Spring into Exterior Home Painting: Add Sparkle With a New Coat of Paint!
As warmer weather arrives in many parts of the country, homeowners are beginning to take stock of their exterior painting needs.
“Paint serves two important purposes: To help protect your home’s exterior surface and to decorate or personalize your outdoor spaces,” Debbie Zimmer says, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, “and Spring is the perfect time to begin this process of protection and decoration.”
Zimmer offers simple suggestions for an attractive and long-lasting paint job whether the paint project involves a whole house repaint or a simple front door color change:
Make sure the surface is clean and sound before you begin painting. Even the best quality paints will fail if they are applied to a poorly prepared surface.
Always use the right tools and brushes. Good quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly.
Weather plays an important role during exterior painting so plan to paint when the temperature is between 60 degrees and 85 degrees F, and when there is little or no wind.
“Many people choose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house, but choosing a new color scheme can be fun and exciting - and can give your home a fresh and updated look,"Zimmer says. She suggests:
To lessen the anxiety and uncertainty of choosing a new paint color, start by considering the architectural style of your home. Some styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four- and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to two or three colors. Usually this includes a main body color, and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors.
In addition, take into account fixed colors. Consider the colors on and near the house that will not be painted such as, roofs, wood, masonry, or stone.
Consider the surroundings. Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings - particularly those that are right next door.
Finally, choose a quality paint that is designed for the job you’re doing. Using a lower quality paint just to save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you used a top quality product.
By following these simple painting tips and suggestions, your home will sparkle this spring. For regular painting tips and color trend information, visit http://www.paintquality.com.
