5 Tips & Ideas to Improve Your Home’s Kerb Appeal

Whether selling your home or living in your forever home, maintaining the exterior of your home adds value. Here are top five DIY painting projects that will instantly add curb appeal to your home.

1. Paint Your Front Door

Your front door is a real focal point and sets the tone for the rest of your home. Painting it can have a major impact on the overall look of your exterior while requiring relatively little DIY effort and cost.

Whether you choose to make a statement with a bright sunshine yellow or go for a classic black, navy or red we always recommend taking home a tester. Once you’ve found that perfect colour all that is left is decide on a finish and away you go! For a more detailed step-by-step guide, check out our article “How to Paint Your Front Door”.

2. Freshen Up uPVC Windows

Painting your windows can be a relatively cost-effective way of freshening up your home. With the right products and know-how, this also applies to uPVC, PVC and Aluclad frames. If your uPVC windows feel a bit dated or are looking a little worse for wear, a simple lick of paint can do wonders. We have seen major transformations from a dull weather-worn white to the ever-popular anthracite grey (RAL7016). To learn more, take a look at our guide “How to Paint uPVC Trim, Doors & Window Frames”.

3. Restore Rusty Gates & Railings

Your exterior metalwork is part of that first impression and requires regular care to keep it looking its best. To revive rusty metalwork preparation is key. This tends to be a weekend job as opposed to an afternoon, but the time required will depend on the condition and number of railings! We recommend spending time cleaning and removing any rust as your railings, like all your exteriors, are exposed to the Irish elements. For more in-depth instructions, read “How to Paint Over Rusted Metal Railings & Gates.”

4. Spruce Up Your Fence

After years of being exposed to the elements, your fence will naturally face a lot of wear and tear. To restore an old fence to its former glory, replace any broken panels, clean it down, and apply the topcoat of your choosing. For a quality paint that can be used as both primer and a topcoat, we recommend Ralston 3-in-1 Aqua Satin. Ideal for both painted and unpainted fences, this product can be tinted to any colour of your choosing. To find out more, read “How to Add Colour to Your Garden with A Painted Fence.”

5. Update Your Exterior Wall Colour

Painting your walls will both protect your exterior and boost your home’s kerb appeal. When selecting a colour, take inspiration from your neighbourhood and don’t forget to consider any exterior features and fittings that are here to stay (e.g., brickwork, windows and doors, driveway, roof, fencing etc.). Once you’ve whittled down your options, purchase a few testers and give yourself plenty of time to make up your mind.

Another good option is to book a colour consultation with a qualified colour expert from Pat McDonnell Paints. Our in-store Colour Consultants can guide you through the colour selection process so you can find an exterior colour scheme that you love!