Different Types of Paint – A Guide to Paint Selection
A Mooresville Painter’s Guide to Selecting the Right Paint
Choosing a paint isn’t about picking a color chip. Here in the Lake Norman area, it’s about selecting a specific chemistry formulated to defend your home against our region’s unique climate challenges. The intense summer sun on a waterfront home in The Peninsula demands a different exterior coating than what’s needed for the shaded, historic brick of a home in the Mooresville Historic District.
As a Mooresville-based painting contractor, we’ve documented what works and what fails on local homes. This guide isn’t a generic list of pros and cons. It’s our field-tested advice for choosing a finish that lasts in the specific conditions of Mooresville, Cornelius, and Davidson.
Acrylic Latex: The Workhorse for Mooresville’s Modern Homes
The vast majority of homes in our service area, from new builds in The Farms to the HardiePlank-sided homes common in many Lake Norman communities, are best protected by a high-quality acrylic latex paint. But not all latexes are created equal.
The high humidity that comes off Lake Norman from June through August is a primary catalyst for mildew growth. For this reason, we specify a formula with a robust fungicide package, like Sherwin Williams SuperPaint Exterior Latex. For high-traffic interiors, such as hallways and kitchens, a scrubbable, high-hide acrylic like the Sherwin Williams Emerald line is critical. Its durability means it can withstand cleaning without burnishing, a problem we often see with lower-grade paints.
Oil-Based Enamels: Preserving Character in Historic Downtown Mooresville
For the detailed millwork on the Queen Anne and Colonial Revival homes found along South Broad Street, modern acrylics can’t always match the performance of a true oil-based enamel. We specify products like Sherwin Williams ProClassic Alkyd Interior Enamel for the trim, cabinetry, and doors in these historic properties.
Its superior self-leveling properties create a hard, glass-like finish that doesn’t obscure the sharp, detailed edges of century-old woodwork. While the longer dry time and strong odor require careful project planning and ventilation, the resulting durability and authentic finish are essential for preserving the architectural integrity of these Mooresville landmarks.
Lacquer Finishes: The Key to a Flawless, Factory-New Cabinet Refinish
When homeowners ask for that perfectly smooth, “factory finish” on their kitchen cabinets, the answer is a post-catalyzed lacquer. Unlike a brushed or rolled paint, a sprayed lacquer like the Italian-made Milesi systems creates a seamless, non-porous surface that is exceptionally hard and resistant to scratches and chipping.
This is a highly technical application that requires a controlled environment and specialized spray equipment. Our process involves removing all doors and drawers to our shop, where we can manage the strong fumes and ensure a flawless cure. For a cabinet refinishing project in a home in Davidson or Cornelius, this is the only method we use to guarantee a finish that looks and performs like new.
Elastomeric & Masonry Coatings: Defending Against Iredell County’s Weather
Brick and stucco are common on homes throughout Iredell County, from lakefront estates to commercial buildings. These surfaces demand a specialized approach. Standard house paint can trap moisture within the masonry, leading to spalling and failure.
For these projects, we use a high-build, breathable masonry coating like Sherwin Williams Loxon XP. This isn’t just paint; it’s an elastomeric coating that bridges hairline cracks in stucco and provides a waterproof barrier against wind-driven rain, a frequent occurrence during our spring and summer storms. It breathes to allow trapped water vapor to escape while blocking exterior moisture from getting in, a critical function for protecting masonry in our humid climate.
The Right Choice is Local Expertise
Ultimately, the “best” paint is the one correctly specified for the surface material, architectural style, and local exposure. From our owner, Jack Magee, to every member of our crew, we stake our 5-star reputation on getting that specification right every time. If you’re ready to protect your home with a finish designed for the Lake Norman area, contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote.
