Dark Exterior Paint: Blue Vs Grey, Which Fades Faster?

Dark exterior paint colours are becoming increasingly popular. They can make your home stand out and look sophisticated, but they also have some drawbacks. One of the main concerns is that dark colours absorb more light and heat, making them more prone to fading than lighter colours. This is especially true for reds, blues, and yellows due to their organic pigments. However, some sources claim that dark colours won't fade any faster than light colours, even though the change may be more noticeable. To prevent fading, it is recommended to use high-quality paint with a reflective layer to redirect sunlight and UV rays.

Dark colours absorb more UV light, causing them to fade faster

UV light is a significant factor in paint fading. The sun's UV rays break down the chemical bonds in the paint, sucking the colour out. Dark colours absorb more UV light than lighter colours, which means they are more prone to fading. This is especially true for southern-facing surfaces, which receive the most UV light.

In addition to fading faster, dark colours can also pose more maintenance problems and suffer from moisture problems. They are also more difficult to touch up, as the fading is often inconsistent.

If you want to slow down the fading process, you can choose a paint with a reflective layer. These types of paint redirect the sun's rays away from the pigment, reflecting light and heat. Lighter colours are inherently more reflective, which is why they are more durable and fade-resistant than dark colours.

Other factors that contribute to paint fading include direct sunlight, harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and poor-quality paint. To prevent fading, it is important to choose a high-quality paint that repels the absorption of UV rays.

Lighter colours are more durable and fade-resistant

Lighter colours are also easier to patch up if your exterior paint gets scratched or nicked. Dark colours are more prone to peeling and will show surface flaws and weather damage more prominently.

Additionally, reds, blues, greens, and yellows are more likely to break down than beiges, browns, tans, and other earth tones. This is because the pigments used in earth tones are inorganic and more stable, whereas the pigments in reds, blues, greens, and yellows are organic and more prone to breaking down when exposed to UV light.

Therefore, if you're looking for a long-lasting exterior paint colour, it's best to choose a light, neutral shade.

Dark colours absorb more heat, which can increase energy costs

Dark colours absorb all wavelengths of light and convert them into heat, so the object gets warm. Conversely, a white object reflects all wavelengths of light, so the light is not converted into heat, and the temperature of the object does not increase.

The amount of heat absorbed is also affected by how light or dark an object is. A dark object of a given colour will absorb more photons than a light object of the same colour, so it will absorb more heat and get warmer.

This is why it is recommended to wear light-coloured clothing in the summer and dark colours in the winter. Dark shingles and dark-coloured cars are also better suited for colder climates.

When it comes to exterior paint, lighter colours are more durable and fade-resistant than dark colours. Dark colours absorb more moisture, which can cause problems with paint or siding. They are also more prone to peeling.

To reduce energy costs and slow down the fading process, it is advisable to use a reflective layer of paint that redirects sunlight and harmful UV rays away from the pigment.

Dark colours can be prone to peeling

Darker exterior paint colours can be more prone to peeling than lighter colours. This is because dark colours absorb more heat and moisture than lighter shades. The more heat and moisture a painted surface absorbs, the more likely it is to peel.

In addition, dark colours absorb more ultraviolet (UV) light than lighter colours. Over time, UV light breaks down the chemical bonds in paint, causing pigments to fade and the paint to peel.

To reduce the risk of peeling, it is recommended to choose a high-quality paint with a reflective layer that redirects sunlight and harmful UV rays away from the pigment. These types of paint can reflect light, heat, or both.

It is also important to consider the environment and orientation of the surface to be painted. Surfaces with southern exposure receive the most UV light, which can result in more significant colour loss.

Finally, regular maintenance is critical to preventing peeling. Homeowners should plan to maintain the paint each year and promptly address any damage, fading, or degradation.

Dark colours can make a home appear smaller

When it comes to exterior paint, dark colours like blue and grey tend to fade faster than lighter colours. This is because dark colours absorb more light and heat, while lighter colours reflect them. Additionally, dark colours absorb more moisture, which can cause problems with the paint or siding.

Now, while dark colours can make a home appear smaller, they can be used to create a dramatic and intimate space. Dark colours can make a room feel larger, smaller, taller, shorter, wider, or narrower, depending on how they are used. For example, painting the ceiling and walls a dark colour can make a room feel smaller and more intimate. On the other hand, using a dark colour on just one wall can close in the space, while using it on all four walls can make the room feel cosy and intimate.

Dark colours can also be used to create a focal point in a room, add interest, and disguise less attractive features. For example, painting a television wall a dark colour can help to disguise the TV, which is often not the most beautiful object in a room. Dark colours can also be used to zone an area in an open-plan space, such as a dark kitchen in a classic interior, ensuring the living area remains bright and light.

When using dark colours, it is important to consider the mood you want to create and the aspect of the space. Dark colours can make a room feel cosy and intimate, but they can also make it feel depressing if not used correctly. It is also important to use the right lighting, as dark colours can create shadows and make a room feel smaller.

Frequently asked questions