The type of paint you'll use depends on the kind of surface to be painted - wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco or masonry - and the type of finish you want. Exterior paint is specifically formulated to provide:

• Color and gloss retention

• Flexibility to withstand expansion and contraction due to weather

• Mildew resistance

Latex or Oil

Exterior house paints fall into one of two categories: latex or oil (alkyd). Each has different characteristics.

Latex – Get the longest-lasting finish with the best gloss retention. Sherwin-Williams latex paints are easy to work with, dry quickly and are extremely durable. Latex paints clean up easily with soap and water.

• Browse our exterior latex paints

Oil / Alkyd – Good adhesion, excellent durability and stain resistance make Sherwin-Williams oil / alkyd-based paints excellent choices for exterior trim. Clean paint tools with mineral spirits.

• Browse our exterior alkyd paints

Your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint expert can provide additional advice about which paint is right for your project.

The Right Tools:

Color Visualizer – Explore, create and have fun with color. Our easy-to-use interactive aid lets you express yourself.

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