Whether you’re putting your home on the market, updating its aesthetic, or just wanting to improve its appearance, painting the exterior can do wonders for its curb appeal. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run, as a well-done paint job can add up to significant savings in terms of time and money.
Choosing Exterior House Colors
The first step in any house-painting project is choosing the right colors. Ideally, the paint you choose should complement your home’s architectural details, while still fitting with the style of your neighborhood and incorporating your personal tastes and preferences. If you don’t have a lot of experience picking out paint colors, it may be worth hiring a professional to help.
Before selecting a paint color, consider its durability and how you’ll use it. For example, dark colors tend to fade faster than lighter ones. A darker, richer hue will also require more coats to achieve a smooth, even finish. On the other hand, a lighter color with a more muted tone will be more durable and will require fewer coats to achieve the same result.
Painting the Exterior
Before painting the exterior of your home, you must prepare the exterior painting surface for the new coating by removing all old paint and staining. This includes scraping and sanding any blistered or flaked paint. If you’re painting over a wood surface, be sure to prime it first.
Choosing the Best Type of Paint
There are two basic types of exterior paints: water-based latex and oil-based alkyd. Both have many advantages, including low odor, good flow, and ease of cleanup.
If you’re planning to put your house on the market, opt for an exterior paint that has a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content. This will help protect your home from toxins that might off-gas from cheaper paints and will make it more appealing to potential buyers.
You can also opt for a paint that has mold and mildew resistance and is available in various finishes. For example, you can select a satin sheen for your trim and a semi gloss for siding, which will hide surface imperfections while still providing a brighter appearance.
Using the Cutting-In Method
Before starting your exterior house painting project, you’ll want to ensure that all surface areas are clean and free of debris. A power sprayer will do the trick for this, but you can also scrub the surfaces by hand with a brush and a little soapy water.
Then, use your favorite exterior paint to cover the surfaces you’ve sanded and wiped down with water. This will create an even surface to adhere the new paint to.
Using the Right Tooling
To paint the exterior of your home, you’ll need a variety of tools, including brushes and rollers. For the most efficient application, choose a pair of brushes with varying widths and diameters, and a roller that’s long enough for large areas but small enough to fit into tight corners.