Not all paints are created equal. It’s not a good idea to slap any old thing on outside walls - the elements, UV rays, fungus, mould and wear and tear will all take their toll.
If you haven’t used the correct product, before you know it, you’ll need to paint again. Here’s how to choose the right paint to meet your needs:
1. Stand the test
Painting the outside of your home is a big job, so you want to choose paint that will last. Reputable paint brands often come with a guarantee, which offer some peace of mind when embracing the hefty undertaking of painting your home.
Plascon products come with a 12- to 15-year guarantee, Dulux guarantees cover 10 years, while Fired Earth comes with a 7- to 10-year guarantee, and Duram Flexiwall covers five years.
2. The finish
Rough, gritty, sandstone or smooth - choosing a paint is more than just about colour. Next to colour, the finish is the next important decision you need to make.
Standard options are usually either matt or low-sheen, although many of the brands, such as Fired Earth, have more exciting options, including granular, suedette and the sandstone effect.
3. Easy to clean
If you live in a particularly dusty or grimy area, dirt resistance may be an important quality in the paint you choose. Certain paints include dirt barrier technology, which makes it easier to keep your walls clean.
Plascon’s Wall & All formula of acrylic polymers and fungicide make it particularly resistant to dirt, while Dulux’s Wallguard, Duram’s Endure and Fired Earth’s Ultimate Coat are also easy to wash and are resistant to stains.
4. The elements
Do you stay in a damp, rainy area? Is it very windy or extremely hot? The elements that your paint is exposed to will play a large role in what formula will work best for you.
Products such as Fired Earth Severe Weather, Dulux Weatherguard or Plascon Micatex are excellent options for walls that will be exposed to harsh elements. They contain ingredients like quartz and mica, which give strength, durability and flexibility, helping to provide a weatherproof barrier over your walls.
5. The surface
While walls are usually the primary concern, don’t neglect the window frames, doors, railings and balconies. They also need protection against hard wear and harsh elements. Products such as Dulux Woodgard Exterior Double Life Timbavarnish, Plascon Woodcare Sunproof Varnish and Fired Earth Velvet Wood are excellent options in this regard.
6. Banish damp
Certain products are specifically designed to tackle damp problem affecting walls.
To get rid of damp, it is important to appropriately prepare the area before repainting it. You can do this on your own, but it is recommended that a damp specialist carry out this part of the job.
When it comes to the painting, consider products such as Duram’s Flexiwall, which is both effective at waterproofing, as well as being mould and fungus resistant. Alternatively, you can use Plascon’s Wallseal, which is renowned for its waterproofing properties.
Article courtesy of www.builders.co.za.
Print
