• April 24th, 2018
  •   Tips

All paint is made up of the same four ingredients: solvent, resin, additives, and pigments. However, the levels of each in the paint is what makes them different. Pigment is what causes a paint to have color. Most times, indoor paints can contain organic pigment which will fade if used outdoors. Binders are used to bind the pigment together as well as provide adhesion to the painted surface. Interior and exterior paints also include liquids, but the paints have different liquids.

Paint that is created for outdoor purposes has more additives than indoor paint. This is because it has to deal with all the elements so this provides a resistance to cracking, fading, mildew, dirt, and mold resistance, as well as UV ray protection. You might think it’s a good idea to use outdoor paint for indoors, but that is not a good idea. This is because although it can withstand all of these elements, it is not so great at preventing scuffing and scratches and it also emits more VOCs.

Because interior paint does not have to deal with such extreme climates, it is created with more rigid resins. The extra resins make it easier for the paint to be cleaned as well as makes it less prone to scuffs. Another important difference between indoor and outdoor paint is the volatile organic compounds. VOCs can have a large impact on your health so they are low or not present in indoor paint because you are constantly exposed to it. According to the EPA some health effects from VOCs include, headaches, skin reactions, cancer, damage to the liver, kidney, and nervous system.

Now that you know the difference between indoor and outdoor paint, what color should you choose for the exterior of your home? Here are our five best tips!

1. Check the History

If you have an older home you wish to paint, of course you can go for any color you’d like but you can also modernize a piece of history by refinishing the original color. You can also “jazz up the past” by painting the old architectural details a bright color! Be sure to check it with your local historic commision and make sure it fits in with your neighborhood.

2. Consider Your Neighbors

Considering your neighbors goes hand in hand with making sure your home fits in with your neighborhood. You don’t want to completely copy homes near yours, but you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. Choose a color that compliments your surrounding area while also allowing you to be original.

3. Embrace Nature

If you have trees, plants, or flowers already around your home, use those colors to pick a complimentary shade for your home. If you have a lot of trees you may want to go for an earthy palette, but if you are in a beach town a bright blue or pink may do the trick.

4. Look at the Roof

Unless you plan on redoing your roof, it is a great place to get some inspiration for color. Roofs can be made up of asphalt, shingles, metal, terracotta, slate and clay, try to match your home’s color to your roof to narrow down your color choices.

5. Look for Things that Won’t be Painted

Just like your roof, you should look for other areas of your home that don’t need to be painted. This can include, bricks, stone, garages, steps, railings and anything in between. Choose a color that goes well with these areas so you don’t have to do double the painting.

If you need the interior or exterior of your home painted we can provide you with guidance as well as the right paint for your needs. Call us today to revamp your home! (NY 914-935-9300 / CT 203-523-3347)