When picking a blue hue for your house’s exterior, there are numerous elements to consider to attain the ideal appearance. This comprehensive guide will delve into various aspects of choosing and applying blue paint colors on your home’s exterior walls.
We’ll start by discussing how to select the right shade of blue that complements your roof and the surrounding neighborhood and climate conditions. Then, we’ll explore different paints suitable for exterior painting projects, such as latex, acrylic, and oil-based options.
Furthermore, you’ll learn essential steps in preparing your home’s exterior for a fresh coat of blue paint – from cleaning and prepping surfaces to applying primer and sanding rough areas. We’ll also share expert tips on achieving an even finish with quality brushes or rollers while working systematically across walls.
Lastly, our guide will provide insights into finishing touches after using blue exterior house paint – touching up imperfections or missed spots, sealing painted surfaces with appropriate products, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the process.
Choosing the Right Shade of Blue for Your Home Exterior
Choosing blue for your home can be challenging. With so many options, your home’s character and additional charm have to be captured and brought to the forefront. To ensure your home is aesthetically pleasing, consider the color of your roof when selecting a shade of blue.
a. Consider the Color of Your Roof
The color of your roof is essential in determining which shade of blue would complement it best. Lighter shades, such as bright blue or Topsail by Sherwin Williams, might work well if you have a dark-colored roof like black or gray. On the other hand, if you have a light-colored roof like beige or tan, darker shades like Nautical Star by Sherwin Williams could create an attractive contrast.
b. Look at Other Homes in Your Neighborhood
Taking inspiration from other homes in your neighborhood is another way to narrow down potential paint colors for your house exterior. Observe what shades are popular among homeowners around you and note any trends that catch your eye – make sure not to copy someone else’s exact color scheme. Observing the colors of other homes in your area can help you select a hue that harmonizes with its surroundings and makes your house stand out.
c. Take into Account the Climate and Weather Conditions
When deciding on a blue paint color for your house exterior, the climate and weather in your area should be considered. For sites with intense sunlight, lighter shades of blue, like Benjamin Moore’s Newburyport Blue, can provide a reflective quality to keep the home cooler. On the other hand, if you reside in colder climates or areas prone to overcast skies, darker blues like Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore can add warmth and depth to your home’s appearance.
In conclusion, choosing the right shade of blue for your home exterior involves considering factors such as roof color, neighborhood trends, and local climate conditions. By considering these aspects and exploring different shades available on the market today – whether through paint swatches or online resources – you’ll be well on your way to finding a beautiful hue that enhances both the curb appeal and the overall aesthetic value of your property.
Key Takeaway:
Choosing the perfect shade of blue for your home exterior can be overwhelming, but considering factors such as roof color, neighborhood trends, and local climate conditions can help narrow options. Lighter shades work well with dark-colored roofs, while darker blues warm homes in colder climates. Taking inspiration from other houses in the neighborhood is also a great way to find complementary colors that make your house stand out.
Types of Paint to Use for Exterior House Painting
Choosing the proper paint for painting your house’s exterior is a must to ensure a beautiful and enduring outcome. Latex paint, acrylic paint, and oil-based paint for exterior house painting are the three main types of colors typically used. Let’s explore them in more detail.
Latex Paint
Latex paint, also known as water-based, is the go-to choice for exterior house painting due to its easy application and rapid drying time; it offers superior adhesion on various surfaces with good resistance against mildew growth and UV damage from sunlight exposure, plus low VOC levels make it an eco-friendly option. It offers excellent adhesion on surfaces such as wood, metal, or masonry while providing good resistance against mildew growth and UV damage from sunlight exposure. Latex paints have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them an eco-friendly option with fewer chemical smells that enter the air.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is another water-based option that provides superior durability compared to traditional latex paints because it contains added acrylic resins, which improve flexibility and weather resistance over time without cracking or peeling off easily like other conventional options might do under extreme conditions – especially when appropriately applied with appropriate primers beforehand if needed depending upon surface type being painted.
Oil-Based Paint
If you need something more resilient than water-based paint but are okay with waiting a bit longer for each layer to dry, oil-based could be ideal for your home’s outside. Oil-based paints are known for penetrating deeper into wood surfaces, providing a strong bond and excellent resistance against weather elements such as rain or snowfall over time without fading away too quickly, as some other options can do under harsher conditions.
In conclusion, choosing the right paint for your blue exterior house painting project is essential to achieving a long-lasting and visually appealing result. Consider factors such as surface material, climate conditions, and personal preferences when deciding between latex, acrylic, or oil-based paints. Remember that proper preparation and application techniques will also play a significant role in the outcome of your painting project.
Selecting the right paint for your exterior is crucial to a successful, enduring finish. With that in mind, let’s prepare the surface by cleaning and prepping it properly before painting.
Key Takeaway:
Proper paint is essential for a long-lasting, attractive finish when painting your home’s exterior. Latex paint is easy to apply and dries quickly; acrylic paint provides superior durability. Oil-based paints offer excellent resistance against weather elements but require longer drying times between coats. Proper preparation and application techniques are also essential for visually appealing results.
3. Preparing Your Home Exterior for Painting
Before you dive into painting your home’s exterior with a beautiful shade of blue, it is essential to prepare the surface properly. This will ensure that the paint adheres well and lasts longer. This section will discuss cleaning and prepping the surface, applying primer and caulking gaps and cracks, and sanding down rough surfaces.
A. Cleaning and Prepping the Surface
The first step in getting the exterior ready for painting is cleaning it thoroughly. Dirt, dust, mildew, or other contaminants can prevent the proper paint adhesion to the surface. You can use a siding cleaner and a soft-bristle brush or pressure washer on low settings to effectively remove dirt from your siding.
Start by wetting down plants near your house before using any cleaning solution.
Mix water with an appropriate siding cleaner according to manufacturer instructions.
Spray or apply the cleaning solution onto small sections at a time working from the bottom up (to avoid streaks).
Rinse off each cleaned area immediately after scrubbing/pressure washing starting from the top down.
B. Applying Primer and Caulking Gaps and Cracks
To achieve professional-looking results when painting an exterior wall with blue paint, it’s crucial to apply primer before adding color coats – especially if you’re making significant changes in hue or covering dark colors/stains/sealed surfaces/etc., which might require more than one coat of primer. Primers create a smooth, uniform surface that allows the paint to adhere better and last longer.
Before applying primer, inspect your home exterior for any gaps or cracks in the siding. Use an appropriate exterior caulk to fill these imperfections. Caulking any holes or cracks in the siding will help to keep moisture out of your home and protect its structural stability, so sanding down rough surfaces is recommended.
C. Sanding Down Rough Surfaces
If you find rough surfaces on your home’s exterior, it is essential to sand them down before painting. Uneven surfaces can lead to an unattractive finish and may cause the paint to peel prematurely. You can use a medium-grit sandpaper (80 – 120 grit) attached to a pole sander or orbital sander for more extensive areas while hand-sanding works best for more minor spots (source). Once sanding is complete, use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any residue before beginning the priming and painting process.
Key Takeaway:
Before painting your home’s exterior with blue paint, it is crucial to prepare the surface properly. This involves cleaning and prepping the surface, applying primer, caulking gaps and cracks, and sanding rough surfaces. Doing so ensures that the paint adheres well and lasts longer for a professional-looking finish.
4. Tips for Painting an Exterior Wall with Blue Paint
For a flawless finish, here are some expert techniques to help you get professional results when painting the exterior with blue paint.
A. Choose Quality Brushes and Rollers for the Best Results
The tools you use can make all the difference in the final appearance of your painted surface. Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers explicitly designed for exterior house painting to ensure smooth application and even coverage of the blue paint on your walls.
Select synthetic bristle brushes using latex or acrylic paints, as they hold their shape better when wet.
Pick a roller cover with a medium nap (about 1/2 inch) for most surfaces; however, choose a thicker fur (around 3/4 inch) if working on textured surfaces like stucco or brick.
B. Work from Top to Bottom, Left to Right When Painting Walls
To avoid unsightly drips and uneven coverage while applying blue paint on your home’s exterior walls, start at the top left corner of each wall section and work downwards before moving rightward across the border. This method ensures that any potential drips are caught by lower units still being painted rather than drying into visible streaks on already completed areas.
C. Apply Thin Coats of Paint for Even Coverage and Finish
Rather than trying to achieve full opacity in one thick coat of paint – which can lead to sagging or dripping – it’s best to apply multiple thin coats. This approach allows for better control over the final appearance and ensures a more even, smooth finish.
Begin by applying a thin coat of paint using long, smooth strokes with your brush or roller.
Permit every layer to dry out per the manufacturer’s directions before applying additional layers. Drying times can vary depending on factors like humidity and temperature, so be sure to consult the paint label for guidance.
Gently sanding with fine-grade paper (220 grit) in between coats can help eliminate any bumps or dirt that may have settled during drying.
By following these tips when painting your home exterior with blue paint, you’ll achieve an attractive and durable result that enhances curb appeal while protecting your investment from weather-related wear and tear. If you’re looking for inspiration, look at some favorite blue exterior paint colors, such as navy blue, bright blue, or darker shades like Sherwin Williams’ “In the Navy.”
Key Takeaway:
To achieve a professional-looking finish when painting your home’s exterior walls with blue paint, it is essential to use high-quality brushes and rollers explicitly designed for exterior house painting. Always work from top to bottom, left to right, when painting walls, and apply thin coats of paint for even coverage and finish. Popular blue exterior paint colors include navy blue, bright blue, or Sherwin Williams’ “In the Navy.”
5. Finishing Touches After Painting with Blue Exterior House Paint
It’s time to focus on the finishing touches that will make your paint job look professional and long-lasting. You will learn to touch up any imperfections or missed areas, seal the painted surface with an appropriate sealant or topcoat product, and immediately clean up any drips or spills.
A. Touch Up Any Imperfections or Missed Areas with a Brush or Roller
No matter how carefully you may have applied the paint, there could be patches that haven’t spread evenly or are covered completely. To fix these imperfections, use a small brush or roller to apply additional coats of paint until you achieve uniform coverage. Be sure to blend in these touch-ups by feathering out the edges so they don’t stand out from the rest of your newly painted walls.
B. Seal the Painted Surface with an Appropriate Sealant or Topcoat Product
Consider applying a high-quality sealant or topcoat product to protect your freshly painted exterior from weather damage and prolong its lifespan. These products create a protective barrier against moisture infiltration and UV rays while enhancing color retention for lasting vibrancy. Make sure to choose one specifically designed for outdoor use and compatible with your preferred type of blue exterior house paint (latex, acrylic, oil-based).
Latex: Use water-based actual coat products for latex paint.
Acrylic: Choose a clear acrylic sealer for acrylic paint.
Oil-Based: Opt for an oil-based topcoat or varnish when using oil-based paints.
C. Clean Up Any Drips or Spills Immediately
Drips and spills are inevitable during any painting project, but cleaning them up as soon as possible is essential to prevent permanent stains on your home’s exterior surfaces. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away fresh drips and spills from windows, doors, trim work, and other areas where they might have occurred. For dried-on paint spots, gently use a scraper tool, followed by sanding the area until smooth before touching up with blue exterior house paint if necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper cleanup procedures for your specific type of paint.
Incorporating these finishing touches will ensure your home looks polished and well-maintained after being painted with blue exterior house paint. By promptly caring for imperfections and protecting the surface with sealant products, you’ll enjoy long-lasting results that make your home stand out in style.
Key Takeaway:
Once you’ve painted the outside of your house blue, go over any missed spots or blemishes with a brush or roller. Applying an appropriate sealant or topcoat product will protect the painted surface from weather damage and enhance color retention. Lastly, immediately clean up any drips or spills to prevent permanent stains on your home’s exterior surfaces.
FAQs about Blue Exterior House Paint
Is Blue a Good Color for House Exterior?
Yes, blue is an excellent choice for house exteriors. It offers a timeless and versatile look that can complement various architectural styles. Additionally, blue hues evoke calmness and serenity, making them ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Why Would Someone Paint Their House Blue?
People may paint their house blue because it’s visually appealing and adds curb appeal. Blue tones are associated with tranquility, stability, and reliability – qualities many homeowners find desirable in their living spaces. Moreover, lighter shades of blue can make smaller homes appear more spacious.
What Are the Most Popular Exterior House Colors for 2023?
The most popular exterior house colors for 2023 include earthy neutrals like warm greys and beiges and bolder choices such as deep blues or greens. Classic white remains a popular option too. These trends reflect the desire to create inviting home environments that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings. (source)
Are Blue Houses Harder to Sell?
Blue houses aren’t necessarily harder to sell; however, the specific shade of blue matters when attracting potential buyers. Lighter hues have broader appeal than darker ones due to their versatility in matching different design preferences while offering visual interest. (source)
Conclusion
Picking the ideal hue of blue for your home’s exterior can be challenging, yet by considering elements such as the color of your roofing, weather, and climate conditions, and other homes in your vicinity, you may make an informed choice. It’s essential to use quality paint types like latex, acrylic, or oil-based paint to achieve a beautiful finish.
Before painting with blue exterior house paint, it’s essential to prepare your home’s exterior by cleaning and prepping the surface, applying primer, and caulking gaps and cracks. Sanding down rough surfaces is also crucial. When painting walls, it’s best to work from top to bottom, left to right, and apply thin coats of paint for even coverage.
If you’re looking to transform your home’s exterior with blue house paint that will last long without fading or chipping off easily, visit American Dorm & Home. Their range of high-quality colors comes in various shades, including blues, that suit different styles while offering durability against harsh outdoor elements.
Hi, I’m John Whitford, and I work as a tradesman. Having specialized in plumbing for over 15 years, I’ve worked in a number of environments, but my biggest business is for those who need help with day to day plumbing tasks in their homes.
I started AMDorm.com to provide handy information, advice and how-to guides to help others turn their homes into the house of their dreams!
