The Art of Exterior Painting – Enhancing Curb Appeal

Home exteriors make an important first impression for visitors and passersby; therefore, it is vital that they are pleasing.

Reviving curb appeal doesn’t need to be expensive – even replacing an outdated mailbox for as little as $30 will do the trick!

Choosing the Right Colors

No matter if it’s an existing home or new build, picking out exterior paint colors that complement each other is crucial to its success. But choosing paint shades can be tricky given that so much of your house remains fixed.

Your choice of paint color depends heavily on its location and surrounding natural elements, particularly forests with lots of green foliage that will reflect off its surface and intensify any green undertones present in its hue. Light levels also have an effect; white paint that looks wonderful in a swatch may not suit your home environment at all.

An effective way to select the appropriate hue is to take several sample colors 1-2 shades warmer than what you plan to choose and test them outdoors under direct sunlight, this way giving you an understanding of how that shade interacts with both fixed components and natural lighting.

Preparation

Passers-by and visitors to any given home often form their first impression of its inhabitants from its exterior appearance. A well-kept house that stands out will attract passersby and invite further interest, which in turn could result in higher resale values when selling off later.

A fresh coat of paint will dramatically transform the appearance of any home and keep it looking clean and crisp. Furthermore, it provides protection from weather-related damages such as moisture intrusion, pest infestation, mildew development and algae growth. A fresh coat can also modernize out-of-date trim or shutters while adding contrast against brick or stucco structures.

Planning is essential when undertaking exterior painting projects. Now is the time to assess any repairs needed and test for lead paint if applicable. In addition, cleaning and sanding surfaces prior to painting is highly recommended, to ensure the final product is smooth without bumps or dimples.

Painting

An exterior paint job will not only add curb appeal, but it will also protect against weather damage. Studies show that high-quality exterior paint could add as much as five percent more resale value.

Painting exterior walls is one of the best ways to increase your home’s resale potential and provides protection from sun, wind, rain, moisture, mold moss and insects.

Home improvements projects that increase home value may come at the cost of increased expenses; few can deliver immediate and cost-effective results like painting your front and garage doors with fresh coats of paint can provide. Even if a full exterior makeover isn’t an option, painting these doors can add instantaneous curb appeal; brightly coloured doors in particular draw the eye in instantly – you could even match up door hardware accordingly and give this project lasting value to your property.

Finishing

An exterior paint job can revitalize and protect the aesthetic of your home while protecting it from dirt, mold and mildew damage caused by environmental elements. Professional painters can also identify areas needing repairs like rotted wood, sagging trim and cracked brickwork that need attention.

Paint consists of three components to form its long-term durability: pigment, additives and solvents. Pigment provides its color; natural or synthetic materials may be used. Additives add different features like antifungicides. Solvents dissolve the other ingredients, dissolving and mixing as the paint dries – in latex/acrylic paints this usually means water; for oil-based paints its typically turpentine or mineral spirits as its solvent.

Your choice of paint should depend on both its intended purpose for that room or surface in your home and personal preferences, such as whether satin sheen covers blemishes effectively but may not withstand moisture as effectively. Matt finishes offer more moisture resistance.

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