Beige Exteriors Darken: What Homeowners Need To Know

When it comes to painting your house, beige is a popular choice for an exterior colour. However, over time, you may notice that the paint appears darker than when it was first applied. This can be due to several factors, including the paint's exposure to natural elements such as sunlight, which can cause fading, and the paint's interaction with its surroundings, such as landscaping or architectural features. Additionally, the paint's finish, sheen, and underlying surface preparation can also impact its colour and appearance over time. While touch-ups can be done, they may not perfectly match the original paint job due to environmental factors and paint ageing. To maintain a consistent appearance, it is recommended to repaint the entire wall or surface.

Beige paint will look lighter when exposed to natural light

When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, beige may not be the first colour that comes to mind. But it's a classic, elegant choice that can give your home a warm and inviting feel. One thing to consider when choosing any exterior paint colour is that it will likely look different when exposed to natural light. So, will beige exterior paint get darker or lighter over time? The answer may surprise you!

If you're considering painting your home's exterior beige, you may be wondering how the colour will change over time. Will it get darker or lighter? Interestingly, beige paint will actually look lighter when exposed to natural light. This is true of most paint colours and is due to the reflectiveness of paint. Sunlight bounces off paint, making it appear lighter than it does in the can or under artificial light. So, if you're worried about your beige paint looking too dark, keep in mind that it will likely look brighter and lighter once it's on your home.

The direction your home faces and the amount of natural light it receives will also affect how the paint looks. For example, south-facing homes tend to get more direct sunlight, which can make the paint look even lighter. On the other hand, north-facing homes may appear darker, depending on the amount of natural light they receive.

Tips for Choosing the Right Beige Paint for Your Home's Exterior

Now that you know beige paint will look lighter when exposed to natural light, you can choose the perfect shade for your home. Here are a few tips to help you pick the right beige:

• Get samples and test them outside: The only way to truly know how a paint colour will look on your home is to test it out. Get a few samples of different beige shades and paint small areas of your home's exterior to see how they look at different times of the day.
• Choose a warmer shade: Natural daylight can make paint colours appear cooler and lighter, so if you want a warm, inviting beige, choose a shade that's slightly warmer than you think you need.
• Consider the undertones: Beige paint can have different undertones, such as pink, yellow, or grey. These undertones will become more apparent when the paint is on your home, so be sure to consider them when making your selection.
• Think about the surrounding scenery: If your home is surrounded by natural foliage or landscaping, a beige exterior can help accentuate this. Beige paint can create a neutral backdrop that allows your landscaping to pop.
• Keep in mind any architectural features: If your home has unique architectural features that you want to showcase or hide, keep this in mind when choosing a beige paint. A darker beige can help camouflage features you don't want to draw attention to, while a lighter beige can highlight certain aspects of your home's architecture.

Maintaining Your Beige Exterior Paint

Once you've chosen the perfect beige paint for your home's exterior, you'll want to make sure it stays looking its best. Beige paint, like any other colour, will eventually fade over time due to exposure to the sun and other elements. To keep your beige exterior looking fresh, consider having it repainted every 5-10 years. This will not only preserve the colour but also protect your home from the elements and maintain its value.

In summary, beige exterior paint will likely look lighter when exposed to natural light. By understanding this and following the tips above, you can choose the perfect beige shade for your home and keep it looking beautiful for years to come!

Sunlight will cause beige paint to fade over time

The effect of natural light is hard to see on those wee little paint chips. This is why it is recommended to start with peel-and-stick samples and then move on to painting larger areas to double-check. You must look at your samples on all sides of your home and in different types of light. If you have a lot of landscaping that blocks natural light, then the colour won’t be as light as it would if it had direct natural light.

Various environmental conditions, such as oxygen, sunlight UV, etc., will "cure" the paint over time, changing its colour and appearance. This is why, even when patching a small area, fresh paint on the wall will look different, especially to a trained eye. The only way to truly hide the touch-ups perfectly is by repainting that entire wall.

While beige exteriors are a bold choice, like any paint colour, they will eventually fade after years of exposure to natural elements. To keep your home’s exterior looking fresh, consider having professionals come back and do retouches every 5-10 years or so. This will preserve your home value and keep your paint looking clean.

The sheen of the paint can affect how the colour looks

Satin is a good option for washability, but it can enhance texture and appear garish when hit by light. Matte and eggshell-finish paints are more challenging to keep clean but are less shiny. If you want to strike a balance between washability and sheen, satin is a happy medium.

The flatter your finish, the more textured your wood will appear. Sheen enhances texture, so choosing a lower-sheen paint will create a calmer look. For exterior trim, shutters, and doors, satin is recommended. It offers washability without as much shine as semi-gloss.

When choosing a paint sheen, consider how much direct natural light your surface will receive. More sheen will reflect more light, making the colour appear lighter.

Beige paint can be diluted with water

Beige exterior paint can get darker over time, but this is not always the case. Several factors can cause paint to appear darker, including the paint's exposure to sunlight, natural light, and the direction in which a home faces. For example, southern light can enhance certain colours while softening others, and direct southern light will wash out colours. Northern light, on the other hand, can make warm colours appear flatter. Additionally, the undertones of the paint can become more obvious when used on an exterior, which can affect the overall appearance of the colour.

Now, let's discuss if beige paint can be diluted with water. Beige paint can be diluted with water, but it is important to note that the paint's finish, sheen, and surface absorbency will affect the final colour and appearance. When diluted with water, beige paint may appear lighter and softer, with a matte finish. The amount of water added to the paint will impact the final colour. Adding a small amount of water, such as up to 20%, will slightly loosen the paint and make it more fluid without significantly changing the colour. However, adding a larger amount of water, such as an equal ratio of paint to water, will create an "overdiluted wash" and result in a softer, more muted colour. The absorbency of the surface being painted will also affect the final appearance of the diluted paint. For example, applying diluted paint to an absorbent surface like watercolour paper will result in a softer, more muted layer of colour compared to a non-absorbent surface.

Beige paint can be affected by environmental conditions like oxygen and UV light

Beige paint can be affected by environmental factors like oxygen and UV light. A professional painter shared their opinion on a forum that various environmental conditions, such as oxygen, sunlight, and UV light, will "cure" the paint over time, altering its colour and sheen. This is why, even when patching a small area, the new paint will stand out, especially to a trained eye.

Oxygen is a crucial component of the environment that surrounds us. It is present in the air we breathe and plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Oxygen molecules are highly reactive and actively participate in numerous chemical processes, including those involved in paint curing and ageing.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. It is a component of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface and possesses significant energy. UV light can initiate chemical reactions and cause changes in the structure of certain materials, including paint.

The curing process of paint involves the gradual evaporation of solvents and the cross-linking of paint components, facilitated by oxygen and UV light. Over time, these environmental factors can cause the paint to darken as its chemical composition changes. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in beige paint, which has a lighter colour that is more sensitive to subtle variations.

In addition to altering the colour, oxygen and UV light can also affect the sheen of the paint. Sheen refers to the level of gloss or shine on a painted surface. During the curing process, the paint's sheen can change, becoming either more or less glossy, depending on various factors, including the type of paint and the environmental conditions it is exposed to.

To minimise the impact of oxygen and UV light on beige paint, it is essential to properly store the paint when it is not in use. Storing paint in a cool, dry, and shaded location can help slow down the curing process and reduce the risk of colour and sheen changes. Additionally, it is advisable to use paint within a recommended timeframe, as fresh paint is less susceptible to the effects of environmental conditions.

Frequently asked questions