Updated by Stephen Cochrane 1 July 2024
Embrace the Perth lifestyle by updating your alfresco areas with outdoor painting. Just imagine it: the barbecue is fired up, backyard cricket is in full swing, and you’re relaxing in a gorgeous new patio area – chilled beverage optional! This is living!
AJ Cochrane and Sons have been Perth painters for 90 years, so we’ve seen trends come and go – and then come back again. We know what works and what is timeless. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the 2024 outdoor painting trends and share our best tips for outdoor painting success!
Outdoor Painting Trends in 2024
Perth house painters have noticed an upswing in requests for outdoor painting that modernises backyard environments, utilising colour trends to create a bright and welcoming outdoor space. And it’s as simple as a fresh coat of paint.
Colour Trends
Timeless Practicality
Let’s be honest, Perth summers can get very warm. As cool as it may look to have black exteriors, it feels so hot! Prepare for sunny days on the patio and opt for light whites and greys to defend against some of the summer heat. There is a reason white is used so often. It’s simple, versatile, classy and timeless!
Creating the Illusion
You can give the illusion of a larger backyard by using similar earthy neutrals and browns, vibrant greens, and dusty charcoals on your patio. Warm colours are great with soft outdoor lighting.
Go Bold and Playful with Your Outdoor Painting
Paint your outdoor area in a way that is memorable to your guests. As the 70s is making a comeback, reds and oranges are making an impact.
While minimalism is still going strong, there is an emergence of unique styles and eye-catching colours and shapes. You might even want to take it further and paint patterns or organic shapes! Try using paint stencils on your concrete patio.
Texture and Render
Another outdoor painting trend to consider is texture. Moving away from smooth, matte surfaces, Perth homeowners are getting creative in outdoor spaces, and making a statement with unique texturing and patterns, or a modern rendered finish.
You can achieve a variety of finishes with textured paint, from a concrete or plaster aesthetic to a silky suede or rustic clay. A word of caution though: textured painting is not as easy as it looks. If the finish is important to you, call in your trusted residential painters in Perth!
Creating Your Dream Patio Using Paint
You’ve considered the trends. Now it’s time to decide how you want to transform your patio area. Here are some things to consider before you paint.
- What’s Your Style? Trends can be great for inspiration, but the best choice is the one that reflects your style and personality. You want to create a space that you love to spend time in. Choose colour schemes and textural finishes that will evoke that feeling.
- Consider the Space. Unless you’re completely overhauling the area, patio furniture and all, you’ll want to consider how your existing garden decor and outdoor furnishings will fit with the new aesthetic. Outdoor painting that creates a warm Tuscan feel is a gorgeous choice – but your Hamptons outdoor setting may look out of place.
- Try Paint Samples. Not sure which colour to choose? Paint a small area with samples. Let it dry. Take a step back. Which colour fits into your backyard and vision? Check back at different times of the day – the way the light hits the paint can alter the way it looks.
Top Tips For Outdoor Painting
Preparing to paint your house exterior is just as important as when you prepare for internal house painting. A successful outdoor painting project relies on many things – but prepping the area for painting is CRUCIAL!
- Clean the Surface: A surface that hasn’t been properly prepped can significantly impact the paint finish, leading to cracks and flaking. Dust and dirt can cause an unintentionally textured finish. Pressure washing outdoor surfaces is ideal for removing exterior grime.
- Don’t Attempt To Paint Over Mould: It will keep growing underneath the paint. Use a mould remover to help kill and remove existing mould.
- Use a Primer: If longevity and a quality finish matter to you, don’t skip the primer. It will help the new paint adhere better and promote a long-lasting finish.
- Choose the Right Paint: When you’re painting exterior areas, you need to ensure the paint you choose can withstand Perth weather. High UV resistance is a must like that offered by Dulux exterior paint range. Your paint choice will also depend on the kind of surface you’re painting. A concrete patio will require a different paint type than timber patio posts or brick walls.
- Let the First Coat Dry: You’ll want to add a second coat for a professional finish but allow the first coat to dry completely beforehand. This may mean leaving your second coat to the following day – wet paint overnight risks bugs getting caught on tacky paint and ruining the finish.
- Check the Weather: Choose the time you paint carefully. Don’t paint when it’s windy or raining (or rain is predicted) and avoid painting in the direct sun. Cool, shady conditions are optimal. Plan to finish painting prior to sunlight fading or you will run the risk of a dewy night affecting the finish of the paint as it dries.
When to Call in the Perth Painting Professionals
If you’ve made it to this point of the article and you’re still feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of DIY outdoor painting, that’s normal! From proper surface prep to correct paint choice, not to mention painting technique, there are many variables that go into achieving a perfect finish.
