Think about your project as 4 phases: plan, prep, do, enjoy.
Plan
Think about the look and feel you want. What suits the age/style of your home? What setting is it in? Natural or urban? What colour are the neighbours? Architecture design? What things can't I change the colour of? Take all these things into consideration.
Measure up and use a paint calculator to determine quantities required.
Check what supplies you already have against the supply list, before going shopping.
You can download your checklist and a shopping list here
Decide on paint colour. It's recommended you buy use a test pot and paint 2 coats on a sunny and shaded area of the house. Look at it over a 24 hour period during morning, day, evening before making your final decision. Paints can look a lot different in your environment as opposed to a small colour chip in store.
Tips on selecting colours. Keep it simple 2-3 colours max. Simple palettes make a home look bigger. A subtle trick when selling ie more space means more $$$. Lollipop mixes only suit certain homes in certain geographic areas/streets.
Set aside the days to complete the exterior project. When you won't be feeling scattered or rushed. Check the weather reports. Consider using a professional contractor if you feel it's too big a job. Your safety with heights also needs to be considered. Some local councils require scaffolding to be used - not ladders.
If you need to match an existing colour - but don't know the name or brand - try and get a sample somehow - about a flat one 1 inch or 2.5cm diametre and take it to a supplier who can colour match eg Valspar Colour Matching System.
Selecting the right colours
This often takes the most time - but don't fret. You may find these blogs helpful.
4 min read Can't pick the right paint colour?
3 min read Understanding the Basics of Colour
3 min read Advice from a Colour Consultant
1 min read Making it Easy
If you allow the time, this stage can be great fun. But if it gets overwhelming, thats where we can help
Preparation of the space
Its easier to watch a 10 minute video than explain.
What type of paint?
This doesn't need to be complex.
Quick lesson. There are basically 2 types of paint. Water based or oil based (enamels).
Use oil-based (enamels) on areas that handle movement or get touched eg windows, window trims and doors. There are also some very good water-based enamels on the market now, so check with your supplier.
Use water based paint on all other surfaces eg walls, cladding
What type of paint finish?
General rule: the greater the shine - the more durable finish.
Consider durability, washability & shine. Shinier finishes show off imperfections a little more that a matt/flat or satin.
EXTERIOR
Gloss - trims, windows, doors
Low Sheen
Satin
Matt
Primers or not?
Tell your supplier what room you're working in and what type of surface you're painting, including its condition (eg new gib, painted already). They'll be able to tell you if you need to use a special primer, undercoat or not. Sometimes you can get away with a clean only - others need more attention. Check as you could save a lot of time and money. It helps if you have a photo on your smartphone to start the conversation.
DO
How to paint
Refer to Easy As Mitre 10 Painting Exterior video in prep above
SUMMARY
So to summarise for you, here's the run down.
1 Plan
Complete any planning or measurement work on your space, such as choosing colors, type of paint finish, using a paint calculator to determine the amount of paint needed and preparing your supply list. Remember choosing a colour can include purchasing a test pot (maybe even 2 or 3) and looking at this over a 24 hour period to help make the final decision.
So don't be surprised if you make 2 trips to your supplier. One to get supplies including test pot. Two to purchase paint. It's a good time to check in and get their expert advice.
If its too big a job, do yourself a favour and employ a contractor.
2 Prep
Complete all prep work (taping, sanding, putty, filling holes, sanding, organising and placing scaffolding, placing drop cloths etc)
4 Do
Apply the primer if required and paint
5 Enjoy
You'll be amazed at the difference.
If you would like advice on how to select the best colours for your project we can help.
Book an appointment now