Whenever we talk about paint with our clients, or even our friends, they either get really excited to talk about colors or their shoulders slump over knowing they’re going to talk about cost. That’s pretty much how it goes. Paint can be either fun or a real financial drag. 

But what about the part no one is talking about? You know, the important part about paint – what it’s really made for. It’s real purpose. Do you know what it is? Because we can promise you – it’s not to dress up the outside of your house and make it look pretty, although it does do that, too. 

Did you know that color is the LEAST important aspect of your paint selection? We know, mind-blowing stuff here. But it’s true. While it may take you the longest to decide which shade of off-white you want (trust us, we’ve been there), and while we have written a few good blog posts about how natural light can impact how your paint selection will look at any given point in the day, that is not what you should be considering most when selecting a paint. 

Hear us out. 

WHAT YOU WANT IN A PAINT

It’s all about those varied polymers, friends. Okay, for those of you who have left material sciences well behind you – polymers essentially act as a binder for primers and paints, improving their adhesion to walls and other surfaces. A paint’s real role is to serve as a weatherproofing and protective layer to your home.

This means, it needs to help keep moisture and heat out while also keeping cool air in. Yes, paint can do that. 

In most climates, people are quick to recommend acrylic paints as they are considered to be a great choice for exteriors. They are great for their durability and flexibility, and yep breathability too. That’s perfect for brick and wood houses of the north. Here in South Florida, we lean more toward recommending a Latex paint as they resist fading, water, mold and mildew damage – something that we have to contend with far more regularly than our neighbors to the (far) north. 

Additionally, latex paints adhere better (hello polymers) to our exteriors than acrylics as well. Winning all around. 

OKAY BACK TO COLOR

Once you’ve picked a brand with a strong polymer (see what we’re doing here?), then you can get back to your color swatches and budget planning. A good paint can be pricey, but once you remember that a paint does more than just liven up your façade and that it can reduce your energy bill, keep your house cool, reduce your chance for mold and mildew and keep your family safer down the road – it may help you sleep better at night knowing it was worth it. 

If you have any questions about paint, or design at all, give us a call.