Our Best Home Exterior Painting Ideas & Tips

Your home's exterior is the first thing people notice about your property, making the choice of exterior paint color and style crucial for curb appeal. A well-executed exterior paint job not only enhances aesthetics but also offers protection against the elements.  

From selecting the right color schemes to understanding the factors that affect the cost, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the best ideas and tips for painting your home exterior. 

Choosing the Right Exterior Home Paint 

Before diving into colors and styles, it's essential to select the right type of paint for your home's exterior. Consider factors like durability, weather resistance, and overall finish.  

Acrylic, latex, and oil-based paints are some of the popular options, each offering distinct advantages. While acrylic and latex paints are easy to clean and provide excellent protection against the elements, oil based products can penetrate bare wood and offer greater protection against peeling in some specific situations. 

Trending Exterior Home Painting Color Schemes & Styles 

The choice of color schemes and styles can significantly impact your home's overall appearance. While neutrals like whites, beiges, and grays continue to be popular for their timeless appeal, contemporary trends often embrace bolder and more vibrant choices.  

Here are a few trends you might want to consider for your home’s exterior: 

• Modern Minimalism: Embrace monochromatic shades such as varying tones of gray, white, or black to create a clean and sophisticated facade. The key to achieving this style lies in the simplicity of the color palette and the emphasis on clean lines and architectural details. Opt for a high-gloss finish to enhance the modern aesthetic and make a bold statement without overwhelming the senses. 
• Coastal Vibes: Soft blues, greens, and whites mimic the colors of the sea and sky, creating a beachy and tranquil atmosphere. Consider a combination of light blue or aqua for the main body, complemented by crisp white trim and accents of seafoam green or sandy beige. This palette not only adds a touch of relaxation to your exterior but also blends seamlessly with coastal landscapes. Pair this color scheme with natural textures like wooden shutters or stone accents to enhance the coastal charm. 
• Farmhouse Charm: Neutral tones such as beige, taupe, or creamy whites serve as the perfect backdrop, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To achieve the farmhouse aesthetic, consider incorporating rustic accents like barn red for the front door or window shutters. This style often features distressed finishes for a weathered look, adding character and authenticity to your home's exterior. 
• Bold Statements: Choose vibrant colors that reflect your personality and make a bold impact. Reds, yellows, blues, or even deep purples can be used for the main body, while contrasting or complementary colors for trim and accents can add visual interest. It's important to balance boldness with thoughtfulness, ensuring the color palette enhances your home's architecture rather than overwhelming it. This style is perfect for those who want to make a memorable impression and infuse energy into their surroundings. 
• Elegant Neutrals: Time-honored shades such as classic whites, grays, or taupes create a refined and elegant aesthetic that stands the test of time. The key is to focus on subtle variations in neutral tones to add depth and interest without being overpowering. This style is versatile and complements various architectural designs, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a classic and enduring appeal. To elevate the elegance, choose high-quality paint with a satin or matte finish for a sophisticated touch. 

Further Reading: What Color Should I Paint My House? 

Selecting the Best Exterior Paint for Your Home 

When selecting exterior paint, it's crucial to consider factors such as the climate of your region, the material of your home's exterior, and the desired finish. For instance, if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions, opt for paint that offers exceptional protection against UV rays, moisture, and mildew.  

Here are the advantages and use cases for common exterior paints: 

1. Latex (Water-Based) Paint:
   
   Advantages: Latex paints are popular for their ease of use, quick drying time, and low levels of toxic fumes. They are also resistant to fading and mildew.
   
   Best for: Latex paints are suitable for a wide range of exterior surfaces, including wood, vinyl, stucco, and brick.
   
   
2. Acrylic Paint:
   
   Advantages: Acrylic paints are known for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to cracking. They also offer excellent color and sheen retention and are easy to clean.
   
   Best for: Acrylic paints are versatile and can be used on various exterior surfaces. They are particularly effective in protecting against weathering. 
   
   
3. Oil-Based Paint:
   
   Advantages: Oil-based products are primarily beneficial for use as primers, or when durability is more important than lasting aesthetic appeal, provide excellent adhesion and durability. They penetrate soft, porous wood making them great primers for older siding exhibiting greater levels of peeling basecoats.
   
   Best for: While oil-based paints can be used on various surfaces, they are particularly effective on wood and on metal when rust blocking is needed. 
   
   
4. Specialty Exterior Paints:
   
   Advantages: There are specialty exterior paints designed for specific purposes, such as moisture-resistant paints for damp areas, anti-mold paints, and heat-reflective paints for energy efficiency.
   
   Best for: Depending on the specific needs of your home, you may choose a specialty exterior paint for added functionality. 

Look for high-quality paints with excellent adhesion, flexibility, and fade resistance to ensure a long-lasting and vibrant finish. 

What Factors Affect the Cost to Paint the Exterior of a Home? 

Several factors can influence the cost of painting your home's exterior. The size of your home, the condition of the existing paint, the complexity of the architecture, and the quality of paint chosen are primary determinants.  

Additionally, the need for surface preparation, including cleaning, scraping, and priming, can contribute significantly to the overall cost. Understanding these factors can help you estimate the budget required for your exterior paint project accurately. 

Hiring Professional Painters vs. DIY 

While a DIY approach might seem cost-effective initially, hiring professional painters can ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish. Professional painters have the necessary expertise, equipment, and tools to handle various exterior surfaces efficiently.  

Moreover, they can recommend the best paint products and application techniques tailored to your specific needs, providing a seamless and professional-looking result. 

Consider Utilizing an App for Painting Your Home Exterior 

Technology has simplified the process of choosing the right paint colors for your home exterior. Various painting websites and apps allow you to visualize different color schemes on your home's facade before making a final decision.  

These tools utilize augmented reality and provide a realistic preview, enabling you to experiment with different color combinations without the need for physical paint samples. This can be incredibly helpful in ensuring that the chosen color scheme complements your home's architectural style and surroundings. 

Here are a few popular options: 

• PPG’s Paint Color Visualizer 
• Sherwin Williams’ Paint Color Visualizer 

What We Do in Pittsburgh 

In Pittsburgh, where diverse architectural styles and varying weather conditions are prevalent, the choice of exterior paint plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of homes.  

At ImageWorks Painting, our expert painters are well-versed in handling the unique challenges posed by the local climate, offering tailored solutions that ensure optimal protection and visual appeal. With our extensive knowledge of the best paint products and application techniques, we guarantee exceptional results that exceed your expectations. 

FAQs about Exterior House Painting 

What’s the average cost to paint the exterior of a home? 

The average cost to paint the exterior of a home varies based on several factors, including the size of the property, the quality of paint chosen, trim/accenting detail and the extent of surface preparation required. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere between $3,500 to $10,000 for a standard 2,500 square foot home, with some projects going substantially higher on houses with large amounts of time consuming trim painting or difficult access issue. 

Can I paint my home's exterior myself, or should I hire a professional? 

While painting your home's exterior yourself might seem like a cost-effective option, it requires considerable expertise, time, and effort. Hiring a professional ensures a flawless finish and saves you from potential mistakes and additional expenses in the long run. 

Does exterior paint increase home value? 

A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior can significantly enhance your home's value. A fresh coat of high-quality exterior paint not only improves the curb appeal but also indicates proper maintenance, which can positively impact potential buyers' perception of the property's overall condition. 

Wrapping Up: Our Best Tips & Ideas for Painting Your Home Exterior 

In conclusion, choosing the right exterior paint color and style, considering the durability and weather resistance of the paint, and understanding the cost factors are essential for achieving a stunning and long-lasting finish.  

While DIY painting is an option, hiring professional painters can ensure superior results and save you time and effort. With the right expertise and knowledge of the local requirements, ImageWorks Painting is dedicated to delivering exceptional exterior painting services that elevate the aesthetics and value of your home.