July Feature

A "Primer" on Exterior Painting

By Linda Johnston, Colour Consultant and Owner of Eden Hill Designs

When it comes to the exterior of your home, choosing a colour scheme that works can be a difficult task. You'll want to plan a scheme that compliments the fixed elements such as brick, siding and roofing, and will also give you that "curb appeal" that everyone talks about.

Garage doors and shutters

Most garage doors are not particularly beautiful and are best painted a colour similar to your brick so they don't stand out. Shutters can be painted the same colour as the garage, trim or front door, or they can stand alone in a hue that compliments the overall scheme.

Choosing a colour for your front door

Here is your chance to make a statement. Many colours can look washed out in full sunlight. A good rule of thumb is to opt for a shade darker than you might normally have dared to try. Don't be afraid to go bold.

Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for a professional look!

Make sure the surface to be painted is clean and free of mildew, grease and dust. Use Benjamin Moore's M83 oil and grease cleaner or TSP, then rinse well with clean water. The surface should be thoroughly dry before applying paint. You will want to remove any flaking or peeling paint and sand any glossy areas. This prep should be done after washing as sanding can grind dirt into surfaces. Spot-prime where necessary. Benjamin Moore has a variety of primers to choose from, and our consultants can help you find the best one for the job.

Temperature

Temperature is more important than you may think and can affect paint performance. Too cold or too hot and the paint will not dry properly. Ideally, the temperature should be 10C and 28C for proper adhesion. There are exceptions, such as Benjamin Moore's Aura and our new Ben exterior paints which can be used to a minimum temperature of 4.4C.

Alkyd vs Latex

What to choose? Many believe that alkyds are the way to go when painting exteriors, but consider this: alkyds are smelly and more difficult to clean up after. They crack and yellow over time, and we all know they are harmful to the environment. On the other hand, Benjamin Moore's new waterborne paints are latex and eco-friendly, featuring low VOCs even in the darkest colours. They will not yellow and resist colour fading.

Aura

Aura Exterior paints eliminate the need to prime unless surface is very glossy, chalky or previously painted in oil. The superior quality of Aura Exterior means that one coat is like two coats of other products on the market, increasing its performance. Aura also has exceptional leveling qualities, which will give your project a smooth, professional finish. It is eco-friendly, has outstanding durability, resists fading and can be mixed in any colour.

Ben

Our newest eco-friendly exterior paint is easy to apply and will give you a durable finish that is fade-resistant. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, concrete, stucco and primed metal.

Clean up

Clean up is quick and easy with both Aura and Ben: just use warm soapy water.

Now that you have the painting "know how," drop by Leslie Paint and let us help you create a scheme with curb appeal that will do you proud.