Which Exterior Bright Paint Is Best For Painting Houses?

The choice of exterior paint is crucial for a home’s exterior, as it can result in premature wear and reduced efficacy. There are three main types of exterior paint: acrylic, oil-based, and latex. The cost of painting a house exterior depends on factors such as the size of the house, siding or exterior material, number of stories, and location. On average, it costs between $5,844 and $1,804.

The best exterior paint colors include whites, grays, blues, and more. Acrylic exterior paints are durable and long-lasting, suitable for siding made from wood, aluminum, or fiber cement, as well as covering stucco, plaster, and drywall. Latex is a popular choice for a durable and long-lasting exterior.

Choosing a less vibrant color at a higher elevation can help soften colors, as there is less water vapor in the air. Exterior paint colors like gray and yellow are popular, and choosing a muted yellow tone can keep the accent color from looking too prominent. White trim creates eye-catching dimension, and Benjamin Moore Half Moon Crest is a light-medium shade of Benjamin Moore Half Moon Crest.

For a longer-lasting, bright color, look for exterior paints with UV protection and/or fade-resistant technology. The Cuprinol UV guard range is a great option for a longer-lasting, bright color. For a lighter, beachy environment, darker colors like white, off-white, or pale gray are recommended. Coastal homes benefit from brighter, lighter colors that reflect the beachy environment while resisting salt and sand.

Acrylic (water-based) wall paint is the best choice for outside walls, and high-quality paint like Dulux Weathershield is self-priming and helps resist mold, dirt, and stains. Moss green is an elegant choice for matching with other bright hues like orange and yellow.

What is the most common type of exterior house paint?

Water-based exterior paints are popular due to their ease of application, quick drying time, and durability. Acrylic paints, a type of latex paint, offer excellent resistance to fading, mildew, and cracking and come in various colors. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, are more expensive, have a strong odor, and require mineral spirits for cleanup. They take longer to dry and may not be environmentally friendly.

Choosing the right exterior paint depends on your project’s needs. Acrylic latex paint is the most versatile and user-friendly option, offering excellent durability, adhesion, and resistance to fading, mildew, and cracking. Alkyd paints balance the durability of oil-based paints with the ease of use of latex paints, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, trim, and doors. However, they can have a strong odor and require mineral spirits for cleanup.

Stucco paint is specifically designed for stucco surfaces, providing excellent breathability and preventing mold growth. Masonry paint is formulated for brick, concrete, and other masonry surfaces, offering durability and resistance to moisture penetration, mildew, and efflorescence. Elastomeric paint is known for its flexibility, making it ideal for surfaces that expand and contract with temperature changes, such as stucco and wood siding.

Is pure white too white for the exterior?

Sherwin Williams’ Pure White is a bright exterior color with an LRV of 84. It has slight yellow undertones to add warmth and a hint of black to create a softer, more diffused shade. The yellow undertone is more pronounced in southern exposures and reads cooler in northern exposures. Pure White is a light hue that is warm and welcoming, but never too creamy. It is versatile enough to use on the base, trim, or accents of a home’s exterior.

However, the brightness of the color will reflect what’s around it, such as grass and trees, or paved driveways or roads, which can change the overall tone and make it look slightly different from home to home.

What paint finish is best for exterior house?

The satin or eggshell finish is the preferred exterior paint sheen for most home exterior applications due to its basic maintenance points and attractive appearance. However, factors such as DIY vs. professional painting, DIY vs. flat finish paint, and the need for quick resale can influence the choice. A satin/eggshell finish is easier to apply and less likely to leave lap marks, while flat paint offers quick curing time and short-term aesthetic appeal. It is also simple to apply with a sprayer, as overspray blends in with the surface.

Is white too bright for exterior?

When choosing a white exterior color scheme for your home, it’s recommended to choose one with a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 85 or less to avoid being too bright. Darker colors absorb more light and heat, while whites and light neutrals keep your home cooler. Whites with a touch more tint or grey undertone reduce sun glare and show less dirt. It’s crucial to consider the effects of sunlight on your exterior colors.

Is it better to paint house darker or lighter?

Dark exterior paint can significantly increase a home’s value, as a 2023 Zillow study found that homes with darker paint colors sold for about $2, 512 above their anticipated price. This is a significant profit for a simple investment of around $50 per can of paint. Dark paint colors can accentuate natural foliage or scenic landscaping, creating negative space and allowing other outdoor features to pop without distracting from the beautiful exterior paint.

Additionally, dark exteriors can reduce heating costs by absorbing heat more efficiently, keeping the home warmer naturally, increasing energy efficiency and cost savings. Overall, dark exteriors can enhance a home’s overall appeal and value.

Which paint gives more light?

White is the optimal choice for indirect lighting due to its high reflectivity. Neutral colors have the effect of absorbing less light, whereas pastel yellow, bright orange, light blue, lavender, gray, and blush pink are preferred for rooms with limited natural light. It is important to note that paint colors may appear different on walls due to a number of factors, including the influence of natural and artificial light, as well as other variables such as texture, color saturation, and surface texture.

What paint makes house brighter?

To imbue a space with a sense of warmth, it is recommended to utilize light terracotta or yellow hues in the paint palette. However, it is advised to exercise caution in incorporating brown furniture, as it may overwhelm the room’s ambiance. It is advisable to avoid the use of dark ceiling colors and instead select white or pale tones of green or gold. It is recommended that Tuscan Glade 6 or Maraschino Mocha 6 be used as paint for this purpose. It is advisable to avoid the introduction of brown furniture into the room, in order to maintain a lighter, more expansive appearance.

What paint to use to paint outside of house?

Acrylic paint is the preferred choice for exterior applications due to its superior durability, flexibility, and color retention. It is breathable, preventing peeling and blistering, and adheres well to various surfaces. Latex paint, a water-based option, is easy to clean and has a quick drying time. Although not as durable as acrylic, it offers good performance and is less prone to yellowing. Oil-based paints, while less common due to environmental regulations, still have a place in exterior painting due to their excellent adhesion, durability, and smooth finish. They are particularly useful for doors, wrought iron, and trim details that require a high-gloss, durable finish.

Should exterior paint be light or dark?

When choosing exterior versus interior colors for home siding, it is crucial to consider the impact of lighting and surrounding colors. Natural and intense lighting conditions significantly influence the perception of exterior colors, with colors appearing lighter on an exterior. As a rule of thumb, choose a color two shades darker than desired for an exterior. For example, an off-white or cream color may read bright white on an exterior, while a beige or light gray color may read creamy or warm off-white.

A modern design example shows a homeowner choosing an off-white exterior paint color, which initially appeared too dark and gray. However, when sampled on the exterior, the color appeared lighter than it would in true natural light. This highlights the importance of considering lighting and surrounding elements when selecting paint colors for home siding.

What color is not recommended for exterior use?

Selecting an appropriate exterior paint color can be a challenging task. However, utilizing neutral shades, such as grays, can provide a more secure and predictable outcome. Should further guidance be required, Kind Home Solutions is at your disposal to provide expert advice and ensure your property makes a distinctive impression.