Seven common questions about exterior painting
What’s the best exterior paint or stain?
This is the last of our 7 common questions regarding exterior painting.
It is important to know what makes one painting product better than others. What are the qualities that make one paint perform better than others? Durability is one characteristic that is of great importance, but fade resistance, moisture resistance, toughness, hiding of the previous color, and ease of application are not to be neglected.
Now that we know what characteristics we are looking for, let’s get into how to identify better quality exterior paint or stain.
Acrylic Vs Oil
In general, 100% Acrylic paints are better than oil based paints for the exterior of homes or commercial buildings. These products contain latex binders which help them adhere to the surface strongly and that can provide longevity for painted exterior surfaces.
As mentioned in previous blog posts oil paints and stains act as food for mildew. Oil products change color over time and turn yellow or even darker whereas acrylic products maintain that fresh look for much longer.
Pigments
Good quality paints contain titanium dioxide pigments which is one of the most expensive ingredients that go into a can of paint. Titanium dioxide gives paint its brightness and is very good in scattering light. It even stays white when wet or when the surface is washed.
In general, more costly paints contain more titanium dioxide and therefore are better quality for exterior use.
Thickness of Paint
Another important fact about better quality paints is the thickness of the paint film that goes on the exterior surface. The thicker the film the better protection it provides against the elements. As an example, Benjamin Moore Aura paint lays a thick coat on the surface and it is very durable against the elements.
Aura also has other characteristics such as fade resistance (important for exterior painting) as well as moisture and scuff resistance that make it a good quality paint.
Quality vs Price
Not all paints are created equal!
You can’t just compare paints by their brand. All paint manufacturers have many different lines of products, from cheap commercial grades to better and best. You need to compare apples to apples when deciding on what brand and product to choose from for the exterior painting of your home. Most people ask painters what brand of paint are they going to use on their house. They should rather ask “What brand and product line do you use?”
When considering an exterior painting or staining project, remember that paint and stain make roughly about 15% of the total cost of your exterior painting. If you are spending 85% on the cost of labor to paint your home, please don’t try to save by going with a less expensive paint!
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Owner & General Manager
Meet Mr. Paint Track himself, Ray! Having been in the industry for three decades, Ray has built Paint Track on a foundation of honesty, knowledge, and respect. He exemplifies leadership, with a commitment to both his craft and our team. Ray is known for his great sense of humor, and if you’re familiar with him, you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous jokes! His vibrant energy uplifts our team. Thanks to his leadership, Paint Track has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the community for the past 20 years.
Ray’s expertise and dedication to quality are evident in every project Paint Track undertakes. He’s not only a master of his craft but also a mentor who generously shares his wealth of knowledge with every team member, helping each of us grow and improve. Ray’s hands-on approach ensures that every detail is attended to, and he consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Ray’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Telecommunications, which have contributed to his exceptional organizational skills and analytical approach to managing projects. His education and strategic thinking have been instrumental in building an efficient and effective business operation that continues to deliver outstanding results.
In addition to his work with Paint Track, Ray is deeply involved in the community. He actively participates in multiple Chamber of Commerce groups and serves as a board member on the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Education and Finance Committees. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting local businesses exemplifies his commitment to both Paint Track and the community.
Under Ray’s leadership, Paint Track has become known not just for superior workmanship but for a client-centered approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and trust. We’re incredibly grateful to have him leading the way, and we’re proud to carry forward his legacy of excellence in every job we do.
Skills Leadership, customer relations, estimating, and problem solving
Hobbies: Exercise, beekeeping, and hiking
Favorite Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Indigo 6531