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What Is the Best Paint for Exterior Woodwork
Paint, whether exterior or interior painting, is a worthwhile investment. Nonetheless, the best paint for exterior woodwork will give it a fresh look and protect it from the elements. Still, there are so many options on the market; how can you find the best ones?
It's quite a long process, but you have to consider the type of surface you're painting; in this case, it's wood. But is it hardwood or softwood? Additionally, consider the weather of the areas to determine whether you want paint that can endure high temperatures or humidity.
With that in mind, I researched and tested numerous paints for exterior wood and picked the ones that offered unrivaled ease of application, formulation, and longevity.
Here are the ones I found most suitable for exterior wood:
BEHR Premium Paint #ST-533
Specifications
Finish: high gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, & flat matter
Coverage section: 400 Sq. feet
Size: one gallon
Paint type: Acrylic
Opacity: semi-transparent
Suitable surface: wood
What I Like
It dries fast, even after recoating.
You can apply it during the winter
One gallon can paint a huge area
It has been certified several times for low-chemical content
What I Don’t Like
You might require recoating more than once.
Overview
There is a lot to expect from this top-rated paint for exterior woodwork. I didn't just randomly pick the best paint for the exterior. First, it saves you time since its formulation comprises primer and paint.
What's more, I found it an excellent option for using on untreated surfaces and for recoating wood with a previous layer of paint. What I appreciated most was how I could apply it during the cold weather. I've tried out multiple paints, but to find one that I could use during cold weather was something else.
The low volatile organic compounds (VOC) have put this paint in the certified ranks. It has been certified by several bodies, including LEED and Greenguard. On top of that, this premium paint dries a lot faster than most. The first coat dries within 60 minutes, and the recoat after two hours.
It offers 400-square ft. of coverage which is rather generous than most paint, but this comes at a slightly higher price range. When painting my workpiece, I noticed that this paint required several coats, precisely when applying lighter colors, like white satin paint.
Despite this, this Premium Plus paint is better than most in many ways, and it's my top pick for the fast dry time, reduced chemical emissions, ease of application, and durability.
Valspar Porch & Floor Paint
Specifications
Finish: satin
Paint type: Acrylic, Enamel
Suitable surface: wood & metal
Size: one gallon
Special feature: weather-resistant
Cure time: 24 hours
What I Like
It resists damage by the sun.
It is ideal for painting wood and metal
It comes in multiple colors.
It is waterproof.
What I Don’t Like
It leaves drips behind.
Overview
As with every product you buy, it's important to consider the brand. Valspar is one of the best wood treatment product brands and with good reason.
This 1534 paint is latex-based and purposely formulated for patios and decks. This means it is concocted to endure the weather elements and uphold its magnificent appearance. I love how it resists damage from the sun and is waterproof since this delivers unmatched physical shielding, perfect for furniture that's mostly used outdoors.
Pertaining to versatility, I applied this paint on metals, concrete, and wood, and I got excellent results with each surface. This makes it perfect for a project that encompasses several mediums. Besides, if you want a uniform look on your workpiece, you can apply it over fasteners.
Like the Behr paint, this one dries within an hour, so you can apply it and not have nicks or streaks on the surface. Plus, in terms of resisting wear & tear, this one can endure for 24 hours.
Considering it is a latex-based paint, it is indeed thick, so I didn’t have to apply a second coating. I could easily apply it using a brush, though it formed drips often when I used a roller.
It comes in dark gray, white, and light gray colors; pick your favorite and give your patio and deck that much-needed new look.
Diamond Brite Exterior Paint
Specifications
- Finish: glossy
- Size: one gallon
- Coverage section: 200-300 Sq. feet
- Color options: 12
- Paint type: Enamel, oil
- Suitable surface: metal, wood, hardboard, masonry, plaster & concrete
What I Like
- You can apply it using a roller, sprayer, or brush
- It is resistant to moisture
- It leaves a sturdy, durable surface after painting
- You can apply it on concrete, wood, masonry, plaster, metal, and hardboard.
What I Don’t Like
- It takes longer to dry.
Overview
While it might not look like it, some paints are expensive but worth purchasing. Here I present a budget-friendly enamel paint option, offering a decent coverage area. You can use it on exterior and interior surfaces as well.
Regarding versatility, you can apply the best paint for exterior woodwork on metal, concrete, hardboard, wood, masonry, and plaster. The Diamond Brite paint is oil-based, so I used mineral spirits instead of water to clean up. Again, it comes in 12 colors, with the most common including neutrals like brown, gray, black, and white.
Something else you need to know is that it takes quite some time to dry, about 10-12 hours, due to the inclusion of oil in this paint. Similarly, it would be best the best paint for exterior woodwork if you waited 24 hours before recoating. At 200-300 Sq. Feet, the coverage area is slightly small. Then again, considering its affordable price and impressive durability, I believe it’s a worthy option.
KILZ Exterior Paint
Specifications
Finish: matte
Colors: 2
Paint type: oil
Coverage section: 200 Sq. ft on wood, 500 sq. ft on PVC
Size: one gallon
Surface recommended: PVC, stucco, cement, and wood
What I Like
It is easy to apply
The color options are vibrant
You can apply it on vertical surfaces effortlessly.
It is perfect for painting on different surfaces.
What I Don’t Like
Physical protection could be better.
Overview
Here is another well-known brand of waterproof and anti-microbial paints popularly used for home improvement.
This specific one is an oil and water-based option, offering average viscosity. This, in turn, makes it easy to apply using a roller or brush. You can apply it on vertical surfaces with ease. Therefore, you won't have to waste time wiping drips.
Moreover, this paint offers superior waterproof properties and effectively resists sun damage. Therefore, it won't fade in the sun, snow, and rain. However, it doesn't add sufficient shielding from physical wear, so it might not be an excellent option for pieces you use in your house frequently.
You can use this paint on PVC, stucco, cement, and wood, making it perfect for a painting job with different surfaces. Thanks to the oil content, it is thick and offers incredibly generous coverage of 200 sq. ft. For lumber and PVC, you'll get 500 Sq. Feet.
Unfortunately, this paint takes a long time to dry (2 to 3 hours), and it would be best to wait 8 hours before applying a second coat. Also, it comes in red and white colors, but they are long-lasting and vibrant.
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Why Trust These Recommendations?
I considered ease of application, formulation, color options, drying time, and durability to narrow down the number of options. For additional information on how to rank, I applied them and consulted a professional woodworker.
