I’m getting ready to paint my wood windows. (Denver)
The wife just stuck this latest Consumer Reports online study about exterior paints in front of me. It has California Fresh Coat Velvet (flat) as the top rated product. They say it retains an excellent rating even after 9 years (as does Glidden Endurance and P & L Accolade). That sounds pretty good on windows ( but it wouldn’t take much to get me to replace the darn things with clad ones).
You guys agree? I’ve already bought 3 gal of BM paint for the job (they’re rating that only good after 6 years). Would you get this new stuff?
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Googling California Paint gets a number of hits about it's quality. So I get all excited and look up local dealers - turns out you can't get California Paint in California - go figure! HQ in Mass, distribution doesn't appear to go very far west of the Mississippi. Sigh, guess I'll have to stick to BM - LOL
Anyone else with thoughts?
I've used some California exterior acrylic and it has stood up better than any other brand. I used a very dark cranberry color which is particularly prone to fading. The California brand has changed slightly with sun exposure but nowhere as much as other brands. Acrylics are a bit difficult to apply. You don't want to try to paint in the sun or try to apply a heavy covering coat. You can't go back over it to tip off like you can with oils. This weekend, I'm repainting some 25 yr. old windows. I bought some California, Pacific alkyd primer for bare wood and Fresh Coat satin for the top coat. I prefer a satin gloss for exterior trim. The durability of any paint depends on preparation, application and exposure conditions. I think there are many good brands of paint available but none of them will last with poor prep work or severe exposure conditions.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
I don't paint as much anymore but I swear by Califonia & B.M. For exterior jobs I love Cal. Trouble shooter for primer, 2010 for top coat . Interior BM Fresh start for primer and Cal, BM for top coats. But then again what do I know I'm a CARPENTER! lol
All Things Wood!
Stephen Prunier Carpentry
California makes a good product... BM and SW havent done well on either exterior or interior ratings, but they are what people know.
The only reason I dont use it more is I have to drive 35 miles for it.
-zen