5 Simple Tips for Exterior House Painting

Painting the exterior of your home is undeniably a big job that may seem overwhelming. With a little forethought and planning, however, the task can be fun and rewarding. These five tips will help you achieve the results you desire.

Tip 1: Follow the Rules

There are three main rules when it comes to painting the exterior of your home. First, keep it simple. It is very difficult to achieve a cohesive, professional look when using too many colours. Limit yourself to just three. Second, be careful what you choose to emphasise. Limit contrasting colours to interesting elements and paint gutters and other practical features to blend in. Third, stick with neutral, natural colours. Pastel shades of grey or brown are usually best.

Tip 2: Choose the Look

How you choose to address the trim will dictate the overall finished look of the home. Using a glossier version of the same colour gives the home a modern, streamlined feel. For a fresher look use white or a light colour when painting the trim. A more formal look will be achieved by painting the trim in a darker colour.

Tip 3: Colour Selection and Placement

To ensure satisfaction with the final result, carefully select your colour scheme. Tour several neighbourhoods for ideas and to see examples of how various trim choices look when completed. Sticking with a neutral palette, choose the wall, trim and accent colours for your home.

Tip 4: Preparation

When painting the exterior of a house, proper surface preparation is critical. Failure to properly prepare surfaces prevents the new paint from bonding and leads to peeling and other serious problems. Determine what type of paint you will be covering and whether additional prep will be required. Pay special attention when prepping doors and windows. Sand where needed, as much as needed. Use primer to seal any places where bare wood is exposed and always apply an undercoat before painting. Once each surface is properly prepared, apply two coats of paint in the appropriate sheen for the area in question. Be sure that each coat is thoroughly dry before adding another.

Tip 5: A Grand Entrance

All the rules about a neutral palette and simple colour scheme cease to exist when it comes to the front door. Now is the time to have some fun! Choose a fourth colour – something bold in a high gloss finish. After properly preparing the door, give it a new personality and let it shine! Select a new look for you home today!