Exterior Paint: Why Regular White Paint Is A Great Choice

Exterior paint colours can be tricky to choose, especially when it comes to whites. There are hundreds of shades of white to choose from, and the undertones can throw off the colour in various lighting. It's important to determine the undertone of the white paint you're considering. All paint colours have undertones that go back to the primary colours. White paint is especially tricky because of these undertones. The best way to determine the undertone is to hold a paint sample against a sheet of white computer paper. The stark white colour of the paper will reveal the undertone.

When choosing an exterior white, it's also important to consider the natural lighting. If your home exterior is heavily shaded, the paint colour will look different than if it's in full sun. It's a good idea to paint a few samples directly onto your exterior to see how they look in different lighting conditions.

- Sherwin Williams Snowbound

- Sherwin Williams Pure White

- Sherwin Williams Oyster White

- Sherwin Williams Alabaster

- Benjamin Moore White Dove

- Benjamin Moore Simply White

- Benjamin Moore China White

- Sherwin Williams Shoji White

- Sherwin Williams White Duck

- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee

Choosing the right white paint for your home's exterior can be daunting

A good rule of thumb is to opt for an off-white or a white paint colour with some creaminess to it. This will give your house a softer, more pleasing appearance. If you're looking for a crisp, clean white, you can still achieve this without going for a blinding shade.

• Sherwin Williams Pure White: This is probably the brightest white paint I would use on the exterior of a house. It has just a touch of warmth to it, but not so much that it looks creamy.
• Sherwin Williams Oyster White: This is a very warm white. You could almost call it a very light greige. If you plan on having wood accents on your exterior, it would complement that nicely.
• Benjamin Moore Simply White: Don't let the name fool you—this warm white has a slight yellow undertone and was Benjamin Moore's colour of the year in 2016.
• Benjamin Moore White Dove: This is a very soft white with a hint of warm grey. It has just the right amount of "off-whiteness" if you don't want too much creaminess on the exterior of your house.
• Sherwin Williams Snowbound: If you're looking for a white that is not overly warm or creamy, this is a good option. It has just a hint of neutral grey and is probably a little warmer than Pure White, but nowhere near the warmth of Oyster White or Alabaster.
• Benjamin Moore China White: This white has a touch of warm grey. It can sometimes look a bit dingy when used for interior spaces, but on the exterior, it blossoms into a beautiful, clean white.
• Sherwin Williams White Duck: If you're looking for a white that is creamy without looking yellow, this is it. It's a perfect blend of greige and cream.
• Sherwin Williams Natural Choice: This is another neutral white that is not too yellow or too grey. Compared to White Duck, it appears more on the creamy side.
• Sherwin Williams Shoji White: This is a soft, neutral paint colour with warm undertones. It is known for its versatility and timeless appeal.
• Sherwin Williams Alabaster: This is a warm, creamy white with yellow-beige undertones. It's one of Sherwin Williams' most popular colours of all time and was even chosen as their Colour of the Year in 2016.

When choosing the right white paint for your home's exterior, it's important to consider the existing trim and accent colours, the surface material, the sheen, sun exposure, and climate. It's also a good idea to order peel-and-stick samples to test out the colours before committing.

White paint colours have undertones that can throw off the colour in various lighting

When it comes to choosing the right white paint for your home's exterior, you may feel overwhelmed by the array of options available. However, understanding the impact of undertones in different lighting conditions is crucial to making the right choice.

White paint colours often have undertones that can subtly alter their appearance. These undertones can be thrown off by various lighting conditions, casting unexpected hues onto your walls. Undertones are created when one colour in the paint mixture is of a higher percentage than the others. For example, warm white hues contain undertones of red, orange, or yellow, resulting in a welcoming glow, while cool whites contain hints of green, blue, or violet, creating crisp and fresh spaces.

To determine the undertone of a white paint, compare it against a sheet of white computer paper. The stark white background will help reveal the underlying hue. Undertones can also be identified by observing the paint under different lighting conditions throughout the day. The morning sunlight may bring out warmer tones, while the afternoon sun can intensify colours, and artificial lighting at night may cast a different hue entirely.

When selecting a white exterior paint, consider the lighting conditions your home typically experiences. Homes in shaded areas often benefit from brighter whites, while dwellings in direct sunlight may be complemented by creamier shades. Additionally, the orientation of your rooms matters. For north-facing rooms that receive less sunlight, a clean white may appear too chilly. Opt for whites with underlying red or yellow notes to create a cozier atmosphere. Conversely, south-facing rooms flooded with intense light can be balanced with whites carrying cooler undertones.

Another factor to consider is how the white paint will coordinate with the rest of your colour palette, including trim, moulding, roof, and door colours. For instance, if you plan to pair white with a dark green, choose a slightly dirtier white with green undertones to create a softer contrast than a 'true' white would provide.

In conclusion, when selecting a white exterior paint, understanding and testing for undertones is essential. By comparing paint samples, observing them in various lighting conditions, and considering the desired atmosphere, you can ensure that your chosen white paint colour will be a timeless choice, making your home look elegant and inviting.

White paint can make a house look clean and polished, boosting curb appeal

When choosing a white paint, it is important to consider the undertones. White paint can have blue, red, or yellow undertones, and some even have green or purple undertones. The undertone can be determined by holding a paint sample against a sheet of white computer paper. This will reveal the undertone of the paint.

Another element to consider is whether to choose a warm or cool hue. Warm colours pull orange, yellow, or red undertones, while cool colours pull green, blue, or purple undertones. Stark whites are often considered the best exterior white paint because the cool hue relates well to natural colours. Blue sky, green grass, and green landscaping all work well with cool hue paints. Cool whites feel more modern, classic, and fresh, while warm whites feel more cosy, relaxed, and timeless.

The natural lighting of the home should also be taken into account when choosing a white paint. Homes in direct sunlight will benefit from a creamier shade, while shaded homes will do well with brighter whites. It is important to test paint samples directly on the exterior of the home to see how they look in different lighting conditions throughout the day.

When it comes to curb appeal, white paint is a versatile choice that will keep a home looking fabulous for years to come.

White paint reflects sunlight, helping to keep your home cooler in summer

Painting your home's exterior white can be a tricky task. There are hundreds of shades of white paint to choose from, and these vary in hue and undertone. However, choosing white paint can have several benefits, including enhancing street appeal and keeping your home cooler in the summer.

The type of paint you use for your exterior is important. Exterior paint needs to be durable and withstand the elements. Look for high-quality paint that is self-priming and helps resist mould, dirt and stains. The finish of the paint is also important. Gloss finishes reflect more light and highlight architectural details, while matte finishes offer a more subdued, contemporary look. For exteriors, low-sheen or satin finishes are a good choice as they provide a slight sheen, good durability, and easy maintenance.

When choosing the right shade of white paint for your home's exterior, it's important to consider the undertone, whether you want a warm or cool hue, the natural light, and the colours of your roof and trim. To find the right shade, test a few different samples of paint on your exterior walls and observe how they look throughout the day as the natural light changes.

White paint is versatile and works with most architectural styles and landscapes

White paint is a versatile and classic choice for most architectural styles and landscapes. Whether your home is a modern masterpiece, a charming country cottage, or a coastal retreat, white paint can make it look fabulous.

White paint enhances the street appeal of a house, making it look clean and polished. It also reflects sunlight, helping to keep the house cooler in the summer.

However, choosing the right shade of white paint for your home's exterior can be challenging due to the wide range of options available. It is important to consider factors such as the architectural style of your home, its surroundings, and the lighting conditions.

• Sherwin Williams Shoji White: A soft, neutral paint colour with warm undertones. It is a versatile and timeless option.
• Sherwin Williams White Duck: A soft, creamy off-white paint colour with beige or taupe undertones, creating a warm and inviting feel.
• Sherwin Williams Alabaster: A warm, creamy white paint with yellow-beige undertones. It is one of Sherwin Williams' most popular colours.
• Sherwin Williams Snowbound: A crisp and clean white with a slight grey undertone.
• Sherwin Williams Pure White: A versatile, bright white with a slight yellow undertone. It is ideal for modern home styles.
• Benjamin Moore China White: A warm off-white with subtle undertones of beige or taupe. It is a great choice for traditional homes.
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee: A classic, creamy off-white with warm, green undertones that can lean towards yellow in certain lighting.
• Benjamin Moore White Dove: A soft and crisp off-white with slight grey undertones. It is Benjamin Moore's best-selling colour.
• Benjamin Moore Simply White: A popular and versatile white paint colour with a bright and neutral appearance.
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore's brightest white option with minimal undertones.

When choosing an exterior white paint, it is essential to sample the colours on your house to see how they look in different lighting conditions. You should also consider the existing trim and accent colours, the surface material, the sheen, sun exposure, and climate.

Additionally, keep in mind that white paint reflects light, so while it can brighten up interior rooms, a bright white can be too harsh in direct sunlight. For exteriors, it is generally recommended to choose a creamier white with a lower LRV (Light Reflective Value).

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