Spring is a great time to start getting work done around the home, and for those considering selling their Waterloo Region home, it is, historically, the most popular time to do so.
While there is often a focus on spring cleaning interiors, and even on spring gardening and landscaping tasks, the exterior of your Waterloo Region home may benefit from some spring TLC too.
Maybe the exterior of your Waterloo Region home for sale does not need a complete repainting job in order to appeal to potential buyers (but if it does, it is something that you should address asap) but the chances are good that it may very well benefit from some paint touch ups on windowsills, window frames, shutters, porch rails and, perhaps most importantly of all, the doors. And according to the paint experts Spring really is the best time to undertake such a project.
Why? Paint when it is too cold, and the finish is likely to begin to crack before the paint has had a chance to dry properly. Paint when it’s too hot, and the paint is likely to dry too quickly, and you won’t get that nice, glossy shine and vibrant colour you were hoping for.
While we know that spring is not quite here yet, it is very close, and so now is a great time to start planning to undertake your painting project when it does arrive. But before you head out to the home store to start stocking up on supplies, there are some basic tips to keep in mind:
Basic Spring Exterior Painting Considerations
Paint in the Morning or Evening
Even in the springtime, the sun in the middle of the day can pack some serious power, so plan to paint during the morning or evening hours when the actual air temperatures are lower, as overly sunlit surfaces can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature, causing those warm weather paint problems I just mentioned to become an issue anyway.
Don’t Paint When It’s Too Windy
Aside from the fact that excessive wind will cause paint to dry too quickly, it is also very likely to blow excess dust, dirt, and other contaminants onto still tacky paint surfaces, potentially ruining that nice, smooth, just-painted look.
Prepare the Surface
Preparing the surface you are going to paint is every bit as important outside as it is inside. If a previous coat of paint is peeling away, don’t even think of simply pulling off the flakes and then trying to paint over the rest, as the end result will almost inevitably be less than attractive to behold. Instead, strip the whole surface properly and then add a coat of primer before you get down to the ‘real’ painting.
Don’t Go Cheap on the Paint
It is especially important that you don’t skimp on the actual paint you use on the exterior of your home. No, that half can of interior paint you have left from the kitchen touch up won’t do, it was simply not created to stand up to the elements.
The ideal exterior paint is a 100 percent acrylic latex paint. This type of paint is tough, durable, and holds its colour exceptionally well. And take the time to add that second coat, as that will improve the finished look now and keep it looking great for years to come (something your eventual buyer will thank you for, which should earn you some good karma points at least.)
Shop Colours Carefully
Choosing the right trim paint colour can make a world of difference when selling your Waterloo Region home. Here's a breakdown to help you pick the perfect shade:
Neutral Wins: Most buyers are looking for a move-in ready space that feels fresh and inviting. Sticking with neutral colours for your trim is the safest bet. Think crisp whites, calming beiges, or soft greys. These colours complement almost any siding colour and create a sense of timeless elegance.
Be a Colour Chameleon
Consider your home's existing siding colour. If it's a warm tone like beige, a slightly cooler greige trim could add some contrast. Conversely, a cool-toned grey house might look fantastic with a warm cream trim.
Testing, Testing
Paint doesn't always look the same on a swatch as it does on your actual house. Here's the Canadian twist: our wonderful northern light can sometimes play tricks on colour perception.
To avoid any surprises, buy a few sample pots and paint a small patch on different sides of your house – sunny areas, shady spots, the areas that are illuminated by electric light at night. This way, you can see how the colour interacts with the light throughout the day.
Neighbourhood Watch
Take a stroll around your block and see what colours your neighbours have used. You don't necessarily have to copy them, but it can give you a good idea of what works for the architectural style of the neighbourhood and what might look jarringly out of place.
Trim Painting Tips and Tricks
Prep is Key
As with any painting project, good prep work is half the battle. First things first, grab some painter's tape (the wider the better) and mask off all the areas you don't want paint on—walls, windows, siding. We don't want any rogue drips causing headaches later! For trickier areas like corners, use a putty knife to get a nice, crisp line with the tape.
Be a Caulk Champion
Canadian weather can be brutal on our homes, so take a moment to inspect your trim for any cracks or gaps. Use a good quality caulk (rated for exterior use) to fill them in. This will not only prevent water damage but also create a smoother surface for painting. Let the caulk dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before moving on.
The Right Tools for the Right Job
When it comes to painting trim, a good quality angled brush is your best friend. The angled bristles allow you to get right into corners and along edges without accidentally hitting the wall. A smaller brush is also handy for tight spaces and detailing. Don't forget a sturdy drop cloth to protect your floors and any outdoor furniture that might be close by.
Brush Like a Pro
Here's where the magic happens. Start by cutting in—that's painting the edges where the trim meets the wall or siding. Dip your angled brush only about halfway into the paint, then wipe off any excess on the edge of the can. Use a light touch and focus on getting a clean, even line. Once the edges are done, you can fill in the broader areas of the trim with the flat part of the brush.
Less is More
It's better to apply multiple thin coats than one thick one. Thick coats take longer to dry and are more prone to drips and runs. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next – consult the paint can for recommended drying times between coats.
The Great Peel Reveal
Once the final coat is dry and you're ready to remove the painter's tape, do it slowly and at a diagonal angle. This will help prevent the paint from peeling up along with the tape.
With a little patience and these tips, your trim painting project will be a success, leaving your home looking sharp and ready to impress!
So there you have it! With a fresh coat of paint and some strategic updates, your home's exterior can make a world of difference to potential buyers. But selling a home involves so much more than curb appeal.
Thinking of selling this spring? The process can feel overwhelming, from navigating market trends to negotiating offers. That's where a great real estate agent comes in!
Team Pinto doesn't just help you sell your home, we help you achieve your real estate goals. We'll guide you through every step, from prepping your property to paperwork and closing. We'll leverage our market knowledge to get you top dollar and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your Waterloo Region home sale? Contact Team Pinto today for a free consultation. Let's chat about your goals and how we can make your selling journey a success! In the meantime, happy prepping!