Depending on the type of siding on the exterior of your house depends on what type of paint will work best. Different siding requires different types of paint and sometimes primer is necessary. Primer is used whenever paints are layered over one another and the different types of paint are incompatible such as acrylic over oil based paint. When the surface is porous such as bare wood, or when there is already a layer of existing paint that is in disrepair, primer paint may be necessary.

For painting a wood surface, consider the effects of mold and mildew over time. Exterior paints are available at all paint supply stores that include fungicides to protect the siding against mildew.

Recommendations for how to buy the best paint for house siding:

Bare wood:

Apply either oil or latex based primer, depending on the paint you use. Use oil based or stain blocking latex primer on wood with lots of knots or with cedar and redwood. Acrylic latex paint will resist mildew and cracks and retain color better than alkyd although both types can be used.

Painted wood:

Prime the surface if the existing paint is in poor condition or you are applying latex paint over an alkyd based paint or using a latex or oil based primer suitable for pre-painted wood. Use acrylic latex paint in any finish of your choice. Eggshell finishes are easier to maintain then flat finishes.

Chalky or poor wood:

With this type of wood it usually is difficult for a new layer of latex paint to adhere to it. Instead consider oil based paint.

Rough wood siding:

Use a semi-transparent alkyd stain or water based stains with alkyd resins. They will saturate rough wood fibers and are less apt to peel than other paint options.

Hardboard siding:

Prime hardwood surfaces with an exterior latex primer. Use two coats of acrylic latex paint. Any type of finish may be used but satin finishes work best because they are not as susceptible to wax bleed as flat paints. Insure to prime and paint all cut edges.

Vinyl siding:

Primer is unnecessary for vinyl siding. Remove all mold, mildew and dirt when preparing the surface. Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint in a flat or satin finish. It is best to spray paint vinyl siding. Never paint a shade darker than the vinyl siding’s original color because the darker shade can absorb heat from the sun, causing your siding to warp.

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