flexible paint film that can expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or peeling. Premium exterior paints may also incorporate mildewcides to further enhance weather resistance.
Paints designed specifically for exterior use will always be much more durable than interior paints. Be sure to verify that any red paint you are considering is formulated for exterior surfaces rather than interior only. The product description and technical information should clearly indicate if it is suitable for exterior painting.
Coverage
When painting the entire exterior of a home, you’ll need a paint that offers excellent coverage to get the job done efficiently. The last thing you want is to spend extra time and money applying countless coats to achieve an even look.
Higher quality exterior paints with more pigments provide better hide and coverage. You’ll also want to look for paints touting “one coat coverage” or “exceptional hide.” Darker and more saturated shades like deep reds typically require better coverage compared to lighter paint colors.
If the red exterior paint you are considering is described as “economical” or “low-VOC,” it likely contains fewer solids and may not provide adequate one coat coverage. Be prepared to apply multiple coats with budget or low-VOC paints to get the look you want.
Finish
When selecting an exterior red paint, you’ll also want to consider the type of finish. There are a few main options:
- Flat – Offers a non-reflective, matte look. Touch-ups blend in easily. Minimizes surface imperfections.
- Satin – Slight sheen, velvety appearance. Provides good durability.
- Semi-Gloss – Medium gloss with some subtle sheen. Easier to clean.
- Gloss – High-shine finish. Can look “plasticky” on exterior surfaces. Not ideal for painting siding.
For painting the exterior siding, trim, and walls of a home, flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes are best. They offer enough durability for outdoor exposure while minimizing visible surface defects. Gloss finishes tend to look artificial and cheap outside. They will also accentuate any imperfections in the siding or application.
Quality
With any sizable exterior painting project, it pays to invest in quality paint from a reputable, well-known brand. Premium or mid-range exterior paint lines will be your best bet for longevity and performance. Avoid going for the cheapest paint possible, as it likely contains minimal pigments and solids, resulting in weaker coverage and weather resistance.
Some examples of leading exterior paint brands to look for include Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, PPG Paints, Valspar, and Krylon. While more expensive initially, the superior quality will pay off in the long run through greater durability and easier application resulting in time and cost savings down the road.
Shade
The specific shade of red you choose for your exterior paint also matters when it comes to appearance and performance. Light, bright reds made with mostly white pigments tend to fade faster than deeper, darker reds. For the most durable and long-lasting color, consider going at least a couple shades darker than what you initially have in mind. The color will still look rich, without being so dark that it absorbs too much heat from sunlight.
Deeper reds with yellow, orange, and brick-red undertones are ideal exterior choices. Avoid selecting a cool-toned blue or purple-based red, as these tend to be less stable with UV exposure. A warmer, earthy red will complement most home exteriors nicely while withstanding weathering over time.
Best Red Paint Brands for Exterior House Painting
Now that we’ve covered the key factors that influence exterior red paint performance, let’s examine some top brand recommendations.
Behr Exterior Paint
Behr offers an extensive color selection and high quality exterior paints available at Home Depot. Their Premium Plus line provides excellent hide and a durable, fade-resistant coating great for exterior walls and siding. One top red color choice from Behr is Fireweed, a vibrant red-orange hue with yellow undertones.
Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint
Widely considered the gold standard in exterior home paints, Benjamin Moore offers unmatched weathering resistance with their MoorGard and MoorGlo exterior paint lines. For a deep, dramatic red with blue undertones, Bengal Red is a top Benjamin Moore pick. Caliente is another popular warm red option.
Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint
Another trusted leader in exterior paints, Sherwin-Williams’ SuperPaint line provides excellent durability and coverage ideal for siding, trim, and fences. For exterior red shades, Sherwin-Williams suggests Homburg Red or Favorite Red, both bold warm reds with orange undertones.
PPG Paints Exterior Paint
PPG Paints manufactures premium exterior paints designed to withstand UV rays and moisture while providing good hide and application properties. Their Timeless Exterior Paint line offers strong warranty protection. Make It Brick is a popular reddish-orange shade from PPG.
Valspar Exterior Paint
Affordably priced Valspar exterior paints available at Lowes provide quality and durability suitable for most do-it-yourself exterior painting projects. Their Duramax line resists fading, cracking, and peeling. Valspar’s Flame Red is a bright warm red tone.
Krylon Exterior Paint
Krylon makes a variety of spray paints and coatings ideal for exterior use on aluminum siding, shutters, fences, railings, and outdoor furniture. Their Fusion all-in-one spray paint bonds to difficult surfaces while protecting against rust and UV damage. Krylon True Red is a versatile red spray paint option.
Best Specific Red Paint Shades for Exterior House Painting
Here are some top specific red paint color options to consider from leading paint manufacturers:
- Fireweed (Behr)
- Homburg Red (Sherwin Williams)
- Favorite Red (Sherwin-Williams)
- Caliente AF-15 (Benjamin Moore)
- Cayenne Red CSP-10 (Benjamin Moore)
- Make It Brick (PPG Paints)
- Flame Red (Valspar)
- True Red (Krylon)
Tips for Applying Exterior Red Paint
Once you’ve selected the perfect exterior red paint for your home, proper application is key to achieving beautiful results. Here are some top tips for applying exterior red paint:
- Prep surfaces thoroughly – Clean, sand, scrape, and prime as needed so paint adheres well.
- Choose ideal weather – Paint when temps are between 50-90°F with low humidity and no rain in forecast.
- Use high quality brushes/rollers – Well-loaded rollers and natural bristle brushes give smoother finish.
- Work in manageable sections – Paint a few boards or sections at a time, avoiding lap marks.
- Apply multiple thin coats – Wait 2-4 hours between coats to let paint dry fully.
- Work methodically around the home – Paint systematically around the house for best results.
- Let paint cure fully – Wait at least 2 weeks before washing or scrubbing newly painted surfaces.
Properly prepping exterior surfaces and taking your time to apply multiple thin coats of quality exterior paint will provide the very best results. Patience and diligence are key to achieving a flawless and durable exterior red paint finish.
Conclusion
Painting your home’s exterior red can be an exciting way to give your house dramatic curb appeal. Choosing a deep, durable exterior red paint made by a leading brand will provide vibrant color that lasts. Aim for warmer reds with orange, yellow or brick-red undertones over cool-toned shades. Prep surfaces thoroughly and apply paint properly in ideal weather conditions. Investing in a premium quality exterior red paint while following good application techniques will result in eye-catching, resilient color that makes a bold statement.