Paint and Color Selection
What color should I paint my house?
Choosing the color to paint your home is the best part of the process. There are a variety of factors that go into selecting the right color, such as the size of the room, the colors of other rooms or, in the case of exteriors, climate and local rules and regulations. Check out our portfolio for inspiration and to see real-life colors in action in your community.
What color should I paint my house’s exterior?
AMC Painting has thousands of colors to choose from, making selecting an exterior color a difficult task! When looking through color swatches, ask yourself questions like:
- How often can I realistically wash my home’s exterior if I choose a light color or shade of white?
- Is my color in compliance with local regulations or HOA rules?
- Do I plan to sell my home in the next 5-10 years?
- Is the color I am considering good for resale?
These can help you narrow down your selection. You can also check out our residential project page to check out how your neighbors in Fort Collins are painting their homes.
What color should I paint my house interior?
Like exterior paint, it is really important to take many factors into consideration when choosing an interior color.
- Can you live with it day in and day out for several years?
- Does it shrink my room or help it look larger?
- Will it protect my surfaces?
Our preferred paint brand, Sherwin-Williams, offers options to help you test out your favorite choices using moveable swatches. These 8”x8” stickers can be yours for a small fee and they are delivered directly to your home. Sherwin-Williams also offers:
- Complimentary color consultation
- ColorSnap® Visualizer for Web, which lets you check out new colors virtually using augmented reality and an uploaded photo of your space
- Up to 10 free color swatches, delivered to your home
What is the best exterior house paint?
AMC Painting’s preferred brand of exterior paint is Sherwin-Williams. Sherwin-Williams provides an extensive selection of colors, formulas and warranties, not to mention exceptional quality and durability.
Pricing
How much does it cost to paint a house? How much does it cost to paint a house exterior? How much does it cost to paint a house interior?
These are the most common questions we hear from homeowners and it’s difficult to give an answer without seeing your home. That is why we offer complimentary estimates to our customers. We want to be as accurate as possible when providing a proposal because we know that budgets are tight and every penny counts. Our appointments are no-pressure and very informative.
Our goal is not to force you into using our services, but to make you aware of all of your options so you can make an informed decision. We are confident enough in our service not to badger potential customers to make a sale. Give us a call to learn more. You’ll talk to a real human who wants to help and you won’t be pressured to make any decisions.
Painting Preparation and Maintenance
How often should you paint your house?
Many professional painters recommend painting your home’s exterior every 5-10 years. This allows you to maximize the protective benefits of your paint – and keep your home looking fresh and appealing. Interior painting should also be repainted every 5-7 years. Many people change their interior paint colors more often than that. From a purely practical perspective, painting on the 5-7 year schedule will keep your home looking clean and current, not to mention protect your home’s interior.
Should I pressure wash my house before painting?
AMC Painting pressure washes your home’s exterior before beginning your project. Our experienced team will ensure that your home is not damaged in the process. You can learn more about our pre-paint pressure washing services here.
Should I paint my house before selling?
A fresh coat of paint can amplify curb appeal and could increase saleability. Painting the interior a neutral color throughout is very common for homeowners who have put their houses up for sale. It allows potential buyers to better visualize their own special touches in the home. Paint is also a quick way to refresh your interior and make your home look clean and well-kept.
How long does it take to paint a house?
AMC Painting prides itself on expedient service. The length of a project depends on the size of your home, the surfaces being painted and several other factors. Your estimator can provide you with a better schedule once they have measured your home and taken pictures.
How long does it take for house paint to dry?
Most modern homes are dry to the touch within a few hours, depending on humidity and temperature. However, it can take up to 30 days for your paint to cure. Keep that in mind with any high-impact movement, like furniture back against the walls.
Residential Painting Services
Can you paint a brick house?
Yes, we have the skills and paint options to paint brick exterior walls (and interior walls).
Can you paint a stucco house?
Yes, the AMC Painting team can paint stucco surfaces.
What are signs that my house needs to be painted?
Chalking paint or even exposed siding, peeling caulking… One of the most popular reasons though is just a color change. A new color can make a dramatic difference.
Can you paint siding on a house?
Yes, we can paint most siding material.
Can you paint just the trim?
Yes – trim, both interior and exterior, tends to get more wear and tear than walls or siding. It’s often a more budget-friendly way to stay up on house maintenance
Can you paint vinyl siding on a house?
Yes — certain types of vinyl are safe to paint. This product has limited tinting available.
Safety Concerns
Why does my house smell like paint fumes?
Even low- and zero-VOC paint will emit paint fumes that can linger after the paint has dried. The smell should dissipate within a day or two.
Is it safe to stay in the house after painting?
Most paint formulas developed today are safe enough that you can paint the home in the morning and be settling in for dinner at home on the same day.
Do all homes built before 1978 have lead paint?
Colorado State University notes that three quarters of homes built before 1978 have lead paint. You can learn more about lead paint on the CSU website.
Is lead paint dangerous?
Yes, lead paint is dangerous for children, pets and adults. Pets and children are particularly vulnerable due to their tendency to put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t.
How can I tell if my house has lead paint?
There are several ways to determine if you have lead paint. You can begin by determining if your home was last painted before 1978 as a good guess. You can also try testing using test strips purchased from your local hardware store. The most effective way to check for lead paint is to have your home’s paint tested by a someone certified to do so, like our estimators at AMC Painting.
Can you paint over lead paint?
Yes, you can paint over lead paint. In fact, painting is an excellent method for encapsulating toxic lead paint when applied properly. AMC Painting is trained and certified to paint over lead paint. We take the safety precautions required to make your home a safe place for you and your family.
How can you tell if you have asbestos siding?
One way to tell if you have asbestos siding is to first check the age of your home. If your home was built before the early 1980s, there is a possibility that it has asbestos siding. However, it is not as prevalent as lead paint, so that is not a sole determining factor. Second, check out the appearance of your siding. Does it appear to have markings similar to wood grain? That can sometimes signal the presence of asbestos, as it was a common manufacturing technique at the time for that particular siding. Today there are cement versions developed to help homeowners with asbestos safely replace broken siding without re-siding the entire structure. The third and most reliable option is to contact an asbestos inspector. They can determine with certainty whether or not your siding contains asbestos.
Can you paint asbestos siding?
We recommend you have a professional specializing in asbestos mitigation assess your siding before having any painting work started.
Permits and Permissions
Can you paint walls in a rented house?
Painting a rented home is at the discretion of the homeowner or property manager. AMC Painting is not responsible for securing permission.
Do you need a permit to paint your house?
At this time, the city of Fort Collins does not require a permit for painting your home. Codes may change over time and you can find the most up to date information on the city website. Our team stays on track with the most current requirements. Rest assured that we will perform all work in compliance with local regulations.
Is it illegal to paint your house black?
The colors you are allowed to paint your home depend on your neighborhood/area of the city. Some neighborhoods operate under Homeowners Associations, which typically provide a list of approved colors. While it may not necessarily be illegal, HOA violations or violations of district codes can result in fines.