Painting your homes exterior may seem pretty straight-forward; but the truth is, there is more to the process than meets the eye. From choosing the type of paint that is right for you, to choosing a color, there is so much to learn before beginning your Sant Antonio house painting.
Types of Paint
Exterior paint types are divided into two categories: Water-based and oil-based. Acrylic and latex paints are both water-based. Water-based paints are less odorous, won’t trap moisture, dry faster, and are flexible.
Oil-based paints are made up of pigment and resin in a solvent. When the solvent evaporates, the resin creates a hard coating. Oil-based paints have a longer dry time, but adhere better and block stains. Oil-based paint is a good choice for home exteriors that have metal, stained surfaces, or wood that bleeds.
Previous Coats of Paint
When making a decision about your exterior’s paint, it is helpful to know what kind of paint was used previously. A water-based paint such as acrylic or latex can be applied over an old oil-based coat, so long as there are less than 4 layers of oil-based paint beneath it. Applying a water-based paint over too many oil layers will cause the paint to crack and begin peeling.
Oil-based paints should never be applied over a water-based layer. If your current coat of paint is water-based then the decision on what type of paint to use has basically been made for you.
Color
Now that you know what type of paint you will be using to paint your home’s exterior, it’s time to decide on a color or colors. It is important to consider the colors of your neighbor’s homes when making this decision. While you may desire to stand out among the crowd, you also want to avoid clashing with the houses around you. You will also want to pay attention to the colors on your house that you can’t change. Things like your roofing, and any slate, brick, or stone accents. Your goal is to create a cohesive look that is appealing to those on the outside.
If the right amount of thought and planning goes into painting your exterior, it is one of the easiest ways to spruce up the look and feel of your home.
If you’re looking into San Antonio house painting, contact Shaw Company Remodeling at www.shawcoremodeling.com.
