If you want to paint the outside of your home, there are a few things you need to know before you pick up your paintbrush. First, while painting your home may seem straightforward, you're likely better off hiring professional painters to tackle this work. Second, there's more to selecting exterior paint than finding the right color, and a few wrong steps can detract from your home's curb appeal. Here are three things you need to know about residential exterior painting. 

It's More Than Just Color

While selecting a color that complements your home is crucial, you need to consider the texture and sheen of your exterior paint. Also, the quality and formulation of the paint you select are vital. Exterior paint formulas come in three types: acrylic, oil-based, and latex. The type of paint that works best for your home will depend on the exterior materials. Exterior paint finishes range from matte to satin to semi-gloss and glossy. What works best for your home will depend on numerous factors, and your contractor will help you find the right paint. 

What It Costs

The cost of hiring a residential exterior painter will be more than if you take on this work yourself. However, a professional will do the job quicker and neater than most do-it-yourselfers. Knowing how much residential exterior painting costs is vital before committing to this project. Typically, you'll pay anywhere from $.50 to $3.50 per square foot for residential exterior painting. If you hire a professional and use quality materials, your new coat of paint will last for years, making it an excellent investment in your home. 

Preparation Matters

Another thing you need to know about exterior paint is that it won't stick to dirt, and any flaws underneath will show through if you don't fix them before the paint is applied. Preparing your home's exterior for a new coat of paint is just as important as selecting the correct type of paint for your home. Clean your home's exterior thoroughly, remove chipped and cracked paint, and fix any damage to your exterior before the painting begins. The work you do ahead of painting will pay off.

If you are thinking about painting your home, here's what to know about residential exterior painting. First, there's much more to finding the right exterior paint than choosing a complementary color. Second, knowing how much residential exterior painting costs is vital. Finally, how well you prepare your home for the paint significantly impacts the final result.

To learn more, contact a company that provides residential exterior painting.