High-performance exterior painting

Exterior painting contractors are often challenged by the different conditions and requirements of exterior painting projects. Over the years, the experience of each completed project has advanced the paint technology. As a result of these advances, today's exterior paint meets almost every condition ever encountered during exterior painting implementations.

Considerations on location-driven paint

Exterior painting contractors and paint manufacturers agree that one of the most common conditions that often needs to be met when it comes to exterior painting projects is the one dictated by placement. Geographical differences are evident in constructional forms and material preferences. Placement therefore dictates the choice of exterior paint to use.

For example, the southwest is home to masonry and stucco exterior. These substrates require primers and topcoats suitable for cementitious materials. In the Southeast, weather-resistant formulations of exterior paint contractors are used to withstand years of exposure to wind and rain. In mountainous places, on the other hand, sun-resistant and UV-absorbing resin formulations are used.

Weatherproof exterior coating

Paint manufacturers have also developed formulations to accommodate another important factor affecting projects - the weather. Climatic variables around the project are considered by exterior paint contractors when choosing the products to use. It even affects the application and methods they can use. exterior painting

Climates that produce high levels of UV rays are often used with elastomer-based or 100% acrylic paint for surface protection. Windy and rainy weather is used with thicker elastomers to fight waterborne cracks.

Air temperatures below 50 ° F can lead to surface calcification and premature peeling, while over 90 ° F can seriously affect surface preparation, application and curing. Exterior painting contractors must keep this in mind during the project. Freeze-thaw cycles, on the other hand, require flexible grounds and topcoats to cope with the fluctuating temperatures.

The role of the environment in the choice of exterior coatings

Federal and local environmental protection laws have influenced the design and manufacture of exterior coatings. Paints with low VOC formulations have been introduced. This aims to stop the harmful effects of VOC broadcasting regular paint on the environment.

Paint contractors and paint manufacturers must comply with the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) VOC level at the national level. In the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states, the Ozone Transport Commission (EPA) model rule is in place. State-based air quality programs are also keeping a close eye on VOC compliance covering the construction industry.

Compliance with these varying environmental regulations and agencies resulted in new formulations of exterior coating products for architectural, commercial and industrial paints. These are often low-VOC latex, waterborne or solvent alkyd products.

In 2012, a law changing the building industry for the use of waterborne coatings will be in full effect. A significant change for the benefit of the environment, outside painters remember this when selecting products for their existing and future coating projects.

The above factors often dictate the choice of exterior coating products to be used in paint projects. Nevertheless, exterior paint contractors often advise building owners to continue to seek the balance between meeting these conditions and choosing the best product for their projects.