For Your Home
How To Paint & Stain

Exterior Painting Guide


STEP 1 – Choose the right paint

A home’s exterior is key for curb appeal and can make or break that all-important first impression of the house, so it’s vital to choose the highest-quality paint possible. To truly transform a home, and make the curb appeal of your home last for a long time, we recommend selecting premium paint, which provides a smoother, more uniform appearance, as well as better durability than economy paint. By using premium paint, your project will likely require fewer coats to give your home the protection it deserves. Also, you won’t have to repaint as frequently.

SELECTING THE RIGHT GLOSS

The gloss level you choose for your paint project can have a significant impact on both appearance and maintenance. To determine the right sheen for your exterior project, consider these factors:

  • Flat and Velvet paints are best for concealing surface imperfections and are ideal for large areas, such as exterior wood, masonry or metal wall surfaces. We recommend Weather One Exterior Flat or Guardian Acrylic Exterior Flat, 
  • Satin and Low-Sheen paints can be used in larger areas or on window frames and doors where a slightly higher sheen is desired. We suggest Weather One Exterior Satin or Guardian Acrylic Exterior Satin.
  • Semigloss and Gloss paints are best for highlighting details, such as window frames and doors, and are easy to clean. Consider using Weather One Exterior Semi-Gloss or Guardian Acrylic Exterior Semi-Gloss.