Exterior Paint Amador County, CA: How to Make the Right Paint Choice

by | Jun 15, 2020 | Exterior Painting

Exterior Painting Amador County, CA: How to Make the Right Paint Choice

Planning to repaint your home exterior in Amador County, CA? Choosing the paint is one of the most exciting yet overwhelming practices. 

The type of paint depends, among other things, on the material that made the surface and your tastes. 

Here are the steps to follow to select your home exterior paint color properly;

Water-Based or Solvent-Based Paint?

As with interior paint, the products used for exterior paint fall into two types: water-based paints and solvent-based paints. 

In general, water-based paints are easier to use than solvent-based paints. 

However, solvent-based paint has advantages for specific applications.

Water-Based Paint (Latex)

  • Dries quickly
  • Cleaning only requires soap and water
  • Better color retention
  • Permeable, which prevents mold from remaining trapped
  • Less odor
  • Non-flammable
  • Contains few volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Solvent-Based Paint (Oil or Alkyd)

  • Easier to apply
  • Greater fluidity, therefore, a softer finish and fewer roller or brush marks
  • More durable finish
  • Better adhesion to the surface

Pro tip: Water-based (latex) paints do not adhere to oil-based paints. Conversely, applying oil-based paints can quite reasonably be over water-based paints. So, only apply these on oil-based paints if done in some surface preparation. 

Note: The same principle applies to the primer.

Choosing Paint Based on the Type of Surface

The choice of paint must be according to the surface. Here are different materials and paint products suitable for each.

Wood

  • Recommended primer: We recommend an alkyd or latex primer for hardwood, shingles, fences, exterior walls, doors, windows, and finishes. Latex primer is particularly recommended for hardwood panels and decks because it prevents surface cracking of the wood.
  • Recommended paint: Acrylic paints are more resistant to moisture and discoloration than alkyd paints. They are suitable for coatings, cornice doors, and Windows.

The exterior alkyd paints offer better abrasion resistance. They are suitable for the door and Windows.

What You Should Know

Wood that has not been treated at the factory is particularly vulnerable to water and moisture damage. This is particularly true for untreated pine windows, window sills, and door frames.

Paint, Stain, and Varnish

  • Painting: Use paint for an opaque finish and an unlimited choice of colors.
  • Stain: Use a stain for a semi-opaque finish. The colors offered are less numerous than for paint. Semi-opaque stains often highlight the grain of the wood they cover, thanks to the shades of colors such as the darkness of ebony, the warmth of golden yellow, or the brilliance of pink.
  • Varnish: Use a varnish to protect the structure. Using varnishes for structures exposed to significant wear or difficult weather conditions. There are tinted varnishes, which can be a good solution when you want to change the structure’s appearance and protect it.

Matte, Satin or Glossy Finishes

  • Matt: It does not clean very well, but it hides imperfections. Used typically for house ceilings.
  • Satin: It is between matt and glossy. It hides imperfections well and is easier to clean than the matte finish.
  • Glossy: It is shiny and durable, which makes it easy to clean. It highlights imperfections, used generally for small applications that need to be cleaned often (moldings and doors, for example).

Need Help With That?

Repainting your home exterior can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you need the right tools, experience, and training.

Hiring a professional painting company in Amador County, CA is the best way to get high-quality and durable results.

If you have yet to identify a reliable painting contractor, Michael Hines Painting would love an opportunity to be your go-to interior painter in Amador County.

Call us at 209-256-4587 to book a FREE estimate, and let us help you paint your home because you have better ways to spend your weekend!

Get your house in Galt, CA, painted starting now! Visit our other website, Galt House Painter, and get started now.