As warmer weather arrives in many parts of the country, homeowners are beginning to take stock of their exterior painting needs. Whether that paint project involves a whole house repaint or a simple front door color change, follow these suggestions for an attractive and long-lasting paint job.

Before you begin painting, make sure the surface is clean and sound. Even the best quality paints will fail if they are applied to a poorly prepared surface. Next, always use the right tools and brushes. Good quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly. And don’t forget the role weather plays in exterior painting. You should paint when the temperature is between 60° and 85° F, and when there is little or no wind. Finally, choose a quality paint that is designed for the job you’re doing. Using a lower quality paint just to save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you used a top quality product.

When it comes to reviving your home's paint color scheme, many people choose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house. But choosing a new color scheme can be fun and exciting – and can give your home a fresh and updated look.

Choosing a new color scheme might seem like a very daunting task at first. Before you begin, you will need to consider the architectural style of your home. Some styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four- and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to two or three colors. Usually this includes a main body color, and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters and doors.

Next, take into account fixed colors. Consider the colors on and near the house that either cannot, or will not, be painted. This includes the roof color, as well as wood, masonry, or stone that will be left unpainted.

Lastly, consider the surroundings and check for restrictions. Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door. You wouldn’t want a color that is exactly the same as that on your neighbor’s home, and, conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either.