It’s no secret that remodelers are looking for ways to save time and money for both themselves and their clientele; that’s why many exterior product manufacturers are providing materials that come pre-colored or pre-painted. These products also help provide a degree of individuality to an exterior design, but to truly customize an exterior remodel, exterior paints are a necessity. As John Korber, owner of Thoro Cleaning and Painting Inc. in Cleveland notes, convenience and cost are secondary. "The bottom line is how nice it looks when finished," he says.
Paint’s gloss also affects a job’s longevity. The higher the gloss, the more durable paint will be. "Mid-sheen paints, like satin gloss, are very good for aluminum and vinyl siding," says Kathy Henry, associate product manager for Glidden. "It’s a good all-purpose gloss. There’s not a lot of shine, but enough for the paint to be washable. On trim, it’s best to use a semi- or high-gloss paint for the look. It has a nice shiny look, and for areas like the trim around a door that will get touched and banged, it’s harder and more durable" Gene Merrill, director of new product development for Duron, notes that he’s seen many contractors moving from oil-based paints to acrylic-based paints based on acrylic’s fade-resistant properties. "Alkid products tend to fade and downgloss in as little as six to 12 months, and water-based acrylic products don’t lose any significant gloss in three to five years," he says.
Although white is still the dominant color for exterior work, more homeowners are adding custom-chosen colors to differentiate their exteriors. Bright trims and details against neutral siding make a house stand out against its neighbors.
Current exterior remodels often involve replacing or repainting exterior products that are worn or dated. Aluminum siding installed in the ’50s or ’60s may still be structurally sound, but often the color will fade or chalk over. According to Brian Cupari, marketing manager for Sherwin-William’s stores division, homeowners often find that repainting is a convenient and cost-effective way to update a home, instead of residing. "There continue to be a lot of surfaces to paint," he says.
Special-needs paints are also available, allowing remodelers to save time or even continue their work out-of-season. Self-priming paints save on both time and material needed to finish a paint job, as do single-coat paints that go on as thick as two coats. Cold-weather paints that can be applied at temperatures as low as 35 degrees extend the painting season into October, November, and early spring.
Make sure to research your materials carefully, however. Knowing what to expect from a product makes the biggest difference in a job well done. "You don’t want to buy the cheapest paint," says Korber. "You’ll be getting what you pay for. You’re better off paying the top dollar and getting the best product."
Duron: Siding-in-a-Can restores the old, worn look of weathered aluminum siding. This waterborne acrylic exterior coating is formulated to resist cracking, fading, chalking and blistering, and contains a mildew-resistant component. When used on T-111 siding, paint can bridge small cracks and will stretch and shrink in hot and cold weather conditions. Coating system includes specialty primers for different types of exterior siding. Warranty: Product replacement. Availability: Retail.
Glidden: Cold Weather exterior latex paint can be used in temperatures as low as 35 degrees. Specially formulated to expand and contract with temperature changes, coating dries to a finish that resists peeling, cracking, blistering and erosion. Paint is 100-percent acrylic, and provides exceptional hide while it resists yellowing and fading. Finishes include flat, satin and semi-gloss, and cold weather primer is also available. Warranty: Assured satisfaction limited policy. Availability: Retail.
Sherwin-Williams: Specially designed for repainting, Duration exterior coating offers paint longevity in a single coat. Formulated to go on thicker than conventional paints, Duration can cover most existing colors in a single coat, and increased flexibility prevents peeling and blistering. In addition to mildew resistance, coating also offers protection against flash-rusting, and flat and satin finishes can be used on most exterior materials. The product carries a one-coat warranty when used for repaint work. Warranty: One-coat limited. Availability: Retail.
Decking Out the Exterior Natural wood used in decks, siding and other exterior features may need special attention that can’t be met with standard exterior paints. Using exterior semi-transparent and solid-color stains can make these elements more durable to weather and pull them into a home’s exterior color scheme at the same time.