by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024
Table of Contents
Hey there, you finally decided it's time to freshen up the outside of your place with a new coat of paint. Great idea! A fresh exterior paint job is one of the easiest ways to boost your home's curb appeal and make it look like new again. The best part is you don't have to spend a fortune to get professional results. With some time and elbow grease, you can tackle this DIY project yourself. Whether you want to go bold with an accent wall or keep it simple with an updated version of your current color, these tips will help you end up with an exterior you'll be proud to show off. Ready to learn how to make your house the best-looking one on the block? Let's get started!
The Power of Curb Appeal
The curb appeal of your home—that first impression it makes on visitors and passersby—has a huge impact. When it comes to attracting buyers or just making your place inviting, exterior paint can work wonders.
Choose a Color Scheme
The colors you select set the tone for your home's style and personality. For a cohesive look, stick to a color scheme of 2-3 complementary hues. Warm tones like reds, oranges and yellows suggest an energetic vibe. Cool blues and greens give off a relaxed feel. And for timeless appeal, you can't go wrong with classic neutral shades of beige, gray and white.
Focus on Key Areas
Don't feel compelled to paint every exterior surface. Focus on elements like:
- The front door: As the focal point, choose a color that pops. Red or navy blue doors are popular.
- Shutters and trim: For contrast, paint them a complementary shade darker or lighter than the main siding color.
- The garage door: Match or coordinate with the main house color so it doesn’t stand out.
- Fences and railings: For continuity, use the same color palette as the house exterior.
Consider the Details
Little touches make a big difference. Paint items like house numbers, mailboxes, outdoor lighting fixtures, planters and benches in the same color family as your exterior. For texture, use two different sheens on the siding, such as satin and semi-gloss. And for extra dimension, add decorative touches like contrasting stripes or geometric shapes.
With some thought and effort put into your color choices and key focal points, you can create an exterior that makes a fantastic first impression and gives your curb appeal a boost. Now get out there and start painting!
Choosing the Right Exterior Paint Finish
Choosing the right exterior paint finish is key for enhancing your home’s curb appeal. The options can be overwhelming, so consider these tips:
Flat or Matte Finish
A flat or matte finish absorbs light and hides imperfections in siding or stucco. It’s a popular, budget-friendly choice, but shows dirt and stains easily and requires frequent touch-ups.
Eggshell or Satin Finish
A step up from flat, eggshell or satin finishes have a soft, subtle sheen. They’re more durable and moisture-resistant than flat paint, but may still require occasional touch-ups. Eggshell is ideal for stucco or wood siding.
Semi-gloss Finish
A semi-gloss finish has a medium shine and stands up well to dirt and stains. It’s easy to clean and durable, perfect for trim, shutters, doors or areas that see a lot of activity. Semi-gloss accentuates the texture of stucco or brick.
Glossy Finish
A glossy finish has a bold, shiny look that makes a dramatic statement. It’s extremely durable and moisture-resistant but also highlights any imperfections. Use it sparingly on trim, railings or other architectural details.
In the end, consider your home’s style and siding material, how much maintenance you want, and the look you’re after. A combination of finishes, such as satin for walls and semi-gloss for trim, can give you the best of both worlds. With the right exterior paints, you’ll have curb appeal that makes a stellar first impression.
Selecting Exterior Paint Colors to Enhance Curb Appeal
Choosing the right exterior paint colors for your home is key to enhancing its curb appeal. The colors you select can significantly impact how appealing and inviting your house appears to both visitors and potential homebuyers.
Consider the Style of Your Home
Choose a color scheme that complements the architectural style of your house. For example, earthy, natural tones work well for craftsman bungalows, while bright whites suit minimalist, modern homes. For a colonial or Victorian house, consider classic color combinations like forest green and burgundy or navy blue and cream.
Focus on the Trim and Accent Areas
The trim, shutters, doors, and accent areas of your home provide opportunities to create a cohesive color scheme. You might paint the trim and shutters in a complementary shade for contrast, or opt for the same color in a lighter or darker tone. For the front door, choose a bold, eye-catching color that makes a statement, like fire engine red or cobalt blue.
Don’t Forget the Roof and Landscaping
Think about how the paint colors will coordinate with other exterior elements like your roofing and landscaping. For example, a house with a red brick facade would pair well with paint colors in earthy, rustic shades, while a home with extensive greenery and foliage needs colors that won’t clash with the natural surroundings. Consider echoing colors from plantings and flowers in your paint choices.
Test and View Samples
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, test the samples on your actual house to see how the colors appear in different lighting conditions throughout the day. Have a friend or neighbor view the samples as well to get another perspective. The colors you end up choosing can greatly impact your home’s curb appeal and set the right first impression, so take the time to make the perfect choice.
Prepping Your Home's Exterior Before Painting
To get your home ready for a fresh coat of paint, some prep work is required. Taking the time to properly prepare your home’s exterior will help ensure you get the best-looking and longest-lasting results.
Inspect the Surface
Closely examine your home’s siding and trim for any damage or imperfections that need repairs before painting. Look for cracks, holes, or rotted wood that needs replacement. Repair or replace as needed. Also look for any loose siding or trim pieces and re-secure them.
Clean the Exterior
Use a pressure washer to clean your home’s exterior of built-up dirt and debris. Pay extra attention to areas where water may have pooled to remove any mold, mildew, or algae growth. For tough stains, you can also scrub problem areas with a detergent solution and a stiff brush. Rinse well with water to remove all cleaning solution residue before painting.
Cover and Tape
Use painter’s tape, drop cloths, and plastic sheeting to cover and protect surfaces you don’t want to paint like windows, doors, lighting fixtures, and the ground surrounding the area. Remove or tape over any exterior fixtures like house numbers, mailboxes, and hardware.
Prime Bare or Repaired Areas
Apply a quality primer to any bare wood or repaired areas on your home’s exterior before topcoating with paint. The primer helps the new paint better adhere to the surface. For the best results, choose a primer specifically meant for exterior use that is compatible with your topcoat paint.
Lightly Sand Surfaces
Lightly sanding rough or glossy surfaces helps the new paint grip better. Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to lightly sand siding, trim, and any previously painted surfaces before wiping away dust with a tack cloth and applying a fresh coat of primer and paint.
By taking the time to thoroughly inspect, clean, repair, mask, prime and sand your home’s exterior before painting, you'll achieve professional-looking results that stand the test of time. Your curb appeal and home value will get a boost from a fresh coat of paint applied to a well-prepped surface.
Painting Your Home's Siding to Boost Curb Appeal
Painting your home’s siding is one of the easiest ways to boost your curb appeal and add instant value. A fresh coat of paint can make your house look well-maintained and stylish. When choosing a color, think about what will complement your home’s architecture and work well with the surrounding landscape.
Consider the color wheel
Choose colors that are harmonious, like shades in the same color family. Analogous colors sit side by side on the color wheel, such as yellow, yellow-green and green. For contrast, select complementary colors opposite each other on the wheel, such as blue and orange. Neutral tones like beige or gray also work well and provide a blank canvas.
Dark vs. light
Darker shades tend to make a space seem smaller, while lighter colors open it up. If you have a small house, opt for lighter hues. For larger homes, darker shades can create a dramatic look. You can also use a combination, with darker colors on the lower level and lighter shades for the upper floor and trim.
Match the roof
For the most cohesive look, choose a shade slightly darker or lighter than your roof color. If you have a dark roof, a medium-tone siding color will provide contrast. For a light-colored roof, go a few shades darker. Matching the roof exactly may look unbalanced.
Consider sheen
A satin or eggshell sheen with a soft, subtle luster is a good choice for most exteriors. Flat paint won’t show dirt as easily but is harder to clean. A glossy sheen accentuates imperfections in the siding.
Trim the trim
For the trim, including doors, windows, porches and shutters, choose a complementary shade three to five values lighter or darker than the siding color. This helps the trim stand out while still coordinating with the overall color scheme.
Following these useful tips will help you choose exterior paint colors that highlight your home’s best features and create a harmonious, welcoming space that appeals to both you and your neighbors. With some planning, you'll be well on your way to boosting your curb appeal in no time.
Ideas for Painting Your Front Door to Make a Statement
Your front door makes a strong first impression and helps set the tone for your home's overall curb appeal. Choosing the right color for your front door is an easy way to make a statement and boost your home’s exterior appeal.
Bold and Bright
For a fun, eye-catching look, consider painting your front door a bold, bright color like fire engine red, cobalt blue or forest green. Vibrant colors attract attention and highlight your home’s entrance. They also make a cheery welcome for you and your guests.
Classic and Timeless
If you prefer a more traditional style, black, navy blue or charcoal gray are timeless front door colors that complement most home exteriors. For a classic look with character, a chocolate brown front door is stylish yet warm and inviting. These darker shades create a sense of distinction and work with a variety of architectural styles.
Tone-on-Tone
For a subtle effect, choose a front door color in a slightly deeper or darker shade than your home’s main exterior color. For example, if your house is painted light gray, a medium gray front door helps highlight the entrance while blending in with the overall color scheme. This tone-on-tone approach creates a cohesive, polished look.
Consider the Trim
The color of your home’s trim and accents also impacts your front door color choice. For the most cohesive look, choose a front door color that coordinates with your trim color. Alternatively, make a bolder statement by painting your front door a contrasting color to grab attention. In either case, use the same color family for a harmonious look, such as shades of blue, green, red or yellow.
With the right front door color, you can make your home’s entrance eye-catching, cozy or dramatic. Stand out from the crowd and boost your curb appeal by giving your front door a fresh coat of colorful paint. Your home’s exterior and all who visit are sure to appreciate your creative efforts!
Ways to Use Trim Paint to Upgrade Curb Appeal
When it comes to curb appeal, trim paint can make a big impact. Freshly painted trim frames your home’s exterior in an attractive way and helps direct the eye, highlighting architectural details. Here are some ways trim paint can enhance your home’s curb appeal:
Accentuate Windows and Doors
Painting the trim around windows, doors, and entryways in a contrasting color draws attention to these features and makes a stylish statement. For a cohesive look, choose a complementary shade on the color wheel, such as navy blue trim with red doors. Or go bold with a striking contrast like black trim on a white house.
Emphasize Corners and Edges
Use trim paint on corner boards, corner trim pieces, and edge trim along the roofline, foundation, and porch edges. Painting these areas helps define the shape and lines of your home, and the dimensional trim provides depth and shadow. For added interest, choose a color that contrasts with your home’s base color.
Upgrade Railings and Balustrades
Fresh paint on railings, balusters, and balustrade trim instantly provides an upgrade. For a classic look, paint wood railings and trim in a crisp white or off-white. Or for a pop of color, choose a darker, richer shade that coordinates with your overall exterior color scheme. Either way, a new coat of paint will make railings and trim appear refreshed and high-end.
Refresh Shutters and Pediments
Paint or repaint your home’s shutters, pediments, and other decorative trim pieces. Choose a color that matches or coordinates with your home’s siding or trim. New paint on these exterior elements provides an easy facelift and helps ensure all parts of your home’s facade are well-maintained and photo-ready.
With some strategically placed trim paint, you can highlight the best parts of your home’s exterior architecture and give your curb appeal an instant boost. Enhancing trim, railings, shutters, and other details with fresh paint is an easy, affordable way to make a stylish statement and increase your home’s overall appeal.
Painting Porch Railings and Decks for Maximum Impact
Painting your porch railings and deck is one of the best ways to boost your home’s curb appeal without a major renovation. When choosing a color, think about what will complement your home’s existing color scheme and architecture. For a cohesive look, consider matching the color of your porch flooring or siding. If you want to make a statement, a bold color like forest green, navy blue or red can be eye-catching. For a bright, cheery vibe, yellow, light blue or terra cotta are great options.
Once you’ve picked a color, clean and lightly sand your railings and deck to rough up the surface. Apply a primer for the best results, especially if you’re painting over a dark color. For the most durable finish, use an exterior paint that is specifically meant for decks and railings. A satin sheen has a slight gloss that helps prevent stains while still hiding imperfections.
A brush is best for trim and spindles, while a roller will speed up painting flat areas. Apply at least two coats, waiting 2-4 hours between coats. Don’t forget the underside of the railings and the vertical spindles. Sealing your deck with a waterproofing product after painting will help prevent water damage and make your new color last longer.
Painting outdoor stairs can be tricky, so take your time. Start at the top and work your way down using a brush to paint spindles and edges, and a roller for treads. Once the railings and deck are done, step back and admire your work. Your freshly painted porch and deck will make a wonderful first impression and become a favorite spot for relaxing on warm days.
Exterior Paint Tips FAQ
Have some burning questions about exterior house painting? We've got answers.
What type of paint should I use? For exteriors, latex or acrylic paints are best. They expand and contract with temperature changes and stand up well to weather. Oil-based paints are not recommended for exteriors.
How do I choose a color? Drive around your neighborhood and see what exterior colors you like on other houses. Check out color trends online or at your local paint store. Choose 3-5 colors you like and get samples to view on your house. See how they look in different lighting and choose the one you love.
How many coats of paint will I need? For the best results, two coats of paint are typically needed. The first coat primes the surface while the second coat provides full, even coverage. For a color change, you may need an additional coat of primer before applying two coats of the new color.
Do I need to prime? Priming provides a uniform surface for the topcoats of paint to adhere to. Priming is especially important when painting over a surface that has never been painted before, when changing from a dark to a light color, or when covering stains. Priming helps provide even coverage in fewer coats.
How do I prepare the exterior for painting? Proper surface preparation is key. Clean the exterior to remove dirt and debris. Repair any damaged areas like cracks or holes. Lightly sand glossy surfaces to provide "tooth" for the new paint. Apply primer as needed. Cover or mask off any areas you do not want to paint like trim, windows, or doors.
What tools and equipment will I need? You'll want high quality brushes, rollers, paint trays, painter's tape, drop cloths, caulk or putty, sandpaper, primer, cleaning supplies, and of course top-quality exterior paint. You may also want a power washer, paint sprayer, ladder and extension handles.
Take your time to properly prepare the surface and choose quality tools and paint. With some patience, you can achieve a professional-looking finish and boost your home's curb appeal. Let the transformation begin!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some easy ways to seriously amp up your home's curb appeal just by adding a fresh coat of paint. A little bit of color can go a long way in transforming the look and feel of where you live. Whether you opt for a bold shade that makes a statement or stick to a more neutral, natural palette, choosing a color you genuinely love will make you excited to come home each day. Add in some contrasting accents for extra dimension or keep it monochromatic for a cohesive flow. However you decide to paint your place, do it with confidence knowing that you're creating an exterior space that reflects your unique style. A house is made a home through the details, so grab your brush and get to work making the outside as inviting as what's within. Your home and your neighbors will thank you for it!