When choosing exterior paint colors, the best practice is to test samples to see how they look in different lighting and environmental conditions. Here's how to effectively paint samples on your exterior:
1. Preparation is Key:
- Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the areas where you'll be applying the paint samples. Remove any dirt, mildew, or loose paint. Use a scrub brush and a solution of water and mild detergent. Rinse well and allow to dry completely.
- Choose Sample Locations: Select areas that represent different aspects of your home's exterior. Consider areas that receive direct sunlight, shade, and areas that are adjacent to other materials like brick or stone.
- Consider Substrates: Note the material you are painting the sample on (e.g., wood siding, stucco, vinyl). Different materials absorb paint differently, which can affect the final color appearance.
2. Application Techniques:
- White Background is Best (if possible): If you can't directly paint on the house, apply sample swatches to a white surface like a white poster board or piece of primed siding. This white background helps you accurately assess the true color of the paint without influence from the existing color.
- Direct Application (with Border): If you're painting samples directly on the exterior of your home, paint each color swatch with a white border around it. This prevents the existing color from influencing your perception of the sample color.
- Apply Two Coats: Apply at least two coats of each sample color, allowing each coat to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. This ensures accurate color representation.
- Size Matters: Make sure your sample swatches are large enough to evaluate the color accurately. A square foot is a good starting point. Smaller samples can be difficult to judge accurately.
3. Evaluation & Observation:
- Observe in Different Lighting: View the paint samples at different times of the day to see how the colors appear under various lighting conditions (morning, midday, evening).
- Consider the Surroundings: Take into account the colors of your roof, landscaping, and any other permanent elements surrounding your home.
- Step Back: View the samples from a distance to get a better sense of how the colors will look on the overall exterior.
- Live with the Samples: Leave the samples up for several days to get a good feel for how the colors work in different weather conditions.
4. Documentation:
- Label Samples: Clearly label each sample with the paint color name and brand. This helps prevent confusion.
- Take Photos: Take photos of the samples in different lighting conditions to refer back to later.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you choose the perfect exterior paint colors for your home.
