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The Best Exterior Latex Paints For Your Deck
Last updated: Jan 8, 2024Choosing the best paint for your property’s exterior goes well beyond finding the right colors. Not all exterior paints are equally suited to different surfaces. When it comes to outdoor paint jobs, latex paints are generally the best choice. Not only do they dry very quickly but they are also easy to clean off in cases of errors and are also very adaptable to shifting weather conditions. The right latex paint will form a durable bond on siding, decks, bricks, or whatever else you’ve got on your outdoors. There are a lot of products on the market these days and it may be daunting to select one out of many that will work perfectly for you. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty to list the best exterior latex paints in 2024 below for your convenience.
Buy on Amazon Check Price on Walmart Read moreContenderRust-Oleum 1986502 Painter's Touch Latex PaintShow contentsWhat Are the Leading Exterior Latex Paints of 2024?- PRESTIGE Paints E100-N-SW6991 Exterior Paint - Best Overall
- KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Exterior Latex Paint - Honorable Mention
- Rust-Oleum 1986502 Painter's Touch Latex Paint - Contender
- Diamond Brite Paint 1-Gallon Latex Gloss Enamel - Also Consider
- Montage Signature Interior and Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint - Also Consider
Buying Guide: Top-Rated Exterior Latex PaintsBuying Guide: Top-Rated Exterior Latex Paints
Everyone that embarks on the task of painting outdoors knows they need great quality paint. Since your outdoor surfaces will be subjected to extreme weather conditions, like constant rays of harsh UV light, temperature fluctuations, and storms, you need the best kind of protection you can get and that can only be got from quality paint designed for the material you’re painting.
Latex paints of the best quality will offer protection from the elements and give your exterior the fresh look and gloss you desire. You only need to avoid buying the wrong paint and this means careful consideration when you are buying.
Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to assist you when you are looking to purchase the best possible exterior latex paint for your project.
What Are the Things To Consider When Shopping for Exterior Latex Paint?
Here are some of the things you should consider before buying latex paint for your exterior:
Durability
The durability of the paint you purchase for your outdoors matters a lot. Latex paints of higher quality usually contain higher-quality ingredients like more acrylic solids and pigments. They’re also often thicker and stickier than lower-quality paints.
The durability of a paint job directly depends on the number of coats applied. More coats will usually render a more durable surface. Also, to get the full effect of any paint, you need to stir it properly before usage. This is because some ingredients settle to the bottom of the can over time so you need all these chemicals to mix appropriately before application. For a more durable and thicker finish, you can also try applying your paint with a paint roller or brush instead of a sprayer.
Paint dry time
The key to achieving a quality finish is the period of wait between laying the first coat and the application of the second coat. Most latex paints dry within a couple of hours, and can usually accommodate a second coat 4 to 6 hours after the initial coat but as a safety measure always check for a paint’s dry time on the side of the can.
Lasting color
Poor quality paints contain cheap pigments, such as clay, silica, and talc that tend to fade over time. If the painted surface has a southern exposure and receives direct sun, it will degrade even faster. To avoid having to repaint every year or so, you need to get a paint that will hold on to its hue for a long enough duration. Darker colors are more likely to fade on your exterior than light hues. If you are looking to create faux textures, such as a façade that looks like wood or marble you should opt for exterior paints that contain UV protectants. These ingredients will preserve the quality of the look and keep the painted-on effects from fading.
Weather resistance
Great quality outdoor latex paints are able to handle the constant effects of weather. Latex paints use acrylic as a binder that allows them to flex slightly, making them less likely to crack or go brittle. Hence, they are able to repel rain and last longer on your exterior. Latex paint of the highest quality will usually feature labels and tags like “all acrylic” or “100 percent acrylic.” You can check for tags like these if you need to be sure of a choice of paint. Cheaper paints will contain a smaller amount of acrylic, usually not enough for the paint to be truly weather resistant.
Did you know that there’s actually a “correct” time to paint your house’s exterior? Learn more about when and when not to paint your house’s exterior in this video below.
Climate suitability
Your region is a major deciding factor in the choice of paint that will work for you. Paints that are suitable for a humid area may not be the best choice for high desert regions. In most cases, paints will feature extra additives that make them more appropriate for a particular climate so you’ll need to consider this before making your choice. For example, paints labeled as ‘mildew resistant’ will be preferable in humid and rainy areas whilst paints labeled as ‘UV resistant’ will be more appropriate for a very sunny region.
Surface suitability
Your paint job will be more successful if the paint is compatible with the material that’s being painted. The general rule of thumb whilst painting a surface that’s already been painted in the past is to use the same type of paint that’s already on the surface. For example, if your brick wall was already painted with latex, choose latex. Try to ensure that you do not mix different kinds of paint like putting oil paint over latex or vice versa.
When deciding on which paint to buy, consider the surfaces you need to paint and search for paint that’s more suited for that. The compatibility of a paint product is usually listed on the paint can and on the seller’s site
Final Painting Tips
Here are some tips to assist you in preparing and properly applying your paint to your outdoors.
- For a long-lasting exterior paint job, you need to do adequate and proper preparation before applying paint. The surfaces you are about to paint must be clean of all dirt and grease and should also be dry, as paint does not perform well on damp surfaces. Loose and peeling paint should be scraped away and object that might intrude on the process should be moved away.
- To avoid getting paint on other items accidentally, drape drop cloths over nearby materials and objects that need protection. These proper precautions keep paint from accidentally getting on clothes or other items.
- For the best results, try to paint in the right climate. Painting in colder temperatures will rapidly increase your drying time and your paint will take longer to dry. Warmer temperatures may also cause your paint to dry too fast, causing lap marks. You need to be sure of the weather before you decide to go ahead with the painting of your outdoors.
- Exterior paints can be applied easily with exterior paint brushes, which are perfectly suited for working the paint into seams and woodgrain.
- The quickest way to apply your paint is with a paint sprayer, but it’s also the riskiest as you can very easily accidentally overshoot your boundaries. To ensure the paint adheres well, the best way to ensure your paint applies well is to use a combination of techniques. You can try spraying or rolling on the first coat of paint and then following that up by brushing on the next coat. This technique is known as “back brushing.”
- To ensure that you are getting the best you could possibly get, it’s best to opt for the more popular products. This is because they are tested and trusted and have probably stood the test of time (and multiple reviews on the internet). If in doubt go for the ones that are a hundred percent acrylic polymers or resins (it is usually labeled so on the front or in the ingredients list). Low-quality latex paints do not just cut it. They feel thin and run-down surfaces, and also tend to be more of a stress to apply correctly. Great quality paints are worth every penny. They also tend to have a thicker feel and level better when applied.
What Are the Leading Exterior Latex Paints of 2024?
1PRESTIGE Paints E100-N-SW6991 Exterior Paint
– Best OverallPRESTIGE Paints E100-N-SW6991 Exterior Paint and Primer is a high-end paint intended to be used on exterior surfaces including properly prepared wood, masonry surfaces, cement board siding, vinyl, aluminum, and factory primed siding. This paint uses industry-leading technology to create the perfect mix of colors to achieve the right hue for your outdoor surfaces. It is also a hundred percent acrylic latex paint so it easily cleans off with water.
2KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Exterior Latex Paint
– Honorable MentionKILZ 2 Latex Primer and Sealer is a great primer that makes paint stick better to surfaces, makes paint color truer, and lets you use less paint. KILZ 2 is a fast-drying, water-based low odor primer ideal for interior and exterior use. KILZ 2 Latex blocks mild to medium staining from water, grease, ink, pencil, and felt marker and is ideal to hide previous colors.
This option also seals porous surfaces and offers very strong adhesion for new paint. This versatile multi-purpose stain blocker works well on surfaces such as brick, painted metal, properly prepared glossy surfaces, drywall, paneling, stucco, masonry, plaster, and wood.
3Rust-Oleum 1986502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint
– ContenderRust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint provides a smooth, durable finish on both interior and exterior items. It provides your wall and surfaces with that fresh and new exciting look
With its quick-drying formula, this latex paint from Rust-Oleum reduces the amount of time your project takes and saves you a lot of time. This paint once applied properly with all the precautions possesses an excellent hide and resists chipping and fading on a variety of surfaces.
4Diamond Brite Paint 1-Gallon Latex Gloss Enamel
– Also ConsiderDiamond Brite Paint 80000 1-Gallon Latex Gloss Enamel is a premium quality paint that works great in a lot of applications in renewing and refreshing a surface or object. This high gloss paint comes in 8 colors and possesses a shiny finish that mimics the look of enamel or plastic.
This paint from Diamond Brite is great for refreshing the look of furniture, toys, cabinets, and antique accessories. Although this paint’s high gloss finish magnifies surface imperfections, once you adhere to all the instructions and take all the necessary precautions you should be fine.
5Montage Signature Interior and Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint
– Also ConsiderMontage Signature Interior and Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint is a great choice for all your professional painting needs which may include interior and exterior work, small residential spaces, large commercial buildings, and everything in between.
This product has a specialty finish that lets you brush smoothly and evenly while delivering maximum coverage. It also features improved sealing technology that allows for easy cleaning and protection from common water issues.
People Also Asked
Q: Why do people use latex paints?A: Latex paints are really popular because of their easy application and nature. They are easy to work with and can clean up with water. The film of paint remains flexible after drying, so it can breathe and move slightly to accommodate changes in temperature and humidity. They are also very useful because they work well on a lot of different kinds of surfaces.
Q: How does the quality of paint affect its performance?A: The quality of paint determines how quickly it will wear and fade with time. Quality exterior paint when it's properly applied over a well-prepped surface will last longer than the poor-quality stuff.
Q: Which is best for my outdoors water-based paints vs oil-based paints?A: Water-based paints are the best for home exteriors. They allow water vapor generated inside the house to pass through the paint film. They are also gentler in the environment because they are lower in volatile organic compounds.
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