Steer Clear of These 5 Exterior Paint Blunders to Prevent Your House from Standing Out as the Least Attractive on the Neighborhood
Preparing the Surface for Success
A successful exterior paint job starts with proper surface preparation. Neglecting to clean and repair surfaces before painting can lead to numerous issues, such as peeling and cracking. It's crucial to remove dirt, mildew, loose paint, and peeling areas, fill holes, and sand rough spots to create a smooth base for the new paint[1][3][5]. Ensuring surfaces are dry and free of debris is essential to avoid these problems.
The Importance of Primer
Primer plays a vital role in the painting process, especially when painting bare surfaces or switching from dark to light colors. It improves adhesion, hides imperfections, blocks stains, and reduces the number of paint coats needed[1][4]. Skipping primer when painting over glossy or oil-based paints can cause premature peeling[1][3].
Choosing the Right Colors
Selecting the right color for your home's exterior is crucial. Picking colors based solely on paint chips can lead to disappointment, as lighting conditions and surrounding materials affect the final appearance[2][4]. To avoid this, consider fixed exterior elements like roof color, brick, and window frames when choosing harmonious colors. For instance, cool-toned roofs pair well with blues and neutrals, while warm bricks go better with beige and warm grays[2].
Consider the Light
Painting in poor lighting or low light can result in missed spots, uneven coverage, or visible streaks when dry. Proper daylight or bright artificial lighting is essential for seeing true paint coverage and color[4].
Weather Matters
Ideal painting temperatures are generally between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 29°C) with low humidity. Cold weather prevents paint from adhering and curing properly, while hot weather causes too-rapid drying, which can lead to cracking and poor finish[4][5]. High humidity prolongs drying time and may cause defects like drips or peeling later[4].
Quality Materials
Using high-quality exterior acrylic paints ensures durability and resistance to fading, cracking, and weather damage[3][5].
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Inadequate surface preparation
- Skipping primer
- Poor color choices without testing
- Painting in unsuitable temperatures
- Neglecting to consider lighting conditions
Expert Advice
Christopher Boutlier, an interior designer, advises against color-drenching the exterior of a house, as it can flatten the architecture and make details like window casings, crown profiles, and eaves indistinct. Some brands offer exterior paint for doors and windows that help reflect heat and withstand harsh temperatures for homes in sun-prone spots. Nick Cryer, founder of Berkley Place, warns that painting in the wrong temperature can affect the quality of the paint job, causing problems like longer drying times, bubbling, and dirt and debris getting caught in the wet paint.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a more durable and aesthetically pleasing exterior paint job that will stand the test of time.
- To enhance outdoor living spaces, consider incorporating elements of interior design, such as flooring, decor, and art, to create a harmonious extension of your home's lifestyle.
- When revamping your living room, consider color trends in interior-design as they can impact the overall mood and atmosphere of the room.
- During home-and-garden projects, choosing the right outdoor living room flooring can significantly impact the area's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
- A trending decor concept in modern interior design involves blending outdoor living spaces with the living room, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor lifestyles.
- Incorporating art and color into your interior design can contribute to enhanced visual appeal, making a home more pleasant and inviting for yourself and guests.
