The right porch paint can make all the difference. Your front porch, no matter its size, is the first thing friends
and visitors see.
Choosing the right color is important but so is using a high quality paint that will last a long
time and reduce your maintenance costs.
Mary and I assure you the right paint can create instant curb appeal and make your porch the envy of the neighborhood.
Porch Paint - Color
If you are anything like us, choosing the right color can be a real chore. We envy those who have an eye for color; we have to really
work at it.
Most of us go to a paint store and look at samples to determine what color would work best. Before you go; however, use our
suggestions to make your selection easier.
Color Schemes
This is the fun part! Use colors in a variety of ways for different effects. Colors can make things appear larger
or smaller, give the effect of expansion, make rectangular areas look square, and more.
Use porch floor paintto create patterns on your porch floor like in the photo above. This is an easy way to use your creativity to enhance to overall look
of your porch.
In the video below, see how to tape off and paint a porch with a geometric design. You can use this procedure on wood or concrete floors.
The painted rug (like the one above) is another example of artwork on your porch. Not that artistic? You can find plenty of stencils in a wide
variety of styles and patterns that would be perfect.
If you guessed that's a tiled floor in the photo above, you'd be wrong. It's actually cement porch floor paint used to look like tile!
Color Characteristics
Determining how you use your porch can help determine the right colors.
If you like to entertain and inspire conversation choose warm colors: red, oranges, and yellows
Like to enjoy a glass of wine with you with your sweetheart on a cool summer evening: blues, greens, purples
Remember that warm colors tend to be very visual and energetic and also make things appear larger.
Cool colors give create a calming, soothing impression.
White, black and gray are considered neutral colors.
See our Color Characteristics Section to see what effect colors have on people and how you can apply them to your porch!
Match Your Architecture
It can be very important to match your porch paint to your home's architecture; most probably don't realize the relationship between color
and your home's style.
Use our Architectural Color Chart to help match the right colors for your front porch!
Here's a sample of our chart:
Art Deco - dramatic colors against cream or black
Arts and Crafts - rich tones combined with neutrals
Porch Paint Options
We recommend using the highest quality porch paints available (within your budget)for your porch. Your porch not only is
exposed to the elements but it also receives considerable wear and tear. A high quality exterior paint, although more expensive, will
last longer meaning you will paint less over time.
Select your paint based on the material to be painted.
Oil-based paints - These are more durable than latex but have a longer drying time. Oil-based paints also have
stronger fumes than latex. Take precautions - wear a mask. Clean up is more difficult; you will need paint thinner to clean
spills and brushes.
Latex-based paints - Latex-based paints dry faster but tend to peel if the surface is not prepared correctly.
Acrylic latex may have a lower sheen but it can provide a relatively non-slip finish.
Alkyd-based paints - Similar to oil based paints, alkyd-based paints longer drying times and more fumes than
latex paint.
Porch floor paint is made with chemicals formulated to make the paint dry harder, stick better and stand up to heavy traffic.
We recommend you check out Sherwin Williams Armorseal/Treadplex and also Sikkens. Both brands are very high quality and although
on the expensive side, will not only look great but preserve your porch as well.
I've personally used Sikkens on wood porch decking and
have found it to be an excellent product. Although it is primarily a stain, it also comes in solid colors.
Now that's a painted porch!
To see how to get the best painting results, be sure to see our Home Painting Ideas.
We recommend you check out Sherwin Williams Armorseal/Treadplex and also Sikkens. Both brands are very high quality and although
on the expensive side, will not only look great but preserve your porch as well.
