Today’s home exterior surfaces offer surprising paintability.

TNontraditional exterior surfaces are being updated by today’s modern substrates in order to alter color, enhance appearance and provide the material’s surface with long-lasting protection. In addition to commonly utilized exterior housing materials such as vinyls, metals and aluminum siding; newer and more innovative fabrications also accept innovative color applications! Fiber cement is considered by many experts in the new home construction industry to be the fastest growing home exterior substrate. Often found on lap and shingle siding, the substrate can be painted in an array of beautiful hues, including today’s popular updated neutral tones. Synthetic stone materials, fiberglass and stucco (materials often found on columns, decks, walkways, railings and fences) can also be successfully and handsomely painted to coordinate with the natural landscape or to coordinate with other existing homes in the neighborhood. Regardless of what they are fabricated from, all home exterior materials require proper surface preparation as well as priming, prior to painting. Before purchasing products, it is a wise idea to consult with a paint professional. Enlisting the advice of an expert will aid in gathering necessary information that will result in a quality paint project that can be enjoyed for many years. For more specific information concerning “preparing, priming and painting" the home exterior, go to our PPP section.

Paint offers colorful assistance with expressing a homeowner’s exterior style preferences.

Beginning with its front facade, paint offers a clever way to hint at preferences for a particular decorating style, prior to entering the home. For example, afficionados of contemporary decor may opt for a color scheme consisting of a bold exterior color palette. Without clashing with the home’s landscape, it is still entirely possible to incorporate greens, browns and other natural tones by greatly accentuating the intensity of the hue. Consider implementing dramatic deep greens and contrasting with rich golds and dark chocolates for the exterior color palette. Those homeowners who favor a more traditionally styled home may opt for an updated neutral exterior paint palette that utilizes a subtle blending of classic colors that harmonize with neighboring homes that are in close proximity. For instance, a muted sand background color can be featured on a home that is trimmed with medium tone grey shutters and a cranberry front door to produce a slightly different appearance, yet still pleasantly coordinate with surrounding homes that offer similar off-white background colors with various medium toned shutters and darker, contrasting front doors. In both cases, homeowners are able to express their distinctive style preferences, while at the same time fashionably coordinating with neighborhood homes and/or the exterior landscape.