We asked three of our female sales representatives to share their best tips for making your exterior home project a beautiful success. I mean, who better to tell us what to use for our exteriors than the top selling women in our organization who work with some of our biggest contractor customers every day?!
white
Here are 4 things you must know about painting your house
white
white
Shannon: Sonia, thanks so much for taking time with me today to talk about paint! I know a lot of people are getting ready to paint their houses this spring. Let's start with some really basic advice about what sheen (also called 'finish') we should use on our exteriors.
white
1. Choose the right sheen
white
Sonia Martinez, Watsonville: As a homeowner, you always want to make sure that your exterior paint holds up to weather conditions and UV rays. I recommend low-sheen or eggshell paint for the main body. Unlike flat paint, low-sheen paint can easily be power washed if needed. As for trim, semi-gloss can withstand harsh weather conditions and excess moisture.
white
white
Shannon: Ok so, UV Rays are Ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation that come from the sun and can fade colors and wear paint surfaces over time. I like knowing that using a low or eggshell sheen can give me more durability and washability for my house.
white
Verona, I always love our conversations about the large-scale mural projects you've worked on in the San Francisco community. Tell us, do all exteriors have to be primed before you paint?
white
2. Know About Primer
white
Verona Collins, Outside Sales San Francisco: Although all of our premium line paints are self-priming with the correct cleaning and preparation, the majority of painting contractors will include primer in their bids. It promotes the best adhesion to the substrate along with tannin resistance. We've formulated primers for specific surfaces so be sure to check with your paint contractor for recommendations on that.white
white
Shannon: Right, tannin is the brownish discoloration that can come through wood surfaces when painted. This is really good to know!
white
Cynthia, you cover a wide territory where there's plenty of sun. What kind of paint product and sheen should we choose for front doors? Can you paint both sides of the frontdoor with the same paint?
white
3. The best paint for your front door
white
Cynthia Schmidt, Outside Sales Antioch: Both sides can get heavy use and they're constantly touched, so I prefer a durable coating such as Durapoxy HP (high performance). The semi-gloss sheen will give the most protection. But I prefer the look of the satin Sheen.
white
white
white
Shannon: Verona and I agree about satin finish on doors- it's so elegant. And Durapoxy HP is an Acrylic/Urethane hybrid which makes more durable and long lasting. In fact, it can be used for handrails, cabinets, and other wood elements both inside and outside your house.
white
Cynthia, we're talking products and sheen, but can you also share your advice about what kinds of colors last the longest for exteriors?
white
4. Choose long lasting colors
Cynthia Schmidt: In my experience, light colors, soft colors, and mutedmedium tones last the longest. They hold up better to the sun with less fading.
white
white
white
white
Shannon: That makes sense. But, I don't think you need to rule out dark and bright paint colors for exteriors. You'll just want to be aware that you may need to paint your house more often.
white
white
Speaking of color, you all know my favorite question! What is your favorite Kelly-Moore paint color and where's a great place to use it?
white
Our Sales Team's Favorite Paint Colors
Sonia: My top choice at the moment is KM5822 San Francisco Fog. I have seen it everywhere. I used it on my kitchen cabinets and they look beautiful.
white
Cindy: My favorite Kelly-Moore color is KM575 Farmer’s Market. It's just the perfect shade of muted green and looks amazing both inside and outside. I like it paired with light to medium neutrals. I painted my entire office
Farmer’s Market with 23 Swiss Coffee trim.
white
Verona: KMA29 Peacock Blue is one of many of my absolute favorite colors. Truly beautiful as an exterior front door and stunning when complimented with 23 Swiss Coffee for larger rooms.
white
white
Shannon: Thank you all so much for the time and work you contribute for our company, and for the examples you set for young women looking to us to be fearless in our goals, careers, and passions.
Shop The Story
