Painting the exterior of your home could be a great way to spruce things up. You might think that it’s an easy thing to do or that there’s not much thought that could go into it, especially if you only want to paint some smaller details here or there. However, there are many issues that you can run into when you undertake this DIY project. Understanding what mistakes you should avoid before you start the job, like the best type of exterior paint to choose, will help save you time and money.

Here are some types of mistakes that you could make when painting the exterior of your home.

Not Considering What The Weather Will Be Like

When you are thinking about choosing the type of paint you want to get, think about the type of climate that you reside in. Heavy rainfall and constant exposure to the sun can damage the paint finish. Does your home have a lot of shade during the day, or will it be exposed to the sun’s UV rays? Some types of exterior paint finishes are designed to hold up better than others when exposed to certain elements over time. UV rays will deteriorate the binders in certain types of paint. This causes them to break down and wash away, resulting in a faded finish. Some types of paint will blister and flake when exposed to prolonged periods of moisture.

Picking The Wrong Type Of Exterior Paint

The type of exterior you choose will depend on factors like weather and moisture in your area. Picking between latex or oil-based paint is an important decision that you can make. For example, you should never paint latex paint over a coat of oil-based paint as it will peel off. While investing in high-quality paint might cost you a bit more, it is definitely worth the extra costs in the long run. A high-quality paint will better withstand the elements and be able to retain its original colour and quality for a longer period of time, this means you will not need to repaint it as often.

Ignoring The House Colours Of Neighboring Homes

One key step to choosing your paint is choosing a colour that will complement your home and one that will complement other homes in the neighbourhood. The last thing you want to do is select a colour that will clash and ruin your neighbourhood’s aesthetic.

Choosing Your Paint According To Printed Samples And Not Actual Paint Samples

Printed paint samples are great for getting a general idea of what a colour will look like but the only way to understand what it will look like for sure is to get an actual paint sample. Different types of wood and other material will absorb paint in different ways and might change the colour slightly or even drastically. If it is possible, you should bring a sample of the material you are going to apply the paint on so that you can see exactly how it will look on your house.