Painting - Which Exterior finish to choose
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cmcdykes
11-04-08, 08:58 PM
I'm considering which finish to choose for an exterior application. My home has wood windows and sills which I hope to preserve for years to come. The home has been painted with flat paint. Is a satin finish more durable than flat? I have 5 gallons of the flat paint available but I am more concerned about durability.
marksr
11-05-08, 05:20 AM
Welcome to the forums!
As long as you are using quality paint, it's more personal choice than anything. I've always been partial to either flat on the body and satin on the trim or satin/body and gloss/trim.
Exterior paints with a sheen will repel moisture better than a flat finish but exterior paints with a sheen may [depending on type of exposure] need to be repainted sooner.
The biggest factors in a long lasting paint job is proper prep and quality coating. Scrape, sand, clean as needed, prime any raw wood and top coat with 1-2 coats of quality latex house paint. As always, you will find the best coatings at your local paint store. Big box paint depts stock paint based on price..... you usually get what you pay for.
As long as you are using quality paint, it's more personal choice than anything. I've always been partial to either flat on the body and satin on the trim or satin/body and gloss/trim.
Exterior paints with a sheen will repel moisture better than a flat finish but exterior paints with a sheen may [depending on type of exposure] need to be repainted sooner.
The biggest factors in a long lasting paint job is proper prep and quality coating. Scrape, sand, clean as needed, prime any raw wood and top coat with 1-2 coats of quality latex house paint. As always, you will find the best coatings at your local paint store. Big box paint depts stock paint based on price..... you usually get what you pay for.
Workaholic
12-03-08, 09:04 PM
Semi-gloss is what i typically use. I do not like the look of flat on an exterior myself. Satin would be a good alternative if semi is to much for you.