5 Exterior Painting Mistakes To Avoid

The exterior of your home is the first impression it makes on visitors and potential future buyers. So homeowners need to avoid making mistakes when it comes to the exterior paint job. What are some of these mistakes, and how can you avoid them? Here are some things to watch out for. 

1. Trying to DIY the Work

If you're on a tight budget, you may be tempted to be your own painter. After all, perhaps you painted the interior successfully. However, the home's exterior is a much bigger and more complex task. It's more subject to the elements, so you need the right type of paint. It can be hard to access, so you'll need more equipment. And it's complicated, so you need to understand design principles. All this calls for professional help. 

2. Using Just One Color

A monochrome house fails to take advantage of all the unique elements of the exterior and it makes the house appear uninteresting. Just like interior walls, exteriors have trim, molding, architectural details, and accents that should be highlighted in different ways. This is particularly important if your home has a specific historical architectural style. Failure to use a proper palette will lower the value of your home. 

3. Choosing the Wrong Color

Anytime you paint a wall and it doesn't quite come out the shade you expect, it can be a disappointment. But when your entire house exterior doesn't live up to expectations, it can be a catastrophe. Avoid this problem by using more than just a paint swatch to select a color. Add samples to the home and imagine them in different environments. Consult with professionals. And don't be afraid to remix colors.

4. Painting in the Wrong Weather

Extremes of both heat and cold affect exterior painting in bad ways. If the weather is too cold or wet, the paint won't dry properly and is at risk for debris and damage. When the weather is too hot, it will dry too quickly, leaving no time to complete it. The best way to find the goldilocks temperatures, months, and hours for painting success is to consult with a professional familiar with your region. 

5. Not Respecting the Architecture

While homeowners are usually free to choose any color scheme, they do well to use those that match the architectural style of the house. There is a reason that certain color palettes have been used with certain styles for generations — they look the best. Victorian styles, for instance, look great with bright and bold colors while Georgian homes will look garish with those same colors. Learn from the home's history. 

Where to Learn More

Want to know more exterior painting mistakes that you can avoid? Start by assessing your home with an experienced exterior paint service in your area today. No matter what challenges your home has, they will help you make it look its best. Contact a local painting service, such as http://stetsonpainting.com, to learn more.

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