Choosing the right type of paint for exterior wood siding is critical to protect your home’s exterior from the elements and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. With so many paint options on the market, it can be difficult to know which type of paint is the best choice for your specific needs.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Paint
There are several key factors to take into account when selecting exterior paint for wood siding:
- Climate – The climate you live in will impact the amount of sun, rain, snow, and temperature extremes your home’s exterior is exposed to. opt for more durable paints if you live in an area with drastic weather fluctuations.
- Type of Wood – Softwoods like pine are more porous than hardwoods like cedar. The wood type will determine how much primer and topcoat is needed.
- Desired Finish – Sheens like gloss show more defects while flat or matte finishes better disguise flaws. Consider the aesthetic you want.
- Amount of Wear – If your home’s exterior shows signs of weathering, opt for paint with thicker build protection.
- Preparation Work – Proper sanding, cleaning, caulking and priming is key. The right prep work ensures better paint adhesion.
- Budget – Paint prices range widely based on quality. Consider longevity vs upfront cost when selecting a brand.
Types of Exterior Paint for Wood
When researching exterior paint options, you will commonly find these types of paint recommended for wood siding:
Latex Paint
Latex paint, also known as acrylic paint, is one of the most popular choices for exterior wood surfaces. The benefits of latex paint include:
- Affordability – Latex paints are generally less expensive than other paint types.
- Durability – Modern latex paints are quite durable and resistant to cracking, peeling and fading.
- Low Odor – Latex paints have a low odor and emissions, making them better for the environment.
- Customizable Finish – Latex paints come in various sheens like flat, satin, semi-gloss to match your preferences.
- Water Clean-Up – Latex paints clean up with water, making the post-painting clean up easier compared to oil-based paints.
When shopping for a latex paint, look for an acrylic latex formulated specifically for exterior use. Be sure to choose a high quality paint from a reputable brand for best results.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints (also called alkyd paints) have been used to paint wood exteriors for many years. The pros of oil-based paint include:
- Durability – Oil paints are extremely durable and weather-resistant, resisting fading, chipping, and peeling.
- Glossy Finish – Oil paints contain higher gloss levels, allowing for a shiny decorative finish.
- One Coat Coverage – Oil paint’s bonding qualities often provide full coverage in only one or two coats.
- Ideal for Distressed Wood – Oil paint adheres well to aged exterior wood surfaces.
The downsides are that oil paints take longer to dry, have strong fumes, require paint thinner for clean-up, and are prone to yellowing over time. Despite the drawbacks, oil paint remains a good exterior paint option for wood siding.
Stains
For homeowners who want to showcase the natural look and texture of real wood, stains are a top choice. Key features of exterior wood stains include:
- Penetrating Formula – Stain soaks into the wood grain to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood.
- Lower Maintenance – Stains don’t crack or peel as easily as paints, requiring less frequent upkeep.
- Moisture Resistance – Quality stains contain water repellants and UV blockers to prevent water and sun damage.
- Range of Tones – Stains come in lighter transparent versions that allow more wood to show through, or darker opaque stains that more closely mimic paint.
For the best protection, look for a pigmented, oil-based stain formulated for exterior wood use. Semi-transparent stains provide ample wood grain visibility with good protection from the elements.
Primers
An exterior primer is a crucial first step when painting wood siding. Primers:
- Create a barrier between bare wood and paint topcoats.
- Block stains from water damage, wood tannins, knots and more so they don’t bleed through the finish coat.
- Provide extra surface adhesion for smooth, long-lasting paint jobs.
Oil-based primers offer the most complete sealing and blocking of stains. Latex primers are also suitable for exterior use while being lower in odor and VOC content. Most experts recommend two coats of primer when painting untreated wood or changing colors.
How to Choose the Best Exterior Paint Product
When selecting specific exterior paints for wood siding, look for products designed to withstand sun, rain, snow and temperature swings in your geographical area. Here are the key characteristics to look for:
| Paint Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Binder Type | 100% acrylic or alkyd/oil |
| Sheen Level | Flat, satin or semi-gloss |
| Primer | Formulated for exterior wood |
| Mildew Resistance | EPA registered fungicide |
| Warranty Length | 15-25 years |
Study product specifications to find paints that are guaranteed to last, resist fading, stay mold-free and cling to exterior wood through any weather conditions. Investing in top quality exterior paint leads to longer lasting beauty and protection.
How Much Paint is Needed?
Measure the square footage of your home’s exterior wood siding to determine how many gallons of paint will be required. On average, one gallon of paint covers 350-400 square feet. Here are some standard coverage amounts:
| Home Exterior Size | Gallons of Paint Needed |
|---|---|
| Small house or condo (500-1,000 sq ft) | 2-4 |
| Average house (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | 4-8 |
| Large house over (3,000+ sq ft) | 8-16 |
Choosing paint colors in lighter hues may require an extra coat for full coverage. Buy paint in the same batch code to avoid color variations if using more than one gallon.
Cost Comparison of Exterior Paint Types
On average, expect to pay the following prices for a gallon of quality exterior paint:
| Paint Type | Average Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Basic Latex | $25-40 |
| Premium Latex | $40-60 |
| Oil-Based | $45-80 |
| Stain | $25-50 |
| Primer | $25-40 |
Higher quality paints cost more up front but save money in the long run through longer-lasting protection and fewer repaints over time. Cheaper paint has lower resin content and may fade, peel and crack much faster.
DIY vs. Professional Painting
You can save money by painting your home’s exterior yourself. However, there are a few factors to consider:
- Convenience – Professional painters get the job done much faster with less mess and hassle for you.
- Quality – Experienced painters are more skilled at achieving an even coat and consistent color.
- Warranty – Good contractors provide workmanship warranties not available on DIY jobs.
- Safety – Ladders, heights and electrical wires make exterior painting dangerous for amateur painters.
- Cost – Depending on the size of your home, hiring painters may cost $2,000-$6,000 vs $500-$2,000 for DIY painting.
Carefully examine whether the time investment, quality level and safety risks are worth taking the DIY route to save money. Some homeowners opt to paint first floors themselves and hire painters to complete upper stories.
Conclusion
When selecting exterior paint for your wood siding, acrylic latex or oil-based paints provide the best blend of aesthetics, durability and weather protection. Seek top quality paints with extended warranties that stand up to the conditions in your geographical climate. Proper surface prep and application are also key – an investment in skilled professional painters pays off through longer-lasting results. Be sure to choose attractive colors that will maintain your home’s style for years to come.