Author: Larry

How to Plan Your Next Exterior Paint Project

When it comes to boosting your home’s curb appeal, few things make as big an impact as a fresh coat of exterior paint. But diving into an exterior painting project without proper planning can lead to unnecessary headaches. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or enlisting the pros, here’s a roadmap to help you prepare and execute your exterior painting venture with ease.

Step 1: Assess Your Exterior’s Condition

Before picking up a paintbrush, take a good look at your home’s exterior. Is there peeling paint, mold, or mildew? Are there areas that need repair? Address these issues first so you’re working with a clean and solid surface. This is also the time to decide whether power washing is needed to remove dirt, grime, and old paint.

Step 2: Choose the Right Paint

Not all paints are created equal. Exterior paints must withstand weather conditions like rain, sunlight, and temperature changes. Look for high-quality, durable paints made for outdoor use. Consider the following:

  • Paint type: Acrylic paints are popular for their flexibility and durability.
  • Finish: Flat, satin, or gloss—the finish affects appearance and performance.
  • Color: Test color samples and envision how they complement the rest of your home.

Step 3: Gather Supplies

Make a list of everything you’ll need:

  • Brushes and rollers
  • Drop cloths
  • Tape
  • Ladder or scaffolding
  • Primer (if needed) Having all your supplies on hand ensures a smooth workflow, saving time and stress.

Step 4: Prep Your Surfaces

Proper preparation is the cornerstone of a successful paint job. This includes:

  • Scraping off old paint
  • Sanding rough spots
  • Filling cracks or holes with caulk
  • Priming, if necessary, to ensure paint adheres evenly and lasts longer
After making repairs, prime all repaired or raw wood areas.

Step 5: Plan Around Weather

Painting in unfavorable conditions can lead to poor results. Pick a time when the forecast predicts mild weather—cool temperatures and low humidity are ideal. Avoid rainy or excessively hot days.

Step 6: Budget Wisely

Exterior painting can range from affordable to pricey depending on the size of your home and the materials used. If hiring professionals, get several quotes and ensure the price includes labor, materials, and clean-up.

Step 7: Safety First

Painting the exterior often involves heights. Ensure your ladder or scaffolding is stable, and wear appropriate gear. If you’re uncomfortable with this, don’t hesitate to call us for help, 541-497-3804.

Step 8: Take Your Time

Rushing through the process can result in uneven paint or missed areas. Work methodically and give yourself time for drying between coats.

A successful exterior painting project is all about preparation and thoughtful execution. By following these steps, you’ll create a long-lasting finish that enhances your home’s beauty and value. Ready to transform your space one brushstroke at a time? Happy painting!

April 2025 Color of the Month


“Equal parts eye-catching and elevated, Caribbean Coral brings out your natural side. This rich and expressive hue instantly adds a dose of character, giving any room the ability to feel relaxed and lived in. Caribbean Coral’s versatility transcends modern and historic spaces alike, adding a sense of warmth to neutral color stories. Style this shade with plants, stone centerpieces, modern furniture and minimalist artwork,” says Sherwin-Williams.

Express yourself with a whole new color scheme. Call Mike 541-497-3804

Sherwin-Williams color of the month for April 2025: Caribbean Coral
Caribbean Coral, Sherwin-Williams color of the month for April 2025
One of the many warm colors available from Sherwin-Williams that can be applied by Paint Doctor's Painting Service in Albany, Oregon.

Harmonizing Your Home: Matching Exterior Body Paint with Trim Colors

Choosing the perfect exterior paint color for your home can feel like a big decision—but it doesn’t stop there! Once you’ve picked the body color, selecting a complementary trim color becomes just as important. The trim acts like the frame of a painting, enhancing and defining your home’s overall appearance. Here’s a guide to help you achieve the perfect match.

1. Start with the Basics: Contrast and Balance

The key to a cohesive exterior design lies in the balance between your body and trim colors. Consider the contrast:

  • Low Contrast: Using shades from the same color family creates a soft, elegant look. For example, pairing a light gray body with slightly darker gray trim.
  • High Contrast: Bold pairings, like a navy blue body with bright white trim, make features like windows and doors pop.

2. Classic Pairings that Always Work

If you’re unsure where to start, tried-and-true combinations are a safe bet:

  • White Body + Black Trim: A timeless duo that exudes sophistication.
  • Earth-Toned Body + Cream or Beige Trim: Perfect for blending into natural surroundings.
  • Dark Body + Light Trim: Navy, charcoal, or forest green paired with crisp white trim creates striking curb appeal.

3. Consider the Architectural Style

Your home’s style plays a significant role in color choices:

  • Modern Homes: Clean lines and minimalist palettes often use neutral body colors with black or metallic trim.
  • Colonial or Victorian Homes: Traditional styles lend themselves to contrasting colors, with bold trim that highlights architectural details.
  • Cottages or Farmhouses: Soft, warm tones like sage green with off-white trim evoke charm and coziness.

4. Work with Your Surroundings

Take a step back and consider how your home fits into its environment:

  • Natural Backdrops: For homes surrounded by trees or mountains, choose earth tones like browns, greens, and taupes to complement the scenery.
  • Urban Settings: Bright or contrasting colors can help your home stand out amidst a sea of neutral-toned buildings.

5. Pay Attention to Material Accents

Does your home feature brick, stone, or other materials? These elements should guide your color palette:

  • Warm Materials: Brick or red stone pairs beautifully with cream or warm beige trim.
  • Cool Materials: Gray or slate accents often look best with cool trim tones like crisp white or pale blue.

6. Test Before You Commit

Paint swatches can look very different in natural sunlight than in-store. Before finalizing your colors:

  • Test small patches on both the body and trim.
  • View the colors at different times of day to ensure they complement each other and look great in varying light conditions.

7. Set the Mood

Your home’s exterior is the first impression visitors and passersby get. Think about the message you want to convey:

  • Warm, Inviting Feel: Use earthy tones with soft, neutral trim.
  • Bold and Unique: Choose contrasting, vibrant colors for a standout look.
  • Clean and Classic: Stick to light neutrals with black or white trim for timeless appeal.

Conclusion

Matching your exterior body paint color with trim color is an art, but it’s also an opportunity to express your personal style while enhancing your home’s curb appeal. With these tips, you’ll create a harmonious, eye-catching look that makes your home the envy of the neighborhood. So grab those paint swatches and start dreaming!

Dealing with Mold on Exterior Siding

Mold on exterior siding is more than just an eyesore—it’s a potential hazard to your home’s structure and your health if left unchecked. Thankfully, dealing with mold doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With the right approach, you can restore your siding’s beauty and protect your home.

1. Why Does Mold Develop on Siding?

Mold thrives in damp, shaded areas. If your home’s siding is exposed to high humidity, frequent rain, or has poor sunlight, it becomes a prime breeding ground. Additionally, dirt and organic debris on the surface can provide a food source for mold spores.

2. Safety First: Prep and Precautions

Before tackling mold, prioritize your safety:

  • Protective Gear: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to avoid contact with mold spores.
  • Check the Weather: Choose a dry, calm day to work, as wet weather can make cleaning less effective and windy conditions could spread spores.

3. How to Remove Mold Effectively

Follow these steps to clean your siding:

Gather Materials:

  • A soft-bristle brush or sponge
  • A bucket of cleaning solution (1 part white vinegar or oxygen bleach to 4 parts water)
  • A garden hose with a spray nozzle
  • Optional: Pressure washer (use with caution)

Steps:

  1. Rinse the Surface: Start by rinsing the siding with water to remove loose dirt and debris.
  2. Apply the Cleaning Solution: Dip your brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the moldy areas. Work from top to bottom to prevent streaks.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: Use a garden hose to wash away the cleaning solution and loosened mold.
  4. Spot Treatments: For stubborn patches, repeat the process or let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
  5. Dry the Area: Allow the siding to air dry completely.

Note: If using a pressure washer, choose a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the siding. Test on a small area first.

4. Prevent Mold from Coming Back

Once your siding is clean, take these steps to reduce the chances of mold returning:

  • Trim Plants and Trees: Allow more sunlight to reach your siding by trimming back overgrown vegetation.
  • Clean Gutters: Ensure proper drainage and prevent water from dripping onto your siding.
  • Regular Maintenance: Wash your siding yearly to remove dirt, mildew, and other debris.
  • Seal and Paint: Apply a fresh coat of waterproof paint or siding sealant to create a barrier against moisture. Give Paint Doctor’s Painting 541-497-3804

5. When to Call a Professional

If the mold has spread extensively or you’re dealing with persistent issues, it might be time to call in a professional. Call Mike at 541-497-3804 for pressure washing and/or painting.

Conclusion

Maintaining the exterior siding of your home not only keeps it looking great but also extends its lifespan. By addressing mold promptly and taking preventive measures, you’ll save yourself time, money, and headaches in the long run. So, roll up your sleeves and show that mold who’s boss!

Neutral Colors

According to the color experts at Sherwin-Williams, “It’s not always warm or cool. Sometimes color falls in the middle for a hue that’s a perfect blend of both. Neutrals can take on the meaning of the colors they’re paired with or they can stand on their own. Either way, these transitional hues are tried and true thanks to their timeless appeal and versatility.”

An air of mystery surrounds this bold hue that’s commonly associated with power, elegance and an ability to coordinate with any design style. While this color is most often used as an accent, we’re starting to see it take center stage in newer design trends. Dark shades are working their way into our homes more and more to create a space that’s rich, dramatic and full of dimension. Create a contemporary look by pairing black with rich jewel tones or play up its softer side with natural wood tones and neutral furnishings.
It’s technically the absence of color, but when it comes to white, there’s more than meets the eye. Known for its light and innocence, this hue can often be viewed as simple, but a variety of tints and tones proves there’s more complexity than you’d think. Bright whites can help design a space that feels larger and spacious, while softer whites create a sense of warmth and coziness. No matter which way it’s used, this neutral provides a backdrop for endless options.
The conservative nature of this balanced shade infuses spaces with the mystery of black and the lightness of white. Lighter shades of gray can be used to achieve bright modern looks, whereas darker shades can be used to create a bolder space that’s more dramatic, but gray’s versatility doesn’t stop there. It comes in a variety of shades with undertones ranging from red to blue and everything in between.
Rounding out the warm end of the neutral spectrum is a nurturing hue that comes in a variety of tints and tones. Like its gray counterpart, beige is a great transitional color that can take on warm or cool depending on what’s surrounding it. Its natural warmth derives from brown undertones that capture the comfort and calmness that we all seek in a home.

Whatever your color choice, we can apply with all of the expert care and preparation a long-lasting paint job requires. Call the Paint Doctor 541-497-3804

March 2025 Color of the Month Frank Blue

Let your creativity take center stage with Frank Blue, a dynamic cobalt that celebrates your desire to be different. Whether you’re looking to intensify cabinetry or play up decorative structures, this striking shade turns any home feature into a focal point. Perfect for open concepts, Frank Blue fills negative space with mood-boosting vibrancy. Make a statement with this eclectic hue.

Frank Blue is a bold for those who want to change the mood of the room.

Violet undertones add a touch of bold personality to this electric cobalt.

These colors coordinate well with Frank Blue.

If your are needing a little spring in your spring, spring into action and give us a call about adding some bold color to your environment. We can also help with more subtle tones! Mike 541-497-3804

Cool Colors

The color experts at Sherwin-Williams describe cool colors: “What comes to mind when we think of cool colors? Whether it’s a serene lake or a clear sky, cooler hues are often associated with feelings of calmness, relaxation, and tranquility. They’re a softer option that can make a space feel larger thanks to the way they make color look like it’s receding.”

Green
Mixed with the calming nature of blue and vibrancy of yellow, green is a color embodying balance and harmony. This down-to-earth hue is just as diverse as the nature it’s inspired by. Soft sea-greens can bring a restorative energy into a space, while deep olive tones can add depth and stability that feels anchored to the ground. Consider using deep greens to emphasize features you want to stand out like kitchen cabinets.
Blue
It’s the color of trust and tranquility. Blue is just as refreshing and friendly as it is reserved and sophisticated. It’s representation of sea and sky closely ties to open spaces where inspiration and imagination flourish. Soothing shades of dusty blue create a sense of serenity, while midnight shades of navy can add depth and drama. Blue’s universal energy makes it a hue that works anywhere.
Purple
Like green, purple embodies the characteristics of the colors it’s made of. The energy of red and tranquility of blue result in a hue that’s rooted in imagination and poise. With the ability to be both calming and uplifting, purple is an ideal choice for spaces where you seek creative energy and focus. Try this distinguished color in a home office or as an accent wall in a meditation space.

Warm, cool or neutral, we have you covered. Do it right the first time with the Paint Doctor! 541-497-3804

Getting Warmer

Choosing paint colors can be fun for some and challenging for others. Sherwin-Williams can help with some color concepts staring with the warmth of the colors:

“It’s all in the name. Warm shades of red, orange and yellow are associated with the literal warmth that the sun and fire radiate. These vivid shades are closely tied to energy, joy and positivity, to create a space where the emotion feels uplifting and welcoming.”

Red
Red is symbolic of strength, power and passion, but it’s boldness can often overshadow its versatility. The key to using this hue is focusing on the statement you want to make with it. While the brighter shades of red generate more energy, darker ones tend to show a softer side that’s subtle and conservative. Consider a rich burgundy or brick red when designing for a space where the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, like a dining room.
Orange
The overall friendliness of orange makes it an ideal choice for rooms where people gather, but it’s also well suited for front doors that welcome guests into your home. From the bright citrusy hues to the muted earth tones, this happy hue’s versatility allows it to work well with a number of different design styles.
Yellow
A cheery nature follows yellow wherever it goes. This golden hue triggers thoughts of happiness and sunshine especially when it’s used in a room with lots of natural light. Since it’s often considered to be the brightest warm color, a soft, sunny yellow is the perfect choice for guest bedrooms because it makes everyone feel right at home.

Top Interior Paint Color Choices

Sherwin-Williams offers a wide range of popular interior paint colors. Here are some of the top choices that homeowners and designers love:

Neutrals

Accessible Beige (SW 7036): A warm beige with gray undertones, perfect for creating a cozy yet modern look. Alabaster (SW 7008): A warm, off-white color that provides a clean, versatile look.

Grays

Repose Gray (SW 7015): A timeless, light gray that works well in any room. Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A popular greige (gray-beige) that’s both warm and inviting.

Blues

Naval (SW 6244): A bold, deep navy that adds richness and depth to a space. Misty (SW 6232): A soft, light blue that’s perfect for a calming atmosphere.

Greens

Sea Salt (SW 6204): A light, muted green that’s both soothing and sophisticated3. Evergreen Fog (SW 9130): A versatile blend of green and gray for a timeless look.

Whites

Pure White (SW 7005): A bright white that adds a crisp, clean feel. Snowbound (SW 7004): Another popular choice for a soft white that exudes warmth.

Bold Choices

Tricorn Black (SW 6258): A classic, deep black that can add drama and sophistication. Iron Ore (SW 7069): A deep charcoal gray with a mysterious quality.

These colors are consistent customer favorites because they offer beauty and versatility across various styles and spaces.

Slow Green February 2025 Color of the Month


According to Sherwin-Williams.com, “With blue and green tones on the rise, Slow Green captures the essence of two popular color families within its balanced undertone. It has a subtle demeanor that lets you push the envelope of color exploration without feeling overwhelmed by bold, maximalist shades. Instead, this lively hue feels refreshing and buildable in accordance with their interior styles.”

Perfect for the places and spaces where you like to relax and unwind.