Why do some five-year-old paint jobs peel and flake while others done sometime during the Reagan era look as if they were laid on last week? The answer is deceptively simple: Quality exterior paint when it’s properly applied over a well-prepped surface lasts longer than the cheap stuff. But trying to find the good stuff at the store can be an experience in sensory overload. Besides pondering the oil-vs.-water-based dilemma, homeowners have to choose from among several lines from each of the national brands as well as from locally produced products. And, while price usually indicates quality, with some exterior paints tagged at $40 per gallon, going by price alone can get expensive.Fortunately, there are some other indicators that will help you buy the right paint if you know what they are. So whether your next exterior-painting project is imminent or a few years off, read on to find out what, according to independent researchers and industry experts, makes a quality product. You’ll also pick up some helpful tips on both the all-important prepping process and the esthetic science of choosing colors.
The names are enough to make your head spin. Choosing a paint colour becomes even more baffling when you consider that most homes use at least three different shades — one for the siding and two or more for trim and accents such as doors, railings and window sashes.
Why do some five-year-old paint jobs peel and flake while others done sometime during the Reagan era look as if they were laid on last week? The answer is deceptively simple: Quality exterior paint when it’s properly applied over a well-prepped surface lasts longer than the cheap stuff. But trying to find the good stuff at the store can be an experience in sensory overload. Besides pondering the oil-vs.-water-based dilemma, homeowners have to choose from among several lines from each of the national brands as well as from locally produced products. And, while price usually indicates quality, with some exterior paints tagged at $40 per gallon, going by price alone can get expensive.
Fortunately, there are some other indicators that will help you buy the right paint if you know what they are. So whether your next exterior-painting project is imminent or a few years off, read on to find out what, according to independent researchers and industry experts, makes a quality product. You’ll also pick up some helpful tips on both the all-important prepping process and the esthetic science of choosing colors.
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