Tips On Painting Your Home Exterior

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Exterior Paint Recommendations

Prime bare wood with oil/alkyd or acrylic latex primer, applied according to label directions. Use alkyd or stain-blocking acrylic latex for knots or for redwood or cedar because oils in these woods can leach through the paint. Be sure the primer you use is compatible with the paint (buy your paint first).

Oil may be better where adhesion is a serious problemâ€”on chalky surfaces, for example. And when you need to paint in extremely cold weather, oil can be applied without freezing.

Choose 100 percent acrylic latex paint for top performance. Eggshell finishes are relatively flat, so they hide imperfections well, but they're easier to clean than truly flat finishes.

For rough siding, such as resawn plywood, choose semitransparent oil stains (or water-based stains that contain alkyd resins) that soak into the wood fibers; these stains are much less likely to peel than other finishes.

For hardboard siding, which is given a factory finish, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. For most types, prime with acrylic latex primer and apply two coats of 100 percent acrylic latex paint. Be sure to prime and paint all cut edges.

No primer is needed for aluminum. For steel, use a metal primer (galvanized metal primer if the metal is galvanized).Then apply two coats of alkyd paint.

No primer is necessary. Apply two coats of flat 100 percent acrylic latex paint.

Choose 100 percent acrylic latex enamels in gloss or semigloss finishes. Remember, the higher the gloss, the more it will show imperfections. If painting over an existing oil-based paint, sand the surface first so the new coat will adhere well.

Begin with colors suggested by your roof and masonry.
Consider the color schemes used inside your home. Exterior colors should harmonize with the interior.
Don't clash with your neighbors! Choose colors that coordinate with the buildings around you.
Large surfaces make paint look lighter. Consider selecting darker shades.
Remember that very bright or very deep colors will fade.
To emphasize architectural details, outline them with an accent color that contrasts with the background.
Use darker colors to emphasize shadows and lighter colors to show projections.
Avoid extreme contrasts. Choose colors that are related.
Study color samples outside, but never in direct sunlight. Bright sun will distort the color.
Photocopy a sketch or photograph of your house. Use watercolors or colored pencils to try color combination.
Before buying large quantities of paint, buy quarts of your selected colors and paint one area of your house.
Take your time... be creative... and have fun!

The simpler your house, the fewer colors you'll need. For an elaborate Victorian, plan to use four to six colors.
Light colors will make your house seem larger. Dark colors or bands of trim will make your house seem smaller, but will draw more attention to details.
For some accents, consider using darker or lighter shades instead of changing color.