What Kind of Paint Would You Use Outdoors?

Wrought Iron and Metal

• Not all paint is made to bond with metal surfaces. When painting metal, spray paint is typically used; however, most paint will not adhere to galvanized metal. If you're working with galvanized metal, rub the area down with vinegar. Vinegar creates a chemical reaction with the galvanized surface. As a result, a surface area is created that paint will stick to. Prior to painting a metal or wrought iron surface, you should prime it with a high-quality metal primer. Spray primers should be used when it comes to detailed or oddly shaped surfaces. After the primer has dried, a direct to metal spray paint may be applied.

Wood and Wicker

• Over time, wood and wicker paint begins to peel and flake. Before you paint the surface, you must remove the excess paint with a paint scraper, sandpaper wheel or synthetic fiber wheel. Once the paint has been removed, the surface should be primed with a high-quality wood primer. Because wood expands and contracts in different weather conditions, it is wise to stick with a flexible paint, such as acrylic. Instead of painting the wood with a thick paint, you may also stain it. Staining is less strenuous than painting.

Stone, Brick and Concrete

• Because stone is porous, these tiny holes must be sealed prior to painting. It doesn't matter whether you're painting a single cinder block or a mural on the side of a stucco building — you must seal the holes to prevent a tacky, poorly done paint job. A high-quality masonry primer is ideal for sealing the surface. Masonry primer is quite thick, much thicker than paint, so attention must be paid to detail when applying the sealer. Once the primer has dried, the area may be painted with a high-quality acrylic paint.

Outdoor Environment

• When painting indoors, you rarely worry about what will happen to the paint in extreme temperatures or heavy rain. Outdoor paint is an entirely different matter. The outdoor environment can and will affect the finish of your paint. While most professional painters stick with alkyd paints for interior jobs, alkyd paint will deteriorate rather quickly when exposed to direct sunlight. Always read the instructions and recommendations for the specific type of paint you're using.