1. FIRST STEPS
Begin by wiping the surface of the exterior walls clean with a garden hose and remove dirt or loose material by brushing off with a bristle broom.
TEST Nothing makes a statement quite like a dark paint colour. It may take a fearless soul to paint a surface the most daring shade of black, but when applied evenly—no matter the architectural style—the home is instantly given more depth. You really can’t pick a more striking exterior colour; this controversial paint colour has a unique quality that provides a home with contrast with its surroundings while popping beautifully against leafy greens and wild gardens. While you don’t see many properties in our neighbourhoods painted in black, navy or even a charcoal grey, these shades are still pretty neutral in contrast to a fuschia pink. In fact, these moody colour schemes add a flair of sophistication and drama while still harmoniously balancing a variety of other trim colours, materials and textures in our exterior builds.
For this project, the facade of this barn-style home went from a shabby red to the striking black tones of 1928 from the Deco Grey Colour Card. Finishing touches like charcoal grey doors and refreshing creamy white window trims were repainted for a harmonious look. The impactful style was achieved with the semi-gloss solvent-based Teho Oil Paint. Teho offers a durable sheen finish for exterior timber surfaces and is suitable for both new and previously painted surfaces and in addition to impregnated wooden surfaces.
As our exterior walls are subjected to strong sunlight, this effect can slightly alter the paint colour’s appearance at different times of the day, creating a warming shadow in the morning light while deepening into a soft atmospheric glow in the evening. Take the extra steps in choosing your colour palette––especially with darker shades––by considering the position of natural light direction on the exterior walls of your home. By painting a test patch, you will notice the profound effect light has on your desired shade at different times of the day. Whether you choose to make a subtle change or are leaning towards more daring shades in the colour spectrum, consider how the style of the building and the surrounding landscape and plants will impact your exterior colours.
If you’re not ready to go all-in and turn to the dark side, you could substitute with a dark coloured front door, window shutters or a trim situation—or some combination of the three. Whatever colour you gravitate towards, Tikkurila’s extensive colour range is suitable for any exterior surface.
Putting the idea into practice
2. WASHING THE SURFACE
If the surface requires a more in-depth clean due to mould or moss, use the Tikkurila Homeenpoisto cleaning agent and leave it to dry.
3. REMOVING LOOSE PAINT
For previously painted surfaces, remove loose paint and greyed wood from previously painted surfaces with a scraper and brush the surface with a steel brush.
4. PRETREATMENT
Before you begin painting, it is recommended to treat wooden surfaces with Valtti Primer. Valtti Primer is a traditional colourless priming oil that absorbs into the wood, making untreated timber water repellent and providing protection against microbial and insect attack.
5. PRIMING THE SURFACE
Then prime the surface with Öljypohja Oil Primer that has been diluted with 10% white spirit. Öljypohja is a traditional exterior solvent-based wood primer that ensures the finishing coat adheres well to old, weathered and brittle timbers.
6. PAINTING THE WALLS
Stir semi-gloss solvent-based Teho, pre-mixed with the shade 1928 from the Deco Grey Colour Card or your chosen colour, well before use. Apply a final coat of paint to the primed surface and allow it to dry. If the new exterior colour differs from the old stain or the surface is very worn, apply two coats for the best results.
Colour used
Tvt 1928
Deep Umber Grey