Exterior Painting · Oct 2019
Two-story tan siding home exterior trim
Two-story tan siding home exterior trim. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Oct 2019. This exterior painting project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Exterior Trim, Soffits and Gutters Repainted White on a Tan Siding Home
This two-story home has tan lap siding, a front porch with square columns and a stone face, and a two-car garage, photographed in Oct 2019. Before the work, the white trim, window casings and decorative headers looked dull and faded against the siding, and the porch roof showed dark streaks. One in-progress photo looks straight up at a soffit and gutter, where a sharp line shows the difference between fresh white paint and the dingy section still waiting for its coat. Another shows a drop cloth laid along the porch roof under the second-story windows to protect the shingles, with ladders set at the porch and beside the garage. In the after photos, the fascia, soffits, gutters, window trim, headers, corner boards, octagon gable vent and porch columns are a bright, clean white. The white garage doors match the trim, and the red front door adds a pop of color under the porch.
How We Repainted the Exterior Trim on This Home
- We washed the trim, soffits and gutters to remove dirt, mildew and chalky residue, because fresh paint grips poorly on a dirty surface.
- Loose and flaking paint was scraped and sanded smooth, and open joints at the corner boards, window trim and decorative headers were recaulked.
- Drop cloths went over the porch roof and the shrubs, and ladders were set with care so they would not damage gutters or siding.
- Bare wood and new caulk were spot primed, which helps the white finish cover evenly and keeps moisture out of the trim.
- We brushed and rolled two coats of white on the fascia, soffits, gutters, window trim and porch columns, cutting a clean line at the siding.
- Last, we painted the octagon gable vent and corner boards, pulled the drop cloths and walked the house to touch up any edges.
Paint Colors Similar to This White Trim and Tan Siding
These are similar exterior colors to consider for trim and siding like this, not the exact paint colors used on this house.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
A balanced white close to the fresh trim. It looks clean next to tan siding without the blue cast of some bright whites.
Sherwin-Williams Mega Greige SW 7031
A warm gray-beige similar to the siding on this home. It pairs well with white trim and a red or dark front door.
Sherwin-Williams Amazing Gray SW 7044
A slightly deeper greige for homeowners who want siding with a bit more weight while keeping the same crisp white trim.
Questions About Painting Exterior Trim
Can aluminum gutters and soffits be painted?
Yes. Aluminum gutters and soffits can be painted after a good cleaning to remove chalky oxidation and dirt. A bonding primer helps on bare or slick metal. Exterior acrylic paint holds up well on these surfaces. Vented soffit panels need thin coats so the vent holes stay open for airflow.
How often does exterior trim need repainting?
Trim usually needs attention sooner than siding because it takes more sun, water and wear. Many homes need trim repainted every several years. Signs include chalking, cracking caulk, peeling at window sills and bare wood. Catching it early protects the wood from rot and keeps repairs small.
Is it worth painting only the trim on a house?
Often, yes. If the siding still looks good, repainting just the trim, soffits, gutters and doors can make the whole house look refreshed for less than a full repaint. White trim that has faded or yellowed makes siding look tired, so new trim paint has a big visual effect.
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