Essential Tips for Adding Paint Accents on Your Exterior Painting

Painting your home's exterior is an excellent way to add value, appeal, and protection to your property. But if you want to take it to the next level, you can add some paint accents to highlight and enhance specific features of your home's architecture. Whether it's the trim, doors, shutters, or other design elements, using paint accents can give your property more character, style, and curb appeal. However, painting accents requires more attention to detail, precision, and expertise than the average exterior painting job. In this blog post, we'll discuss five essential tips that can help you add paint accents effectively and beautifully to your exterior painting project.

1. Choose the Right Accent Colors

The first step in painting accents is to pick the right colors that complement and contrast the main color of your home's exterior. You want the accents to stand out but not clash with the overall scheme. An easy way to find the ideal accent colors is to use the color wheel. Look for colors that are opposite or adjacent to the main color or search for some color inspiration online. Once you have a few colors in mind, test them on a small area first to see how they look in different lighting and angles.

2. Highlight the Architectural Features

The second tip is to focus on the architectural features that you want to highlight with your accents. For example, if you have a beautiful front door, you can paint its frame, molding, or panels with a contrasting or complementing color to showcase its shape and design. Or, if you have decorative brackets, cornices, or shutters, you can use accents to emphasize their patterns and textures. The goal is to create a visual hierarchy and draw attention to the most striking features of your home.

3. Use the Right Tools and Techniques

The third tip is to use the right tools and techniques for applying the accents. Depending on the surface and the type of paint, you may need to use different brushes, rollers, or sprayers for the main color and the accents. You also need to mask and protect the areas that you don't want to paint, such as the windows, trim, and landscaping. Moreover, you should apply the accents evenly, without drips, smudges, or overlaps. If you're not confident in your painting skills, it's best to hire professional painters who have the experience, equipment, and warranties to do the job right.

4. Consider the Weather and Season

The fourth tip is to consider the weather and season when adding paint accents. Exterior paint dries differently depending on the temperature, humidity, and wind conditions. You also want to avoid painting in extreme heat, cold, or rain. If the weather is too dry or hot, the paint may dry too quickly and cause cracking or peeling. On the other hand, if the weather is too wet or cold, the paint may take longer to dry, leading to mildew, bubbling, or fading. Therefore, it's best to paint accents in mild weather, when the temperature is between 50°F and 85°F, and the humidity is around 50%.

5. Maintain and Refresh the Accents

The final tip is to maintain and refresh the accents regularly. Exterior paint can fade, chip, or wear down over time due to exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and dirt. Therefore, it's recommended to inspect your accents at least once a year and touch them up or repaint them if necessary. You should also clean your accents periodically with water, soap, and a soft brush or sponge to remove any mildew, dirt, or stains. Additionally, you can add a protective coat of clear sealer or varnish to the accents to prolong their lifespan and enhance their shine.

Conclusion

Adding paint accents is a great way to enhance your home's exterior painting project, but it requires careful planning and execution. By following these essential tips, you can choose the right color scheme, highlight the architectural features, use the appropriate tools and techniques, consider the weather and season, and maintain the accents for lasting beauty and functionality. If you're looking for professional painters in Orlando, FL, who can help you with your exterior painting project and accents, contact Lakestone Painting today for a free consultation. Our talented team of painters has the skills, knowledge, and passion to transform your home into a stunning work of art that you'll love for years to come.