Any outdoor painting project will involve some preparation. Whether you’re repainting the wood on your fence or the trim and siding on the exterior of your home, choosing the right paint is essential.
At Peintres Premium, we know paint! Which is why we’ve taken the time to carefully detail the different factors to consider when choosing the best outdoor paint for wood.
Why should you paint your exterior wood? How do you know if you are using the right paint? Our painters have the answers!
Why paint exterior wood?
You would be forgiven for thinking that wood is a sturdy material that can withstand the test of time. However, outdoor wood needs to be protected from many different kinds of natural stresses, including:
· Insects and fungi
· UV rays and damaging sunlight
· Weather conditions (especially when they vary from one extreme to another as in Quebec)
· Pollution
· The passage of time, which affects the life span of wood
From the moment a surface is outside, there are many reasons to preserve its durability. Of course, you might also want to paint your exterior siding for aesthetic reasons. If the wood looks dull, damaged or its natural or previous color doesn’t appeal to you anymore, giving it a new coat of paint can be a great solution.
Moreover, it saves money because you avoid buying new wood and it’s an eco-friendly choice because you extend its life span instead of changing it.
What are the best outdoor paints for wood?
With so many varieties of wood, paint professionals have come up with a variety of products to match the materials. Check out some of the best exterior wood paints below!
1. Oil-based paint
Glycerophtalic paint is an excellent quality paint that is made from oil, which explains why it takes longer to dry. Warning, it smells very strong!
2. Water-based paint
Acrylic paint is very popular because of its fast drying time and high coverage. It is microporous, which allows the wood to breathe and prevents moisture from settling.
Gouache paint is another option, but it is quite fragile. For more information on this type of exterior wood paint, contact a professional.
3. Alkyd paint
Alkyd paint is a mixed paint that contains both water and resin. It dries quickly, has a very mild odour and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
What to consider when choosing paint for outdoor wood
Before settling on a particular outdoor paint, there are a few things you should check to make sure you’re making the right choice.
The state of the outdoor wood
Is the wood resinous or not? Is it already varnished or has it been painted in the past?
If the wood has been painted before, it may be necessary to sand or prime it to make the paint adhere better. This task is sometimes inconvenient, which is why our professional house painters will do it for you!
The condition and type of wood to be painted will require different work, which is why it is important to be sure before buying your exterior paint.
How you want it to look
Some people want to preserve the look of the wood, keeping the grooves visible or making sure the paint doesn’t completely hide the material.
This personal decision will naturally influence the choice of paint. Stain will not have the same effect as a high coverage opaque paint.
How much protection the paint offers
As a Montreal painting company, we want to emphasize that wood is subject to weather and temperature changes. The region can take a toll on the paint on your exterior siding with its sometimes harsh and sometimes mild temperatures.
The best exterior wood paint will be UV and weather resistant. Since the sun damages the pigment over time, the best outdoor paint will retain the original color for as long as possible.
Moisture and drying time
Again depending on the region, you should choose a paint that will let the wood breathe and get rid of moisture to prevent it from rotting prematurely. You do not want to smother the wood, only protect it.
While it’s good to choose the right season to start painting exterior wood – spring or early fall – sometimes this isn’t possible. Consider the drying time and test it on the paint can. Too much drying time in a humid area can have a negative impact on the results of the paint job.
Your needs
The amount of paint needed to paint a patio, walls, fence or furniture will vary. The price will not be the same, which is why it is essential to determine your budget before undertaking the project.
Should you do it yourself or call a professional? A professional will suggest the most effective paints, which can save you time and money. You can’t make a mistake when choosing your paint, otherwise you’ll have to redo everything!
What is the best paint for outdoor wood?
In anticipation of the extreme temperatures in Quebec, there are three main paints we use at Peintres Premium for our exterior painting services.
These are our favorites, and since we like to share, here are their names:
These three exterior paints are ultra-durable acrylic paints. Available in white and a variety of colors, they meet our strict quality criteria and will perfectly extend and protect any type of exterior wood.
Choosing a paint is no easy task and neither is painting exterior wood, especially if the surface is large. If you want professional assistance, Peintres Premium will be happy to help you with your exterior renovation project!
