painting techniques for creative finishes

Should You Paint or Stain Your Home's Exterior?

26 March 2021 by Bradley Davis

Painting the exterior of your home can be a necessary task, or you may choose to do it simply because you want to update the color. There are a couple of main options you have to choose from when it comes to exterior painting. 

Paint and Surface Treatments

Paint is one of the more popular options when it comes to painting exterior siding. It is suitable for wood, metal, and concrete fiber siding. You can find exterior paint in any color imaginable, including custom colors mixed specifically to meet your needs. Paint, along with wood varnishes, is considered a surface treatment because it does not penetrate into the siding material but simply seals the surface to create a barrier.

For metal and concrete fiber siding, paint is really the only suitable choice. For wood, it is a good option if you want to add color to the siding. Since paint only adheres to the surface, though, it will eventually begin to bubble or flake off. When this happens, moisture can seep into the wood and cause the siding to rot. For this reason, paint needs to be reapplied every few years or when it begins to fade or peel. The good news is that repainting is an excellent time to change up the color and give your house a makeover. 

Penetrating Stains and Sealers

Penetrating stains and sealers actually soak into the siding. These are only meant to be used on wood siding. Although stains can contain pigment, they aren't meant to coat a vibrant color. Instead, stains soak deeply into the wood fibers, and the color instead complements the grain and natural appearance of the wood. Sealers are similar to stains except that they often don't contain pigments. They are also formulated to provide an excellent moisture barrier. 

By soaking in, stains and sealers fill in the pores of the wood siding. This leaves no room for moisture absorption, so the wood can resist weathering and water damage effectively. Stain is an exceptional option in areas with high moisture and humidity, as it is very good at resisting mildew. Some stains are even formulated to contain components like zinc that kills algae and other discoloring growths on the siding. 

Whether you choose to paint or stain is primarily dependent on the type of siding you have and whether you want a solid color or a more natural wood color. Both paints and stains are durable and attractive. Contact professional painters for more help when it comes to painting the exterior of your home. 

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