Choosing the right exterior paint colours is a significant decision for many homeowners, and it can feel like a daunting task. After all, you’re making a very public design choice. What if the colours you pick become an eyesore for the whole neighborhood? You might be worried that your freshly painted home will go from an outdated mess to an expensive one—and you won’t even have the option to change it. Plus, the last thing you want is to choose a cheerful yellow that looks neon and irks your neighbours.
If the idea of picking the perfect paint colours for your home leaves you stressed out and looking for distractions, you’re not alone. Choosing the right exterior paint colour has its unique set of challenges. The large surface area of your home makes it tough to visualize the outcome based on tiny paint chips or brochures. Plus, you’ll be investing significant money into this decision, so it’s crucial to make the right choice. But how can you make an informed decision when paint colours often look so different in direct sunlight? Fortunately, exterior home painters in Victoria have the expertise to guide you through the process, ensuring you choose the perfect shade for your home.
Here are four essential tips every homeowner should know when selecting exterior paint colours:
1. Consider the Existing Materials on Your Home
If your home has unpainted materials such as stone, brick, or even large concrete sections, those materials will play a significant role in determining the right paint colour. Whether you have natural stone or manufactured stone, it’s important to take note of these surfaces, as the paint colour you choose must complement these elements.
Start by identifying the undertones of your stone or brick. These could range from pink-beige to blue-gray or even green-gray. These undertones will guide you in selecting a paint colour that works well with your natural materials. For instance, a cooler, blue-based paint colour might clash if your brick has a warm orange undertone. But don’t worry, this isn’t an exact science. You don’t have to match your stone or brick perfectly, but you must choose a colour that shares or complements the undertone.
At Pro Palette Painting, we understand how important it is to ensure your home’s exterior blends beautifully with its existing materials. Our experienced exterior painting contractors in Victoria can guide you in selecting the perfect shades that work seamlessly with your natural elements.
2. Go for Muted Colours, Even if You Love Bold Hues
Bright and saturated colours can sometimes look too bold on an exterior, often appearing too harsh or unnatural. Unless your home is a beach house or part of a Victorian-style neighborhood, it’s usually best to lean toward muted, neutral tones. While turquoise or mint green might work beautifully on a seaside property, most homes will look best with neutral tones like taupe, grey, or beige.
The idea is to avoid colours that will clash with the surroundings or look out of place. You can always add a splash of bold colour to your front door or other accent areas, but a softer, more neutral approach is usually best for the main exterior. The team at Pro Palette Painting is ready to help you choose a more subtle, timeless colour that enhances your home’s curb appeal while keeping it in harmony with the environment.
3. Don’t Pick a Bright White
It’s tempting to think of bright white as the go-to colour for a fresh, clean look. However, bright white can appear blinding and overly reflective in the strong Canadian sunlight. Instead of choosing a stark white, opt for off-white or softer cream tones that won’t create such a harsh glare.
Keep in mind that colours often look brighter and more intense outdoors. A shade that looks lovely on a paint swatch can be overwhelming when exposed to the full intensity of natural sunlight. Remember that less is more When considering white or light-coloured options for your home’s exterior.
4. Warmer Tones Work Better with Cool Colours Like Grey
If you’re a fan of cool-toned colours, such as greys, keep in mind that these colours often appear more incredible than expected when placed outside. Natural sunlight has a cool temperature and will tone down any colour you choose, making it look more remarkable than it appears in the paint store. To compensate for this, select a warmer grey or taupe shade that will look more balanced under the sun.
Pro Palette Painting helps homeowners choose the right grey tones that won’t get “lost” under bright outdoor light, ensuring their home looks as beautiful as they imagined.
Testing Your Colours
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, testing them before making a final decision is crucial. The best way to do this is to purchase samples of at least three colours and apply them to large poster boards. Take these boards outside and observe them in full sunlight and shade. This will give you a better idea of how the colours will look in real-world conditions.
Remember to place your test boards next to your brick or stone surfaces to see how the colours interact with your natural elements. The existing materials will always have the final say in how well your paint colour works. For expert guidance, consider exterior home painting services in Victoria to ensure your chosen colours enhance your home’s overall aesthetic.
In Summary
When choosing exterior paint colours, the most important factors are the materials in your home (such as brick or stone) and the colour’s brightness. Colours that are too bright can clash with the surroundings, while muted tones tend to work better. Additionally, lighter shades such as white or off-white should be chosen carefully, as they can appear too bright under natural sunlight. At Pro Palette Painting, we ensure our clients make informed choices, considering all aspects of their home’s design. See what our customers have to say here.
Remember, there is no perfect colour—many shades can enhance your home beautifully. By understanding the undertones of your existing materials, selecting a few sample colours, and testing them outside, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the ideal exterior paint. If you’re looking for expert advice, reach out to the exterior painting contractors at Pro Palette Painting in Victoria — we’re here to help every step of the way.
FAQs
To choose the right exterior paint colour, consider your home’s architectural style, existing materials (like brick or stone), and surrounding landscape. Test a few sample colours on large boards and observe them in different lighting conditions before making a final decision.
Natural light can significantly impact how a paint colour appears. A shade that looks perfect in the store may appear much lighter or darker in direct sunlight or shade. Testing samples outdoors at different times of the day will help you see how the colour looks in real-world conditions.
Hiring professional exterior home painting services ensures a high-quality, long-lasting finish. Experts have the skills, tools, and experience to properly prep surfaces, choose the best paint, and apply it evenly for a durable result.