Paint Colors

[Mary Jones]

Hi Chrissy:

We have been having some dark or bright colors being used on the manufactured homes in the community this summer. Do you have any suggestions on regulating the color choices when residents paint?

[Chrissy Jackson]

Oh, isn't it amazing what some people think are really cool colors for their homes??? First, please be sure your Guidelines allow you the right to regulate the colors. There should be something in there about having written permission from management for any changes, upgrades, or repairs made to the exterior of the home or on the homesite. Then - - - maybe limit the approved colors to those "natural" colors used by manufacturers on homes less than five years old. This will help give your community an updated appearance, too. Even an older home when painted in current colors looks amazingly newer!

[Renee]

We want to paint our MH, what is the best thing to use? Can you please reply to my email? [email protected]

Thanks so much!

[Chrissy Jackson]

Renee - it's impossible to tell you what kind of paint to use without knowing whether you are putting it on a metal exterior, or faded lap siding or Masonite exterior. And those types of questions should be directed to a paint store or Lowe's or Home Depot. However, if you are asking about what color to use, look at the colors the manufacturers are using now for trim and homes. Painting your home in current colors will update it.

Basic suggestions are cream with dark green trim, white with gray trim, or pale yellow with gray or white trim.

[Renee]

I am sorry, I should've stated that the home has corrugated aluminum siding. It is a '98 we just don't care for the blue & white wood look:)
Thanks!
Renee

[Chrissy Jackson]

Please check with the pros to determine the type of paint that will work best for you. Good luck!

[Mary Lobb]

I want to paint the exterior of our moblie home but don't where to start with colors.
The exterior is now gray with white but I don't like the colors. I want something that will look good. I thought about tan with dark brown. I would like some ideas of colors.
Thank Mary

[Chrissy Jackson]

For the best selection of colors, drive through some communities and look at other home colors, visit a retail sales center, and pick up a brochure showing color options if you order a new home, or go to the websites of some of the manufacturers and look at the color options.

[David Oxhandler]

"A well-chosen selection of contrasting trim and accent colors can draw attention to architectural details and disguise design flaws. A poor selection can make a house seem flat and featureless -- Or so garish that the color overwhelms the architecture. But, how do you decide? "

Find a few pointers to guide you as you choose house paint colors at architecture.about.com/cs/repairremodel/a/pickcolors.htm