The Best Exterior House Paint for Your House in the Chicago Area
If you are like 95% of home owners in the Chicagoland area you have parts of the exterior of your home that will need to be painted. Some homes just have trim that need paint while other homes need the whole house painted. Painting the exterior of your home is an investment. So choosing the paint contractor is just as important as using The Best Exterior house Paint for your house in the Chicago area.
The weather conditions make it hard enough to work outside on painting projects for us as painters. Can you imagine the stress your house feels with the hot summers, rain, ice, snow, sub zero temps, and high humidity levels? It’s important to select a paint that can withstand these elements and provide a durable, long-lasting finish.
Today we are going to talkabout the 3 most asked questions regarding exterior paint we have been asked over the last week.
- What is the best paint for exterior house painting?
- How long does exterior paint take to dry?
- Is it better to use paint or solid stain on my house?
Chicago Climate and Paint
Before diving into the best paint options, living here in the Chicago suburbs, you know the weather changes fast and is predicable as politics. With a wide range of temperatures, with hot, humid summers and cold winters everythting from hanging clothes on the line to paint is affected differently every day. This means that the paint you choose needs to be able to adjust to these changes as well. It should be able to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or peeling.
The Best Paints for Exterior Home Surfaces
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, not all paints are created equal. Here are some of the best options:
Sherwin-Williams Latitude® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint
This from Sherwin-Williams- ” Latitude® is specifically designed for challenging climates like those found in the Chicago suburbs. This paint offers excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to peeling and cracking. It’s also formulated to dry quickly, even in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for fall or early spring applications.”
We started using this a few months ago, due the weather channel and apps being wrong every day- we needed paint we could use in case a storm poped up.
Pros:
- Excellent resistance to peeling and cracking
- Fast drying, even in cooler temperatures
- Durable and long-lasting finish
- Available in a wide range of colors
- water resistant in 45 minutes!!!
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some other exterior paints- but not much more..
Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior Paint
We have not used this product, just a FYI. But we have fellow paint contrractors that love it. From Benjamin Moore- “Aura® Exterior Paint is excellent choice for homeowners in the Chicago suburbs. It offers superior adhesion and is highly resistant to fading, mildew, and stains. This paint is also designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, making it a reliable option for the Chicago region”.
Pros:
- Superior adhesion and durability
- Resistant to fading, mildew, and stains
- Excellent coverage and color retention
- Environmentally friendly with low VOCs
Cons:
- Premium price point- Expensive
Behr Marquee® Exterior Paint
We have used this paint- only when a customer picks a Behr color. Some Behr colors to not look the same when made paint not from Behr, such as their white and red colors. From Behr- “Marquee® Exterior Paint is known for its one-coat coverage and exceptional durability. It’s designed to resist rain as early as 60 minutes after application, making it a great option for areas with unpredictable weather. This paint also offers excellent dirt resistance and a mildew-resistant finish.”
Pros:
- One-coat coverage- they claim- we have found that to be kind of BS
- Quick rain resistance
- Excellent dirt and mildew resistance
- Available at a lower cost compared to premium brands they say- but actualy it is right in line with Sherwin Williams and Benjamin moore
Cons:
- Limited color selection compared to some other brands
Paint vs. Solid Stain: What’s the Difference?
We are asked this all the itme!!! So as confusing as it can be…
Paint:
- Offers a thicker, more opaque finish that hides imperfections
- Provides better protection against weather elements
- Requires more prep work and multiple coats for best results
- Longer drying times compared to stains
- can get almost any color (limited if doing vinyl- see this post)
Solid Stain:
- Penetrates the wood surface, highlighting its natural texture
- Easier to apply and requires less prep work
- Dries faster than paint
- May need more frequent reapplication
Drying Times for Different Types of Paint and Stains
Drying times can vary!
Weather and surface we paint dictate the dry times.
In general…
Sherwin-Williams Latitude® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint:
- Touch dry: 1-2 hours ( we have found as early as 30 min!- rain resistant in 1 hour- CRAY CRAY)
- Recoat time: 4 hours
- Full cure: 7 days
Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior Paint:
- Touch dry: 1 hour
- Recoat time: 4 hours
- Full cure: 14 days
Behr Marquee® Exterior Paint:
- Touch dry: 1 hour
- Recoat time: 2 hours
- Full cure: 7 days
Solid Stains:
- Touch dry: 1-2 hours
- Recoat time: 2-4 hours
- Full cure: 72 hours
Lets wrap it up!!
It can be challenging in Choosing the best paint for the exterior of your home. Sherwin-Williams Latitude®, Benjamin Moore Aura®, and Behr Marquee® are all excellent choices that offer superior protection and long-lasting results.
We say stick to what your contractor is familiar with- and will get better pricing! Oh- and also Knows warranty info etc.
Make an informed decision that will enhance the appearance and longevity of your home’s exterior. For more detailed information on paint products, you can visit the Sherwin-Williams website, the Benjamin Moore website, and the Behr website.
You can also check out our Pricing page and guide page!
Painting your home’s exterior is a significant investment, but with the right paint and proper application, you can ensure your home looks beautiful and stands up to the elements for years to come.
