Exterior House Painting Can Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Painting your home’s exterior can dramatically improve its curb appeal. But this is no small project: it requires a lot of planning, preparation, and time.

The first step is deciding on a color scheme. It’s a good idea to choose a field color that covers most of the surface and accent colors that connect shutters, doors, trim, and other details in a pleasing way. Read on to find out more.

Colors

The colors used in exterior house painting can make a big difference to a home’s curb appeal. However, selecting the right paint color can be challenging. Choosing the right paint colors is particularly important if you plan on selling your home in the future. Neutral and classic paint shades like white, grey, beige, and greige are more likely to appeal to potential buyers. If you’re looking to update your exterior paint color, choose a shade that works with the natural brick and stone of your house.

If you want to use a bolder shade, consider ocean blues or greens that work well with the trees and grass surrounding your home. Beiges and warm grays are also popular options for a classic look that pairs well with wood trim. Trending citrus hues are a good choice for an unexpected touch of color. However, be sure to test any color on your home before committing. Bright colors can often appear unattractive on a weatherboarded facade.

Preparation

You need to prepare the surface that you’ll be painting before it gets a new coat. Taking the time to power- or hand-wash the surfaces and then sanding them down will create an excellent base for your paint job. It will also make it easier to spot any areas of damage or rot that need to be repaired. If your house has existing wood trim, be sure to caulk around it.

If you’re making a color change, you’ll need to prime the old surface before you can apply the new shade. Most exterior painting projects call for two layers, and it’s important to do them properly.

Another prep tip is to follow the shade throughout the project since direct sunlight will cause overheating and bubbling in the paint. And always keep a bucket of water and clean rags handy to wash up any mistakes. That’s a simple step that will save you lots of frustration and headaches.

Materials

A good paint job saves money, extends the life of siding and trim, and increases your home’s value. But doing it yourself requires patience, a steady hand, and the right tools.

The best exterior paints stand up to sun, wind, and rain — and some last twice as long as cheaper options. A quality exterior coating must also hide imperfections and resist cracking, fading, and mildew.

A primer, sandpaper, and brush are essential for getting a smooth surface before applying your top coat. Wear a dust mask when sanding to avoid inhaling lead-based paint dust if your house was built before 1978.

A screwdriver can be handy for removing light switch plates and outlet covers, and a piece of scrap wood serves as a paint stop. Add tape for protection around trim and baseboards, and a roller pole to reach higher surfaces. A caulking gun makes quick work of sealing cracks between windows and walls, for example.

Safety

Painting the outside of a home is an important project that can enhance curb appeal, extend the life of siding and trim, and increase property value. The process is difficult and requires specialized tools and expertise, so homeowners should take the time to learn all of the necessary steps before attempting the project themselves.

Repainting your house every five to 10 years will help preserve its integrity and ward off damage. Choosing the right colors is essential, as is ensuring that your paint job is done in good weather conditions and that all surfaces are properly prepared.

Avoid painting during extreme temperatures; if it is too cold, the paint will have trouble adhering and may roll off; if it is too hot, the paint will dry too quickly and be susceptible to cracking and peeling. Be sure to wear protective goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask to prevent inhaling chemicals or fumes during the process. Click here for more interesting articles.