Choosing the right exterior paint for your home is no easy task. It’s more than just picking a color that looks good—it’s about selecting something that will stand up to Akron’s weather, last for years, and make your house look great. Whether you’re refreshing old paint or doing a full exterior overhaul, this guide will help you figure out what works best for your home.
Why Exterior Paint is So Important
You might think of exterior paint as just a layer of color, but it’s much more than that. It serves as a protective barrier against all sorts of weather—from the cold, snowy winters to hot, humid summers in Akron. Without the right paint, the elements can cause damage over time, whether it’s water seeping into wood or sun fading your color.
The right paint doesn’t just protect the surface; it also gives your house personality. A fresh coat can completely change the way a home feels from the outside.
Akron’s Climate Matters
When choosing exterior paint, it’s important to think about the climate. Akron has its share of cold winters and warm summers, so paint needs to be able to handle temperature swings and moisture.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Moisture Resistance: In humid climates, you need paint that resists mildew and won’t peel or crack easily.
- UV Protection: The sun can fade colors, so look for paints with UV protection to keep your paint looking fresh.
- Flexibility: Akron’s freeze-thaw cycles mean that your paint needs to expand and contract with the seasons without cracking or peeling.
These factors should definitely influence your decision when picking out paint.
Matching Paint to Your Surface
Every surface is different, and using the wrong paint for the material can result in peeling and flaking. So, understanding the surface you’re working with is essential.
| Surface Type | Recommended Paint Type |
| Wood siding | Acrylic latex paint |
| Stucco | Elastomeric or masonry paint |
| Brick | Breathable masonry paint |
| Vinyl siding | Acrylic latex (light shades) |
| Aluminum siding | Acrylic latex with primer |
For example, if your home has wood siding, you’ll want a paint that’s flexible, like acrylic latex, to allow it to expand and contract. For materials like stucco or brick, you’ll need a more specialized paint that can deal with moisture and breathability.
Choosing the Right Finish
The finish is what really brings your paint job to life. It affects how it looks and how it holds up over time. Different finishes are better for different parts of the house.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common finishes:
- Flat/Matte: This is a popular choice for older homes because it hides imperfections well. However, it can be harder to clean, so it’s not ideal for areas that get a lot of dirt or rain.
- Satin/Eggshell: This is a good all-around finish. It has a soft sheen that’s easy to clean and durable enough for most exteriors.
- Semi-gloss: This one’s great for areas like doors and trim that you want to make stand out. It’s durable and easy to wipe clean, but it can highlight surface imperfections.
- Gloss: Glossy finishes are the most durable, but they can also highlight imperfections. They’re often used on doors and architectural details to create contrast.
Picking the Right Color
When it comes to color, Akron’s weather should influence your choices. For example, dark colors might absorb heat, which could cause them to fade faster in the summer. Lighter colors are often more UV resistant, but they can show dirt more easily.
You should also think about your home’s architecture. Traditional styles like Colonial homes tend to look great with deep blues or whites, while Craftsman-style homes look better in earthy tones like olive or rust.
Before you commit to a color, get some samples and paint a small section of your home to see how it looks in different lighting conditions. Remember, colors can look completely different depending on the time of day!
Don’t Forget Maintenance
If you’re looking for something that won’t need constant upkeep, choosing the right paint is key. Some paints fade faster than others, and dark colors often require more touch-ups. That’s why investing in a high-quality paint can be worth the extra cost—it’ll last longer and you’ll have to repaint less often.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Whether you’re hiring professional exterior painters Akron or doing the work yourself, it’s always good to ask a few questions before buying paint:
- How many coats are recommended?
- Do you need a primer, or can the paint act as a primer too?
- Is the paint resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling?
- Will this paint work for my type of siding or surface?
It’s always helpful to have a conversation with experts or get recommendations based on your particular needs.
Keep HOA Guidelines in Mind
Before choosing your paint color, check if there are any HOA guidelines you need to follow. Some neighborhoods have rules about the colors you can use, so it’s best to double-check before you start your project.
Final Thoughts
Choosing exterior paint for your home is a big decision, and there’s a lot to think about. From Akron’s weather conditions to the type of surface you’re painting, each factor affects the final result. But when you choose the right paint, you’re not just protecting your house—you’re also giving it the style and curb appeal it deserves.