what is the best exterior paint?

Question

prime or don't prime that is the question.
enveryone gives me different advice.
it' s aluminum siding .Also why is some paint 40 dollars a gal and others 22 dollars a gal how can I judge the quality ,just by the price?

Answer 1

I have always had the best luck with Benjamin Moore paints. I was a professional painter for many years, and this was by far my preference. Even after giving up painting professionally, I go out of my way to get Benny Moore, and recomend it to everyone.

They use a high density base, so the paint covers much more evenly, and in many cases you only need one coat of paint. Beautiful finish!! They are just a little more costly than Sherwin Williams, but being that you will most likely use less paint in your application, it's well worth it.

You may have to look around to find a dealer, but it really is worth it.

You shouldn't need to prime if the surface is clean, and there is already paint on it. Regarding the quality of paint, you really do get what you pay for. the $22 paint will look old and ragged after just a year or 2, and you will have to repaint again! Go with the higher quality paint (Benjamin Moore), and it will last MUCH longer.

For advice on cleaning the surface, see this answers thread: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070323090401AAjhuwR

Answer 2

i dont know anything about aluminum siding painting, but i know from experience that the best ive used is sears lifetime warrenty paint. You can get it on sale. I bought diff paint over a 30 year period and all failed after some time. I painted with the sears and 3 years later looks as good as it did at first. Im not a pro so i dont know about a lot of paints. I think sherwin williams makes sears paints.

Answer 3

Priming is always a good idea because it prepares the surface and makes the paint adhere best. The cost has nothing to do with quality in paint unfortunately. Check Consumer Reports for their paint ratings these change each time they do them since paint formulation change frequently. They used to say Sears was best, then Glidden, then Benjamin Moore. Professional painters often use Benjamin Moore but I haven't been happy with it. It often requires more coats than other paints and it's consistently the most expensive.

Here's a link: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/paint/interior-and-exterior-paints/interior-and-exterior-sub/ratings-exterior/index.htm

Answer 4

i have been painting for forty years. 20 of that is contracting.
i even went to an apprentice school for painters and in the local union shop.
painting metal is different then stucco, or wooden homes.
the paint materials are deffer ant. comes varying colors.
i have used paint on aluminum. its called elastic mar-it. don't be confused for the type for stucco. this paint is made for metal. it is fast drying. it is better to spray than to use a roller and brush. according to the label not much prep is used, and can be sprayed over small amount of dust. it is self priming. other words you can use 2 coats. guarantee is 20 years if used properly. just fellow the instructions. i always do.

Answer 5

I buy Wal Mart paint. They have the computer system to match colors correctly and they carry quality paints under their label. I always buy middle priced paint, not high or low.

Answer 6

My dad is a painter and he, for exits he uses; Sherm Williams, or vista paint. there both good