3 ways to boost your kerb appeal

From the Resene decorating blog

Taking time to polish up your property's exterior can be incredibly satisfying – you're left with a stunning home and you might even boost its value!

To view more of this project see "Fences"

The following ideas are relatively easy, meaning the whole family can get in on the fun. From painting your letterbox to reviving your fence, there are plenty of smart exterior renovation ideas.

Paint your letterbox

Whether your letterbox is simple yet bland or obscured by an overgrown hedge, you can easily freshen up its look with a coat of paint and a thick paint brush.

You may need to prepare the letterbox before you commence. For instance, if you're painting on metal, an application of Resene ArmourX GP Metal Primer is a wise move before you move on to adding splashes of colour.

While painting your living room Resene Hive or Resene Red Tape might be considered a tad daring, you've arguably got more flexibility with your letterbox. After all, it's just a small feature of your entire home, so a splash of colour can inviting without being too much to handle!

Allow each coat of paint to dry between applications and ensure the postie doesn't try to slot bills or letters into your letterbox while it's drying.

Wash and oil your patio

A patio or verandah is a stunning addition to any home, but it can quickly look shabby thanks to frequent foot traffic and weather elements.

Taking the time to wash and oil your patio is a smart move if you want to boost your kerb appeal. If you've got wooden decking, start by using Resene Moss & Mould Killer to kill any areas of moss and mould. Remember, it can be hard to distinguish mould from dirt if a surface is painted. Furry brown, green or black patches could indicate the presence of mould.

Mould can disfigure paint, so it's prudent to wash your patio or verandah deck on a regular basis to keep it in pristine condition.

If the deck isn't painted and you've instead embraced the natural look, prepare it with Resene Timber and Deck Wash to clean it. Then you are ready to stain or oil. Resene Furniture and Decking Oil is excellent for timber decks for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it makes the surface look aesthetically pleasing, restoring colour to the wood. Secondly, it protects against ultra violet light, fungi and water. Aim to thoroughly oil your deck on a yearly basis. If you prefer a stained look with Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain, you can choose from a range of colours and generally you would need to restain it around every two summers.

If you've got timber furniture sitting on your patio, be sure to wash it and stain, oil or paint it, as applicable. From the street, your home will look stunning!

Paint your fence

Whether you've got a utilitarian corrugated iron fence or a wooden variety, a lick of paint can make a huge difference.

Grab some heavy duty paint brushes and select a shade that complements your home's existing exterior design. Resene Half Pavlova is a gentle tan shade, which will look stunning with cream, navy or even tan home exteriors. Perhaps you want something a little moodier, in which case a hue like Resene Cinder could be a great choice.

Depending on the condition of your fence you may need to apply Resene Moss & Mould Killer or Resene Timber and Deck Wash before you start painting.

Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen is self priming on timber, so once the surface is clean you can apply it directly, or over a primer.

Dip your paintbrush in your paint pot, being careful not to soak it entirely. After all, you don't want to end up with a sloppy, patchwork effect. Use clear brushstrokes as you apply colour to the fence. This is a great activity to do with the kids, provided they can reach the full height of the fence!

Colours mentioned in this blog...

Resene Half Pavlova

Resene Hive

Resene Red Tape

Resene Cinder

Products mentioned in this blog...

Products marked as "coming soon" or "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, they can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.