Do's and Don'ts When Using White on Your Home's Exterior
For today's homeowners, the nearly unlimited choice of exterior paint colors means you can tailor your palette to exactly the look you want. But should this look include traditional white walls? It may seem like an uninspired choice, but white can be a great façade color. To help you decide if white exterior painting is the right call for you, here are a few key do's and don'ts to consider.
Do Use Hues for Effect.
There is no one single hue of white for homeowners to choose from. Bright white can appear more formal, elegant, and dramatic. But if you want a more casual or homey feel, change the hue to one with a more creamy undertone. While it sounds like a subtle difference, hue choice makes a big impact on the entire house.
Don't Make It too Reflective.
Each paint has a different level of reflectivity, known as its Light Reflectance Value. The higher the number, the more the paint will reflect sunlight off the home's exterior. White is especially susceptible to high levels of reflectivity. So while you want some reflection, avoid levels so high that they're uncomfortable in bright sunlight.
Do Use Colors Around It.
Painting a home white sets up a great contrast with other surrounding colors. From the green grass and blue sky of nature to bold trim and door colors, how you use colors around the white base will give your house style and personality. Look for contrasts that appeal to you and reflect the style of decor inside the home as well.
Don't Ignore What's Underneath.
When using white paint, you must start by ensuring nothing will bleed through from older paint jobs. Without the proper preparation process and primers, light color paints — including ivory and pastels — will be affected by the colors below them. White can be particularly challenging in this area, and owners of older homes may see their white come out more yellow or muted if not careful.
Do Choose Quality Paint.
One of the biggest concerns when considering a white exterior is whether it will get dirty, fade, or peel and chip. You can't change the fact that the paint is exposed to the elements, but you can start with better-quality materials. When choosing paint, look for pigments that resist fading, and choose stain-resistant varieties.
Want to know more about the tricks and challenges of using white paint for your home's exterior? Start by consulting with a qualified house painting service in your area today.