Home & Garden
Add Curb Appeal With A Fresh House Paint Job In California
Is it time to give your home's exterior a new coat of paint? Consider this before you get started.

In California, many of us have been spending more time at home. Between front-yard picnics and drive-by birthday parades, the old facade has been getting a lot more attention than usual. If your house is in need of a new paint job, there’s no time like the present.
But before you order 20 gallons of “Green Machine” for curbside pickup, consider these five rules of thumb.
1. Why You Need To Paint
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Of course, a fresh paint job boosts your home’s curb appeal, but there are also some practical reasons to keep your exterior up to date. Paint is your home’s biggest line of defense against weather, insects, and other damage.
2. When You Should Paint
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There’s no hard and fast rule as to when to re-paint your home. A poor paint job may only have a lifespan of a few years, but a thorough one can last up to 20. Most importantly, give your home’s current coat a once over. Are you finding chipped, cracked, flaking, or peeling paint? A new paint job is in order.
3. How To Choose A Color
Here’s the big question. And ultimately, it’s a personal decision and a matter of taste. Take a drive through your neighborhood and see what homes catch your eye. Make note of the things you liked—and didn’t like—before selecting a color scheme.
4. Take A Test Run
Before you purchase your paint, grab a few samples. Test them out on a portion of your house, as they may look quite different in person than on the brochure. Be sure to cover a couple of square feet to get an accurate idea of how it will look on your home.
5. Do Your Research
If you plan on DIYing the job, be sure to do thorough research on the necessary painting procedures, from surface prep to the finishing touches. If you think the job is a little above your head, reach out to a few painters in your area for a quote.
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