A Great First Impression

Take On The Front Of Your House

Make a great first impression with Dulux

A beautiful exterior sets a welcoming tone for guests – and can also increase your home's value and sale ability. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a fortune to boost your home's curb appeal and bring a less-than-fabulous façade right up to date. "Paint can do extraordinary things for the look of your home," says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour Expert. "It's quick, DIY-friendly and can save you a huge amount on expensive exterior upgrades." "Colour is transformative; use it to give a tired façade an instant facelift, highlight your home's best features or downplay the less desirable ones," she says.

All you need to get started are the right tools and a couple of free weekends, depending on the size of your façade and how much prep work is required. "Sprucing up your verandah and façade are generally bigger DIY jobs than re-painting your interior as there are several elements involved, such as walls, decking and window frames, but as your exterior is the frst thing visitors see, it's well worth the effort," says Lucena-Orr. Start by choosing a colour scheme. "As a rule of thumb, a palette of either three or four colours works best for exteriors," she says. "Greys have been on-trend for a while, but they're far from your only option. Earthy blues-greys, greens and greiges are emerging as key neutrals that work beautifully with natural materials such as timber and stone – a perfect choice for outdoors.

"Contrasts are particularly effective on exteriors. Opt for charcoal or a dark neutral for window trims and fencing and contrast it with crisp white walls. Or vice versa; select a deep shade for vertical surfaces and play up the contrast with white detailing. A tonal look is also gaining traction; if you have a contemporary home, consider using different shades of one or two neutrals across walls, fences, the front door and outdoor accessories such as planters," says Lucena-Orr.

Or create wow factor with brights. "A focal point draws the eye and adds personality to your exterior. Painting your front door in a bold hue, like a striking aqua such as Dulux Oasis Spring, is a great way to achieve this – plus it sets a relaxed, inviting tone," she says.

When choosing an exterior palette, it's important to factor in your home's architecture and the colours in your surrounds to create a sense of harmony, says Lucena-Orr. "Consider the colours in your garden as well as the colour on your roof, driveway and decorative features such as tiles."

And while you're at it, why not use paint to refresh other outdoor elements, such as bollard lights, planters, benches, the front fence and letterbox for a truly cohesive look.

For a fnish that's easy to apply and lasts for years, choose a quality paint. Dulux Weathershield® goes on smoothly, dries fast and as it's self-priming on most surfaces, you won't need an undercoat. You can use it on most exterior surfaces, including brickwork, decking, weatherboards and gutters, and it will maintain its good looks – and protect your home against Australia's harsh conditions – for as long as you live there.

Verandah Refresh DIY Steps
1: Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.
2: Once the surface is dry, apply Dulux Weathershield to the surface using long brush strokes, starting with the inner panels and working your way out.
3: Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.
4: Repeat this process for the second coat. Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat.
5. If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied.
PRO TIP: Nothing evokes richness and warmth like dark colours. These schemes are always popular, making them an inspired choice for a wide variety of house styles.
Front Of House DIY Step
1: Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.
2: Once the surface is dry, start by cutting in around the edges and hard to reach areas using Dulux Weathershield.
3: Apply paint to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.

4: Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.
5: Repeat this process for the second coat. Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat
6: If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied
PRO TIP: Nothing evokes richness and warmth like dark colours. These schemes are always popular, making them an inspired choice for a wide variety of house styles.

Front Of House Diy Steps
1: Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.
2: Once the surface is dry, apply Dulux Weathershield to the surface using long brush strokes, starting with the inner panels and working your way out.
3: Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.
4: Repeat this process for the second coat. Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat.
5. If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied.
PRO TIP: Nothing evokes richness and warmth like dark colours. These schemes are always popular, making them an inspired choice for a wide variety of house styles.

Front Door
1: Gather your painting supplies as well as Dulux Aquanamel in your chosen colour(s) and Dulux 1Step Prep.
2: After sanding down the surface, apply one coat of Dulux 1Step Prep.
3: Commence painting by cutting in around the edges of the door using Dulux Aquanamel.
4: Apply Dulux Aquanamel to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.
5: Once you've completed an area, while the paint is still wet, lightly smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes – but, don't overdo or reload the brush – a few brush strokes will smooth the surface.

For more information about simple DIY projects for the home using Dulux Weathershield, 1Step Prep or Aquanamel, visit www.dulux.com.au