While it’s true that anyone can paint, it’s also important to understand that painting the inside of your home is very different than painting the exterior.
Both incorporate physical exertion however, interior painting is usually the easier type of job.
Exterior painting requires dangerous ladder positions, sometimes incorporating scaffolds or lift machines to reach high sections of your home. It also often requires heavy preparation which can be more difficult that the actual painting.
But if you’re thinking of tackling your exterior painting in 2025, this Exterior Paint For Beginners guide to paint types, finishes and application will help you on your journey.
The process of painting the exterior of your home involves more than simply choosing a paint color that compliments your home. Equally important are the right type of paint, finish, and application methods.
We’ll first discuss the various types of exterior paints available, such as water-based acrylics, oil-based alkyd paints, and specialized coatings designed for specific surfaces. This is great exterior paint for beginners knowledge.
Then we’ll look at the different paint finishes you can choose from, including matte, satin, and gloss, and explore their unique strengths and ideal applications.
Furthermore, we’ll cover essential prepping techniques and optimal application methods to ensure a flawless and durable paint job.
Let’s get it started!
Exterior Paint For Beginners 101: Types of Paint
Understanding Exterior Paint Types
1. Water-Based Acrylic Paints
Water-based acrylic paints, also known as latex paints, are the most popular choice for exterior house painting due to their many benefits. These paints are easy to clean up with soap and water, dry quickly, and emit fewer harmful fumes and odors compared to oil-based paints.
Additionally, acrylic paints provide superior durability, UV resistance, and are less likely to yellow or crack over time.
Expert Tip: Choose a high-quality acrylic paint specifically formulated for exterior use, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. For example, consider using Benjamin Moore Element Guard if you’re painting your stucco house. If you’re painting doors or exterior window trim, consider using Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
2. Oil-Based Alkyd Paints
As it’s getting harder and harder to find oil-based alkyd paints, they’re still a viable option for certain exterior industrial applications. These paints offer excellent adhesion, self-leveling properties for a smooth finish, and are known to resist wear and tear.
However, they do have longer drying times and emit strong odors during application, which can be a drawback for some homeowners. You will need to clean up with paint thinner (mineral spirits) so that too can be very hazardous to your skin and the environment.
Expert Tip: When considering oil-based paints for your exterior, research the appropriate primers and thinner to ensure compatibility with your chosen color and finish.
3. Specialty Exterior Coatings
For specific surfaces or unique needs, there are specialized exterior coatings available. We’re now leaping ahead of exterior paint for beginners and introducing you to a few common specialty coatings.
- For example, elastomeric paints are ideal for masonry surfaces, such as stucco or concrete, as they provide a flexible and waterproof coating that can bridge cracks and gaps.
- Likewise, metal-specific paints will offer better adhesion and durability when applied to metallic surfaces.
- Some 1-coat wood stain products are oil based stains, and require well ventilated areas as well as proper handling of soiled rags upon cleanup. If you’re staining your exterior wood deck you’ll want to read this product review for Sico Prolux SRD RE Wood Finish.
Expert Tip: Assess the unique needs of your home’s exterior materials and consult with a professional painter to determine the most suitable specialized paint or stain coating for your project.
Exterior Paint For Beginners: Choosing the Perfect Finish
1. Matte Finish
A matte finish, also known as a flat finish, provides a non-reflective surface ideal for concealing minor imperfections. Matte finishes are an excellent choice for older homes with rough surfaces or areas where you wish to downplay specific design elements.
Expert Tip: Matte finishes can be harder to clean than other sheens, so consider using this finish on less exposed or less frequently touched areas of your home’s exterior.
2. Satin Finish
Satin finishes strike a beautiful balance between matte and glossy finishes. These finishes provide a subtle, soft sheen that can accentuate your home’s architectural details without drawing too much attention.
Satin finishes are more comfortable to clean than matte options and maintain their color and sheen for extended periods.
Expert Tip: Satin finishes are an excellent all-around choice for most exterior applications, including siding, trim, and doors. Prioritize high-quality, exterior-specific satin paints to ensure durability and color retention.
3. Gloss Finish
Glossy finishes, including semi-gloss and high-gloss options, offer a sleek, shiny appearance that reflects light. These finishes are highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and other elements.
However, they can highlight surface imperfections due to their high reflectivity.
Expert Tip: Utilize glossy finishes strategically on areas such as trim, doors, or accent features where you want to draw attention and showcase intricate details.
Exterior Paint For Beginners: Preparation & Application
1. Surface Preparation
Before applying your chosen paint, thorough surface preparation is crucial for optimal adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
Inspect and repair any damaged areas, clean surfaces with a pressure washer or soft-bristled brush, and remove any peeling paint by scraping or sanding as needed.
Don’t forget to prime any bare surfaces with a high-quality exterior primer.
2. Optimal Timing
For the best results, plan your exterior paint for beginners project during moderate temperatures and low humidity levels.
Ensure surfaces are completely dry before beginning the painting process. Keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid potential disruptions.
3. Application Technique
To achieve professional results, use a combination of brushes and rollers specifically designed for exterior use. Brushes are ideal for cutting in, painting trim, and tackling intricate details, whereas rollers can provide a smooth, even finish on large surfaces.
Consider investing in a paint sprayer for a uniform finish on highly textured or expansive surfaces.
And if you’re ever painting wood cedar and want to know which oil primer is best, this video will help you get the best results.
Expert Tip: Whether using brushes, rollers, or sprayers, always apply paint in thin, even coats, allowing ample drying time between coats as recommended by the paint manufacturer.
Conclusion – Exterior Paint For Beginners (And Beyond)
Achieving a flawless and durable exterior paint job comes down to two primary things:
- understanding the complexities of paint types, finishes, and application techniques.
- understanding the physical production component of painting.
This article only discussed the 1st part of having a durable exterior paint job, mainly focussing on exterior paint for beginners. And if you’re painting your own exterior and need any questions answered, call toll-free 1-866-724-6818.
If you need expert help from commercial and residential painters who provide quality exterior painting that withstands the test of time and reflects your personal style, while boosting your home’s value use our free search platform to find a local painter near you or call for free assistance.
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