What Paint Should I Use on the Exterior of My Building?

First, determine what type of surface you will be painting.

Fiber-cement

Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Latex Coatings are the best topcoat choices for new fiber-cement siding. Because they have a substantially higher film build than conventional paints, only one coat is necessary over a primed surface – and Duration is guaranteed not to peel or blister. Other high-quality exterior latex paints designed for cement-based building materials – such as Sherwin-Williams Loxon Masonry Topcoat – also perform well but will require two coats.

Cedar

Cedar shake or siding, as well as redwood, is best primed with an exterior oil-based wood primer (some regions must use a latex primer due to VOC regulations). A primer is essential – it will serve as a barrier coat to help prevent tannin bleed, a brownish or tan discoloration that can appear on a painted wooden surface. Before coating, make sure that new wood is dry enough to absorb sprinkled water before coating. Top the siding with one coat of Duration.

If you plan to stain the cedar, apply two coats of Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes Solid Color Acrylic Exterior House Stain. This waterborne product is easier to apply than alkyd or conventional latex stains – with no drips or runs. Available in acrylic solid colors or polyurethane semi-transparent shades, WoodScapes resists mildew and retains its color for several years.

Vinyl

Before painting vinyl siding pressure wash and rinse thoroughly, then allow plenty of time to dry. Be alert for mildew as well; if present you may need to use a bleach solution to eliminate prior to painting. Priming is not generally necessary if you use Duration or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Latex. Use one coat of Duration or two coats of SuperPaint.  If the surface of the vinyl remains slick and ultra-smooth after you’ve cleaned it, you may need to use a bonding primer such as Sherwin-Williams PrepRite Bonding Primer to achieve quality results.

Aluminum

Unless it has a super-slick surface, aluminum siding rarely needs to be primed. Simply apply two coats of Sherwin Williams SuperPaint by either brushing, spraying or rolling. Unless the surface is bent or damaged, you can achieve a terrific, factory-finished look by using a satin sheen paint.

Stucco/Masonry

New stucco always should be primed or conditioned for optimal results. Since pH levels can be a concern with new stucco, make sure the primer can be applied to surfaces with a high pH level. This will minimize efflorescence problems later on. You’ll get maximum performance from Sherwin-Williams Loxon Masonry Primer. For the topcoat, use two coats of SuperPaint.  If the job calls for waterproof protection, go with an elastomeric coating such as Sherwin-Williams ConFlex XL High Build Coating, which also can cover and hide hairline cracks.

Brick should be allowed to weather for at least a year and then wire brushed to remove efflorescence. Treat the bare brick with one coat of Loxon Conditioner before painting with a masonry compatible latex paint like SuperPaint, or Duration.