What you are actually painting matters
Paint behaves differently on every wall material, and the right product and prep depend on what is under it. The visualizer preserves the texture of the wall so you can judge how a color reads on brick courses or stucco, not on a flat chip.
- Wood siding: the classic candidate. Expect a repaint roughly every 7 to 10 years depending on sun and the quality of prep.
- Vinyl siding: can be painted with products made for vinyl. Many manufacturers restrict how dark you can go, because dark colors absorb heat and can warp panels.
- Brick: once painted it is very hard to undo. Breathable mineral paints and limewash let moisture escape better than standard film-forming paint.
- Stucco: needs a breathable or elastomeric coating suited to its condition. New stucco has to cure before painting, often for several weeks; follow the product's guidance.
- Aluminum siding: paints well after cleaning off chalky oxidation and priming where needed.
Sheen changes how the color looks
Flat finishes hide surface flaws and look soft and chalky in a good way, which suits brick, stucco and older wood. Satin has a gentle sheen that is easier to wash and reads slightly richer. Glossier finishes are usually kept for trim and doors, where a little shine helps the details stand out.
Limewash is its own look: mottled, with movement and some brick showing through over time. It wears gradually and is commonly refreshed every 5 to 7 years, which some owners see as a feature rather than a chore.
Test in the light your house really gets
Exterior colors almost always look lighter and brighter outdoors than on an indoor chip, often by a full step. If you like a color indoors, try the next darker one outside too.
Paint two large sample boards, at least 2 feet square, and hold them against the wall rather than painting small patches directly on it. Move them between the front and a side wall, and look at them in the morning, late afternoon and under cloud. Orientation matters: north light cools colors, west light warms them.
In Canada and the northern US the painting season is short. Most exterior latex paints need air and surface temperatures above about 10 C (50 F) during application and drying, though some products are rated lower. Plan colors over the winter so you are ready in late spring.
Permissions and what affects cost
Painting brick on a designated heritage property often needs a permit, and some associations control body colors. Check before you book a painter.
Painting costs vary with wall area and height, how much scraping, washing and repair the walls need, the number of colors and trim details, and whether the surface needs special primer or masonry coatings. Brick and stucco prep, including repointing or crack repair, can be a large share of the job.