Skip to content 
Selecting an exterior paint for Canada involves more than choosing the right colour. the paint must be suited to the wide range of temperatures, heavy rains, snow, freeze and thaw cycles, and high UV levels that Canadian homes experience. For more details, consider this guide that looks at the unique climate challenges, the important characteristics of a paint product, the appropriate timing for the job, and the most requested features of a durable finish.
Learn About Canada’s Climate Challenges
Canada has many climate zones. There are prairie winds, and deep freeze-thaws, and then there are coastal rains and summers with strong UV rays, which are all likely to test a coating’s performance. An industry guide suggests that, “The best time to paint home exterior in Canada is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) because temperatures are moderate and conditions more stable.”
Temperature matters
- Many paints require that the air and the surface be at least 1.7 °C (35 °F) for the paint to be really applied and work.
- The inverse is also true. If the surface is really hot or the sun shines very brightly, the paint will dry too quickly, which also causes adhesion problems.
- Wind, rain, and debris will all increase the failure risk because blown debris, saturated substrates, and other winds will be there to throw debris.
- The bottom line is the paint must work with thermal freezing and UV rays. Not all paints work for this.
What to look for in a good exterior paint for Canadian weather
Due to Climate Jevovselg, here are the main characteristics to look for in a paint:
100% acrylic (or high acrylic) latex exterior paint
Acrylic binders provide flexibility, good adhesion and resistance to cracking and peeling under freeze-thaw conditions. Water-based latex paint is preferred for more exterior jobs than oil paint because latex paint is more breathable and dries faster.
Good adhesion + elasticity
The coating must adhere to the substrate (wood, siding, brick, etc) and must move with the building material as temperatures change. One Canadian-market review of the brand SICO highlighted that its acrylic binders helped reduce cracking and peeling during freeze-thaw.
Weather-resistance (rain, wind, UV, mould/mildew)
Particularly critical in Canada, where you may face wind-driven rain, heavy sno,w and strong summer sun. The Benjamin Moore Element Guard paint line is described as, “designed to stand up to the elements … wind-driven rain, excessive humidity and other harsh weather conditions.”
Manufacturer specs, low-temperature capability & curing
Even if you paint in the “shoulder” seasons, it’s beneficial to choose products tested for lower application temperatures, so that you’re not cutting it too close.
One guide says: “The ideal temperature for painting would be 25 °C, but… with paint, you will be dealing with a wider range of temperatures… it is acceptable to paint in the range of 1.7 °C to 37.8 °C (35 °F to 100 °F).”
Finishes and sheens
Match the appropriate sheen (satin, eggshell, flat) for the surface and the environment. Although flat finishes conceal imperfections, they reflect less UV light. Surfaces or trims that need to be washed should be satin or semi-gloss.
Colors and substrates
The lighter the color the more heat it will reflect (to help reduce thermal stress). Darker colors absorb heat, so choose accordingly for sun-exposed walls. Plus, paint should always be compatible with the substrate and previous coats.
Timing and preparation of the surface are critical
The best paint in the world won’t work if it is poorly timed, poorly prepared, or applied to a poorly prepared surface.
Choose the right season/window
In Canada, the weather can change a lot, so try and paint when you can get multiple, consecutive dry days, when the weather isn’t too hot, and there is no frost overnight. As one person put it, “Aim for late spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate, typically between 10 °C and 25 °C.”
Avoid extremes
Conditions are a no-go when it is too hot, too cold, expected heavy dew, rain, or wind, and when the weather is dry.
Surface preparation is a must
Steps like, taking out old paint, washing off dirty, and cleaning, fully drying, and fixing any damages, then applying and priming are crucial and should be taken without a second mystery.
Use primer when you need to
If you are painting bare wood, or metal, or changing from one outer material to another, you will need a primer designed for and recommended for exterior use.
And suggested paint brands/types
Even though I’m not endorsing any one specific product, here are some examples of paints that work well for Canadian conditions: SICO Evolution Exterior Paint. This paint is Canadian-made. It’s acrylic and works well for our seasonal weather and freeze-thaw conditions.
Also, weather conditions are harsh, but Benjamin Moore Element Guard exterior paint works well for advanced moisture protection and harsh conditions.
There are “all-climate” 100% acrylic exterior paints. These should work for Canadian weather too (you might want to check the technical data sheet for the temperature range and substrate suitability ).
If you’re going to a Canadian hardware store and want to know if the paint is any good, look for these phrases: “100% acrylic”, “exterior/house siding”, “freeze-thaw resistant”, “low temperature application”, “weather-shield”, “mildew resistant”, and “exterior/house siding”.
A simple step-by-step plan
Choose your season/window. This is for a stretch of dry days with moderate temps (for example 10-25 °C and the surface is above 5 °C). Also, there shouldn’t be any major temperature drop overnight.
- Inspect the exterior : Clean the walls/siding. Scrape peeling paint, remove mildew, repair cracks or rot, and ensure the substrate is dry.
- Prime if you’re required to : Especially if you have new wood or exposed substrate, major repairs, or are changing from a non-compatible old paint.
- Choose a 100% acrylic latex paint : This is weather resistant and will work for cold-climates. It has freeze-thaw cycles, good adhesion, and will work for exterior use.
- Mind the manufacturer’s application range : Look at the cans and technical documentations for info on the different limits of recommended temperature range, drying, and re-coat window.
- Do not ignore the best practices : Paint when the surface is shaded or moderate, paint when the temperature is not hot, and avoid high humidity or drafty rain.
- Do not ignore the best practices : Paint when the surface is shaded or moderate, paint when the temperature is not hot, and avoid high humidity or drafty rain.
Why is it important: Protect your investment
In Canada, the snow, UV, wind, and rain batter the siding, wood, and masonry. If the paint is not sealed and protected, it will degrade and not last. Adding paint will extend the life of the siding, reduce the work, and improve the appearance while ensuring it is protected.
On the other hand, using generic, stand-in paint, especially paint not rated for the region, using paint during the wrong season, or painting during the wrong conditions may cause paint to bubble, peel, crack, or need to be redone in a shorter amount of time. One professional advises that painting too early in spring and not considering the temperature can cause “poor adhesion, uneven finish and increased risk of peeling.”
Final thoughts
Based on Canadian weather, the “best exterior paint” is paint that considers the climate. It must be able to stretch and hold on during the cold, heat, sun, moisture and movement, and shifting of the environment. Avoid the cheapest option if it doesn’t have the right benefits. Go for a high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint, ensure to check its temperature and substrate suitability, time the job properly, and don’t skip on thorough surface preparation. Your home will be thankful with a finish that is beautiful, and will stand up to Canadian seasons for years.
