How to Choose Exterior Paint for Your Home

Select a color you like--one that coordinates well with the home's interior colors. Keep in mind any existing housing-board mandates or local ordinances.

Review the guarantees of different brands. Some paint is guaranteed for only five or 10 years. Other guarantees last for as long you own your home or even for the life of your home.

Determine the paint's maintenance level. Some paints that last only five to 10 years may peel or blister.

Be aware of your budget. High-quality, low-maintenance paints can be much more expensive than other paints. If you are likely to re-paint your home a different color within a few years, a less-expensive paint might better fit your needs than a high-quality paint.

Find out if primer is required. Some paints, but not all, require that you use primer first so that the paint will adhere better.

Consider how well the paint resists such things as mildew, rain, snow and sunshine. For instance, paint that fades or bubbles after a few seasons will require an entire new paint job.

Select the right paint for your home's surface. Some paints are designed only for wood. Other paints are designed for stucco, brick, or cement. Some all-purpose paints are designed for just about any surface.

Choose a primary color that coordinates well with many secondary colors. For instance, if you ever want to update the look of your home, you can do so inexpensively by simply updating the secondary colors. It's best to have as many options as possible.