Living on Cape Cod means ocean views, cool breezes, and charming neighborhoods that feel like something out of a postcard. But all that beauty comes with a catch. Our salty air, damp sea fog, and wild weather can be tough on your home’s paint. If you’ve ever noticed peeling trim or fading colors faster than you expected, you’re not alone.
In fact, homes near the coast can require repainting up to twice as often as homes farther inland. The salt in the air and strong UV rays speed up the wear and tear. That’s why choosing the right kind of paint isn’t just about color. It’s about protection.
At That 1 Painter Cape Cod, we’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t in our unique coastal climate. Let’s talk about the best types of paint that stand up to the Cape’s salty challenges and keep your home looking its best all year long.
Why Cape Cod Homes Need Specialized Coastal Paint
Cape Cod homes face a perfect storm of elements: salt air, humidity, rain, wind, and sun.
- Salt Air and Spray: Salt isn’t just at the beach. It travels on the breeze and settles onto every surface of your home. Over time, it can cause paint to bubble, chip, or peel.
- Humidity and Moisture: Cape Cod is humid for much of the year. Moisture can sneak into small cracks and crevices, leading to mildew, rot, and warping.
- UV Rays and Sun Exposure: The sun reflects off the water and beats down on rooftops, which fades paint colors and weakens finishes.
- Wind and Storms: Seasonal nor’easters and high winds carry sand and salt, which can wear down surfaces like sandpaper.
Because of these coastal stressors, not every paint will do the job. That’s why paints made for high humidity and salt-heavy areas are essential for homes around the Cape.
The Best Paint Types for Coastal Homes (Interior and Exterior)
Not all paints are created equal, especially when it comes to coastal living. If you’re painting your home in Cape Cod, here are the types of paint you want to consider:
Acrylic Latex Paint
- Water-based and easy to work with
- Flexible and expands with changing temperatures, which is great for Cape weather
- Breathable, which helps prevent moisture buildup
- Ideal for siding, trim, and fences
Elastomeric Paint
- Extra-thick and durable, almost like a liquid rubber
- Great for stucco, masonry, and cracked surfaces
- Provides strong water resistance, perfect for windy Cape storms
- Can help seal tiny cracks and prevent water from getting in
Marine-Grade Paint
- Designed for boats and docks but also works on homes
- Super tough against salt, moisture, and abrasion
- Expensive, but worth it for exposed wood and deck areas
UV-Blocking and Anti-Mold Paints
- Help keep colors from fading in Cape Cod’s bright summer sun
- Stop mildew and mold from growing in damp corners
- Work well in bathrooms, basements, and shaded exterior areas
At That 1 Painter Cape Cod, we often mix and match paint types depending on what part of the house we’re working on. The siding might need flexible latex, while the trim gets a tougher UV-resistant finish. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all, especially not out here by the water.
Trusted Paint Brands That Work in Cape Cod’s Coastal Climate
With so many paint brands out there, it can be hard to know what really holds up in a place like Cape Cod. Here are a few we trust and use every day.
Sherwin-Williams Duration® Exterior
- Built for harsh weather and long-term durability
- Great at resisting mildew and fading
- Self-priming and sticks well to wood shingles and clapboard
Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior
- Exceptional color retention, even after years in the sun
- High coverage means fewer coats needed
- Resistant to cracking and peeling, even in salty air
Behr Marquee®
- Known for its excellent coverage and rich color
- Good choice for trim and accent areas
- Fade and mildew resistant, perfect for high-traffic beach homes
Rust-Oleum and Zinsser Products
- Best for metal railings, fences, and other surfaces exposed to the elements
- Rust prevention and waterproofing built in
- Ideal for outdoor furniture, sheds, and foundations
Choosing a high-quality paint brand isn’t just about looks. It’s an investment in your home’s protection. We’ve seen cheaper paints fail within a season or two, especially on ocean-facing walls.
The Best Paint Finishes for Cape Cod Homes
When people think about paint, they often only think about color. But the finish matters just as much, especially when you’re dealing with the ocean’s effects.
Satin and Low-Sheen Finishes
- Great for exterior siding and shingles
- Provide a bit of shine without showing every bump and imperfection
- Easier to clean than flat finishes
Semi-Gloss
- Best for trim, doors, and railings
- Holds up well to wear and tear
- Reflects light and adds a pop of brightness
Flat or Matte Finishes
- Not ideal for most exteriors in Cape Cod, harder to clean and more prone to mildew
- Works indoors on ceilings or walls where shine isn’t needed
Using the right finish makes a big difference in both performance and appearance. We help our customers choose the right one for every surface because a glossy porch floor and a matte siding just don’t mix.
Surface Prep is the Secret to Long-Lasting Coastal Paint
Even the best paint won’t stick if the surface underneath isn’t ready. And in Cape Cod, where homes deal with everything from snow to sea spray, prep is key.
Here’s how we do it at That 1 Painter Cape Cod:
- Pressure Washing: We remove salt, mildew, dirt, and loose paint
- Scraping and Sanding: We smooth out peeling spots and rough areas
- Priming: We use moisture-resistant primers made for coastal climates
- Caulking: We seal gaps and cracks to keep water out
Proper prep adds years to your paint job. And let’s be honest, most people don’t want to paint every few years. We do it right the first time.
Coastal Color Choices That Look Great and Last
Cape Cod has a timeless look. Think soft whites, ocean blues, weathered grays, and sandy beiges. These colors aren’t just classic, they’re practical.
Why Lighter Colors Work Best
- Reflect sunlight and stay cooler in summer
- Fade more slowly than dark colors
- Fit beautifully into Cape Cod’s historic, nautical look
Popular Cape Cod Color Palettes
- White and Navy: Clean, crisp, and coastal
- Sage Green and Cream: Earthy and classic
- Sky Blue and Soft Gray: Calm and beachy
- Taupe and Oyster Shell: Warm and weathered
Choosing the right colors can even improve your home’s value and curb appeal. We’re happy to help you pick a palette that fits your neighborhood and stands up to Cape weather.
What to Know About Interior Paint in Humid Coastal Homes
It’s not just the outside of your home that feels the effects of Cape Cod’s moisture. Your interior paint matters too.
Rooms That Need Special Paint
- Bathrooms: Constant steam calls for mildew-resistant paint
- Basements: Moisture can sneak in through concrete walls
- Kitchens: Grease and humidity need tough, scrubbable finishes
Best Interior Paints for Coastal Living
- Look for low-VOC, mold-resistant formulas
- Use semi-gloss or satin finishes for easy cleaning
- Choose light colors to brighten rooms during gray winter months
Keeping the inside of your home fresh and beautiful takes the right paint and a painter who knows what coastal life is really like.
Maintenance Tips for Cape Cod’s Salty Air and Shifting Seasons
A good paint job should last, but coastal homes need a little extra love. Here’s how to extend the life of your exterior paint:
- Rinse salt buildup a few times a year with a garden hose
- Trim nearby shrubs so air can flow freely and moisture doesn’t get trapped
- Inspect your home every spring and fall for bubbling or peeling
- Touch up small areas before they become big problems
At That 1 Painter Cape Cod, we offer maintenance plans to help keep your paint looking great without you lifting a finger. We live here too and we treat your home like our own.
Ready to Protect Your Cape Cod Home with the Right Paint?
Choosing the best type of paint for a coastal home in Cape Cod is more than just picking a pretty color. It’s about using paints that hold up to sea air, moisture, and sun. It’s about knowing which finish fits which surface. And it’s about preparation, the kind that ensures your paint lasts season after season.
At That 1 Painter Cape Cod, we specialize in helping homeowners across the Cape protect their investment and boost their curb appeal. Whether you’re in Chatham, Sandwich, Falmouth, or anywhere in between, we’ve got your back with expert painting, smart prep, and top-tier products.
Don’t settle for paint that peels by next summer. Give us a call, and let’s make your home shine, salt air and all