Q&A: Are prices for exterior paints going up?

We’re planning to paint our house in the coming weeks, and I’ve noticed that paint prices seem higher. Have they risen? If yes, why?

As we reported in our June 2008 report, rising petroleum prices could cause a jump of several dollars per gallon for exterior paints and stains. The higher prices might tempt you to pick a cheaper coating, but our tests show that penny-pinching by buying a lower-quality finish could cost you more money over time.

Our latest Ratings of more than 40 exterior paints and stains (available to subscribers) include results for major brands after one to three years of accelerated outdoor testing, equal to about three to nine years on a house. But as the scores show, some initially promising finishes look far less impressive when they're fully tested. (See “A Torture Test for Paints and Stains.”)

Get all the details on exterior paints and stains in “Scrimping Doesn’t Pay.”

Comments

[Alison Crosby]

Have there been studies done on lifetime exterior painting such as "Tex-Cote" or "3M Ceramic Coating" aka Rhino Shield and other similar "permanent" exterior paints?

These permanent paints claim to last 25 - 40 years?

Are there plans to investigate these types of paints by Consumer Report in the future?

[Tom Adams]

I have the same question as Alison Crosby re: Tex-Cote. What is CRs position? How do I find a reply?

[AUDREY ADAMS]

I would also like to know how long this ceramic coating is lasting and does it do everything it claims- does anyone know?

[Joe Helmer]

Well It's painting season and I've talked to two contractors. One recommended Tex Cote or Stretch Guard and the other recommended Tex Cote or elastomeric paint. What are these "longer life" coverings all about? Are they worth the extra cost? Are there other drawbacks? How do they compare to standard exterior paint?

[Bill Londeree]

I've used Polymatrx and it does appear to work very well. I applied it to treated lumber a few years ago and it still looks great. Recently it has become known that Polymatrx is no longer being produced. This is disappointing. Has anyone used another long-lasting paint that has worked. Why does Consumer Reports never test paint like Sears' Polyurethane-based paint?

[Lynn Peck]

I too need to know if the claims made by the Tex-Cote" or "3M Ceramic Coating" aka Rhino Shield and others like them are reliable products or a rip-off before I spend some hard cash.

[Peter L]

I suggest reading these, including teh court case document:

http://www.bobvila.com/Search/?q=rhinoshield
http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/285853.html
http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/289037.html+amcoat+rhinoshield&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us

[Lee Ann Wilson]

I bought a house 10 years ago & I wanted to paint it. It has sparkles in I think they are glass chips I wanted to keep the sparkle do you still sell that kind of paint? If you do where can I get it. Thank you
Lee Ann

[Edward H. Hess]

I'm looking to paint all the wood trim on my house. two contractors have recommended tex-cote pruducts. Does C/R have any recommendations for the home owner exposed to these long life products?

Thank you,

Ed

[Ron]

I see a number of questions on ceramic paint. Are you testing or will you test? If so when

[Martina]

He is expart exterior paints.

[A VICTIM OF RHINO SHIELD]

DO NOT USE Rhino Shield. The warranty isn't a warranty at all...only says they will give you paint. They threatened to walk off the job until they were paid in full...a total violation of their own contract. They did massive amounts of damage to our property with their sloppiness and have, to date, refused to fix it. A bunch of crooks in my book. BUYER BEWARE.