Winter is one of the harshest seasons for your home’s exterior. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and fluctuating weather conditions can take a toll on your home’s surfaces, leaving them vulnerable to damage. One of the best ways to protect your home and keep it looking its best is to ensure it’s properly painted with high-quality, weather-resistant products. Benjamin Moore and Diamond Vogel offer premium exterior paints that are designed to withstand even the most extreme winter conditions, ensuring your home remains both beautiful and protected.
In this blog, we’ll explore why prepping your home for winter with quality house paints is essential, how to prepare your surfaces, and which Benjamin Moore and Diamond Vogel products are best suited for the job.
Why Winter Preparation Matters
Your home’s exterior acts as the first line of defense against winter’s elements, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and temperature fluctuations. Without proper preparation, the exterior surfaces of your home can suffer from issues such as:
- Peeling or Cracking Paint: Cold weather and moisture can cause subpar paint to crack or peel, exposing the underlying materials to further damage.
- Wood Rot and Moisture Damage: Unprotected wood siding or trim can absorb water, leading to rot and costly repairs.
- Fading or Discoloration: UV rays, even in winter, can cause lower-quality paints to fade or lose their vibrancy over time.
Applying a fresh coat of high-quality exterior paint before winter hits helps seal your home against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and UV exposure. Benjamin Moore and Diamond Vogel both offer products specifically designed for long-lasting durability in tough weather conditions.
Steps to Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for Winter
Before applying paint, it’s crucial to properly prepare your home’s exterior. Preparation ensures the paint adheres well, provides maximum protection, and delivers a flawless finish.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Dirt, mildew, and grime can interfere with paint adhesion, so cleaning the exterior surface is the first step. Use a power washer or scrub surfaces manually with a mixture of water and mild detergent. If mildew is present, apply a solution of water and bleach to eliminate it.
Step 2: Repair Damage
Inspect your home for cracks, holes, or peeling paint. Fill any gaps with caulk, repair damaged wood or siding, and sand down rough areas. This step ensures a smooth, even surface for the new paint.
Step 3: Prime the Surface
Priming is essential, especially if you’re painting over bare wood, metal, or a darker color. A high-quality primer not only improves paint adhesion but also enhances durability. Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer is an excellent choice for achieving a smooth base coat.
Step 4: Choose the Right Paint and Apply
Once your surfaces are clean, repaired, and primed, it’s time to select a paint designed to handle winter’s challenges. Both Benjamin Moore and Diamond Vogel offer exceptional options, which we’ll explore in detail below.
Best Benjamin Moore Products for Winter Preparation
Benjamin Moore is renowned for its premium-quality paints, offering exceptional durability and protection. Here are some of their best products for prepping your home’s exterior for winter:
1. Aura® Exterior Paint
Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior Paint is one of the most advanced exterior paints on the market. This high-performance paint features Benjamin Moore’s proprietary Color Lock® technology, ensuring long-lasting color vibrancy.
- Features:
- Extreme durability and fade resistance
- Superior adhesion for all exterior surfaces, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum
- Mildew resistance and water repellency
Aura® is perfect for homes in areas with extreme weather fluctuations, as it remains flexible and resists cracking even in freezing temperatures.
2. Regal® Select Exterior High Build Paint
For homes that require extra protection against moisture and wear, Regal® Select Exterior High Build Paint is an excellent choice.
- Features:
- Thick, durable coating that protects against harsh winter elements
- Exceptional resistance to peeling and cracking
- Self-priming on most surfaces
This paint provides a protective shield while delivering a smooth, professional finish that enhances your home’s curb appeal.
3. Ben® Exterior Paint
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, Ben® Exterior Paint is a great choice.
- Features:
- Excellent durability and resistance to fading
- Easy application with great coverage
- Mildew resistance for added protection
Ben® Exterior Paint is ideal for homeowners who want reliable protection with an easy-to-apply formula.
Best Diamond Vogel Products for Winter Preparation
Diamond Vogel is another trusted name in house paints, offering durable, weather-resistant options that keep your home protected through winter and beyond.
1. EverCryl® Exterior Paint
EverCryl® Exterior Paint is a premium product designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, making it perfect for winter preparation.
- Features:
- High durability and excellent adhesion
- Advanced fade and mildew resistance
- Suitable for use on wood, masonry, and vinyl siding
EverCryl® provides a tough, protective layer that resists cracking and peeling, even in harsh winter climates.
2. Pinnacle® Exterior Latex Paint
For homeowners seeking long-lasting performance and a beautiful finish, Pinnacle® Exterior Latex Paint is a standout choice.
- Features:
- Flexible coating that expands and contracts with temperature changes
- Superior UV protection to prevent fading
- Smooth, even coverage on various surfaces
Pinnacle® delivers both aesthetic appeal and durability, making it a popular choice for protecting your home’s exterior during winter.
3. Diamond Shield® Exterior Paint
For ultimate protection, consider Diamond Shield® Exterior Paint, a top-tier product designed to handle the toughest weather conditions.
- Features:
- Maximum resistance to cracking, peeling, and blistering
- High-opacity formula for excellent coverage
- Low-maintenance, long-lasting finish
Diamond Shield® ensures your home remains protected and beautiful, even through harsh winters.
Benefits of Investing in Quality Paints
Choosing high-quality paints from Benjamin Moore or Diamond Vogel for your home’s exterior isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a smart investment that pays off in several ways:
- Durability: Premium paints last longer, reducing the need for frequent repainting and saving you money over time.
- Weather Protection: Advanced formulations provide superior resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and UV rays.
- Curb Appeal: High-quality paints maintain their color and finish, keeping your home looking fresh and attractive.
- Increased Home Value: A well-maintained exterior boosts your home’s market value and appeal.
Tips for Applying Exterior Paint
To achieve the best results, follow these tips when applying exterior paint:
- Check the Weather: Avoid painting in extreme temperatures or when rain or snow is expected. Aim for mild, dry conditions.
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers for smooth, even application.
- Apply Multiple Coats: For maximum durability, apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry fully before adding the next.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the application instructions provided by the paint manufacturer for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Preparing your home’s exterior for winter with quality house paints is one of the best ways to protect it from the elements while maintaining its beauty. With premium options from Benjamin Moore and Diamond Vogel, you can ensure your home stays protected and vibrant through even the harshest winters.
Whether you choose Benjamin Moore’s Aura® Exterior Paint for its exceptional durability or Diamond Vogel’s EverCryl® Exterior Paint for its weather resistance, you’ll be making a smart investment in your home’s longevity.
Visit Guiry’s Paint Selection to explore these top-tier products and get expert advice on preparing your home for winter. Your home deserves the best—ensure it’s ready to face the season with confidence. For even more personalized support, consider our complimentary in-store or on-site consultation for a nominal fee with our expert design consultants.