Update your home’s exterior in a small but impactful way with a color scheme designed to make accents stand out. From painted shutters to our favorite hues for garage doors, these tips will help you choose the right exterior accent colors for a unique and beautiful home.
Matching Shutter and Front Door Colors
Painting the front door and shutters the same color is a popular choice among homeowners. Try these exterior color combinations where the front door and shutters are the same: TESTIMONIALS
Matching Shutter and Front Door Colors
Painting the front door and shutters the same color is a popular choice among homeowners. Try these exterior color combinations where the front door and shutters are the same: manuelzpaintinghomeimprovementinc.com
- Siding in Edge com gray HC- 173 , trim in Chantilly Lace oc-65 , and shutters and front door in sea star 2123-30 .
- Siding in , trim in , and shutters and front door in mysterious AF- 565
Want to add more definition and tie the whole color palette together? Try a bright white paint color on your exterior window or door trim.
Perfect — using a solid stain on the entire house is a great choice for long-lasting color and protection, especially on wood siding, decks, and fences. Here’s a full step-by-step guide so your job comes out clean, even, and professional-grade 👇
🧰 TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Power washer (1300–2500 PSI)
- Scrub brushes & extension pole
- Exterior cleaner or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 3 parts water)
- Painter’s tape & drop cloths
- Sandpaper or sander (60–80 grit for rough areas)
- Caulk, putty, wood filler (for repairs)
- Solid stain (oil- or acrylic-based)
- Paint sprayer, roller (¾” nap), or brush
🧼 STEP 1: PREP THE SURFACE
- Power Wash Entire House
- Use a 25° or 40° nozzle.
- Start from bottom to top with cleaner, then rinse top to bottom.
- Pressure: 1300–1600 PSI for wood, up to 2000 PSI for harder siding.
- Remove all dirt, mold, and loose paint/stain.
- Let dry at least 48 hours before staining.
- Repair & Sand
- Replace rotted or damaged wood.
- Lightly sand to remove rough spots, splinters, or peeling paint.
- Spot-sand shiny or glossy areas so stain adheres evenly.
- Mask & Protect
- Cover windows, trim, light fixtures, plants, and concrete with plastic or paper.
🎨 STEP 2: APPLY THE SOLID STAIN
- Stir Thoroughly
- Mix the stain well before and during application to keep color consistent.
- Application Tools
- Spray and back-brush for the smoothest, most even finish.
- You can also use a roller and brush if you don’t spray.
- Technique
- Work from top down (gables → walls → trim → bottom).
- Apply with the grain of the wood.
- Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- Two coats are recommended for best durability and uniform color.
- Drying Time
- Allow 4–6 hours between coats (check manufacturer’s label).
- Don’t stain in direct sunlight or when rain is expected within 24 hours.
🏠 STEP 3: FINISH TRIM, DECK, PORCH & FENCE
You can use the same solid stain color or coordinate:
- Trim: lighter or darker shade for contrast.
- Deck/Porch: same product, but ensure it’s rated for horizontal surfaces.
- Fence: apply with sprayer or roller, one or two coats depending on coverage.
🌦️ FINAL TIPS
- Ideal temperature: 50°F–85°F (10°C–29°C).
- Humidity under 70% for best drying.
- Clean tools with soap and water (for acrylic stains) or mineral spirits (for oil-based).
- Maintain by washing once a year; recoat every 5–7 years as needed.