The Best Blue Exterior House Colors For Your Home 

Posted on: March 30th, 2021

The color blue is a timeless classic. It has always been a favorite when it comes to interior decorating, largely because of its versatility and charm. But now, more than ever before, homeowners are expanding their love of all the numerous blue exterior house colors as well. From calming and serene to vibrant and bold, let’s talk about the very best shades of blue for your home’s exterior.

The color you choose for the exterior of your house can say a lot about you. Do you have a flair for being unique? Are you someone in touch with nature? Are you a risk-taker? The beautiful thing is, you get to choose the color that answers these questions, making your home an extension of you. 

No matter what look you are going for when painting your home, it is guaranteed you can find a variety of blue that fits the bill. It can most certainly be subtle, leaning to a more neutral tone, or can be bright, bold, and electric. 

Blue Exterior House Colors
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Blue Exterior House Colors 

  • Navy and Dark Blue 

A navy blue house exterior is eye-catching and unique. People tend to shy away from decorating with darker tones for their interior. Homeowners worry black or navy will make their rooms appear smaller than they are. But, these dark blues will not have that effect on the exterior of your home and are a welcomed change from the common tan, white or light gray that dominates most neighborhoods. 

Navy is considered an elegant neutral and often gives off a nautical or beachy vibe. You can really play up the beachy feel when deciding on decor to hang on your front door and other exterior accents. Hale Navy paint by Benjamin Moore is dark blue with muted warm gray tones. Whether you go with a warm navy with gray undertones or a navy so dark it almost looks black, you will be adding to your curb appeal and receive praise from all your neighbors.

Lighter colors emphasize architectural details while contrasting colors bring attention to the lines and details. This explains why pairing a crisp white trim against your darker blues creates such a statement. 

  • Blue Gray 

Dusty blue has many of the same benefits as grey. Sometimes it is even hard to distinguish if a house is considered grey or dusty blue. This may possibly be one of the most popular paint trends of the year. Silver Mine by Behr is an excellent choice if you are going for this look. It’s a very subtle color that adds more personality than simply going with white or cream. It looks great when paired with stark white or even charcoal grey trim and shutters. 

  • Light Blue 

If you’re wanting a relaxing and dreamy look, choose a hue of light blue. When it comes to painting your home, this is one of our favorite blue exterior house colors. One of the benefits of a light blue house is that it easily matches other colors. There are only a few colors that don’t pair well with light blue that you’ll want to avoid. We recommend staying away from orange or red tones which can detract from a homey feel and look more like a sporting venue. Rather, go with natural wood or stone accents to compliment the cool tones. 

You’ll want to be careful to not try mixing two different shades of blue. For example, don’t paint your siding navy and your trim a lighter shade of blue. To avoid clashing tones, stay with a single tone of blue and once again, choose whites, creams, or grays for trim and molding. 

Choosing a lighter paint color has another advantage over darker tones. Lighter-colored paints last longer and fade much more slowly than their dark counterparts. Dark colors absorb heat and suffer more from moisture problems than lighter shades. Dark shades will require more time-consuming touch-ups since they fade much more rapidly. 

  • Vintage Aqua Blue

The color aqua is a blue-green hue that is perfect for homes near the beach or any mass of water. Its warm tones give off a light and summery attitude. Even if your home isn’t exactly located near the oceanfront property, aqua can still be just the right amount of color kick your exterior needs.

  • Bright and Bold Blues 

Do you want your home to stand out in a wonderful and unique way? If so, try an electric or brilliant blue. These tones tend to evoke a cheerful and radiant energy. This is one of the best blue exterior house colors if you’d like your home to really stand out.

Ever noticed how certain paints appear different during different times of the day? Or how natural sunlight affects the color differently than formal lighting? Paint may appear gray when the sun is directly overhead, then morph into a dusty blue at dusk. If you’re considering a brighter blue hue, these are important things to consider as this can have a major impact on how the paint will look on your home. Make sure you are happy with your choice before committing.

Front Door Colors to Go With Blue Houses 

With a blue house, you can choose just about any color of front door you want. Some colors will look better than others depending on the shade of blue you are working with. But, some of our favorites are black, white, green, maroon, pale yellow, and warm wood stains. You can have a ton of fun with this and let your creativity show. Pale pink, rust, and pea-green can all add a pop of color without being too overbearing. 

Trim 

We find the best color of trim to pair with any shade of blue is white. The crisp and clean white in contrast to navy, gray-blue, or even bright blues, creates beautiful lines that are always satisfying and beautiful to come home to. Other trim options are black, dark grey, and cream.

Fixtures 

If you are going to put time and energy into revamping the exterior of your home, don’t forget about the important details to complete the process. Light fixtures, door handles, window frames, and railings are all finishing touches you will want to address. Consider what style you are hoping for and go from there. All white fixtures will give a very different vibe than all

black. Modern farmhouse, colonial, contemporary, or rustic are styles you’ll want to be mindful of when deciding on fixtures. 

Materials 

What materials look best when paired with blue tones? Blue’s versatility to match well with other colors makes this question simple to answer. Most materials will complement blue and look great. River rock with its varied colors give a rustic feel while natural wood lends an earthy look. When you add wood into the mix with blue, no matter what the finish, you have a winning duo. 

Conclusion 

Painting the exterior of your home is a huge undertaking. Quality exterior paint not only adds a protective layer to your home but also adds to the aesthetic beauty. At PaintRite Pros, we know how much you value your home. New exterior paint not only adds curb appeal but is actually one of the most cost-effective forms of renovations, providing several visual and financial benefits. 

It is very possible that your tastes have changed over the years and you are simply ready to update your exterior to a more modern color and look. Or maybe you never liked the color of your home when you purchased it and you are finally ready to take the leap and make a change. Hiring a professional exterior painting service to give your home a fresh coat of blue exterior house colors is an excellent way to improve your living experience and can turn your house into the place you love to come home to.

Contact us today with any questions you may have about choosing the perfect blue exterior house colors for your home or any questions you may have concerning any of your upcoming painting projects. If you live in the Sacramento area, we’ll give you a free quote! We serve the entire area including Folsom, Roseville, Stockton, El Dorado Hills, and Elk Grove.  We also offer services for epoxy floors, interior painting, cabinet painting, fence painting, commercial painting, and more. 
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How to Paint Baseboards 

Posted on: March 10th, 2021

Learning how to paint baseboards is simple but the actual application can be a very time-consuming and tedious task. You may spend hours of your precious time only to be disappointed with the finished product. There are 

some tried and true tips to help you learn how to paint baseboards and have them look like you paid a pro to do them. 

Recommended Materials 

  • Primer-Zinsser and KILZ will leave an extremely smooth finish. 
  • Abrasive Hand Pads-Use these in place of sandpaper which can tend to rub off too much of the varnish 
  • Paint-typically white, semi-gloss, or high gloss 
  • Paint Shield-A paint shield is a metal or plastic rectangle with handles along one of the long sides. This can be a lifesaver if you are painting baseboards over carpet
  • Paint Brush-Use a 3” angled trim brush for best results 
  • Painter’s Tape-Painter’s tape is super effective when working with hardwood floors, over plastic window inserts, or around the shower. This is a necessity to have around and will make every painting project easier to complete
  • Drop Cloth 
  • Damp Rags-You will want to keep a damp rag near you at all times to wipe off the excess paint left behind on the paint shield. It will also keep you from panicking when those unavoidable paint drips happen
  • Paint Cup-A paint cup isn’t absolutely necessary but if you’ve used one you know how much quicker your project can go. It has a magnetic paintbrush holder on the side which is a gamechanger when doing trim work.
  • Vinegar Cleaning Solution-This solution made up of ½ cup vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water is an excellent solution to wipe down your baseboards with. You’ll want baseboards clean from dust and dirt before painting

Steps for painting baseboards 

  1. Vacuum and wipe down baseboards with either the vinegar cleaning solution mentioned earlier or with another solution. You don’t want any grime, dirt, or lint left on them. Dry baseboards completely with a rag or cloth.
  1. Gently give your baseboards a light buffing, using an abrasive hand pad. Remember to be careful not to over-do it. If you have stained wood baseboards, sanding too much will have the stain bleed through. Rough them up just enough to give the primer something to adhere to. If you are repainting your baseboards, this is the time to buff out any small dents, marks, or peeling paint. 
  2. Wipe down the baseboards again with a clean cloth to remove any dust particles left behind from the sanding process. 
  3. If you will be painting baseboards on top of a hardwood floor, then this is the time to apply the painters’ tape along the quarter round. Make sure to carefully seal all edges so there isn’t any bleed-through of paint. Pull out your paint shield because it’s time for it to do its job. 
  4. Now, you will work with one hand on your paint shield, and the other hand on the paintbrush working your way around. Apply a coat of primer first, then two coats of your semi-gloss paint. Two coats may seem like overkill but you won’t regret putting in the extra time when you see how much more durable the extra coat makes them. It works best to tackle about three feet at a time until you have made it all the way around the room. 

How to paint baseboards with carpet 

Painting baseboards with carpet is tricky but definitely can be done. It is important to know going into it that it won’t be perfect. Some carpet fibers will get paint on them or get stuck to the wet baseboards. Here are some simple steps to follow: 

  1. Place your paint shield in between the baseboard and the carpet. Next, angle it so it pulls the carpet fibers away and leaves you with enough space to insert your paintbrush. 
  2. Paint with your 3” paintbrush 
  3. Continue step 1 as you slide your paint shield down the baseboards. Make sure to wipe the excess paint off your shield each time you move it to avoid leaving a trail of paint behind.

Commonly asked questions about painting baseboards: 

Do you paint baseboards or walls first? 

Pros usually follow a certain order when painting a room. They start by painting the trim first, then the ceilings, then the walls. It’s much faster and easier to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls. And nobody wants to tape both of them off! 

What paint to use on baseboards? 

White semi-gloss or high-gloss paint is usually the best choice for baseboards. These sheens are much easier to wipe down and are a harder finish which can offer more protection from scuffs and dents.

Can you paint baseboard heaters and air vents? 

Rather than painting your heaters and vents with the same paint as your baseboards, try removing them first. Find a good quality, white appliance spray paint that matches your trim and paint them individually. Make sure they dry completely before replacing them. 

How to remove paint from baseboards 

To get the best results when painting baseboards, it’s a good idea to remove chipped, cracked, or thick layers of old paint. 

Start by gently scraping off the dried paint. A paint stripping tool can help you with this. Next, use a damp rag over the dried paint. Hit the dried paint with a little heat using a heat gun. Try applying a solvent for any remaining paint. Finish off by sanding with a super fine-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a damp cloth. 

How To Paint Baseboards Conclusion 

With all these tips and simple steps, painting your baseboards should be a far less daunting task than imagined. At PaintRite Pros we can offer helpful hints on virtually any painting project you may encounter. Our experienced staff can help answer any questions and guide you through every step of the way. If you are located in or around the Elk Grove-Sacramento area, give us a call today or schedule a free estimate for all your painting needs. We serve the entire area of Sacramento including El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Stockton, and more! We can also help you with all of your interior painting needs. 

When Should You Use Elastomeric Paint? 

Posted on: March 2nd, 2021

What is elastomeric paint? 

If you have been looking for a paint that forms a barrier against moisture, then elastomeric paint is definitely the one you should consider. Elastomeric paint is a coating specifically made to protect masonry surfaces. Like other paints, it is applied in liquid form, which then hardens into a flexible, watertight covering. This paint can stretch and return to its original form without causing damage if applied correctly.

Do I Have To Prime Before Painting?

What is elastomeric paint?

Benefits of using elastomeric paint 

Watertight

One of the best reasons to use elastomeric paint is that it places a secure coating on the surface you are painting. This coating creates a barrier so that moisture is unable to penetrate the walls. This will work well on surfaces such as masonry, stucco, poured concrete, roofs, bricks, wood, and metal. 

Long-lasting

The strong makeup of elastomeric paint gives it much more longevity than ordinary paints. It will last upwards of ten years when applied properly. 

Bendable

Elastomeric paint is made up of a stretchy material. It can move with whatever structure it is placed on. This means it can shift with a wall or roof from the changes associated with climate changes. 

Density

This paint can be up to ten times thicker than your regular paint and it shows in the end result. 

Protects

Strong rains driven by the wind can often harm paint coatings. Elastomeric paint is made to weather these storms far better than your conventional paint. 

Although elastomeric paints have several benefits, it’s not always necessary to use when painting your home. Here are some examples of when this is the case. 

  1. If you aren’t concerned with waterproofing your stucco, using a masonry primer and a double coat of quality paint will give you great results at a lower price.
  2. Electromeric paint is a high build paint. If you already have multiple coats of paint on your stucco, adding an elastomeric coating could prove too heavy and pull away from the stucco. 
  3. If your home currently has a quality coating and your paint job is in good condition, regular exterior house paint can do the trick.

Drawbacks to be aware of 

There are a few negatives with using elastomeric paint or coating. The first being that it is expensive. It may cost up to 50% more than your regular paint but it does cover much more effectively. Since elastomeric paint is very different then your standard paint, it can be more difficult to work with. If not applied correctly it can also leave you with unwanted lumps in your finish. 

How Long Should you Wait Between Coats of Paint?

What paint is the best for stucco? 

Everyone has their own opinion about what paint is best to use on stucco. But, it is important to remember that there is more than only one that will work well. 

There are three main types of paints that we recommend for stucco.

1. Acrylic Paint 

2. Masonry paint 

3. Elastomeric Paint 

Stucco requires paint that is able to expand and contract. Also, it should be extremely durable, mildew and dirt resistant, waterproof, and have good elasticity to help resist cracking. 

We do not recommend any oil-based paints for stucco walls! 

If you live in or near the Sacramento area and are going to be taking on a painting project, give our painting experts at PaintRite Pros a call or click here for a free estimate. Our friendly team of painters will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also offer free color consultations. Let our years of experience go to work for you. We serve Woodland, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Stockton, and more! We even have fluent Spanish speakers if you or someone you know needs it! Or if you live in the Boise area, we know some great painters out there too!

Best Interior Paint Colors for Selling a House 

 

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