Are you itching to give your home a new look but don’t want to break the bank? Painting the exterior walls of your home can bring about a significant change at a fraction of the cost of a renovation. If you’re looking to spruce up your home’s exterior, why not try a coastal cottage style? This style is a popular trend, and it evokes feelings of calmness and tranquillity. In this article, we will discuss the techniques you can use to paint your exterior walls in a coastal cottage style.
What is a Coastal Cottage Style?
The coastal cottage style is design inspired by the beach, the sea and anything that conveys a seaside bungalow feel. This design style embraces natural materials like wood, rattan, wicker, and cane. Coastal cottage style incorporates colours found in nature, such as shades of blue, green, white, and beige, to create a sense of calmness and serenity.
Preparing Your Walls
Before you start painting, you must prepare the walls to ensure a good finish. Preparing your walls involves cleaning and sanding. Here’s what you need to do.
- Clean the walls thoroughly with a power Washer or a stiff brush to remove any dirt or grime.
- Repair any cracks, holes or damaged areas using a suitable filler.
- Sand the walls until they are smooth, and wipe down with a clean, Damp cloth to remove any dust.
Clean, dry surfaces are essential for good paint adhesion. So, make sure the walls are completely dry before you start painting.
Choosing the Right Colours
The coastal cottage style features light, neutral colours with a pop of vibrant shades for contrast. Here are some colours that will complement a coastal cottage style.
- White
- Light grey
- Sky blue
- Soft pink
- Beige
- Coral
- Sage green
- Seafoam
Use these colours on different areas of your home’s exterior such as:
- The main House colour should be a light, neutral shade like white or light grey. This will provide a clean and fresh look while still evoking a seaside feel.
- You may use a pop of vibrant shade to draw attention to architectural features such as the front door or window trims. For example, a coral-red or seafoam-green door could add a fun, beachy element to the exterior.
- You can use a pastel shade like pink or sky blue for shutters or entrance porch walls to add a playful touch.
Different Painting Techniques
You can use different painting techniques for coastal cottage styles, including the following.
Weathered Look
Coastal environments are notoriously tough on buildings, and paintwork tends to weather quickly. The weathered look captures this and can create a charming, understated effect for your home. To achieve a weathered look, follow these steps.
- After painting your exterior walls with base colour, mix the base paint with a darker shade of the same colour you used.
- Paint over the base colour in broad, uneven strokes using a dry brush.
- Let the paint dry for a few hours, then sand it down to reveal the basecoat. Continue sanding the walls until the desired look is achieved.
Stripes
Stripes are a great way to evoke that classic nautical look. To paint stripes:
- Choose two colours that complement each other.
- Paint the basecoat in one of the colours and let it dry completely.
- Once the base coat is dry, use masking tape to mask off where you want the stripes.
- Paint the unmasked areas in the second colour.
- Carefully peel off the masking tape
Ombre
Ombre is a modern technique that adds depth and dimension to your walls. This effect incorporates different shades of the same colour from dark to light. The technique is as follows:
- Choose your colour scheme
- Paint the base layer of your lighter shade and wait for it to dry.
- Mix a small amount of the darker shade into the lighter paint and paint a section on the wall.
- Mix in more of the darker colour, then paint the wall again making sure to create a gradient effect in your brush strokes.
- Continue adding more of the darker colour and painting the wall until you achieve the desired effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will the Paint Job Last?
The duration that your paint job will last depends on various factors. If you use high-quality paint, your paint job could last up to 5 years. Exposure to sunlight, rain and other adverse weather conditions can affect how long the paint job lasts.
Can I Paint Over Existing Paint?
It’s usually safe to paint over existing paint if it’s in good condition. However, if the existing paint is chipped, peeling or flaking, it’s better to remove the old paint first using a scraper and sandpaper.
Can I Paint Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional?
Painting your home’s exterior can be a massive undertaking. While it’s possible to paint your home yourself, hiring a professional painter can save you time and hassle. Professional painters have experience in painting exteriors and can ensure that the job is done correctly. They will also have the right tools and equipment, and they can help you choose the right paint for your home’s exterior.
Conclusion
Painting your home’s exterior in a coastal cottage style is an excellent way to give it a fresh new look. The coastal cottage style’s laid-back, relaxed atmosphere can make you feel like you’re on a sandy beach. Before you start painting, make sure to prepare your walls correctly. Choose colours that complement each other and use different techniques to create a unique look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with stripes, ombre effects, and weathered looks to make your home’s exterior stand out.