Description
C2 Exterior Paint — Durable Acrylic for Siding, Trim & Doors
Plain-English overview: A premium, 100% acrylic exterior finish for long-lasting color and protection on wood, fiber-cement, masonry, and properly prepared metal. It resists peeling and fading, cleans up with soap and water, and is available in Matte, Eggshell, Satin(DTM/DTS), and Semi-Gloss.
Why choose it
- Weather tough: Excellent adhesion, flexibility, and color retention against sun, rain, and seasonal swings.
- Mildew-resistant finish: Helps keep surfaces looking clean longer.
- Broad surface compatibility: Wood, fiber-cement, masonry, and primed metals.
- Low odor, water-based: Easy soap-and-water cleanup.
- Full C2 palette: Tintable to the complete C2 color collection.
Special callout - Satin (DTM/DTS) Direct-to-Substrate
The Satin sheen uses a direct-to-substrate resin system designed to bond to many exterior surfaces without a separate primer after proper prep. It delivers tenacious adhesion, excellent stain resistance, superior weathering, and great color retention. Ideal for:
- Aluminum & vinyl siding (avoid very dark colors on vinyl to prevent heat-related warping)
- Galvanized metal (clean thoroughly before painting)
- Masonry (fully cured) and previously painted surfaces
- Wood (see knot/tannin notes below)
Where it excels
- Siding (wood, fiber-cement, aluminum, vinyl), trim, fascia, shutters, and doors
- Porch ceilings and soffits (not for floors or decks)
Coverage & key specs
- Covers: ~400–450 sq ft per gallon (less on rough/porous surfaces)
- Dry time: Touch ~30 minutes; recoat 2–4 hours; full service hardness ~14 days
- Application temp: Apply when product/surface/air are above 50°F (10°C); protect from freezing
- Cleanup: Warm, soapy water
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Wash & inspect: Remove dirt, chalk, grease, mildew, and loose paint; allow to dry.
- Prep the surface: Scrape and feather edges, sand glossy areas to dull, caulk gaps, and repair defects.
- Primer guidance:
- Satin (DTM): May be applied directly to many clean, sound surfaces after proper prep.
- Wood knots/tannins: Spot-prime knots and sappy areas with an exterior alkyd primer. For cedar/redwood, apply one coat, dry overnight, then apply the second coat; severely staining woods may require an alkyd stain-blocking primer.
- Masonry: New masonry must be fully cured before painting.
- Metal: Clean galvanized/ferrous metal thoroughly; prime only if corrosion control is needed.
- Stir well (do not thin): Strain if spraying.
- Apply 2 finish coats: Brush/roll or spray (airless tip ~0.012"–0.015"), maintaining a wet edge. Back-brush/back-roll on textured siding.
- Cure & protect: Shield fresh paint from rain/condensation; allow several days for early washability and about two weeks for full service hardness.
Pro tips
- Paint shaded sides first; avoid hot surfaces and direct midday sun to reduce lap marks.
- Seal wood end-grain to limit moisture intrusion.
- When changing from dark to light (or vice versa), a tinted undercoat or an extra finish coat improves uniformity.
- On vinyl siding, choose similar or lighter colors to avoid heat-related deformation.
FAQs
- What does “DTM/DTS” mean on the Satin sheen?
- DTM or DTS stand for Direct-to-Metal/Substrate. The Satin sheen uses an extremely high end resin, formulated to adhere to many exterior surfaces-like aluminum/vinyl siding, galvanized metal, and cured masonry—without a separate primer after proper prep.
- Do I still need a primer with Satin (DTM)?
- Often no, if the surface is clean, sound, and compatible. You should still spot-prime wood knots/tannin-rich areas and address rust or severe stains with appropriate specialty primers.
- How many coats should I apply?
- Two finish coats are recommended for best protection, color depth, and uniform sheen.
- Can I spray it?
- Yes—airless spray works well. Back-brush/back-roll on textured or rough substrates for maximum adhesion and penetration.
- Which sheen should I pick?
- Flat hides surface flaws on siding; Satin (DTM) offers balanced sheen with primer-less application on many substrates; Semi-Gloss gives the hardest, most cleanable finish for trim and doors.