Feature Story

Power of paint

Taking a closer look at choices

By Damaine Vonada|

May 2016

There’s no doubt about it. Paint is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to punch up your home’s curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint transforms shutters from drab to fab, and if you want to give your house a totally new look, painting the outside a different color costs far less than removing and replacing siding or other exterior materials.

When selecting paint for your home’s exterior, take its architectural style and era into consideration.

Top tips

Here are six good tips from experts at paint producers Sherwin-Williams and Glidden companies about using paint to make your home the belle of the block:

“Make a statement when welcoming guests by painting your door a great new color, and choose a higher sheen for added impact.”

— Misty Yeomans, Glidden

“Don’t forget about your porch floor or ceiling, these are paintable surfaces, too, and make excellent areas to showcase a color. Accessorize with color by repurposing an old or found piece of furniture. Paint it a coordinating color to your home’s color scheme. Repeat the colors from your home’s color scheme two to three times throughout your décor for a professionally designed look.”

— Misty Yeomans, Glidden

*Water-based exterior latex paints have more durability and retain color longer while at the same time resisting blistering, cracking or peeling.*

“Water-based exterior latex paints … are an excellent choice when painting many exterior surfaces, including stucco, vinyl siding, wood and weathered aluminum. These paints have more durability in terms of better color retention and resistance to blistering, cracking or peeling.”

— Lisa Grdina, Sherwin-Williams

“When selecting paint color for the exterior of your home, there are several important factors to consider. First, consider the home’s architectural style and era when selecting an exterior paint theme. A Victorian home painted in an olive tone will look jarring, while this color would complement a mid-century ranch home. Also, take into account your home’s surroundings and the colorscapes of your neighbors’ homes.”

— Rachel Skafidas, Sherwin-Williams

“[Glidden introduced] a new exterior color card in February 2016 at the Home Depot to make choosing exterior colors easy. It features nine gorgeous three-color exterior combinations and associated photography so you can see the color schemes in action. It features three combinations of colors per each of three home styles — Charming Classics, New Communities and Southern Styles.”

— Misty Yeomans, Glidden

“HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams’ Color Visualizer on painton.com allows consumers to virtually paint the rooms in their home, including the exterior. Individuals can select from existing scenes or upload their own to see how the color can transform their home.”

— Lisa Grdina, Sherwin-Williams