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Choosing the Longest-Lasting Exterior Paint Colors
Painting the exterior of your home is an investment, so you will want to make sure it will look good for many years to come. To get the science behind having the color last, I went to the experts in paint product development. Here is what they had to say about picking the perfect color for your home's exterior.
Color is an essential and powerful tool in creating exterior curb appeal. Color can enhance attractive features in a home or commercial building. However, beyond aesthetics, longevity is critical to consider when choosing exterior colors.
Even though paint technology has improved considerably, it is a fact that color strongly influences paint performance. The performance changes because different colors absorb and reflect ultraviolet (UV) light differently. Some colors absorb more, while others reflect more light. The more a color absorbs UV light, the more prone it is to fade.
Dark colors:
- Pose more maintenance problems.
- Absorb heat
- Suffer more moisture problems than lighter shades.
- They fade faster, making them more difficult to touch up
The opposite is true for lighter colors, which last longer, absorb less heat, and fade less than dark colors.
Tips for Choosing Longest-Lasting Exterior Paint Colors
Here are other things to consider when choosing exterior paint colors that last longer:
Be aware of color limitations
Specific colors are problematic for exterior use. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines on which paint colors they recommend or do not recommend for application to structures' exteriors. Some colors are alkali-sensitive and unsuitable for masonry and other highly alkaline surfaces. Most paint manufacturers have symbols, icons, or words printed on the color chips that provide this information.
Consider the exposure of the surface to be painted
A structure's environment and orientation to the sun significantly impact color retention. Southern exposure surfaces receive the most UV light, which can produce the most significant color loss problems. UV light affects Areas shaded or facing another direction but to a lesser degree.
Some colors tend to fade more quickly than others
Beiges, browns, tans, and other earth-tone colors are more stable on exterior exposure. The inorganic pigments used in these colors are less likely to break down than organic colors such as reds, blues, greens, and yellows. The breakdown is more significant in dry, hot climates, such as Arizona and Nevada, where the intense UV exposure exerts a heavy toll on exterior paint.
Always use high-quality paints for superior color retention
All else being equal, high-quality paints are outstanding for holding their color when exposed to the elements. High-quality paints exhibit better adhesion to the surface and are more resistant to chalking – a process that can rob an exterior paint of its color. Investing the time to select your property's paint quality and color carefully will pay off measurably.
