As
warmer weather arrives in many parts of the country, homeowners are
beginning to take stock of their exterior painting needs. Whether
that paint project involves a whole house repaint or a simple front
door color change, follow these suggestions for an attractive and
long-lasting paint job.
Before
you begin painting, make sure the surface is clean and sound. Even
the best quality paints will fail if they are applied to a poorly
prepared surface. Next, always use the right tools and brushes. 
Good
quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along
more quickly. And don’t forget the role weather plays in exterior
painting. You should paint when the temperature is between 60° and
85° F, and when there is little or no wind. 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.
When
it comes to reviving your home's paint color scheme, 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.
Choosing
a new color scheme might seem like a very daunting task at first.
Before you begin, you will need to consider 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.
Next,
take into account fixed colors. Consider the colors on and near the
house that either cannot, or will not, be painted. This includes
the roof color, as well as wood, masonry, or stone that will be left
unpainted.
Lastly,
consider the surroundings and check for restrictions. Look at the
hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those
that are right next door. You wouldn’t want a color that
is exactly the same as that on your neighbor’s home, and,
conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either.
Article
courtesy of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
