Paint can boost your home's curb appeal

A fresh coat of paint can quickly turn a drab house into a fab house. “It's not that expensive, and it gives a tremendous different look to a property," said Orlando de Leon, a professional house painter. "It gives you value (because) you're also protecting your home." Experts say choosing the right paint makes a big difference, too. The magazine's testers brings customer reviews of left paint samples on a roof that was exposed to sun, wind, rain and snow for three years.. "By using lower quality wood and putting the panels on an angle, we triple the effect of weather," said Rico de Paz, a paint expert for the magazine. So one year is comparable to three years, two years is comparable to six years and three years is comparable to nine years on your home." Consumer Reports says Clark+Kensington paint, which costs about $37, was one of the magazine's big winners. They say it will retain its look after nine years. The magazine recommended using the semi-gloss paint to make a great focal point out of your front door. The paint will stand out and it's easy to clean. Experts advice that updating the home's trim around windows, shutters, steps and fences can also have a big impact, too. If your whole house needs a face lift, Consumer Reports says consider Behr Premium Ultra Exterior paint. At $39 a can, it outperformed paints that cost twice as much.