Though you need to use oil-based paint on exterior wood, water-primarily based acrylic paint gives larger advantages. Be taught the constraints of oil-based paint, or you can find yourself with a cracking end that loses its luster after a short while. Know the correct method to organize the wooden for long-term adhesion, or finish failure will end result no matter what sort of paint you select.

Oil Paint

Oil paint is a durable end that has a petroleum base. This particular end will bond to properly prepared exterior wood; nonetheless, it has its drawbacks. As a result of it is so arduous, oil-based paint cannot increase and contract, which typically causes it to crack in excessive temperatures. This finish may additionally crack as wood naturally shifts over time. Oil-based paint also may flip dull and chalky after a year or two.

Acrylic Paint

A top quality exterior acrylic paint is the best choice for exterior wooden surfaces for quite a lot of causes. In contrast to oil-based paint, acrylic finishes are likely to retain their coloration and sheen for lengthy intervals. Water-based acrylic is also very flexible, a trait that permits it to increase and contract as wood shifts and temperatures climb and drop. Because acrylic paint is water-based mostly, it would not expel the identical noxious fumes oil-based finishes postpone.

Bizarre exterior acrylic paint is properly suited for wooden siding and fences; nonetheless, it won’t show durable on exterior wooden surfaces subject to duress. In case you plan to paint a horizontal wood floor, resembling a deck or patio, use an acrylic deck paint. For wooden surfaces that must endure quite a lot of bodily contact, similar to exterior wooden furniture, use an especially durable, glossy acrylic enamel.

Preparation

No kind of paint will work on bare exterior wooden. Whether or not you choose an oil- or water-primarily based paint, you could prime the wood to advertise sufficient, long-term adhesion. Choose a suitable paint depending on the base of the end coat. A water-primarily based acrylic primer is acceptable for exterior wooden surfaces you plan to paint with acrylic paint. Do not use acrylic primer on wood you plan to finish with oil-based mostly paint, or the ultimate end might crack; instead, choose an oil-primarily based primer.