When it comes to painting your home, there is so much to consider. What colours do you prefer right now, and will you still feel that way in a few weeks and months? What kind of finish are you looking for? And, of course, what kind of paint do you need and where?
Painting outdoors can leave your exteriors looking fresh, welcoming and brighter – but only if you do it right. Read on to discover more about outdoor paint, how long it lasts, and which might be the right type for you…
Do you need special paint for outdoors?
To begin with, it is important to know that you cannot simply use the same paint outdoors that you do inside your home. Some paints are suitable for both, but the kind of paints that can handle the exposure to the elements aren’t often the same that you will use on your living room walls. Outdoor paint needs to be able to withstand UV rays and rain, hot and cold.
Painting your exteriors will often involve applying paint to different surfaces, including brick, timber and concrete. The kind of paint that will take to your smooth interior walls may not work as well on these rougher alternative surfaces. The material and type of surface that you have is likely to impact the kind of outdoor paint that you will need to use.
Popular types of outdoor paint include:
- Latex paint
- Acrylic paint
- Oil-based paint
- Alkyd paint
- Epoxy paint
- Elastomeric paint
What is the best outdoor paint for your garden?
If you are unsure which type of paint would best suit your exteriors, will last the longest and look the best, you are certainly not alone. If you find yourself in need of advice or a quote, Painting All Sorts can help. Their team of experts know all there is to know about outdoor paint, and which you may prefer to use today.
For those hoping to find the right paint themselves, or who want a better understanding of the options available, there are many types of outdoor paint which can be the best in different situations. Each type of paint has its own pros and cons which are laid out briefly below…
Latex paint
This popular paint is water-based, affordable, easy to apply and comes in many colours and varieties. It is quick drying but this can lead to it looking streaky if it is not applied right. It also requires proper preparation and priming, and it can lack durability in bad weather.
Acrylic paint
Another water-based paint, acrylic paint can be used on pretty much any surface as long as you get the right one. It is also easy to apply, is mildew resistant and cheaper than many options. It is fast drying, but can again look streaky and it can cause wood to swell.
Oil-based paint
If you are looking for a paint that is durable, scratch and water-resistant, has excellent coverage and is ideal for most outdoor surfaces, look no further than oil-based paint. It does have the downside of being slower drying and trickier to clean than water-based paints, but is still an excellent choice.
Alkyd paint
Alkyd paint comes with many of the benefits of oil-based paint, and it is also easier to apply. It is also, however, more likely to drip and splatter, and it can crack and bubble over time.
Epoxy paint
This paint is waterproof, resistant to stains and extremely durable, while also exhibiting many of the benefits of an acrylic paint. It can however be difficult to apply and remove, and is more expensive than a water or oil-based paint.
Elastomeric paint
Typically used in swimming pools as well as on exterior masonry like brick, this paint is water resistant and flexible but also slow drying and expensive. Unless you really need this level of thickness and protection, there are better options available.
As you can see, there are many reasons to choose one paint over another, so selecting the best option really depends on your own circumstances and preferences. You can decide whether you require extra water resistance, are happy to spend a lot more money or prefer maximum coverage at a reasonable cost for yourself.
How long does outdoor garden paint last?
Exactly how long your outdoor garden paint will last will vary depending on your location, weather and climate, the type of paint you use and how well it was applied in the first place. Properly prepared, primed and painted exteriors will tend to look better for longer. Selecting the correct paint to suit the surface can also help extend your paint’s lifespan.
In general, you can expect your newly applied outdoor paint to last somewhere between 5 and 10 years. Again, the right preparations, care and maintenance can help push you to the higher end of this scale and beyond.
How long does garden paint take to dry?
When it comes to outdoor garden paint drying times, there are many factors that can make a large difference including:
- The thickness of the paint
- The temperature and humidity at the time of application
- The surface you are applying it to
- The type of paint that you use
Water-based paints, for instance, tend to dry quicker than oil-based varieties. Even within types of paint different brands will boast varying drying times, so make sure to check their recommendations as well.
Most outdoor paints will be dry to the touch in around 4 hours, but will take longer to dry properly. This can take around 24 hours, though some may be dry quicker than that. Even after drying, outdoor paints take a while to cure, reaching their maximum durability and hardness. This process can take several weeks to complete.
You do not have to wait for the paint to fully cure before adding another coat, but it is important that you let each coat dry properly before you apply the next.
Final thoughts
There are many factors that go into which garden paint you should choose, and it can seem a little more complicated than picking a colour and a finish. You should always think about the type of surface that you are applying paint to, the weather and climate you are in, and the look you are trying to achieve.
For superior exteriors that add curb appeal and leave your home and garden looking fresh and bright, consider getting the professionals at Painting All Sorts to take care of all your painting needs today.
The Labyrinth Garden
