House Paint Colours – Advice from the Professionals
The view of a home's exterior is the first aspect seen, and is often that which leaves a lasting impression. There are numerous factors which should be considered when selecting house paint colours, particularly exterior house paint. None of these factors should be viewed in isolation, but with guidance from experienced paint solution consultants, the best aesthetically pleasing, quality paints will appreciably enhance the appearance and value of a home.
Type of Exterior Paint
It is suggested that home owners purchase the best quality exterior house paint that they can afford. Walls and roofs are exposed to all weather and temperature conditions, and the better the quality, the longer it will last and remain fresh looking. Darker exterior paint colours are more prone to fading than lighter colours. A high quality exterior paint also offers protection to the building. Various smooth and textured paints are available in a range of colours.
Architectural Style
Not all exterior paint colours on the market are best suited to all architectural styles. Correct colour choice will emphasise the unique building style and features, whilst the opposite is true with incorrect choice. Features such as rock and stone cladding also influence exterior colour choices and combinations. Darker colours will make a small house appear smaller, and lighter paint colours enhance house size.
Surrounding gardens, landscape and types of plants may also influence the effect of the house's paint colour. Exterior paint colours should be chosen outside, in conditions in which they are most often to be seen; lighter colours reflect sunlight and are brighter.
Roof
In many cases, the roof is a prominent feature of the exterior view of a house. Existing roof colour must be considered in the choice of exterior, should the existing roof colour be retained. Conversely, house wall paint colour should not be ignored if the roof is to be repainted, since correcting a wrong choice of roof colour will incur unnecessary costs.
House Paint Colours
It is advisable to observe other homes in passing, and get ideas on what colours you find appealing. Consider the current colour of the house exterior, and whether you want to change it or repaint. Even after essential preparation of surfaces to be painted, a primer coat may be required, especially if a lighter paint colour is to be applied over a dark colour.
Is the desired look a cool, warm or neutral colour shade? Paint contractors and suppliers will normally supply prospective clients with small colour card examples, which are very handy. However, to have the best idea of a paint colour's appearance, purchase a small quantity of a few paint colours you like, apply to a fairly large area, and then view the shortlisted paint colours in natural light. House paint colours often look different when applied to a larger area than the actual colour a small sample card is able to illustrate.
Keep colours of other elements and trim in mind. Garage door, window frame, exterior door, gutter, fascia and downpipe colours should contrast with or compliment house and roof paint colours. Inspection of the roof, waterproofing components and wall surface conditions prior to commencing preparation and applying paint, could prove very cost-effective in the longer term.
