The Best Do's and Don'ts For Choosing Exterior House Paint
- Mason Scripture
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Choosing the right exterior paint for your home in Rochester, Minnesota, is a decision that goes beyond mere aesthetics. It's about protecting your investment from our harsh winters and humid summers, enhancing curb appeal, and ensuring a beautiful, long-lasting finish. To help you navigate this important choice, here are the essential do's and don'ts:
The DO's of Choosing Exterior House Paint:
DO Consider Your Home's Fixed Elements:
Look at your roof, brick, stone, pathways, and even permanent landscaping. These elements aren't changing, so your paint color should complement their undertones (warm, cool, or neutral). A cool-toned roof might pair well with crisp whites, blues, or greens, while warm-toned brick could sing with earthy hues like taupe or warm gray.
DO Respect Your Home's Architectural Style:
Certain styles lend themselves to specific palettes. A Victorian home can embrace multiple, bolder colors to highlight intricate details, while a modern home might thrive with clean lines and a neutral, minimalist scheme (whites, grays, blacks). A Craftsman often looks best with earthy greens, browns, and muted yellows.
DO Test, Test, Test (Large Swatches!):
Never choose a color from a tiny paint chip. Buy sample cans and paint large swatches (at least 2x2 feet) on different sides of your house. Observe them throughout the day – morning sun, afternoon shade, cloudy days, and even evening light. Colors appear drastically different outdoors and under varying conditions.
DO Think About the Neighborhood (HOA Permitting):
You want your home to stand out in a good way, not stick out like a sore thumb. Consider the overall aesthetic of your street and community. If you have an HOA (Homeowners Association) in Rochester or Kasson, always check their CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) for approved color palettes and submission procedures before you even start sampling.
DO Choose Quality Paint Formulations (Especially for Minnesota):
Invest in high-quality exterior paint. Cheaper paints fade, crack, and peel faster, leading to more frequent repainting. For Minnesota's extreme temperatures and moisture, look for paints with:
Excellent adhesion and flexibility: To expand and contract without cracking.
UV resistance: To prevent fading from intense summer sun.
Mildew resistance: Crucial for humid summers and damp conditions.
Reputable brands: Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura, or Behr Marquee are popular, durable choices for our climate.
DO Consider Paint Sheen Wisely:
Flat/Matte: Great for hiding imperfections, but less durable and harder to clean. Often used for the main body of older homes.
Satin/Eggshell: The most popular choice for siding. Offers a subtle sheen, good durability, and easier cleaning.
Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Highly durable, easy to clean, and provides a noticeable shine. Ideal for trim, doors, railings, and accents. This contrast adds definition.
DO Plan Your Color Scheme (Body, Trim, Accent):
Most homes look best with a primary body color, a trim color (for windows, eaves, fascias), and an accent color (for the front door, shutters, or specific architectural details). Choose colors that harmonize or provide a pleasing contrast.
The DON'TS of Choosing Exterior House Paint:
DON'T Ignore Weather and Temperature Conditions:
In Rochester, painting during extreme heat, cold, or high humidity is a recipe for disaster. Paint needs specific temperatures (typically 50°F to 90°F for both air and surface) and lower humidity to cure properly. Painting outside these ranges leads to poor adhesion, blistering, peeling, and premature failure.
DON'T Rely Solely on Digital Visualizers:
While online tools can give you a rough idea, they don't accurately represent how colors will look in natural light on your specific home's materials. Always use physical samples.
DON'T Be Afraid to Get Professional Advice:
A reputable painting contractor like Scripture Painting and Power Washing has extensive experience with local weather conditions, suitable paint products for Minnesota, and current color trends. We can offer color consultations and ensure proper application for longevity.
DON'T Forget About Surface Preparation:
Painting over dirty, peeling, or damaged surfaces is a waste of time and money. Proper preparation (cleaning, scraping loose paint, sanding, patching, priming) is essential for paint adhesion and a smooth finish. Don't skip this critical step, or your new paint job won't last.
DON'T Pick Trendy Colors for Your Entire House (Unless You're Selling Soon):
While a trendy color on an accent door can be fun, painting your entire home a super-trendy hue might look dated in a few years and could deter future buyers. Stick to timeless, classic, or neutral main body colors for long-term appeal.
DON'T Assume "Any" Exterior Paint Will Do:
Exterior paints are formulated specifically for outdoor exposure, with resins and additives to withstand UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Interior paint will not hold up outdoors.
By following these do's and avoiding these don'ts, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect exterior paint for your Rochester or Kasson home – one that provides lasting beauty and protection against our unique climate. When you're ready for a professional application, contact Scripture Painting and Power Washing for a free estimate!
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