But don’t let that stress you out. Exterior painting can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re partnered with a professional painting contractor to ensure the total success of your project. 

Today, let’s chat through some practical answers to a very fundamental question: what color should you paint your house? You can absolutely rely on what’s trending, or lean on the advice of a professional colorist, but we have a few simple ideas to add to the mix as well. 

Ready? Let’s go. 

Consider the Architecture of Your Home

One of the first things to consider when choosing paint colors for your home’s exterior is simply its architecture. The style of your home can help you determine which colors will look best, giving you a range of style-specific color ideas, or guidelines. For example, if you have a Victorian-style home, you might want to choose bold, rich colors like deep reds or blues. If you have a more modern home, you might opt for neutral colors like whites, grays, or beiges.

Look at the Surrounding Area

Another important factor to consider is the surrounding area. Take a look at the landscaping, the neighborhood, and the natural surroundings. You want to choose colors that will complement the environment around your home. For example, if you live in a wooded area, you might want to choose earthy tones like browns and greens.

Think About the Weather

The tri-state area is known for its more extreme seasonal weather, so it’s important to choose paint colors that can hold up against the elements. Lighter colors tend to reflect heat and sunlight, keeping your home cooler in the summer months. On the other hand, darker colors tend to absorb heat, which can make your home feel warmer. Keep this in mind when choosing your colors.

Test the Colors

Before committing to a color, it’s a good idea to test it out first. Most suppliers offer small sample sizes of paint that you can use to paint a small area of your home’s exterior. This will give you a better idea of how the color will look in different lighting conditions. Definitely don’t rely on paint swatches alone! They’re a good starting point, but then you need to apply samples of your favorite colors to give you a better sense of what it will actually look like in place.

Choose the Right Color Scheme

Once you’ve considered the above factors, it’s time to choose your color scheme. You’ll want to choose three colors: a main color for the body of your home, a contrasting color for the trim, and an accent color for the doors and shutters. You can use different shades of the same color or choose complementary colors to create a cohesive look.

Consider the Popular Exterior Paint Colors for 2023

Don’t feel like you’re stuck with what’s trending – choose a color you love and can live with every day. But if you DO need a little inspiration and are wondering what’s hot for exterior paint colors in 2023, here’s a quick summary.

One of the most popular exterior color trends is a return to earthy, natural hues like olive green, warm beige, and terracotta. These colors work well with a variety of architectural styles and can create a warm and welcoming look. Another trending color for 2023 is muted shades of blue, such as powder blue or slate blue. These colors create a calming and serene atmosphere, and work especially well for homes located near bodies of water. 

Fun Fact!

Did you know that the color of your home’s exterior can have an impact on its resale value? According to a recent study, homes painted in shades of blue, gray, or taupe can sell for up to $6,000 more than homes painted in other colors. On the other hand, homes painted in darker colors like red or brown can sell for up to $2,000 less than homes painted in lighter colors. So, not only can choosing the right exterior paint colors make your home look great, but it can also have a positive impact on its value.

FAQs

Q: What if I want to use a bold color?

A: Bold colors can be a great way to make a statement, but it’s important to use them sparingly. Consider using bold colors as an accent rather than the main color.

Q: Should I paint my front door a different color?

A: Yes, painting your front door a different color can add visual interest to your home’s exterior. Choose a color that complements the rest of your color scheme.

Q: Can I use more than three colors?

A: While you can use more than three colors, it’s best to stick to a maximum of five to avoid creating a “busy” look.

Is choosing the right exterior house paint color challenging? It can be, but it’s worth the effort to create a beautiful and inviting home. As we mentioned above, have fun with it too, and be sure to partner with a professional painting company that really gets your goals and can help turn your vision into a reality. Don’t settle for anything less.

If you have questions for our team here at A.G. Williams Painting Company, be sure to reach out. We’d love to talk with you in more detail. 

So how do you know you can get a beautiful paint job while protecting your belongings from paint drips on the floor or paint dust from a sprayer on surrounding surfaces? Find a skilled painter that can minimize risk and mess. To get you started in the right direction, we have a few key tips for you to keep in mind.

How do you protect your home during an interior painting project?

1. Ask for references

Would you allow someone to babysit your child without references? Do you eat at a restaurant before you read the reviews? If not, you can take the same type of care when choosing people that will be working in your home. A reputable painter should be able to provide you with references from past clients who can speak to their level of professionalism and attention to detail. 

2. Request a written proposal

A written proposal should outline the work to be done, as well as any precautions the painter will take to protect your belongings. Be sure to review the proposal carefully and ask any questions you may have before hiring the painter before you sign.

3. Discuss the use of drop cloths and plastic sheeting

An excellent painter will use plastic sheeting, drop cloths, and painter’s tape to protect your floors and furniture from paint splatter. Ask the painter how they use these materials and how they will ensure that they stay in place throughout the job.

4. Ask yourself what value you put on your peace of mind

Everyone wants a bargain, but  a more expensive painter may offer a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail. It may be worth it to pay a little more to ensure that your precious belongings are protected and the job is done well. Some of your things can never be replaced if they are damaged.

At AG Williams, we take pride in our ability to provide a beautiful paint job while protecting your property. Contact us today, and we will walk you through our process step by step.  We want you to have a worry-free experience.

The answer might actually surprise you… 

There’s a LOT to factor in before painting the exterior of your house in NY or CT. Colors, product, necessary repairs, curb appeal goals, resale value, finding the right painting contractor… It’s a big deal and you want to get it right. Right?

Here’s another factor: seasonality. Conditions, just like surface preparation, can make or break your exterior repaint. 

So today, let’s dig into the ideal conditions then outline which seasons best fit the bill. 

The best conditions for exterior painting?

• Best temps? 50-85 degrees. An ideal day is warm but not super hot. No major fluctuations either. 
• Minimal wind. If you blow on a wet surface it tends to dry faster, right? Wind does the same thing to your paint, and can sometimes make it cure a little too quickly. That’s why our ideal painting weather has moderate wind at most. 
• No excess moisture. Kind of a no-brainer. Wet surfaces plus paint equal a major disaster. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that your surfaces won’t dry out immediately after a heavy rain. The surface may feel dry, but it can still be saturated deeper down. That’s why you can’t rush the painting process and need to let your siding thoroughly dry. 
• Avoid direct sunlight. Sometimes it’s unavoidable and you just do the best you can. Ideally, however, you would follow the sun and work in the shade, keeping your paint out of direct sunlight where it runs the risk of curing too quickly. 

Quick reminder…

We’re throwing a lot at you here, and how often do you actually get these “perfect” days? This is why we recommend working with an experienced painting company. We can help you navigate the process, and the weather, ensuring your project turns out beautifully. There are plenty of tips and tricks to employ, plus we can carefully choose those specific products that will best support your needs.

What’s the verdict? 

Our twist ending is that fall is actually one of our favorite seasons for exterior house painting. The weather has lost the harsh heat of summer, it doesn’t have the high moisture levels of spring, and it tends to stay consistent. In fact, weather permitting, we can paint outdoors right into October and early November. 

Have more questions about house painting in NY or CT?

Contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company! We’re here to help and would love to serve you and your home. 

6 ways to take the stress out of exterior painting

1. Have your color choices locked in, along with any preferences. These can be submitted to our office before the project starts.
2. Turn off sprinklers 3-4 days before we arrive. We cannot paint wet surfaces, so this will ensure we can start working on time, as planned.
3. Comfortably contain your pets indoors or relocate them for the time we will be at your home. We want them to be safe!
4. Turn on exterior water supplies. This helps us with general clean-up!
5. Make sure electrical outlets are available and accessible
6. Prepare the exterior by pruning and/or cutting back any shrubbery that might be brushing  up against your siding or that might restrict our work area. 

We generally ask that work areas be accessible between 7:45am and 4:45pm, Monday-Saturday. However, we are willing and able to work with your schedule! So please do let us know how we can accommodate and keep in close communication with us throughout the process. 

If you have more questions or concerns about preparing your exterior for the big day, give us a call at  914-738-2860. We’re happy to help! 

Getting an exterior repaint can be exciting! And also a little daunting. Afterall, there are so many decisions to be made. Plus, there’s an element of permanency compared to, say, interior painting. Color is probably one of the first things you think about as a homeowner, since it makes the first impression. Then, you might consider sheen, trim vs. field color, and even whether or not repairs need to be made. But what about the type of paint? Does quality paint REALLY matter?

Hey, we all love a good bargain! So, why not save some change on paint? While you might find good reviews on a lower-quality paint, keep reading to find out why this may not be a good idea to purchase. 

Quality paint vs. standard paint

Just like spaghetti noodles, you want your paint to stick! This might seem like a given, but quality paint adheres better all around because it contains more additives that form a rock-solid bond to your siding. 

Wait, wait, wait…aren’t additives BAD? Bad for you, good for paint! It just means that there are more binders and stronger pigments in quality paint, whereas standard paint contains more liquid – serving no purpose. Plus, more concentrated products will cover more in one coat and will protect your home from UV rays, rust, and color fading. 

Name-brand paints will allow you to get the most out of your paint. It’s like getting a good pair of running shoes. If you were training for a marathon, the last thing you would skimp on is your shoes, right? You would want to have confidence that they would last you through the finish line on your race day. Same goes for your home’s exterior paint! Have the confidence that your exterior will withstand the seasons and years ahead.

Tip: If you’re not sure what constitutes quality paint, look at the ingredients on the can. Quality paint will have a higher percentage of solids and lower percentage of liquid. 

Takeaway

As we alluded to above, exterior repaints are a true investment, so set your project up for success! Ask your painting contractor what kind of paint they recommend and why. 

Have more questions? Contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company today – we’d be happy to help! 

Is your home due for a new paint job, or could it wait until next year? You might be trying to wring out the remaining value from your existing paint job, but it doesn’t quite work that way… If you wait until it fails, you’ve waited too long. Even standard touch-ups can help lower costs and keep your home looking its best for when you DO repaint. 

Spring and summer present the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate your home’s exterior paint. It could be to your advantage to watch out for a few of these red flags!

4 signs that it’s time to paint your house

#1: Cracked or peeling paint

This is probably the most common sign that you definitely need to paint. Unfortunately, it also means you’ve waited too long. But, don’t panic: the right painting company are experts at turning a situation like this around with proper surface repairs!

#2: Dry, brittle caulking

Brittle caulking indicates that it is no longer doing its job, and could be an entry way for moisture and pests – not to mention lost energy efficiency. 

#3: Faded exterior paint

Paint discoloration and fading is inevitable. Afterall, it has a hard job to do! Weather can take a huge toll on exterior paint. If this red flag resonates with and your home, NOW is the best time to get ahead of the curve and talk to your local painter about what you can do to prevent cracks and chips. 

#4: Surface damage

If you notice wood rot or similar damage, you definitely want to give it attention. These are sizable vulnerabilities that need professional repair and fresh paint. 

Takeaway 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Proactiveness can save you and your home costly repairs and stress. If you’re unsure about the items we listed above, talk to your local painter. As a bonus tip, ask if they offer power washing as a way to evaluate your exterior. It is a great way to eliminate grime and debris, while unveiling any possibly trouble spots. 

Have more questions? Contact A. G. Williams Painting Company today – we’d love to help!

To give the best answer possible, let’s step back and take a look at what primer does. The ultimate goal of any great house painting project is to create a finish that lasts. And for paint to last, it needs to bond tightly with the surface. That’s why we clean and prepare your siding so thoroughly: power washing, scraping, sanding, etc. Removing any weak, chipping, or peeling substrate is essential. 

Then, that’s where primer comes in. It creates a sturdy foundation for your paint, anchoring it for maximum performance. 

So yes, the short answer is that primer is almost always a part of the exterior house painting process, but you don’t always need a “full prime.” Sometimes all you need is a “spot prime,” covering just specific areas.

Spot prime vs. full prime when you’re painting a house in NY or CT

When can you spot prime?

Localized priming is ideal for the following scenarios:

• You’re covering a repair, like patched wood or stucco
• You’re covering bare wood, like a section of siding that was replaced (maybe due to rot)
• You’re covering a blemish, like a knot that keeps bleeding through your paint

Keep in mind too that there are different types of primer for different uses. That stubborn knot we mentioned above? You’ll want a high-hide product designed to block stains and blemishes. 

When should you fully prime your siding?

Here are a few examples:

• You’re painting over new (or very porous) surfaces
• You’re painting a slick surface that needs a bonding primer for secure adhesion
• There are heavy stains or odors to block
• You’re making a drastic color change, particularly from dark to light, and you need a primer coat to make the transition easier
• Your surfaces were painted with a higher-gloss finish before, or maybe were stained
• You’re switching types of paint products (for example, switching from an older oil-based product to a newer latex paint)

Lead-safe certified painting contractors also use specialized primers to seal siding that has lead-based products. This is a very unique service that requires strict credentialing, so please approach with caution and be sure you’re working with a qualified professional.

Have more questions about your exterior painting project?

Contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company! We’ve been serving Westchester and Fairfield Counties (and beyond) since 1906, ensuring that every step and stage of your painting process is handled correctly. Schedule a consultation today! 

Why plan ahead? Well, once you start the process, you’ll realize why. Giving yourself time to research and schedule is crucial, and it makes the process itself run more smoothly down the road. Planning ahead can also help you cut back on expenses – ensuring confidence in direction, quality paint that will last, and maybe even winter specials.

Why Does Exterior Painting And Maintenance Matter?

If you’re a homeowner, you care about the life and quality of your home. So, how can you guarantee longevity for your property? Maintenance is crucial when it comes to preservation and value. We know how easy it can be to put off projects, which is why evaluating and prioritizing the needs of your home should come first.

Your Springtime Exterior Checklist

Winter can wreak havoc on your property, so it’s likely there are a few tasks on your spring checklist. Is it time to stop putting off that repaint or new siding? OR, If those big ticket items aren’t necessary, there are other ways to refresh your surfaces:

• Power washing to refresh surfaces
• Repair wood rot 
• Inspect and replace old caulking
• Touch up faded paint. 

Making subtle upgrades as needed can save you from large scale, even catastrophic, replacements in the future.

Takeaway?

Give yourself time and space to figure out the needs for your home without the stress of last-minute decisions. In the end, it’s worth it – not only for your home value, but your peace of mind! 

Today, let’s talk about the health of your home’s exterior.

Most people believe paint is just for beauty, but it is actually an important layer of protection for your home. So are you considering exterior painting? Here are a few key signs that it’s time to get started.

#1 The Most Obvious: Faded, Cracked, or Bubbly Paint

On average, homes typically need to be repainted every 5-10 years. We say “average” though because it really depends on the climate that you are in as well as exposure to the sun. Harsh winters and sunny, hot summers can be wearing on a home, causing your paint to fade and break down. 

Keeping an eye on these changes can also help you identify any other factors that could be concerning, like water intrusion or mold. 

#2 Changes in the Texture of the Caulking

Weather and age will also cause your home’s caulking to become brittle, hard, or even change colors. Caulking is vital to keeping moisture and pests out of your home, so it’s not something you can ignore. Part of our painting process is removing this old caulking and replacing it so that your home is fresh and ready to keep away any unwanted “guests.” 

#3 Your Home Simply Needs a Makeover

If your curb appeal is lacking, it might just be time for a new coat of paint and/or stain. This not only increases your home’s worth and marketability, but also makes it a place you can be proud of.

Bonus Tip:

It can be tempting to wait as long as possible between paint jobs. While it can feel like you’re getting the best value possible by holding out, you’re actually putting your surfaces at risk and increasing the scope of your NEXT paint job. It’s a little like waiting until your engine seizes before changing the oil in your car… Routine care and maintenance goes a long way, preventing avoidable decay, damage, and expense.

So what do you think? Keeping up with the exterior of your home is the perfect way to invest in your home’s long term health and beauty. Our team of experts is ready to help you get started!

Any painter can get the job done, but not every painter can give you the professional, long lasting look that our team of experts can offer you. So what’s included in our process, and why will it last longer and make that brilliant first impression? 

Every Step Matters in the House Painting Process

After years of sun and weather damage, it is important to us that we take a bit of time to prepare your house before the paint can is ever cracked open. Although it takes more time, it ensures that your home will look wonderful for years to come. 

Check out some of the steps that we take to make this happen:

• Pressure Washing: Over time, dirt, mold, and mildew naturally accumulate and we want to make sure that all of this is washed off and the surface is cleared and ready for fresh paint. 
• Sanding: Sanding heals a lot of wounds, while also removing old coatings that get in the way of secure paint adhesion.
• Dry Rot Repairs: Because painting over dry rot would be a waste that we are not interested in!
• Removal and Replacement of Brittle Caulking: Taking a little time to do this will ensure that unwanted pests and moisture will not enter your home.
• Priming: Priming the surface of your house will create the foundation that is needed for your paint to look amazing and really endure.
• And last but not least (and certainly the most exciting part): painting!

Professional In All Ways

When you trust us with your home, we are not just going to promise a beautiful outcome, we are going to promise professionalism in every way. From quality in painting to protecting the areas around the paint site while respecting your space, our team of experts is ready to give you nothing but the best.

We are so excited to make your home look amazing as we dive deep into spring and summer! Contact us today so we can get you on our schedule and bring beauty to the exterior to your home!