 |
 |
|
|
Exterior Product Selection
Consumer magazines and television
programs regularly test exterior paints.
While these tests conducted can be informative and useful,
the procedures for testing paints and other coatings cannot
be accepted as the definitive statement on paint quality. Many
factors must be considered when judging the quality of a
particular paint.
For example,
exterior surfaces in Houston are subjected to considerably
different conditions than those experienced in northern
climates. High temperatures and humidity, and mildew growth,
are two factors more prevalent in southern climates. An alkyd
paint may perform well in a northern climate, but will develop
cracks and foster mildew growth in Houston.
A number of
paint manufacturers have developed a reputation for
producing superior products, and the cost of their products
reflects this reputation. At times, this reputation has been aided
by articles and reports.
The durability of a
paint is primarily determined by the type and amount of resin
it contains. For most exterior applications, a 100% acrylic
resin is recommended. An examination of the product data
sheets of the highest quality paints made by leading
manufacturers reveals that each contains approximately the
same quantity of acrylic resin.
By this standard, there
is little difference between these paints. Our experience
confirms that these products perform equally well.
Proper surface
preparation and application of the product according to the
manufacturer's specifications are as important as the quality
of the paint.
The adage
'you get what you pay for' is not always true. Sometimes,
savvy marketing can create an image of quality which doesn't
actually exist. In the case of paint, the contents of the can
are more important than the quality of the label.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ELASTOMERIC COATINGS
While a brick
veneer can add warmth and beauty to a house, it is often desirable
to paint bricks, particularly on older homes with considerable
damage to the bricks and mortar. Paint can help hide these defects
and provide a uniform finish.
An acrylic latex paint is an acceptable coating
for bricks and other masonry; however, it is not always the best
product to use. An elastomeric coating can provide greater
durability. In addition, elastomerics have a greater ability to
stretch, which allows them to bridge the small cracks which often
develop in masonry surfaces.
In many ways elastomerics
are similar to top-quality latex paints. Both contain acrylic resins
and are water-based.
However, the film thickness
of elastomerics is considerably greater, which contributes to its
durability. Most manufacturers recommend a film thickness of 1 to
1.5 mils for latex paint, while recommending a film thickness of 4.5
to 5 mils for elastomerics.
The thicker recommended
film results in substantially greater material usage- a gallon of
latex paint will cover about 350 square feet while a gallon of
elastomeric will cover about 125 square feet.
Achieving this film
thickness also requires more labor, as the application of
elastomerics is a slower process. Though the initial cost is
higher, elastomerics are a cost effective coating for masonry
surfaces.
|
|
|
|
Philpaint provides professional interior and exterior painting services throughout Southwest Houston,
including the following communities: Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, Southampton, Montrose, The Heights,
Braeswood, Meyerland, Tanglewood, River Oaks, Sharpstown, and surrounding areas.
© Philpaint Incorporated 2008 All rights reserved.
|