Elevate Your Home's Exterior with These Expert Painting Tips

A fresh coat of exterior paint can do wonders for your home's curb appeal while also protecting it from the elements. By using high-quality paints, following expert application techniques, and incorporating additional decorative updates, you can give your home an instant facelift.

The Importance of a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting the exterior should be a priority for any homeowner looking to increase their home's value and withstand weather damage over time. The right colours and finishes can make an architectural style pop while also blending nicely with surrounding homes.
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When selecting colours, consider siding material, roofing, and accent features like a front door or shutters. Use online visualisation tools to experiment with different colour combinations. Pay attention to complementing trim and accents as well for a cohesive aesthetic.

Protecting Your Investment

Quality exterior paint forms a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. This prevents costly repairs down the road from water infiltration, dried out materials, or cracking/peeling paint. Investing in premium paint ensures longevity, uniform coverage, and vivid colours that will hold up over time.

Curb Appeal Matters

According to research, a well-maintained exterior can increase a home's value by over 5%. For buyers, a pristine exterior signals that the home received excellent care and upkeep. An exterior makeover is one of the most cost-effective upgrades before selling.

Choosing the Right Exterior Paint

When selecting exterior paint, consider performance factors like durability and weather-resistance alongside aesthetics. High-end acrylic latex and alkyd oil-based paints outperform cheaper options. Pay attention to the type of surfaces you're painting as well to pick appropriate paint.

Paint Type Comparison

Latex paint consists of acrylic resins suspended in water for easy application and cleanup. It adheres well to many surfaces, dries quickly, and resists cracking/peeling.

Oil-based alkyd paint contains solvents for excellent adhesion and durability. It performs especially well on distressed wood and metal. Consider VOC levels, application temperature ranges, and dry times as well when deciding between latex vs. oil-based paint.

Current Colour Trends

Earthy beiges and warm neutrals dominate many exterior colour palettes, but shades of blue and green are also popular for kickstarting exterior updates. Contrasting bright colours on accent trim and front doors is another easy way to incorporate bold hues. Consult online visualisation apps and colour forecasting sites for the latest trends.

Selecting the Perfect Hue

Choosing a colour that complements your home's architecture ensures visual cohesion. Historic styles and craftsman bungalows tend to use darker, saturated hues while contemporary designs shine with greys, fresh whites, or neutral tones. Use colour to highlight special features like a textured facade, brickwork, or prominent entryway.

Expert Painting Techniques

Proper surface prep and application techniques ensure your paint job's quality and longevity. Consider the level of effort, equipment requirements, and finished results when weighing DIY vs. professional painting.

Start with a Clean Foundation

Thoroughly wash grime, chalking paint, mildew and dirt off all surfaces before painting. Sand glossy areas for better adhesion and fill cracks with caulk. Repair any damaged wood, render, brick or siding. A smooth, uniform foundation allows the paint to adhere tightly and evenly.

Brush vs. Roller vs. Sprayer

Brushes excel at painting edges, trim, and hard to reach spots but require more time and skill.

Rollers quickly apply large swaths of paint but have a steeper learning curve.

Sprayers are the fastest application method but overspray easily if not used properly. Each method has pros and cons to weigh.

Professional Painters Get Consistent Results

Exterior painting requires meticulous attention to achieve flawless results. Professional crews use commercial-grade equipment, specialise in surface preparation, and have refined techniques to enhance application speed. Professional Exterior Painters experience painting complicated architectural details results in a striking, high-end finish.

Enhance Curb Appeal with Decorative Touches

Beyond a fresh coat of paint, incorporating trendy exterior design elements can modernise your home's look. From lush greenery and updated hardware to decorative lighting, small additions enhance overall aesthetics.

Greenery Softens Architectural Lines

Strategically placed plants, trees and flower beds add welcome pops of natural colour while softening sharp angles and lines. Pay attention to plant size, growth rates, sunlight needs and placement for optimal impact. Hanging baskets, container plants or decorative planters also add curb appeal without requiring in-ground installation.

New Hardware Modernises Your Exterior

Replacing outdated exterior hardware provides an easy style upgrade. Statement front doors, bold house numbers, sleek exterior lighting and incorporate contemporary elements into traditional architecture. Choose materials like oil-rubbed bronze, stainless steel, nickel & satin metals over gold and brass finishes.

Power Washing Reveals Your Home's True Colour

Over time, exterior surfaces collect layers of dirt, mould and mildew that hides the surface underneath. Renting a power washer (or hiring a professional) to clean siding, outdoor living areas, fences and masonry removes gunk and revitalises faded areas. Always test pressure levels first before full-on washing.

Maintaining Your Home's Exterior

Preserving your exterior's freshly updated appearance requires consistent maintenance. Inspect surfaces periodically for new damage or wear. Promptly clean oil stains from driveways, repair downspout leaks causing mildew, and reseal windows if needed.

Adding decorative touches like weatherproof pillows, accent lighting or container plants keeps your exterior looking magazine-worthy year after year. For more significant upgrades, consider installing new garage doors, paver walkways or professionally designed landscapes.

Conclusion

Elevating your home's exterior delivers an instant return through increased curb appeal and weather protection. By using premium paint, adding decorative elements, and keeping up consistent maintenance, you maintain visual interest and protect your investment over time. 

For flawless results, consider hiring professional painting and decorating services such as Borthwick Decorators for their technical expertise, equipment and refined techniques.