Asked on Oct 30, 2012

what color should I paint foundation of a dark yellow house?

Krystina
by Krystina
I recently purchased ranch style home with large area of foundation exposed, like around back of house and side where the garage is. The house is yellow , the trim is brown and the shingles are white. The foundation was painted brown but is chipping a lot. Want to freshen up the look, also would like to change color of shingles. I am also not a fan of the brown trim siding... can I paint it? Any thoughts or color ideas?
  8 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Oct 30, 2012
    There must have been some other things that you really liked about the house...Mustard yellow...does not seem to be one. I'm a big fan of earth tones...Starting with the foundation is great idea...though this late in the season painting may be problematic
  • Mary Insana Mary Insana on Oct 30, 2012
    Post a picture and I bet we'll have lots of ideas :)
  • Anita Roll Murals Anita Roll Murals on Oct 31, 2012
    I would also like to see a picture!
  • Derrick Schmidt Derrick Schmidt on Oct 31, 2012
    You'll want to use Drylok it's a water proof paint for basements it comes in 3 colors. Drylok looks more like stucco than paint it has little decorative pebbles in it and I think the gray or the beige will look great on your home. To see example go to Cape Cod painting blog http://www.schmidtpainting.net
  • Gray is a good universal color on foundations. IF you paint it a light color any soil that splashes up on it in a rain storm will need to be hosed off. Darker colors that are not natural looking will draw your eyes towards the ground and not the house. As far as using Drylock paint, this type of paint is used on raw cement only. It works by soaking into the pores of the raw masonry surface creating not only a bond but a water sealing effect. It really does not fair well if its painted over another older paint that may have been applied in the past. If its older cement and raw, with no prior paint on it. You will need to clean it really well using in some cases an acid wash in order for it to adhere properly. It is a lot of work using this paint, much more then people think. But if done correctly will last for many years. If you do use this type of paint, it can be tinted. I know of no other color that Drylock comes in other then white. But that may be a regional thing. Lastly, I would simply use a good quality porch and floor exterior type cement paint. Follow the directions carefully and it will last for a long time.
  • Cathy Cathy on Nov 05, 2012
    for some reason I hate the yellow/brown combo. that said haw about a cheerier yellow/white trim? roof could be black or a lighter beige. foundation color should be lt gray or white. post B/A pics if you can
  • Christina Christina on Apr 02, 2015
    I love the dark green/yellow combo. Gray would look nice too. Gay and yellow are a very popular color scheme right now. You could paint the doors the same or similar color. Anything other than a neutral though would stand out and contrast so that it calls attention to itself. The best be would be to get the same color and go a llittle lighter or darker for less contrast.
  • Dale Dale on Jun 01, 2015
    Foundation the same color as the house will create a larger-appearing house.