Painting the exterior of your home can be a tricky job, and many beginners are unsure of what type and color of paint they should use. Although paint choices are mostly a personal decision, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right paint for your home.
Keeping the following tips in mind will help you have the most success when painting the exterior of your home:
1 – What Color Should I Paint My Home?
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a paint color for your home. First of all, take a look at the other homes in your neighborhood. You will want your home to match or contrast nicely with the homes of your neighbors. For instance, if all of the houses in your neighborhood are painted in quiet, neutral colors, you will want to choose a somewhat neutral color for your home as well.
If you are debating between a dark or light color paint, there are a few things to keep in mind. Paint that is light in color is not as easily faded by sunlight, so it may last longer. Light colored paint also helps to make small homes look bigger. However, if your home is older and has cracks or other imperfections, a light colored paint may make these imperfections more noticeable.
Dark colored paint can help to hide any flaws in the siding of your home, and usually looks better on older homes. The only issue with dark colored paint is that it does fade more drastically in direct sunlight, but this process can take years. Your home is also more protected from the sunlight if you have shade trees around your house.
Another thing to take into consideration when choosing an exterior paint is the color of your roof. Painting your roof can be a big job in itself, and if your roof is in good condition, it is unnecessary to do so. Instead, choose exterior paint colors that look good with the existing color of your roof.
2 – What Type of Paint Should I Use?
When painting siding, you will want to use a flat paint. Latex paint is a popular choice for many people, and for good reason. Latex paint is the easiest paint to work with, so it is an ideal choice for beginners who are painting their home themselves. Latex paint dries quickly, is easy to clean up and is naturally resistant to mildew, meaning that your home will be much easier to clean and to keep looking nice. Latex paint is also very durable, so a good, thorough paint job will last for years.
Acrylic paint is another type of latex paint that is also a good choice for beginners. Some professionals prefer oil based paint, which is incredibly durable but can be irritating to use. Oil based paints have strong fumes, cause for messy clean up and can take a long time to dry. If you are considering something a little different than typical paint, you could also consider staining your house for a rugged, natural look.
3 – What About My Trim?
When painting your trim and window shutters, you will want to choose a color that is different from the rest of your home, but that contrasts nicely. A color similar to the color of your roof or that matches nicely with your roof is the best choice. A nice satin paint is usually the best choice for trim. If you would also like to paint your doors, railings and other accents, you may want to choose a gloss or high gloss paint. Although glossy paint does require a bit more cleaning than other types of paint, it will give the decorative accents of your home a special, attractive shine.
About the author: Gary is a painter by trade and has been involved in renovating homes for the last 13 years. Choosing the right exterior paint is something he believes is crucial in determining the overall ‘feel’ of the home. Gary estimates that he has painted more than 500 homes, so it is safe to say that he knows what he is talking about!
Credits: Photo courtesy of Michael Cornelius.