help with choosing paint colors for exterior
am restoring Eichler to original appearance in Fair Hills/Orange County. Is there within Eichler Network site or any reputable knowledge about original exterior paint colors? I have ideas but wanted to know if any exact colors have been documented. THANKS.
Hi Brad,
There are a number of older threads re: original stain color schemes -- try "paint*", "stain*", or "cabot" using the Search function at the top of the forum. This thread, in particular, references some contemporary Cabot color schemes that are close matches to originals (used in the Bay Area):
http://www.eichlernetwork.com/chatterbox_lounge/viewtopic.php?t=482
Also, check out the Spring '04 Eichler Network newsletter for Cathye Smithwick's article "Painting with Eichler's Original Color Palette" for another partial list of Cabot color schemes used up north. (Or feel free to lemme know if you'd like to see our copy -- we're also in Fairhills; I'm interested in hearing about your restoration work -- we're in the midst of doing the same stuff).
An additional note: if you're installing new siding, now would be a great time to consider staining the siding -- as opposed to painting.
-- Adrian
big thanks to "tinaturner" for responding about my paint color question!
Very helpful.
thanks
One way to simply try to see original colors that are under the layers of paint on your house is to look for spots that may not have been overpainted through the years - behind downspouts, behind light fixtures, behind electrical cover plates/switches, etc. Though this doesn't show you 'named' colors - you can get an idea of the actual colors that were once there.
May I suggest or put a plug in for choosing paints that are "green" and I don't mean the color green either.
I've been really excited by some of the great green products I have been coming across. If Eichler were building now he might well be spec-ing green products for our houses.
Let me know if you want any references.
Regards,
J
This is an excellent paint guide:
