Exterior Painting: What Actually Matters Before You Start
When it comes to painting the outside of your home, most issues do not come from colour choice. They come from product selection and preparation.
I recently sat down with Matt Kessler, owner of Kessler Painting, to talk through common exterior surfaces and what homeowners should understand before starting a project.
Wood: Yes, You Can Paint It. But Prep Comes First.
All exterior wood can be painted, but preparation makes the difference.
If you are painting wood, Matt strongly recommends oil priming first. Certain woods contain tannins that can bleed through lighter colours over time. Without oil primer to seal them, light paint can gradually turn yellow. Primer creates a barrier between the wood and the top coat, helping the finish bond properly and hold its colour.
Pressure treated wood requires patience. As it cures, it releases gases that can push paint or stain off the surface if coated too soon. Matt recommends waiting one full season before finishing pressure treated decks or fences.
Brick and Masonry: The Right Paint Makes the Difference
Brick, concrete block, and other masonry surfaces can be painted, but the product must be designed specifically for masonry.
Brick is porous. It absorbs and releases moisture, which means it needs a breathable paint that allows that moisture to escape.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is applying a general exterior house paint to brick. These products are not always formulated for porous masonry. Over time, trapped moisture can cause the face of the brick to deteriorate or pop off.
If you are not hiring a professional, Matt recommends going directly to a dedicated paint manufacturer such as:
- Sherwin-Williams
- Benjamin Moore
- Dulux
These companies carry masonry specific products and can guide you toward the right system.
Before painting brick:
- Power wash and clean thoroughly
- Allow it to fully dry
- Address any moisture issues first
Stucco: It Needs to Move
Stucco expands and contracts with temperature changes, often developing small cracks over time.
Matt recommends elastomeric coatings because they flex with the surface rather than crack. The goal is flexibility and adhesion, not just hardness.
Using the wrong paint can lead to premature cracking if the coating cannot move with the material beneath it.
Vinyl Siding: Heat and Colour Matter
Vinyl siding can often be painted, but colour selection is not just aesthetic.
Darker colours absorb more heat. If you move from a light shade to a very dark one, the added heat can cause the siding to warp over time.
Because this became a common industry issue, major paint manufacturers now offer vinyl safe colour palettes designed to limit heat absorption while still allowing deeper tones.
If you are going darker, it is important to choose from those approved colours and confirm the product is designed for vinyl.
Aluminum and Metal: Temperature Matters
Aluminum siding and metal surfaces can be repainted, but temperature affects the finish.
When surfaces or air are extremely hot, paint can dry too quickly. Especially when spraying, it can begin drying before it lands, creating texture and uneven results.
Professionals typically work around the shade and avoid direct heat whenever possible.
Front Doors: One Surface to Approach Carefully
Front doors are often underestimated.
Many modern doors have factory finishes that require proper priming before repainting. In Matt’s experience, oil based primer provides the most reliable adhesion. Without it, even high quality latex paints may struggle to bond and can peel or chip prematurely.
Exterior painting is not just about colour. It is about understanding the surface and choosing products that work with it.
If you are planning to paint yourself or are considering hiring a professional and simply want a bit of clarity first, Matt welcomes your questions. He believes homeowners should feel confident about the decisions they are making.
For more information or to connect with Matt, visit kesslerpainting.ca.
