When this homeowner purchased their new house, one thing was immediately clear: the mustard yellow exterior had to go.

The customer was referred to us by their realtor and we were scheduled to begin work the day after closing.

Our color consultant recommended a recently named Color of the Year: Alabaster White. This shade is a soft, warm off-white that isn’t harsh or overly bright. It has become one of the most popular colors our customers have chosen in recent years because it works beautifully both indoors on walls and outdoors on the body of a home.

To complement the new color scheme, we created a custom brown trim color designed to match the existing brown roof tiles perfectly.

Proper Preparation:

At Sharper Impressions Painting, preparation is the most important part of any exterior painting project.

Our company motto is:

“Making paint stick since 1992.”

With over 34 years of experience, we know that proper prep ensures the paint not only looks great but lasts for many years.

Step 1: Professional Power Washing

We began by pressure washing the entire home to remove oxidation and chalking caused by years of sun exposure.

Using environmentally safe cleaning solutions, we eliminated the chalky residue left behind as the previous paint coating broke down. Removing this layer is essential so the new paint can properly bond to the surface.

Step 2: Prime Sealing the Stucco

Next, we applied a prime sealer to the entire home. This step locks down any remaining chalkiness in the stucco and creates a stable surface for the new coating.

Step 3: Stucco Repairs and Caulking

Before painting began, we completed several detailed preparation steps:

• Patched all stucco cracks
• Caulked all gaps, joints, and seams airtight
• Tape & Tarp

We also taped and tarped every window and door while protecting flooring and furniture. Attention to detail ensures that not a single drop of paint ends up where it shouldn’t.

Custom Trim Color to Match the Roof

In the original “before” photos, the trim color was a light milk-chocolate brown that didn’t match the roof tiles.

We custom matched a deeper, richer brown that closely complemented the roof color. The trim, soffits, gutters, and doors were finished in a satin sheen, which adds a subtle pop and beautiful contrast against the new white stucco.

A Specialty Stucco Coating That Lasts

To ensure the mustard yellow color was completely gone for good, we applied two full coats of Alabaster White to the stucco.

But this wasn’t ordinary house paint.

We used a specialty masonry coating designed specifically for stucco surfaces. This thicker, more durable coating helps protect the home from weather, sun exposure, and moisture for many years.

Our team used a two-step application process combining sprayers and rollers, which creates a smooth and uniform finish while ensuring full coverage.

This same coating system is one we have successfully applied for over 30 years.

The Final Walkthrough

Once the job was complete, we walked the property with the homeowner to review the finished work and touch up any areas they noticed.

They were thrilled with the result.

Our customer, Managers and Painters jokingly called the transformation:

“From Mean Mr. Mustard to Color of the Year.”

Project Timeline and Cost

• Project Length: 5 days
• Weather: Perfect painting conditions
• Project Cost: Approximately $7,000

Every home is different, and pricing can vary but we get asked this from people that read our blog all the time, so we wanted to give our readers a budget idea. We hope this helps you too!

If you’re thinking about painting your home, we’d be happy to help.

About the Author: Joseph Steele

Hi, I’m Joseph Steele, with Sharper Impressions Painting. We proudly offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services for homes and businesses in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. From cabinet painting to deck and fence staining, we’re here to enhance your space. Learn more about us here.