Exterior House Painting Info

My cedar clapboard house needs to be painted. On the south side of the house, the paint is flaking and peeling.

I've been told that Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best. Does anyone have any knowledge about exterior paints? Would Behr at Home Depot or something at Lowes work just as well?

Also, we plan to scrape and sand the flaked portions and then apply a base coat before applying the paint. I'm assuming that the base coat only goes where the wood is exposed? Any suggestions as to which tools work best for the prep?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

CR has the latest report in the June 07 issue. Here were some suggestions. The problem is the colors you select.....that Calif brand (probably not avail in NJ) has different ratings for their different colors. So does most of the other brands.

Prices are seen as best they could find. Report said the Glidden named brand is avail in Home Depot by special order, not the Glidden blend made for Home Depot.

The article on line also spoke of prep, and use of stains rather than paints. Prep was also mentioned. Many brands were not finished testing.

Flat paint:

California Fresh Coat Velvet (flat) $28

Glidden Spred Dura (flat) $15


Best if you want a glossier paint:

Glidden Spred Dura Gloss (semigloss) $22 (Most glossy)

Glidden Spred Dura Satin (low luster) $20

Go to

http://www.consumerreports.org

Prep is everything. Contact a water blasting company for an opinion. Depending on the age of the finish, it may contain lead. Not good to have in the air. Been there done that wrong.

I used BM on both of my houses (one redwood clapboard and the other stucco); both were applied via airless over the mfg recommended primer. Done right, that stuff wears like iron.

IMO, it's best to buy paint from a painting contractor supply store. Or hire a competent contractor. It's a lot of work

Pat