The exterior of your home is one of the first impressions people have of your property, so the colors you choose are crucial. But selecting the right type and color of paint can be daunting — there are literally thousands of combinations, and the cost of exterior paint is not inexpensive. If you end up unhappy with the result, repainting will cost you time and money. Here’s what you can do to choose paint that complements your home and that will last.
First Things First
Invest in a high-quality paint. You’ll pay more at the outset, but premium paint will last longer, withstand weather, cover imperfections, and resist staining, which will save you money in the long run. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are two great choices for both exterior and interior paint.
Choosing Color Combos
Start with samples. Buy small containers of several different colors you like, then test them out on your home. Paint swatches on both the north and south sides of your house to see how it looks in different areas of sunlight, and be sure to paint near your trim, too, to make sure the colors look good next to each other.
Speaking of trim — why not try out a new color for it as well? Sure, you could stick with traditional white, but painting it a different color can add interest.
For color ideas and inspiration, check out these Five Trending Paint Colors from our friends at Sherwin-Williams.
Choosing The Right Type OF PAINT
Oil based paint is extremely durable and will stand up to all types of weather, but it can be difficult to clean up if it gets anywhere you don’t want it. Oil based paint is normally used by professional painters.
Latex paint is easier to apply and clean up, but it’s not as durable as oil-based.
Acrylic paint is the highest-quality latex paint. It will cover nearly any type of surface and is still pretty easy to apply and clean up. If you’re doing a DIY paint project, acrylic may be the way to go. (Here’s how to prep your home for painting.)
Consider This
Have you ever thought about painting your garage floor, or even your concrete walkways or driveway? Using a paint or stain specifically for concrete will not only give them a fresh, new look, but can also help them resist mold and mildew!
No time to paint? No problem! Call us today for a free, no obligation quote for painting your home’s exterior. We can even help you choose paint color combinations, and we’ll make sure the job’s done right from start to finish.