As a general rule of thumb, an exterior paint job should last 6-8 years without much problem if the surfaces have been properly prepared before painting. There are many variables to consider such as weather, location etc.and some work may in fact last longer, but it has been my experience that a good paint job should be revisited during this time frame.

I drive past a home that I painted in 2001 that still looks good, but I have also seen a couple from that time frame that need a paint job immediately!

It is most important that the surfaces be properly prepared--cleaned,caulked,dry surfaces give the best adhesion. If the paint closest to the substrate is chalky or dirty the new paint will not bond correctly. If the underneath is no good----the most expensive topcoat in the world will have a short life span.  The best products last longer. You should insist always on 100% acrylic or

elastomeric paints for exterior. These paints have an elastic quality that allows movement over a wide range of temperature changes.

It is also worth noting that the temp should not exceed 90 in the sun drenched areas or fall under 35 for 12 hrs after application. All paints have to cure and this can take hours beyond the dry to the touch time. Paint that cures incorrectly will have a shorter life span.

It is true that darker colors fade or begin to fail before lighter colors. They absorb more of the u.v from the sun. The sun is always the chief enemy to paint. When choosing a darker color

exterior paint I would suggest a satin sheen as opposed to a flat. This seems to hold up better and stay cleaner. I would also suggest using the top of the line paints for this application. You will notice fading much sooner than the lighter colors, but mostly in the sun drenched areas. I would suggest inspecting these areas each year and repainting when faded. Maybe every 3-5 yrs. depending on color.

Probably the best way to keep your exterior weather resistant is to walk around it every spring and look specifically for these common problems and address them as they appear:

When paint has failed, it will appear faded and feel chalky to the touch. Failed paint allows moisture in and will eventually deteriorate the substrate and possibly let water inside the structure if not addressed.

Have other questions or concerns?  We'd love to help.

Seems that this trend toward gray is catching on around here.  Finding the right gray is pretty tricky. Gray will have either a blue, green, or purple undertone.  The most neutral grays tend to be the more green grays like Benjamin Moore "Sandy Hook Gray" in the bedroom below.

The warm gray green in this cabinetry is a great way to incorporate gray into a home that has rich warm tones of red, brown, and gold. 

Now I'll have to admit I'm not a big fan of the purple grays.  If the word taupe is in it, I am usually not drawn to it.  But even taupes fall into a wide range of warm and cool colors.  "Smokey Taupe" by Benjamin Moore is one of those that is more warm.  You have to compare it to others to recognize just how warm it is.  The walls in the living room below are done in this color.  I just love the creamy colors mixed in with the gray in this room.  So elegant and warm.

The living room and kitchen above are photos from the February 2011 edition of Traditional Home magazine.  I've posted a link on our facebook page. 

Grays look great with dark rich walnut wood tones which are very popular and timeless. The photos above show a dark wood bed with the green gray and the dark walnut countertop in the kitchen with blue gray cabinets.  Below are some other examples.

Well, what do you think?  Are you warming up to the idea of gray? 

This is a first for us, so hopefully it gets a little better and easier with practice.  We hope to be able to provide you with valuable information and answer any questions you might have concerning all aspects of the painting business.  The side of the business that I enjoy the most is color consulting so that seemed like a good first topic.

What I have found to be the best way to test paint colors is to create sample boards.  You can use poster board or something similar.  I usually make four samples out of a regular sized piece of board. This makes color selection much easier during a consultation. I also think it's a good idea to carry small color cards with you when shopping for items to go in your home. 

 

I can't tell you how often we hear "I just want some kind of neutral tan."  It's when I put the "tans" side by side that you really begin to see the undertones.  Beige paint colors will generally have 3 undertones: yellow, green, and pink. It is important to pick a beige that will work with your finishes and furnishings.  A long-time client of ours put it very well while I was holding a sample board next to his kitchen cabinets...he said "Oh, they look like they are friends."  I've already used that quote on another consult.  In a future post I will go into a little more detail on the undertones in beige and give you a few of my favorites.

Another thing I have found is that it's okay to get out of that beige box now and then.  We have recently used greens and golds as neutral colors for the main living and common areas of the house.  We recently finished a project in a home (photos below) that was being put on the market.  Within 2 weeks the house was SOLD...with no tan walls anywhere!! In fact many of our projects are 1st time repaints for clients who want to paint over "builder's beige".  These photos also give me an idea for an upcoming post on home staging.  These homeowners did it right!