Written by SBCN member Maureen Rich...
GIVING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME A FACE LIFT
By choosing the right selection of colours, you can draw attention to some wonderful architecture features of your home.
You must first take into consideration the colour of the roof, brick and siding. Remember that lighter colours will make the home look larger, whereas darker colours will make the home appear smaller. Use dark shades for areas such as accents, trim and architectural features. Try to blend the garage door as best you can with the existing siding or brick, as this is not the feature of your home. No, the garage door and front door do not have to be the same colour. Lay some colour on the front door. This is the main area to highlight as it is the welcoming centre of the house. You can use a dark colour on the front door but just make sure it flows with the other colours on the exterior. Consider your flower colours in the front of the home when choosing this colour (you don't want the colours to clash). To help you with this process Benjamin Moore has produced exterior colour charts which place ideas for paint colours with your brick and siding colours.
PAINTING YOUR HOME – WHAT TO USE?
When you paint your home you can use either latex (water-based) or alkyd (oil-based) paints. When applied correctly, using a high-quality paint either of these will work. Latex paints will dry rapidly and clean up quickly with soap and water. If the surface you are applying the paint to is new, this will discourage blistering. Latex is recommended for most new homes as they have excellent colour retention. They are good for masonry surfaces and are available in flat, low-lustre and soft-gloss finishes. Alkyd (oil-based) paints provide great penetration and adhesion to surfaces. They work well on previously painted surfaces. They do require more drying time and clean up time than latex. They also dry to a somewhat thicker film than latex and come in flat, eggshell and gloss finishes.
Before applying paint, it is a good idea to user a primer which seals the structural material to prevent absorption of elements from the paint. It also protects the finish coat from damage caused by substances in the structure. Paint will not stick to bare wood. All bare wood must be primed.
For more decorating advice contact: Rich Interiors at 519-576-9205.
www.rich-interiors.ca
rich_interiors@rogers.com
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