Get expert recommendations for increasing your home’s curb attraction through outdoor painting from the leading, professionally licensed and guaranteed household painters.
Maximizing Curb Appeal: Exterior Painting Tips from Durham, NC House Painters
To anyone who walks past, whether new neighbours, potential buyers, or couriers, your home’s outside can say a lot about it at first glance. Using such elements of curb appeal as the painting will ensure that it is always good-looking whenever you drive onto the driveway and raise its worth, among other things. But with so many paint options and project variables to consider, how do you ensure your painting project elevates your curb appeal successfully? Experienced exterior house painters in Durham, NC, give their best advice.
Preparation is Key
According to the pros, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job starts before the first paint stroke goes onto the walls. Thorough prep work makes a tremendous difference in how fresh and high-quality the finished product looks. Here are some must-do prep steps:
Pressure Wash Everything
A pressure washer is crucial for removing dirt, mildew, chalky residue, and other things that could compromise adhesion. Pay special attention to trim, windows and other details.
Scrape and Sand
Loose, peeling, or flaking paint needs to come off entirely, so new paint bonds smoothly. A putty knife or sander does the trick. Remove all cracks and imperfections, too.
Caulk and Seal Joints
Caulk brings a crisp, seamless look to doors, windows, and wherever siding meets. Sealing helps prevent water damage underneath.
Spot Prime Bare Spots
Priming bare wood or re-coated metal provides an even base for topcoats. Look for rust-inhibiting primers.
Repair Damaged Areas
Rotten wood with significant cracks or holes requires patching before painting. Consult pros for reconstruction as needed.
Clean Thoroughly
Beyond power washing, remove all dust, grease or grime to ensure uninterrupted paint adhesion.
Choosing the Right Exterior Paint Color
After surface prep, selecting an attractive yet suitable exterior colour is vital. Popular neutral shades like light grey and beige have complemented most architectural styles while maintaining curb appeal for years. Here are some additional colour tips from the Exterior House Painters Durham, NC:
Consider Your Climate
Darker colours absorb more heat in sunny locations, while lighter choices won’t show dirt as much. Cooler climates have more flexibility.
Match or Contrast Trim
Pay attention to how your chosen colour will look next to shutters, doors and other details. Complementary or contrasting hues make visual interest.
Avoid Fads
While bold blues, oranges or yellows may seem refreshing now, darker, primary hues will maintain value and curb appeal in the long term.
Create Flow
Accent pieces like Adirondack chairs or potted plants coordinate best in analogous or monochromatic shades vs high-contrast spots of colour.
Test Sample Patches
Especially if considering dramatic changes from the original hue. Judge in natural light at different times of day before total project commitment.
Maintaining Curb Appeal Year-Round
Creating an impressive curb appeal is an ongoing rather than a one-time event. The new outside paintwork on your house can last many years with the proper maintenance.
Power Wash Annually
Washing away built-up dirt and debris prevents premature fading and protects the surface. Early spring is ideal.
Repaint Before Failing
Be sure that peeling and blistering are apparent. Touch up whenever you notice 5% wear to prevent needing a complete redo.
Wash Gently, No Abrasives
For routine cleaning, mild soap is safest. Avoid gritty bricks or tools that could damage the sealed surface.
Inspect Regularly for Damage
Look for cracks, holes, and worn spots during inspections and repair them promptly to avoid moisture intrusion issues.
Trim Annually Keeps Details Crisp
Details like fencing, shutters and trim need attention most frequently to stay in shape. Simple touch-ups go a long way.
Reapply Caulk Regularly Too
Checking caulk lines every spring and fall protects vulnerable joints from water seepage, preserving your paint investment.
Consult the Experts for Exterior Painting in Durham
For maximum curb appeal through exterior home painting, it’s wise to consult with pros. An experienced Exterior House Painters Durham, NC company, can advise on preparation needs, recommend ideal products for your home and climate, and help you select flattering exterior colour schemes. Professionals have specialized tools that allow for careful cut-ins and even the application of multiple coats. They also offer valuable post-project guidance. Consider scheduling occasional touch-ups, repairs or complete repaints to maintain curb appeal and home value over time.
Choose the best Exterior Painter in your Area.
Taking the time to prepare thoroughly, choose colours wisely and maintain your home’s exterior will maximize curb appeal for potential buyers when it’s time to sell or adore neighbours year-round. The expert house painters in Durham, NC, are available to answer questions and help you achieve beautiful results for a limited time. Schedule a free estimate today by calling or visiting their website.
