When you think of exterior painting services, what do you picture? A single coat of paint? That couldn't be further from the truth. Exterior painting is a complex and detail-oriented process that requires many layers to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish. This article will discuss what exterior painting is, how it differs from interior painting, and what the different paints used for exterior work are.

What Is Exterior Painting?

Exterior painting is applying paint to the exterior of a building. You can use different tints and colors on an exterior surface, but most painters will use oil-based paints, which provide longevity and resist fading in sunlight better than other options.

Difference Between Exterior and Interior Painting

You can't have a house without paint, and exterior or interior color paints are perfect for any household. Exterior paint is made to be durable and resists things like mold, fading, mildew, and cracking, while interior paint is meant for your home's interiors. Interior paint is designed with safe chemicals when you breathe it in because you spend most of your time indoors. The paint is made to be low in VOCs; thus, out-gassing is minimal.

Exterior paint typically lasts longer, but it also has a much higher risk of damage than interior paint. That's because different resins and additional additives are used to make it more durable. These will cause out-gassing while the paint dries. Most of this off-gas production may be over in just a few days. However, it can continue for up to several years.

Different Paints Used for Exterior Work

Various exterior paints are available today that protect from water intrusion and provide aesthetic benefits such as color and texture. They include:

Oil paint

One of the most common types of paint used in exterior work. It's also among the most durable types, though you'll need to take extra care when cleaning up. You can also find oil paint in colors more traditionally associated with interior painting jobs because they're less likely to fade.

Latex house paints

These are the most common types of exterior colors. They're typically easier to use because they have a better coverage rate than oil-based products. Latex also sticks well on metal surfaces like gutters or aluminum siding.

Acrylic paint

This type of exterior paint is water-soluble, so it's easy to clean up. It also has a long lifespan and can be used for outdoor painting projects such as faux finishes or murals.

Exterior enamel paint

This paint is made specifically for wood surfaces. It's long-lasting and offers a high level of protection against moisture, insects, and fungi.

Before you embark on a painting project, consult professional exterior painting services that will help determine what type best suits your needs so you don't end up with cracks or fading colors after just one season!

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