Do you want to make the right choice about paint and colour for your wooden chalet in the Alps? The exterior appearance of your chalet should make you want to look at it, visit and spend some quality time there. You can use colour to make it more attractive, warm and friendly. Traditional or contemporary? Youโve come to the right place if you want to know all the tips and tricks to make the most of your chaletโs kerb appeal. Follow this guide to find out what colour is right for your chalet.
Why paint your wooden chalet?
Wood is a living, natural and traditional material. It helps your chalet to blend in as well as possible with the surrounding mountain landscape. However, it can also be damaged by bad weather: rain, sun, frost etc. So itโs essential to paint your chalet as soon as it begins to look damaged and to paint it regularly. This will keep it looking neat and protect it from damage. Regular maintenance and repainting will ensure a longer life.
What is the best colour for a wooden chalet?
In Scandinavia, houses are sometimes painted red, yellow or green. The result is a colourful palette that is typical of Scandinavian towns.
In the French Alps, however, the traditional chalet was built using local materials such as wood or stone. The Alpine chalet retains its wood colour with the application of a transparent paint or stain, offering a true and authentic blend with the surrounding landscape.
Nowadays, the wooden chalet is still popular throughout the French Alps. New chalets tend to retain the original structure but with a more modern look, and sometimes the wood is coloured grey, black or white.
Get all the information before you start
Before you start your project, ask the mairie or town hall for information on how you need to proceed. In general, a prior declaration of work must be filed. There are some restrictions in terms of colour, and your property must blend in with the landscape and local architecture.
In addition, the Bรขtiments de France administration and local regulations may impose a colour, or range of colours for the exterior walls, shutters and doors. You will need to consult Bรขtiments de France if your property is classified as a historic monument or if it is within the perimeter of a protected building.
If by painting your chalet you are making a radical change to its external appearance (change of colour, external cladding, addition or removal of an architectural feature etc) you will need prior authorisation. For more information, contact the CAUE in your area.
What type of paint should you use for your chalet?
Rule 1: Choose a special exterior wood paint
Wood is a living material which shrinks or swells depending on the humidity, air temperature and exposure to UV radiation.
Depending on your specific needs, you can choose between water- or oil-based treatments.
- Acrylic paint is water-based and allows the wood to breathe, due to its microporous quality. It allows the exchange of water gases and has a moisture regulation function. It is more environmentally friendly as it contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Glycero paint is an oil-based paint with a high resistance to UV, impact, moisture, mould and mildew. However, it dries slowly, has a strong odour and contains many VOCs. In addition, white spirit has to be used to dilute the paint and to clean any equipment.
- Alkyd paint (mixed water-based and polyester resin-based) takes longer to dry but offers good resistance and has the same smooth surface as a solvent-based paint, while being less polluting.
- Stain is transparent, and can be colourless or tinted. It enhances the grain of wood and allows it to retain i its natural appearance. There are microporous stains that allow the wood to breathe. The final result depends on the type of wood and the number of coats of stain. It has an aesthetic and protective effect while extending the life of the wood and preserving its appearance.
Rule 2: The paint should protect the wood
Choose a paint that protects against UV, rain, wind, frost and snow. In addition, it should offer protection against insects, pests, fungi and moulds that could attack the wood.
There is a wide choice of paints and stains. Some of them allow for a thorough treatment of the wood without the addition of other products.
Rule 3: The paint should be suitable for the type of wood
Choose a paint that is compatible with the type of wood to be painted. Different types of wood need different types of paint. You will find a multitude of different woods on the market, and each type of wood will have different needs. There are resinous woods such as pine, spruce, larch, yew, and cedarโฆ or exotic woods like mahogany, teakโฆ Some types of wood will need a specific primer.
Rule 4: Choose paint according to the surface
- New or old? Raw, stained or already painted? If the wood is new and has never been painted, applying an undercoat will allow the paint to adhere better. If the wood is already painted, sanding the surface should be enough. In the case of a previously stained surface, it is preferable to sand the surface well or to apply a covering that can be applied over an old finish.
- Damaged or dirty? Now is a good time to fill in any holes with a special filler to make the surface smooth and to clean the dirty areas.
What is the procedure for painting your chalet?
- Equip yourself with a mask and protective clothing;
- Sand the surface;
- Prepare the surfaces: strip and dust with a clean broom and a soft brush. They must be clean and dry. Carry out repairs if necessary;
- Mask off areas that should not be painted to protect them from splashes. To do this, use masking tape and plastic sheeting and cover windows, doors, etc;
- Apply an undercoat, if this is recommended;
- Apply the paint or stain;
- Leave it to dry;
- Apply a second coat if necessary, once the first coat has dried fully;
- Remove the masking tape and sheeting;
- Stand back and admire your work!
- For a clean finish, you can use a paint sprayer. This will allow you to access hidden edges of wood panels and hard-to-reach areas.
Where can you buy paint for your chalet?
In DIY stores: Leroy Merlin, Castorama, Brico Dรฉpรดt, Mr Bricolage, Gedimat;
From specialist suppliers: V33, Tollens, Syntilor, Zolpan, Codรจve bois, Ripolin, Dulux, Blanchonโฆ
When is the best time to paint your chalet?
The ideal times to paint your chalet are in spring or autumn. Itโs best if itโs not too hot or cold, which is why off-seasons are perfect for this time of work. Furthermore, doing work on your chalet at this time of year means you will have less impact on the profitability of your rental business.
Paint on days when the sky is overcast and there is no direct sun or rain.
All wooden parts can be painted: cladding, shutters, wooden doors, etc.
Get professionals in to paint your chalet
Painting or repainting your chalet is not a simple job. Youโll need the right equipment (ladder, scaffolding, spray painters, protection โฆ). And the experts in the trade are the best people to advise you on the type of paint to use for your chalet and the techniques that give the best results.
Here are some companies that can help:
As you can see, your choice of paint and colour is important to the character of your chalet. Choose it carefully so that it fits in with the elements that surround it. You wonโt be disappointed with the result and your chalet will be protected and look even more attractive. Share your chalet painting experience on our social networks and subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you see our latest articles.
