This depends on the siding and the look you are trying to achieve. For most homes, using a 100% acrylic (latex) paint will provide the longest lasting finish. 100% acrylics tolerate more movement in the wood and retain their color much longer than an oil based paint.

The available historical evidence shows that Eichler used stains, not paint, on his homes, inside and out. One can speculate that, at least for the vertical-grooved siding, stains were employed so that the grooves stayed crisp and clean (the edges weren't softened by the paint), and some of the grain of the wood showed through (redwood siding was used throughout the 1950s). It is also possible that Eichler used stains because labor and materials costs were lower than for paint. See similar questions...

Latex paint is a great choice for most instances, but there are still situations where a solvent-based paint may be preferable. To help decide which is best in your case, consider the following: See similar questions...

Limewashes represent the best of both form and function. They're beautiful and breathable, making them the perfect choice for both historic and new buildings. Unlike typical modern paints, they don't trap water and they age beautifully--instead of getting shabby, they develop a lovely mellow patina over time. See similar questions...

Latex paint cannot tolerate a freeze without some negative consequence. In many cases, it may not be noticeable in the can or during application; however, long-term durability will suffer relative to how hard the paint freezes. Oil paint, in most cases, can take almost any temperature. There are some formulations that can 'shock' if exposed to extreme cold. A paint that has been 'shocked' will have the different ingredients (oil, resin, pigment, solvent and additives) separate. See similar questions...

No! Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free. The most you ever have to do is give your home a wash down with soap and water once or twice a year. See similar questions...

The durability of plywood is determined by the quality of the veneers and the glue lines. Obviously, the rot resistance of the veneer timber will determine this aspect of the finished product. The best grade, the so called 'marine ply', utilises durable timber throughout, usually mahogany. This is very expensive. See similar questions...

Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Alside, for example, offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors. See similar questions...

TOil based paints have been al but phased out. The exception being for industrial uses as well as some exterior rust inhibitors. Unless you can provide us with a sufficient amount of fresh oil base paint we will be using all latex paints as of the beginning of this year. The paint manufacturers have done a great job of solving the problems attributed with early latex paints. See similar questions...

The two major categories of finishes used in the prefinishing process are latex and oil. Each has its own advantages which will dictate which to use in any particular application. Latex (waterborne) coatings are flexible, "breather-type" film finishes. Because latex coatings breathe allowing moisture to pass through, blistering is less likely to occur. They are available in solid (opaque) colors, semi-solid or semi-transparent colors. See similar questions...

You may use exterior grade plywood but it increases the chance of problems over the life of your boat. Besides knotholes, patches and splinters- there are core voids (gaps) in the middle laminations that may delaminate and/or rot. These will need to be injected with resin. If you must use exterior grade plywood, try to fill as many of the core voids as you can. You will need to be a boat maintenance fanatic if you don't use marine grade ply. See similar questions...

Duratemp is plywood siding with a 1/8" Douglas Fir wood composite face. It looks natural, resists dents, checks and cracks. It is inherently stronger, lighter and more durable than engineered wood sidings, and provides a low-maintenance, easy to paint surface. Our Duratemp-sided structures are constructed with ½" Duratemp plywood siding. It's a great product and the most economical siding choice. See similar questions...

That will probably seal them in. It may solve your problem, but will give a pebbly appearance to your paint job. Each repainting will seal in the artillery fungus even more. There are no fungicides legally registered (by EPA) against the artillery fungus. Bleach, if it worked, would be very temporary, as it leaches out with each rain. We tested 14 different fungicides in the laboratory, but have to take the experiment to the field. See similar questions...

Jennings joinery prefers to paint or stain prior to glazing and assembly to properly seal the product. Also when using 6.38 Laminated glass (which is thicker than normal glass), if the inside rebate is not painted or stained prior to glazing then after the product is glazed the unsealed surface behind the glass edge is visible and un protected. Also after the bi-folds have been installed it is very difficult to coat the top and bottom of the doors to seal then correctly. See similar questions...

Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and, after hardening, should be put in your trash. Paint hardener, good for about 3 gallons of paint, is available at minimal cost from Lynch Paint near the Main Westford Post Office on Littleton Road (Route 110). Kitty litter also works as an absorber hardener but is not quite as effective. See similar questions...

The American Plywood Association recommends that opaque (solid) colors be applied to plywood sidings of any softwood species for exterior application. The use of semi-transparent stains is not recommended because the variations in the texture and porosity of face veneers from piece to piece will cause a lack of uniformity. Plywood sidings should never be left unfinished as weathering can lead to delamination and/or surface degredation. See similar questions...

Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance. See similar questions...

Some degree of chalking is normal. Some paint manufacturers have even touted this as a "self-cleaning" process. However, excessive film erosion can result in unsightly heavy chalk. Excessive chalking is caused by the disintegration of the paint film during weathering. Some common causes of heavy chalking include application to an unsealed surface, overspreading the paint, or poor quality paint. All can lead to premature breakdown by the weather. See similar questions...