Painting the Exterior of a House

The first piece of advice we can give about painting the exterior of a house is to choose the right paint. There are several options, such as vinyl paints, pliolite paints or plastic paints. Read on to learn about the main features of each.

And no less important than selecting the type of paint that best suits your needs, is the choice of the color that motivates you the most. Thus, compared to the classic white color, you will see that there are less conventional alternatives with many attractions. We will explore them in the second part of this article.

Painting the Exterior of a Home: Choosing the Right Paint

Below we are going to see in detail the types of paint that, in our opinion, are the most demanded to paint the exterior of a house. We will focus on:

• Acrylic vs vinyl paint.
• Pliolite paints.
• Paints with silicone resin.
• Elastic paint.
• Silicate paints.

Acrylic or vinyl paint?

Acrylic and vinyl paints have in common that they both resist water well, offer quick drying and are easy to clean. They are also virtually odorless. However, the similarities end here.

Acrylic paint has the advantage that it is more versatile, being able to be used on different types of surfaces, including metal and wood. However, vinyl has a higher resistance to the sun and temperature changes, which makes it more suitable for painting the exterior of a house.

Therefore, although both types of paint offer good results if they are exposed to the weather, vinyl paints offer a higher degree of protection in these environments. In addition, although they are more expensive, they are also available in a wider range of colors.

Pliolite paints

These types of paints are based on a type of resin similar to synthetic rubber. They are characterized by their great resistance to water, alkalinity and salinity, sun, dry climates and any type of extreme inclement weather. In addition, they are both waterproof and breathable.

But if there is one thing they stand out for, it is their enormous durability and strength in the face of degradation. In fact, they offer an average warranty of 13 years. Another aspect in their favor is that due to their powerful adhesion capacity, they do not usually need prior priming.

Painting the exterior with silicone resin

Silicone resin paints happen to be an excellent choice for homes built in humid climates. The reason is that they create a microporous film on the surface that repels water.

Apart from paint itself, available in different colors, you can also find it transparent. Thanks to this property, it can be used as a colourless water-repellent insulator, ideal for protecting brick, stone or concrete walls while respecting their original colour.

Therefore, it is an option to take into account to avoid the appearance of damp stains, fungi, soot and dust.

Elastic paint

If what you need is to paint the exterior of your house with a product that covers cracks and porosities, that is the main characteristic of elastic paints. They are also known as elastomeric paints, and their elastic properties come from the polymers that compose them.

Of course, they also protect against rain and abrasion, and are valid for application on plasters, concrete, bricks and stuccoes. Elastic paints are also quite inexpensive.

Of course, although they are versatile, they are not the best option for conditions that are too extreme. But painting the exterior of a house with them provides excellent results in mild climates.

Silicate paints

Painting the exterior of a house with silicate paints, or silicate, gives water-repellent properties and good durability. They are usually used in historic buildings and old houses both to protect and preserve the original appearance of this type of construction.

Its degree of adhesion on brick or concrete surfaces is equally remarkable. This fixation capacity is due to their mineral base and the binder they include, called potassium silicate. Its resistance to pollution is also good.

Some tips for choosing the color

Beyond the traditional colors, you should know that there is a world of colors out there. Going outside the box and choosing an exotic color to paint the exterior of your home can give you good results if you do it with some sense of aesthetics. And of course, if you're not afraid to take a chance, you can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home and dazzle your neighbors.

Painting the exterior of a house white or betting on bolder colors?

• The first recommendation we can give is that you take into account the environment of the house as if it were a landscape canvas. By choosing the right colour composition, your home will blend perfectly into the picture and be welcomed by the neighbourhood.
• Considering the range of colors most typical of each architectural style will also be helpful. It's a good way to get your home the blessing of design experts. There are even apps that guide you to choose the new look of your home.
• Another interesting option is to give the classic white color a twist and combine it with eaves, window frames or door coverings in other tones. So, if your home is in a sunny environment, you won't miss out on the benefits of the color white when it comes to repelling sunlight. And at the same time you will have a home with charisma.
• In a style totally opposite to the previous one, dark colors on facades will give nobility and elegance to your home. And with the arrival on the market of new materials equipped with thermo-reflective technology, painting the exterior of a house with dark tones no longer necessarily implies that they absorb solar radiation.
• An alternative halfway between white and black or gray are earth colors. Beige, ochres, creams and browns convey calm and sophistication in equal parts. They also bring a certain rustic air. The chromatic possibilities and combinations are varied.
• And for the most daring there are those known as vibrant colors. Undoubtedly, opting for an intense blue, a bright yellow, a mustard or a violet will give a touch of vitality and originality to your home.