Which Paint Should Be Used on a Building's Exterior?

For most buildings a silicone or pure acrylic exterior paint is the right choice: it repels water, lets the wall breathe and stands up to the sun. Elastic paint is preferred on facades prone to cracking, and silicate paint on mineral render and historic buildings.

Types of exterior paint

• Acrylic: common and economical, with a wide choice of colours.
• Silicone: high water repellency and vapour permeability; resists dirt pick-up.
• Elastic (elastomeric): stretches and bridges hairline cracks.
• Silicate: bonds chemically with mineral render and breathes.
• Textured coatings: hide small surface flaws.

Choosing by facade

• Newly rendered facade: primer and silicone or acrylic paint once the render is fully dry.
• Insulated facade: the breathable paint recommended by the system manufacturer.
• Facade with hairline cracks: filling primer and elastic paint.
• Damp, shaded facade: paint with additives against moss and mould.

Can interior paint be used outside?

No. Interior paint is not made to withstand rain and sun; outside it soon fades and flakes.

Does the brand matter, or the system?

The system. That the primer and paint suit each other and that the number of coats recommended by the manufacturer is followed matters more than the name on the tin. For Erdağ Yapı's recommendations see our exterior facade paint page.