Does your property's exterior look slightly dull from the winter months? A worn or chipped paint job now can diminish your home’s curb appeal, making it look exhausted or uncared for. Some innovative paint projects this summer can significantly refresh your property and improve first impressions. In this article, we will discuss some critical paint projects to make your home's exterior look better, discuss colours and techniques you should use to achieve the most impact, and provide tips to ensure you choose paints that will be durable and last long. Whether you are a DIY'er or looking to hire reliable painters Waverley residents are in consideration; this guide will ensure you have all the information you need to give your home the summer makeover it deserves.

Upgrade your curb appeal: Essential summer paint projects

And summer in NSW is the peak season for outdoor projects. Painting, often done in warmer weather, protects wooden surfaces and prevents warping and splitting. Look at these projects to get started:

• Spruce up the front door: Your front door is the star of your home’s facade. Painting it in a colourful hue can create a welcoming entrance. Think a daring blue, a sun-kissed yellow or a retro red.
  
  

• Window trim and shutters: Paint your window trim and shutters to give your house architectural appeal and showcase your windows. A refreshing white or contrasting colour can make a big difference.
  
  

• Fence and gate makeover / fresh paint: Pick a shade that marries your home's exterior.
  
  

• Brilliance—Little details matter. Let's focus on the letterbox transformation. A little paint on your letterbox with a dash of personality can be just the charm you need.
  
  

• Garden shed or playhouse — A colourful, new coat of paint can cover a morning spent painting a shed or playhouse in the backyard, allowing it to blend seamlessly with your landscaping.

Give your home curb appeal with the right paint colours

Finding the perfect paint colours is essential for the look of your home. Consider the following:

• Complementary colours: Consider the existing colours of your roof, brickwork and landscaping. Select paint colours that harmonise with these.
  
  

• Colour psychology: Different colours elicit different emotions. Blues and greens are soothing, while yellows and oranges are energisers.
  
  

• Local trends: Monitor colour trends within your area. While it’s important that your home reflects your personal style, you may also want to consider what’s trending in the neighbourhood.
  
  

• Test paint samples: Test paint samples in various lighting conditions before settling on a colour. What seems fabulous in the store may not be in your house.

Address the exterior: paint tricks to change your facade

Selecting the right colour and the application technique can make a difference.

• This is at the top of the list and the most crucial step. Ensure surface cleanliness, remove loose paint and sand, and smooth shine any rough places.
  
  

• Priming: The key to adequate adhesion and avoiding peeling or blistering is to prime the surface.
  
  

• Brush vs. Roller: Use a brush for detail work, like trim and corners, and a roller for larger areas, like walls and fences. Apply at least two coats of paint.

Choosing paint to protect and preserve

Picking quality paint is memorable and will save you money in the long term.

• Weather Resilience: Choose a paint suitable for exterior use that's resistant to the extreme Australian weather - sun, rain, and wind.

• UV Protection: For those in sunny areas, consider paint that has UV protection to help prevent fading and keep your colours brighter for longer.
  
  

• Durability — How long will it last on the paint, and how often will you need to re-apply? Some paints have more extended warranties than others.
  
  

• Acrylic paints work well for exterior applications due to their resistance to weather and moisture.

Maximise natural light and space

Colour, in the form of paint, can be pretty effective in creating the illusion of space and light.

• Light colours: Light colours, such as white, cream, or light grey, can give your home a bright and spacious feel.
  
  

• Reflective surfaces: Gloss or semi-gloss finishes can duplicate light and give the feeling of additional space.
  
  

• Feature walls: Paint one of the walls darker or more vividly so it attracts attention and adds dimension to the space.
  
  

• Match trim and walls: Painting your trim and walls the same colour will help make a room feel larger.

Take your home value up a notch 

Summer paint projects are an excellent investment as they can boost your home's curb appeal, protect its exterior, and add to its value. The Waverley Council area has them all, from quaint Victorian terraces, Art Deco apartments, and modern family homes to beachfront pads. Waverley professional painters know the intricacies of these different types of architecture and can customise their service to meet the needs of each property. From a heritage-listed building needing delicate detail and restoration work to a contemporary home that simply needs a smooth, modern finish, there are painters with the experience necessary to help you stay on track and deliver excellent work. They can recommend suitable types of paint for different surfaces, taking into account proximity to the coast and exposure to the elements. With the right choice of colours, preparation of surfaces and application of quality paints, you can create a beautiful oasis within the confines of your home that will leave you feeling proud to showcase it. So, pick up your brushes, towel off the sun, and start a home you love. Just some work can make your home the best in the neighbourhood. And if you’re not comfortable taking the job on, don’t be afraid to call in the pros. After all, a quality paint job is an investment that will pay off for you for years to come.