As we get ready for summer one may find themselves wanting to freshen up their home’s exterior. However, painting your home’s exterior can be a daunting task. 

But it doesn’t have to be. Here are three things to consider to prepare your house for exterior painting before you call in the painters, or even start painting yourself.

#1 Consider Your Exterior Painting Colour

Colour can have a profound impact on a home. Choose the right colour and you (and your neighbours) will love your home. Choose the wrong colour and you could be dealing with an expensive fix. 

The best practice is to hire a professional colour consultant. For a nominal fee, a good colour consultant (aka designer or decorator) will have experience in the matter and will help you pick the correct colours that complement the undertones of your home’s fixed features, house style and neighbourhood. They can also help draw your attention to items you may have missed, such as fence colour or porch steps. Check out the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada’s Find a Decorator & Designer directory for a list of professionals in your area. 

Of course, you can DIY this step. If you are planning to select colours yourself, visit your paint store for some guidance and always buy a small container of paint to test the colour(s) before committing to any colour!

Top Exterior Sherwin-Williams Colours
Modern Coastal Palette

Exterior Paint | Sherwin-Williams

Modern Farmhouse Paint Colour Palette | Benjamin Moore

#2 Visit Your Local Paint Store 

Not all paints are the same! Some products are designed to last 5 years, some a lifetime. Since there is a wide variety of substrate and types of products suitable, visit a paint store for advice on which paint is the best for you. (Pro tip: do your research on exterior paints with self-cleaning technology 😉 Thank me later) 

Through meeting with the paint pro’s at your local paint store, they’ll tell you – preparation is key! The tasks you do before you apply that first coat of paint will ensure great results that last a long time. Make sure to wash or clean your surface before getting started. Next, complete any planning or measurement work on your space, use a paint calculator to determine the amount of paint needed, and gather your supplies for taping, sanding*, spackling, caulking and priming.

APPLICATION

Now it’s time to paint! Depending on your project, you may need a paint roller, a paintbrush or both. Painter’s tip: Be sure to follow recoat times that are on the label as dry time varies depending on the product. The experts at your neighborhood paint store can help you determine the right types of the following products for your project. Painting Project Checklist | Tinted by Sherwin-Williams

When starting a painting project, begin on the side of the house that will remain in the shade until you finish. Direct sunlight can cause paint to dry too quickly, and can cause lap marks and blistering.

Always work from the top down, painting gutters and eaves first if you want them to match the colour of your siding. Paint trim before the main surface of the house first as well. Be prepared to apply two coats of premium exterior paint. How to Paint Your Home Exterior | Benjamin Moore

#3 Get Three Quotes 

Now it’s time to call your painters. If you know a professional you trust, great! If not, make sure to get at least three quotes. Knowing which colour and paint grade you want for your home, will make it easy to compare quotes (as each painting company will now be bidding on the same products and colours; leaving you to simply compare quotes on labour and scope of work). Plus, having your colours chosen in advance will make things easier for the painters. They know they can start the job anytime and there will not be any delays arising from colour indecision. 

If you are planning to paint yourself — visit your favourite paint store for some pro painting tips. For the best results, bring photos of your home to get advice on proper prep. 

And that is it! These are your 3 steps to ensure a well-executed exterior paint project. Pick your colours (for help, visit: the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada’s Find a Decorator & Designer directory), visit your local paint store for advice on product, and remember to get 3 painter quotes! 

Happy painting 😊 

Written by DDA Member and Designer Account Executive Sherwin-Williams Canada, Elizabeth Raczkiewicz