The Best Weather-Resistant Paints for Home Exterior

Types of Paint for Home Exterior

Acrylic

Acrylic paints are known to be one of the most durable types of paint. Their other features include resistance to blistering, flaking, and sun damage.

Pros:

• Durable
• Can retain its color for a long period of time
• Resistant to fading
• Fast-drying and easy to clean up with water.
• Flexible, reducing the likelihood of cracking.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other types of paint.
• May not adhere well to rough surfaces.

When it comes to durability, the best choice is Emerald Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint. It’s formulated so dirt washes away upon contact with rain or water for a clean, fresh look with little maintenance.

Latex

Latex paints are water-based paints that are easy to apply and quick to dry. They’re also great for any temperature. Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint stands out as one of the best latex paints that can withstand any temperature.

Pros:

• Quick drying
• Little to no smell
• Can withstand moisture
• Flexible, which minimizes cracking.

Cons:

• Not as durable as oil-based paints in high-traffic areas.
• Can swell wood grains, which requires additional sanding between coats.

Elastomeric

Elastomeric coatings offer a thick, flexible layer capable of bridging small cracks. Great for areas that get a lot of rain.

Pros:

• Can bridge small cracks due to its elasticity.
• Offers excellent coverage, often requiring fewer coats.
• Resistant to mildew and stains.

Cons:

• More expensive than other paints
• Not suitable for all surfaces; can be too thick for some materials.

Epoxy

Epoxy paints are perfect for high-traffic areas in your home. The best part about this paint is that they’re resistant to abrasions.

Pros:

• Tough and resistant to stains and scuffs
• Best paint for high-traffic areas
• Provides a smooth, glossy finish.
• Waterproof and easy to clean.

Cons:

• Requires careful, often professional, application.
• Strong fumes; proper ventilation is needed during application.
• Can yellow over time when exposed to UV light.

Oil-Based

Oil-based paint is made to withstand the elements. It’s water-resistant and scratch-resistant and dries down to create a smooth, hard surface. That makes it a great option for high-traffic areas such as doors and floors.

Pros:

• Offers a hard, durable finish.
• Excellent adhesion, ideal for trim and molding.
• Smooth application with fewer brush marks.
• Superior water resistance.

Cons:

• longer drying time than water-based paints.
• Requires solvents like turpentine for cleanup.
• High VOC levels can lead to strong odors.

Alkyd

Alkyd paints offer a strong, hard finish with excellent adherence. They are ideal for wooden surfaces exposed to harsh weather.

Pros:

• Similar in durability and finish to oil-based paints, but with faster drying times.
• Excellent for high-traffic areas and surfaces that undergo a lot of wear and tear.
• Resistant to chipping, fading, and mildew.
• Provides a smooth finish with less sagging.

Cons:

• Can still have a strong odor compared to latex paints.
• Cleanup requires solvents, not just soap and water.
• Not as environmentally friendly as water-based options.

Go Green: Selecting Sustainable Paints

Using eco-friendly paints can help preserve air quality and reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable paints contain low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Which means they reduce air pollution and make you and your family healthy

So how do find out if your paint is green? Here are some tips.

• Low-VOC: Paints with less than 50 grams per liter (g/L) of VOCs for flat finishes and less than 150 g/L for non-flat finishes.
• Zero-VOC: Products with fewer than 5 g/L of VOCs.
• Natural Paints: Made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils, resins, and minerals.

Regulatory Compliance

If you want to continue using sustainable paints, you should also comply with environmental regulations that aim to limit the ecological footprint of home renovation projects.

These regulations vary by state, but they generally cover the following: 

• Use of lead-free paints: Lead-based paints are highly toxic and banned in many areas.
• Proper disposal of paints and painting supplies: Follow local guidelines for disposing of paint and cleaning supplies to prevent soil and water pollution.

What are the Best Paint Brands for My Home’s Exterior?

Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

Benjamin Moore’s Aura line is known for being one of the most durable paints on the market. It is mildew-resistant and stands up to harsh weather, maintaining its gloss over time.

Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex

This paint offers excellent coverage and a lasting finish and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Its advanced acrylic co-polymers ensure you have durable paint in your hand. Great for different climates and seasons.

Exterior Painting by Kind Home Solutions

If you’re looking for an exterior painting service that is affordable but high-quality, Kind Home Solutions is your friend.

We are a home painting company located in Colorado, serving the following communities: Westminster, Broomfield, Thornton, Arvada, Lafayette, Golden, Lakewood, Parker, Denver, Highlands Ranch, Wheat Ridge, Lone Tree, Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, and Centennial.

Give us a call at 720-807-9068 today!