Categories Exterior Painting

Exterior Paint Sheen & Finish Recommendations For Your Home

Exterior Paint Sheen

When choosing the best exterior paint sheen for your home, there’s more to it than just how it looks. It should be an important component in the paint-selection process as it can make or break the longevity of your paint and exterior surface. Doing your homework on the best sheen for exterior paint can really pay off in the long run. Read on to learn how to choose an exterior paint sheen for your specific climate as well as the benefits of using the correct finish. 

Before we go further, if you live in the Boise, Idaho area and need help painting the exterior of your home, we can help! We’ll give you a free estimate. In fact, we can even help you choose the best color for your home!

What Type of Exterior Paint Finish is Best? 

Paint sheen describes the glossiness or flatness of the paint once it dries. Some are better for painting trim and small details while others work well for siding. You need a finish that will protect your home from destructive UV rays which can cause your paint to peel, fade, or crack prematurely. Boise is known for hot, dry summers, freezing winters, and lots of rain in the fall and spring. For the best long-term results, you’ll need exterior paint made with high-quality resins, additives, and pigments. Finding the best paint sheen for your home will save you from repainting for years to come. Choosing the correct paint sheen has a big impact on how long your paint will last on exterior surfaces such as trim, doors, and siding. There are basically five different types of paint sheens that are used in exterior painting. Let’s go over each one so you’ll know when it’s appropriate to use them and when there’s a better choice. 

  • Flat or Matte Paint Finish 

While flat exterior paint finishes are used quite often, they aren’t the best choice for exterior projects. Because flat paint is porous, it’s more susceptible to fading and rotting from mildew problems. A finish with a shinier sheen is more protective, easier to clean, and aesthetically more pleasing. For this reason, flat or matte paint may be an option to consider for exterior walls only but not trim or doors. Because flat paint has little or no sheen, it’s excellent at concealing imperfections in your siding or wood. 

  • Eggshell Paint Finish 

Eggshell is considered the best sheen for exterior paint when it comes to painting the body of your home. It’s the perfect happy medium, landing between flat and satin finishes. Not too flat or too shiny, eggshell looks great on a variety of siding types. Because it’s easy to clean and provides a

pleasant appearance, it’s the preferred finish for most homeowners. If you’re repainting your house and are looking for a finish that can conceal small imperfections while being durable and looking nice, go with eggshell paint. 

  • Satin Paint Finish 

Satin paint has a bit more sheen than eggshell which makes it more durable, easy to clean, and holds up against abrasion. Satin and eggshell are fairly similar in popularity when it comes to exterior paint and are both excellent options. It’s a great choice for your trim if you want a glossy look without going overboard. Satin is exceptionally nice if you live in a hot, sunny climate like the Treasure Valley. The extra sheen makes a big difference when it comes to protecting your home from the UV rays.

  • Semi-Gloss Paint Finish 

Semi-gloss paint has noticeably more shine to it than the finishes mentioned above. This makes it perfect for surfaces that require frequent cleaning and upkeep. Not only is it easy to clean, but it protects against moisture and is more durable than satin. It’s important to note that the shinier the finish, the more imperfections you will be able to see. Semi-gloss is perfect for trim, shutters, garage doors, railings, and window sills. 

  • High-Gloss Paint Finish 

High gloss is too shiny to use on your exterior siding but is perfect when used to highlight architectural details, doors, and trim. Its beautiful shine can really bring the wow factor to your home when used appropriately. Its durable sheen adds richness to any color. Any part of your exterior that might get touched on a regular basis can benefit from a high-gloss finish. This includes window frames, decorative fixtures, shutters, decorative trim, and more. 

Glossy paint finishes may also be an option if your exterior will need to be washed frequently. For example, if you live in an area where dust can be a problem or have adventurous children. However, the shininess factor has a tendency to spotlight every imperfection which still makes eggshell a better overall choice. 

What Sheen should you Use for Exterior Paint?

Before you determine which paint sheen to use, consider what surface you are painting. Keep in mind that lower sheen paints such as satin or eggshell are often used for the body of the house while higher sheen paints like semi-gloss work best for accents, trim, and doors. Choosing the proper sheen for different outdoor surfaces will help you create a beautiful look and get the most from your paint. 

Satin or Semi-Gloss for Exterior Trim? 

When you’re talking about exterior trim, semi-gloss or high-gloss will always reign supreme. Satin is the preferred choice for exterior siding or walls but lacks the durability for areas like trim, doors, and shutters.

What is the Longest Lasting Exterior Paint? 

Painting the exterior of your home is expensive and time-consuming. Since it’s quite an undertaking, you want your paint job to last as long as possible. You don’t want to have to repeat the process over and over again. The sheen you choose plays a big part in longevity but what kind of exterior paint lasts the longest? 

Acrylic paint is the most durable with its ability to withstand fading from the sun, damage from the elements, and has overall great flexibility. This paint is water-based but has an added acrylic binding agent. Use acrylic paint for wood and aluminum siding, stucco, plaster, and drywall. 

What is the Best Time to Paint Your House Exterior? 

Painting the exterior of your home isn’t the type of job that you can do effectively any time of the year. Weather can play into the success of your paint job quite a bit. With that said, early summer and early fall are the ideal times for exterior painting. It’s always best to aim for a day that’s not too hot or too cold. The paint will dry the best when it’s not too humid. Avoid rainy days and always make sure all the surfaces you’ll be painting are completely dry.

Choosing the Best Exterior Paint Sheen For Your Home Conclusion

If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s exterior paint but still have questions about the best sheen, contact Boise Home Painting. Our professional painters have years of experience helping homeowners choose not only the best colors for their exterior but the best finish as well. We serve the entire Treasure Valley including Meridian, Nampa, and Eagle, and pride ourselves in treating each paint job like it’s our own. Click here to get your free estimate!

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Categories Exterior Painting

Can You Paint Roof Shingles? 

Can You Paint Roof Shingles?

Everyone’s grateful to have a roof over their head but most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about the upkeep of their roof shingles. So, can you paint roof shingles? What are the pros and cons and is it something that is safe for the average person to attempt? If you do notice that your roof shingles are looking a little shabby, we can recommend some tricks and tips that may make the task less intimidating and help you get satisfying end results. 

Can you paint asphalt shingles? 

Yes, you can most definitely paint asphalt shingles. However, it can be a time-consuming and downright scary task to undertake on your own. We recommend hiring a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common type of roofing material used on Boise homes. This material performs well with the contrast in daily temperatures that is present in the Treasure Valley. For example, it may be very cool in the morning but may quickly rise to temperatures in the 90s by the afternoon.

Most asphalt roofs are durable and flexible enough to handle the constant contraction and expansion for approximately 20 years. They also tend to be a very competitively priced roofing material and come in a variety of styles and colors that look great with any style of home. Metal roofs are much less commonly used in Boise. While their longevity may be longer, they do cost more than asphalt shingles. So even though a metal roof can serve your home for a long time, most people agree they are less visually appealing. 

How to Paint Roof Shingles 

As mentioned above, taking on a project of this magnitude isn’t for everyone. But if you consider yourself somewhat of a handyman and want to cut down on expenses, there are some tips we recommend to help guide you through the project. 

  • Start by getting an inspection done 

It’s important to know if your roof is in need of any repairs before you ever start painting. Be sure to repair or replace any damaged shingles before applying any paint. 

  • Round up the right tools and equipment

For any project to be a success, it’s necessary to have the proper tools on hand. Here is a list of the basic tools you’ll need:

  1. High-pressure water blaster 
  2. Paint spray gun and pump 
  3. Extension ladder 
  4. Air respirator 
  5. Full bodysuit to protect your clothes 
  6. Tarps 

  • Gather Safety Equipment 

Obviously, there can be many accidents while working on your roof. Because of this fact, we recommend getting safety equipment for protection. You should always wear a harness and have set anchored points should you slip and fall. 

  • Clean Your Roof 

To achieve a smooth and consistent finish, you’ll need to remove all built-up dirt and grime before applying paint to your shingles.

  • Apply the Correct Primer and Sealer 

It’s really beneficial to use primer and sealer for the best results when painting your roof. Just be certain you purchase the right kind, depending on whether your shingles are asphalt or metal.

Why you should paint your roof shingles 

If you’re wondering if painting your roof shingles is a good idea, we’ve compiled a list of all the reasons someone may want to: 

  • More Affordable 

It’s no secret that repainting your roof shingles is a far less-expensive option than replacing the existing roof surface. Painting will also save you money in the long run because it will improve your energy efficiency.

  • Longer Roof Life 

A fresh coat of paint can extend the life of your roof by protecting it from the elements. However, you don’t want to make the mistake of applying the wrong kind of paint to your shingles. We recommend going with 100% acrylic latex in a flat finish for the most protection as well as aesthetics.

  • Updated New Look

When you start noticing your roof shingles are showing signs of wear and tear, a fresh coat of paint can be the best way to upgrade the look of your home. 

Why you should NOT paint your roof shingles 

Everything has a list of pros and cons. So here are a few reasons why it may not be the best idea to paint your roof shingles: 

  • Painted Shingles Means More Maintenance 

Unpainted shingles can look nice for up to 20 years. But once your shingles have been repainted, they will show signs of wear and tear much faster. Repainted shingles may need to be examined and routinely painted every 5-7 years or sooner depending on how quickly your paint deteriorates. Examine your roof on a yearly basis and be prepared to potentially go through the entire process all over again. 

  • You May Damage Your Roof 

If you don’t use the appropriate paint, you could likely damage your roof. You certainly don’t want to put in precious time and money to improve your roof, only to discover that it was better off left alone. You’ll need paint specifically designed for roofs. Acrylic latex, water-based paint allows moisture to escape from the shingles. Less moisture will discourage the growth of algae and mildew while protecting your home from roof leaks.

  • Painting Your Roof is Hard Work! 

Working on a roof pitch is dangerous and you’ll need lots of safety equipment. It’s time-consuming and requires tools that not everyone has just lying around. It just makes good sense to leave painting your roof shingles to the professionals. 

How Much Does it Cost to Paint Shingles? 

If you have an average-sized roof, you’ll roughly pay around $500 if you do the job yourself. This amount includes the paint and necessary equipment. If you have a larger-sized roof, you can expect that number to go much higher. 

A gallon of roof paint will cost somewhere between $30 to $40 dollars. One gallon should roughly cover 400 square feet. Quality rollers and paint trays will add an extra $50-$100. Throw in a few hundred more dollars to purchase a ladder and safety equipment.

When paying a professional contractor to paint your roof that is approximately 1200 sq ft., you should plan on paying between $4200-$6600. Plan on paying around $7000-$10,000 for a roof of around 2000 sq ft. 

Can You Paint Your Roof Singles Conclusion 

Painting your roof shingles is hard work. It can be dangerous and very time-consuming. Turn to the professionals at Boise Home Painting where we can put our experience and equipment to work for you. We use only the highest quality materials and current painting techniques to ensure your complete satisfaction. We serve the entire Boise area including Nampa, Meridian, and Eagle! Click here to get your free estimate for your roof and exterior painting needs!

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Categories Exterior Painting

What is the Best Temperature to Paint Outside in Idaho?

What Is The Best Temperature To Paint Outside?

It’s important to consider the outside temperature and humidity before starting any exterior painting project. So what is the best temperature to paint outside in Idaho? Applying paint or stain to a project when it’s too cold may end up ruining your project entirely. Extreme heat can also be a detriment to drying paint. Because different temperature guidelines apply to different types of paint, it’s best to paint or stain when the temperature is between 60-85 degrees. In Idaho, this would mean that late Spring and early Fall are the best times to paint the outside of your home, deck, or patio furniture. 

What temperature can you paint outside? 

The last thing you want is to have to repaint your home because the outside conditions worked against you. For exterior projects, you never want to paint if the temperature is below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that when using latex paint, it’s best if the temperature is between 50-70 degrees F. If you’re working with oil-based paint, between 45-90 degrees F. is your safe zone. However, you can purchase specially formulated latex paint made to perform in temperatures as low as 36 degrees if the job can’t wait for warmer days.

Painting in Extreme Heat 

The outside temperature is a huge factor when it comes to exterior painting. If it’s too hot or too cold, your paint might not bind together properly. This can also lead to other issues such as cracking and peeling of your paint once it fully dries. Painting when it’s too hot can also cause blisters and bubbles to form in the paint. With that said, we recommend not painting in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Painting in the Cold 

While no one would choose to paint outside in the cold, sometimes you just can’t avoid it. So, if you do attempt an outside painting project during the colder months in Idaho, be sure not to let the surface of the air temperature drop below 35 degrees for at least 36 hours after you’ve applied the paint. For best results, we recommend painting outside only if the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold air won’t allow your paint to cure properly. You may even end up with unsightly bumps or bubbles in your paint once the weather turns warm again.

Paint dries much slower in the cold. Be sure to allow ample time in between coats for your paint to completely dry. A good rule of thumb would be to wait a full 24 hours after each coat. 

The cold weather can even affect the quality of the application and the life expectancy of your paint. Cooler temperatures may cause the bristles on your paintbrush to stiffen, compromising the coverage and using more paint than is necessary. And because of the longer drying time, dirt, debris, leaves, and insects have more time to be attracted to and stick to your paint. 

Considering the amount of precious time and money you put into a painting project, it’s best to avoid working in cooler temperatures. The possible negative effects far outweigh the benefits. It certainly isn’t worth the risk.

How Humidity Affects Paint 

When it comes to exterior painting, warm, dry weather is ideal. Moisture can wreak havoc for painters. Too much humidity in the air can lead to water vapor forming on your newly painted surface. The best time to paint is when the humidity levels are between 40-and 70%. Fortunately, Boise has a high desert climate with an average humidity of 52.2%, making humidity less of a concern. Eastern Idaho and the northern part of the Gem state receive more precipitation than the Boise area by far. 

In the summer months that are hot and humid, it’s suggested that you start painting your home on the shady side and working your way around. This will help you as the painter avoid the heat of the sun as well as its constant glare. 

Below is a list of possible consequences for painting when the humidity levels are too high or too low. 

  1. Leaching- when high humidity causes brown or white discoloration on the surface of oil-based or latex paints. 
  2. Impedes adhesion- especially when working with wood surfaces, you must consider the humidity which is absorbed from the surrounding air. This causes the paint to bubble, peel, and keeps the paint from adhering properly to the surface. 
  3. Cracking– when the air doesn’t have enough humidity in it and is too dry, wood shrinks, leading to eventual splitting or cracking.

Painting in the Rain?

Obviously, it’s never a smart idea to paint when it’s raining outside. But one thing to be aware of is the need to allow plenty of time for the surface you will be painting to dry before applying any paint. We recommend giving the area you’ll be painting 4-8 hours of dry time before putting a brush to it. Once you’re finished painting, the area needs to remain dry for several hours. This will ensure a better bond and avoid problems down the road.

Best Exterior Paint 

Whatever paint you choose for the exterior of your home or shop is going to take a beating. Idaho summers can be sizzling hot in stark contrast to our wet and cold winters. That being said, it’s important you choose the best exterior paint that will protect your home and have excellent longevity. There are some real benefits to using water-based paints. These include being mold and mildew resistant, low VOC emissions, and superior adhesion. The fact that they can be used successfully even when the temperature falls below 50 degrees F. is also a win. With a short dry time, excellent coverage, and easy cleanup, water-based paints definitely have their advantages. 

However, latex paint has more flexibility, won’t yellow in the sun, and is more eco-friendly. Most painting professionals agree that latex paints are the superior choice for exterior jobs. Latex paint dries quickly, cleans up easily with just soap and water, and has less odor than oil-based paints.

Best Time to Paint Outside in Idaho Conclusion 

If you still have questions regarding exterior painting or need assistance with a painting project in the Boise area, don’t hesitate to contact Boise Home Painting. We offer a full range of painting services throughout the entire Treasure Valley. From Eagle and Nampa to Marsing, you won’t find a painting team more dedicated to doing the job right. Our professionals have years of experience and it shows. Click here to get your free estimate. We can help you with all of your commercial and residential painting needs!

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