How to Pick House Paint

Choosing Exterior House Paint

• 1

  Match the paint type to the type of exterior house surface. For example, wood siding or trim contract and expand with changing temperatures, so the paint should have expansion properties. Use a 100 percent acrylic paint featuring a satin finish. This type of paint is very elastic.

• 2

  Consult the paint can for the recommended temperatures the paint can tolerate, after determining the regional weather, temperature norms and extreme low and highs. For example, latex paints are not effective for exterior application as they should only be used on surfaces with temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. There are special latex formulas for 35 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Experts at paint stores can assist you in choosing the appropriate paint for your region and home surface materials.

• 3

  Select an exterior house paint that's equipped to handle the amount of sunlight/UV exposure your house receives. Houses with little to no shade covering require a paint that can withstand direct sunlight. Paints featuring alkyd finishes deteriorate more quickly than other paints under the onslaught of direct ultraviolet exposure.

• 4

  Choose paint colors for the body of the house, trim (door and window frames), and any adjustable components (such as doors, moving windows and shutters). The body color should blend well with the roof color. The trim should accent the body color. The adjustable components should be painted to match well with the chosen trim color.

Choosing Interior House Paint

• 5

  Select the type of paint appropriate for the room you're painting. For example, kitchens and bathrooms should be painted with products that can be washed and scrubbed, such as latex. Dark rooms should be painted with gloss and semi-gloss paint finishes because they're reflective and catch the light.

• 6

  Paint wood interior cabinets, door and window frames with oil-based interior paint. Oil-based paints, such as alkyd paint, are durable and require fewer touch-ups than latex-based paints. Oil-based paint dries at a slower rate, but produces a smooth surface with few visible brush strokes.

• 7

  Consider the time of year you've chosen to paint the house. Oil-based paints require ventilation, such as open windows, as mineral spirits are a component of the paint and the odor is strong. Latex paint requires less ventilation and cleans up with soap and water, because it's water-based (as are vinyl and acrylic-based paints).