Help Selecting Exterior House Paints

Light colors of paint push cooling costs lower.

If you are planning to paint the exterior of your house, choose the right type of paint, or the finish may crack and fade. Choose a particular brand based on quality assurance and select a color depending on where you live.

Types

Satin, semi-gloss and gloss latex paint are suited for indoor surfaces. They are not appropriate for exterior parts of a house. For exteriors, use an acrylic latex paint, engineered to expand and contract in harsh temperatures.

Color

Paint color is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. Dark colors of paint help keep heating costs down by attracting sunlight. Light colors push cooling costs lower by reflecting sunlight. Choose the appropriate color based on the climate you live in.

Brand

Paint manufacturers spend large amounts of money to promote their brand. When it comes to selecting a brand of paint for the exterior of your home, name recognition is less important than guarantees. Choose a brand that boasts a long-term warranty, 25 years for example.