If you are thinking of re-painting your house or want to change your exterior paint colors, there are several things that you should keep in mind before you start. From the color of the sun to the landscape around your house, a few factors will play a part in the colors you choose.
Light colors reflect light and keep your home cool.
When choosing exterior painting colors, remember that some colors absorb heat, and others reflect it away. These can make a big difference in how cool your home stays.
Dark colors tend to absorb the sun’s radiant energy. They also tend to absorb more heat, which causes your home to feel warmer. These colors are best suited for houses that are not in the sun.
Lighter paint colors can reflect the light and heat away, which can help keep your home cooler. Using these types of paints can cut your cooling costs by up to 35 percent.
For example, if your home is in direct sunlight most of the day, you should go with white exterior paint. You can also find other cool hues, like light blue. Alternatively, you could choose a beige or grey. Both can help keep your home cooler, although the lighter the beige or grey, the cooler your home will be.
On the other hand, darker colors can reflect heat and energy. As a result, they can add dramatic flair to a property, making it more substantial. However, they may not be suitable for homes without air conditioning.
Another way to keep your home cool is to add insulation. This will help to keep the cold out in the winter and the warm in the summer.
Lighting conditions can bring out undertones in paint colors.
The lighting conditions you encounter in your home can skew your choice of paint color. Luckily, there are several things you can do to minimize the effects. The most important one is to take your time and sample a variety of colors in different conditions. If you don’t do this, you may choose the wrong color.
For starters, you should get a paint sample. The best way to do this is to buy a larger swatch and test it out in the room you plan to re-paint. This makes it easier to discern which color is most appropriate for your home.
A high-intensity lamp, such as a halogen bulb, will make any room look naturally bright. Using a floor or table lamp, you can also simulate natural sunlight. A chandelier is another option, but beware that it can provide a lot of light.
You’ll be surprised at how the color in your paint sample changes daily tonight. For example, the color in the morning will be a bit cooler, while the color in the evening will be a touch warmer. Similarly, the sun’s movement from morning to night will affect the color you see.
It would help if you also took note of the direction in which your room faces. For example, your east-facing room will be slightly warmer in the morning, while the afternoon will be a little cooler.
Landscape influences exterior painting colors.
If you want your home to stand out, consider choosing exterior painting colors that complement your surroundings. Whether your house is in the middle of the desert or a quaint beach town, the color of your home can play a large part in attracting attention.
The right exterior house paint can make your home cooler, warmer, or more colorful. A bright shade of blue or green is the ticket for a home with a lot of natural landscaping. A vibrant color outside your house will also add to the curb appeal of your property.
If you’re interested in the best way to go about choosing a color for your new home, consult a local architectural color consultant. These professionals know which colors will work best in different climates.
Another important factor in choosing an exterior paint color is your style. Choose a color you will be happy with. It doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your taste, however. A monochromatic scheme is a good choice, using one color as a base and another as an accent.
A variety of companies offer a wide range of exterior paints. From Benjamin Moore to Sherwin-Williams, you should be able to find something to suit your tastes.
