Living near the coast is a dream for many homeowners. The fresh sea breeze, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the scenic views make it a perfect place to call home. However, living near the coast also means your home is exposed to saltwater, strong winds, and intense sunlight. As a result, choosing the right exterior paint for your coastal home is crucial.
The salt air can corrode the paint, the sun can cause fading, and the wind can peel off the paint. So, how do you choose the right exterior paint that can withstand the harsh coastal climate while also enhancing the beauty of your home? In this article, our experts share some tips to help you choose the best exterior paint for your coastal home.
Top 5 Paints for Coastal Homes
Living near the coast requires choosing the right exterior paint to withstand harsh weather conditions. Our selection of the top five paints that offer protection from salt air, wind, and sun includes premium brands and eco-friendly options to enhance your home’s beauty and withstand harsh weather conditions.
1. Aura Exterior Paint by Benjamin Moore
Aura is one of the premium, high-end Benjamin Moore lines. It’s water-based and uses Benjamin Moore’s Gennex Color Technology, a custom formula for richer paint colors.
This paint is known for its exceptional durability and can withstand the harsh weather conditions associated with living near the coast. Aura Exterior Paint is resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling, which makes it ideal for coastal homes exposed to intense sunlight, wind, and salt air.
Additionally, this paint has a low VOC (volatile organic compounds) formula, making it an eco-friendly choice for those who prioritize sustainability.
2. Regal Select Exterior Paint by Benjamin Moore
Regal Select Exterior Paint offers excellent adhesion and protection against harsh coastal elements. This paint features Benjamin Moore’s advanced alkyd technology, providing exceptional durability and weather resistance. Its high-build formula helps to bridge minor surface imperfections, resulting in a smooth and durable finish. Regal Select Exterior Paint is also self-priming on most surfaces, saving time and effort during application.
With its outstanding color retention and long-lasting performance, Regal Select Exterior Paint is an ideal choice for coastal homes looking to maintain their beauty and integrity in challenging conditions.
3. MoorGard Low Lustre Finish Exterior Paint by Benjamin Moore
MoorGard Exterior Paint offers excellent resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling, making it highly suitable for coastal environments. Its low lustre finish provides a subtle sheen that enhances the appearance of coastal home exteriors while providing protection against UV rays and moisture. MoorGard can be applied to a variety of exterior surfaces, including wood, masonry, stucco, and metal, making it suitable for the diverse architectural styles often found in coastal communities.
Additionally, MoorGard’s moisture-resistant formula helps prevent water penetration and moisture-related issues such as mildew growth, ensuring that the paint stays looking fresh and vibrant for longer periods. This durability ensures that your coastal home’s exterior maintains its beauty for years to come.
4. Arborcoat Waterborne Exterior Stain by Benjamin Moore
For coastal homes with natural wood exteriors, Arborcoat Waterborne Exterior Stain is an excellent choice. This stain offers superior protection against UV rays, moisture, and mildew growth, helping to preserve the beauty of wood siding, decks, and trim in coastal environments.
Unlike some traditional oil-based stains, Arborcoat Waterborne Exterior Stain is formulated with advanced waterborne technology, allowing the wood to breathe, expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This flexibility helps prevent the stain from cracking or peeling.
With its easy application and long-lasting durability, Arborcoat Waterborne Exterior Stain is an ideal solution for maintaining the natural beauty of coastal home exteriors.
5. Ultra Spec Masonry Elastomeric Waterproofing Coating by Benjamin Moore
Does your home have stone components? Coastal homes may have masonry surfaces that require specialized protection against moisture and salt air. Ultra Spec Masonry Elastomeric Waterproofing Coating is designed to provide a waterproof barrier that protects masonry surfaces from water penetration and cracking. This barrier helps shield masonry from the corrosive effects of salt air, reducing the risk of salt-induced damage and prolonging the life of exterior surfaces. As well, its elastomeric properties allow it to expand and contract with changing temperatures, ensuring long-term durability in coastal climates.
Ultra Spec Masonry Elastomeric Waterproofing Coating helps extend the lifespan of exterior walls, reducing the need for frequent repainting or repairs. Its durable finish requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for coastal homeowners looking for long-lasting protection and peace of mind.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Paint for Coastal Homes
When choosing exterior paint for coastal homes, these are the factors you should consider:
- Durability. Durable latex and acrylic paints are usually thicker than lower-quality ones, but even high-quality oil-based exterior paints are usually thinner than latex and acrylic. One generally good way to spot durability is in the sheen: higher-gloss exterior paints are usually more durable and washable.
- VOCs. Try to go for exterior paints labeled “Low-VOC” or “Zero-VOC.” Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in paints that release toxic fumes when painting, causing headaches and dizziness.
- Dry time. Latex paints dry to the touch within 2 or 3 hours so that you can apply a second coat 4 to 6 hours after the first. Oil-based paints take around 6-8 hours to dry to touch and about 24 hours to be ready for a second coat.
- Cure time. Cure time is the time your paint needs for the coating to present optimum results. Latex and acrylic usually take a couple of weeks to cure, while oil takes up to a month. Until the paint is cured, nothing should brush the wall.
- Weather resistance. Paint weather resistance is one of the most essential factors for coastal homes. The best ones can resist driving rain, high winds, and the salty spray from the shore. Research your alternatives thoroughly to determine how weather resistant they are.
- UV protection. If you live on a sunny coast, go for paints labeled “UV resistant.” The UV rays in sunlight break apart the paint’s resin and decrease its durability.
- Color retention. Lower-quality exterior paints, especially darker paints, don’t retain colors well when exposed to the weather and sun. If you’re going for darker colors, make sure the paint’s ingredients contain titanium dioxide. It’ll drive up the price but pay in the form of long-lasting color retention.
- Mold, mildew, and moisture resistance. Excessive moisture leads to mold and mildew. These spores deteriorate your walls and may cause health issues if unchecked. Mold and mildew-resistant exterior paints are a must.
- Warranties. High-quality paints come with warranties for factory defects and other issues. The length of the warranty varies. Some offer 15-20 years of warranty while others cover you for your entire life.
- Can be applied to various surfaces. Having a paint that’s flexible enough to be applied on different surfaces gives you more options for application. Some of the materials that high-end paints cover include vinyl, aluminum, clapboard, wood, shakes, shingles, masonry, and some metals.
Choose the Best Exterior Paint for Your Coastal Home
Choosing the right exterior paint protects your coastal home from harsh weather conditions and enhances its curb appeal. At Precision Painting Plus, we understand the importance of a high-quality paint job and have the expertise to ensure your coastal home looks its best. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our professional painters and give your coastal home the protection and beauty it deserves.
