more important is the prep work. They need to scrape the old paint off and sand, then prime, then paint, so that the new paint will adhere properly. Seems a given they'd use an exterior paint but do ask them specifically which paint, not just the name and that it is meant for exteriors.

I painted mine in 2013 with ben moore regal select, low lustre (very thick, water based) and it's been great. But I used a roller and did not thin the paint. Pros will probably thin and spray, and may use a different ben moore paint.

My house is that fabricated, wood look lap siding that everybody has, with rough cedar trim. The old paint was ok, not peeling except on the smooth wood faschia, but sparse in parts of the fiber siding. I think it was also ben moore, professionally painted, but very old (maybe 12 years?). It didn't really need a new paint job, but I was getting new non-paintable gutters and I wanted to change the color.

I was told my new paint had a lifetime guarantee? Or something like that. I don't really believe that, but it is very thick and easy to apply with a roller. I painted white with gray huskie trim. I rolled it on pretty thick, one coat, after power washing. I used two coats with the paintbrush where I had to brush (trim, faschia and corners).

Absolutely, prep. I don't think I've seen painters around here use sprayers, but I will ask about that.

We are also getting a new garage door. Should the painters come before, or after?

If the painters are not painting the garage have them come before so no oopsies.

I can't keep-up with all the types of paints these days but there are pros over @ the paint forum

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/paint

Thanks, 4boys2!