The only stain worth welcoming
Stains with added sealants and UV protectants will shield your wood from extreme weather conditions.
Stains are an excellent preventative measure against termites.
A fresh coat of paint—both indoor and out—will boost your curb appeal and overall home value.
A stain on deck flooring and low-VOC paint indoors can be a smart choice.
Giving your home a fresh coat of paint or stain allows you to decorate your space in whatever shade brings you the most joy. But that’s not the only perk— these materials also have plenty of practical benefits, from preventing pesky insects to protecting the structural integrity of your house. Read on to learn of all the ways painting and staining your home can add big advantages.
Using termite-proof paint and an oil-based stain is an excellent way to ward off these pests. The paints are infused with chemicals that repel termites, and the oil stain soaks into the wood, making it unappealing to the bugs. For added protection, apply a layer of borate-based wood preservative before painting and staining, and make sure to get regular home inspections for termites.
Untreated wood is vulnerable during extreme weather like rain, hail, and snow, but a layer of protective stain will keep out the moisture from winter conditions. You might need to sand or remove an old finish before you start staining. We also recommend applying the stain in thin coats with a paint roller and using a paintbrush for corners and smaller areas.
Winter snow isn’t the only weather condition that will impact wood. UV rays from the sun can age your wood over time and cause it to fade from its original luster. Many stains have added pigments to protect against these harmful UV rays, and some also include a sealant to offer extra protection.
The cost to paint your home exterior can be a valuable investment, particularly from a resale perspective. Hiring a local painting professional to apply a fresh coat to your home, both inside and out, gives it that extra oomph that potential buyers love to see. Not only will you cover up signs of age and weather, but you can update the colors to something more modern. If painting the entire exterior is outside your budget, consider painting at least the trim.
Depending on care and materials, siding should last 20 to 50 years, but extreme weather and general wear and tear can age your siding quicker than anticipated. Give your siding the protection it needs by painting it and shielding it from sunlight and moisture, the latter of which can cause rot.
Without a layer of protection, wood is susceptible to mold and mildew, which can eventually rot your wood. There’s nothing you can do about rotten wood except have it completely replaced, which can cause damage to your home’s structure. Regularly painting the exterior of your home will give it a strong defense. Other ways to prevent mold and mildew include cleaning your gutters regularly, putting a dehumidifier in the basement, and sweeping standing water away from outdoor decking.
Temperature fluctuations over time can cause wood to cup, warp, and split, leading to splinters. Stain and seal your wood deck’s flooring to protect the surface and your bare feet.
In addition, repainting the inside of your home with low-or-no VOC paint can offer a healthier environment for you and your family. This paint isn’t petroleum-based and contains little or no formaldehyde or heavy metals, while VOC paints might irritate the nose, mouth, and throat.
Small touchups can go a long way. Consumer reports over the past few years indicate that a new layer of exterior paint, even if you’ve only done basic paint touch-ups, can increase your home’s financial value by 2-5%.
What about old exterior paint? Although old exterior paint generally does not pose any problems with home appraisals, VA and FHA loans will not approve a property with chipping and peeling paint and will ask the seller to conduct proper repair before financing can go through.
Exterior paint can come in different formulas. Modern exterior paint is often acrylic or latex-based, whereas older paint tends to be oil-based. Acrylic paint uses high-quality ingredients. It’s durable and temperature-tolerant and lasts 5 to 10 years. Latex paint is a cheaper alternative to acrylic paint and still lasts up to 10 years under ideal conditions.
On the other hand, oil-based exterior paint has gradually exited the market. Oil-based paint emit hazardous fumes when wet and is more likely to crack and fade. Oil-based exterior paint may last less than five years, depending on the climate.
Exterior painting can also help identify damage, especially early-stage termite infestations. Look for tiny pinholes and bubbling or peeling paint. You should also inspect paneling edges and wood trims.
Inspecting your exterior before painting also helps you identify other damages, including water damage, mold growth, physical damage from inclement weather, and animal damage. If you notice any broken bricks, stones, or siding, make sure to contact a professional to fix the problem before applying a fresh coat of paint.
Exterior painting can be challenging, especially if you have a multi-story house. Therefore, it’s best to hire a professional exterior painter for the job. On average, it costs between $1.50 and $4 per square foot to hire a professional to paint the exteriors. The price may fluctuate depending on paint type, house design, weather conditions, necessary permits, and if any additional repairs or upgrades are needed before painting.
You can paint vinyl siding, but be sure to select a color that is similar to the color of your vinyl or a slightly lighter hue. One major perk of painting your vinyl siding instead of replacing it is the price—you’ll save money by adding a fresh coat of paint versus completely overhauling your home’s siding. Make sure you clean the siding well before painting, and purchase an exterior paint that contains acrylic and urethane resins.
Painting the exterior of your house is worth it if you want to extend the life of your siding while also adding curb appeal. Painting your home’s exterior can save you thousands of dollars in the long run because it makes your siding stand up better to the elements and resists the buildup of mold and mildew. This means you’ll save on the cost of having to replace your siding.
Typically, exterior paint should last between five and 10 years, although the timeline varies depending on the quality of the paint job and your home’s exterior material. For instance, aluminum siding needs to be painted every five years, while painted brick can last as long as 17 years.
You can paint over old exterior paint as long as you properly prepare the surface. You may need to sand your siding before painting over it, especially if you have wood siding. In some cases, if your siding is in good shape, a simple exterior primer is enough to prepare the surface for a new coat of paint. Touching up your home’s exterior can not only increase your curb appeal; it can also help your home’s siding be more durable and long-lasting.
