When it comes to painting house walls, especially the exterior, choosing the right paint can feel like a daunting task. Your home’s exterior faces the brunt of weather changes, dirt, and pollutants, and the right exterior house wall paint can significantly enhance both the aesthetics and durability of your house.
Understanding the best options available is crucial, whether you’re aiming for a modern look, something classic, or a style that complements your surroundings. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best house wall paint for your home’s exterior.
Why Is Exterior House Wall Paint Important?
Exterior house wall paint does more than just enhance the visual appeal of your home. It acts as a protective barrier, and without proper protection, your house’s exterior can deteriorate quickly, resulting in costly repairs. Investing in high-quality paint ensures that your home remains beautiful and structurally sound for years to come.
The First Steps for Painting House Walls
Before you even think about the colour and type of paint to use, consider the preparation involved in painting house walls. This means cleaning the walls, repairing any damage, and applying primer if necessary. Primer serves as a uniform base for the final coat and it helps the paint stick better.
A high-quality primer is especially important in areas that experience extreme weather conditions. For those living in particularly cold areas, using a high-adhesion primer is essential for preventing issues such as chipping or cracking.
Choosing the Best Paint for House Walls
When it comes to selecting the best paint for house walls, several factors come into play, including durability, colour, and finish. You need a paint that not only looks good but can also stand up to the elements. Additionally, the finish of your house wall painting colours can drastically affect the overall appearance and durability of your home’s exterior.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are highly recommended for exterior house wall paint due to their durability and flexibility. Additionally, acrylic paints provide excellent resistance to mildew and moisture, making them ideal for rainy climates.
Satin or Eggshell Finish
A satin or eggshell finish provides a low-shine, subtle appearance that’s great for siding and interior. It offers decent resistance to moisture and dirt while remaining easy to clean. Since it offers a matte look, most interior painters prefer to use this instead of glossy finishes.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss is slightly more reflective and is an excellent choice if you live in an area with high element exposure, such as windows and doors. It’s easy to clean and stands up well to harsh weather.
High Gloss Finish
High gloss is the most reflective and durable of all finishes. However, it can highlight imperfections in the wall, so it’s best used on smooth surfaces.
How to Pick the Best House Wall Paint Colours
Choosing the right colour for house exterior wall paint is one of the most exciting parts of the process. The colour of your home can either make it stand out or help it blend in with its surroundings. So, how do you choose?
Consider Your Surroundings
When selecting exterior house wall paint colours, take into account your neighbourhood. Does your home stand alone, or is it part of a community where houses are painted in a similar style? You want your home to have a unique personality, but you don’t want it to clash with the neighbourhood vibe.
Blend with the Landscape
If you have a lot of greenery or a particular architectural style in your area, choose colours that complement these features. For example, earthy tones work well in areas with lots of trees, while brighter colours might suit more urban environments.
Using Testers to Choose Colours
Before making your final decision on house wall painting colours, purchase small testers of your chosen shades and apply them to a section of your wall. Observe how the colours look at different times of day, as lighting can dramatically alter the appearance of a paint colour.
Climate Considerations
The climate you live in should have a significant influence on your choice of exterior house wall paint. Different climates present unique challenges, and your paint needs to withstand these conditions.
Hot Climates and Sun Exposure
In hot climates, UV rays from the sun can cause paint to fade quickly. To combat this, opt for UV-resistant paints. These paints are specifically designed to retain their colour for longer periods, even under constant sun exposure.
Cold Climates and Durability
For colder regions, using a paint that can withstand low temperatures without cracking or chipping is essential. Consider acrylic paints, which are flexible and durable enough to handle fluctuating temperatures.
Rainy Climates and Moisture Resistance
If you live in an area that sees a lot of rain, mildew-resistant paint is a must. These paints prevent moisture from seeping into the walls, helping to avoid mould and water damage.
Adding Curb Appeal with Exterior Paint
Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks from the outside. A well-chosen exterior house wall paint can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Choosing Complementary Colours
Any good exterior house painter knows that one of the keys to creating stunning curb appeal is choosing colours that work well together. For instance, a neutral base colour with bold accents on the doors, shutters, or window frames can create a striking contrast that draws attention to the house’s architectural features.
Accentuate the Roof
Don’t forget to consider the colour of your roof when choosing exterior wall paint. A well-coordinated colour scheme between the roof and the walls can create a harmonious, polished look.
Playing with Textures and Finishes
Exterior wall painting is not just about colour; textures and finishes can also play a huge role in the overall appearance of your home. Using natural materials like brick or stone, you can add depth and character to your home’s exterior. Additionally, textured paints add a unique visual interest to your home’s exterior. You can choose from a variety of textures, such as sand, stone, or even pebbles, to create a distinct look.
Protecting Your Home with Exterior Paint
While aesthetics are essential, your home’s exterior paint also needs to protect your house from weather conditions and potential damage. Choosing the best paint for house walls can extend the life of your home’s exterior.
Weather-Resistant Paints
High-quality exterior house wall paint should offer protection against UV rays, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. Acrylic paints, as mentioned earlier, are often the best option for long-term protection.
To Wrap Up
Choosing the right exterior house wall paint is essential for both protecting and beautifying your home. When you consider factors such as climate, durability, and aesthetics, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your home’s appearance and ensure it stands the test of time. Every step contributes to creating a home exterior that is both beautiful and functional, from selecting the best paint for house walls to maintaining the paint over the years.
If you are looking for reliable local painters in Australia, Luxury Design Painting can be the perfect solution for all your needs!
