What Colors Last The Longest On Exterior? (2024)

If you’re planning to paint your home’s exterior and want to maximize your return on investment, you should thoroughly assess your color choices. It has been proven that some exterior paint colors last longer than others. Understandably, you’re set on purchasing your favorite hue, but if you want to get the best value, at least consider other selections.

Color is a vital and effective strategy for improving curb appeal on the exterior. In a house or business building, color can highlight appealing aspects. However, when picking exterior paint colors, longevity should be considered in addition to aesthetics. Despite significant advancements in paint technology, color still dramatically impacts how well paint performs.

What Colors Should Not Be Used On Exterior?

The paint’s performance varies due to how UV radiation is absorbed and reflected by various colors. Many colors reflect and absorb light differently. UV light absorption increases a color’s susceptibility to fading. So, the most important thing to remember as soon as you start considering exterior painting is that paint deteriorates due to UV light absorption.

In other words, the more UV rays the paint absorbs compared to reflecting them, the more likely it is that it may prematurely fade, peel, and fail in other ways. Darker colors tend to flake off of exterior surfaces more quickly than lighter ones because of this. Therefore, if you want an exterior coat of paint that will last a long time, start by picking a light color.

Disadvantages of using dark colors for exterior painting

  • They are more difficult to maintain.
  • They generate heat quickly.
  • Compared to lighter colors, they have more issues with moisture.
  • They are more challenging to touch up since they fade more quickly.

Which Exterior Paint Colors Should You Choose That Lasts The Longest?

The first thing to remember is that any color with organic red pigment should be avoided. Pink derivatives, for example, might pose problems since they still retain some red pigmentation. These paints don’t last very long. On the other hand, inorganic colors do last long. Reflective colors without red pigmentation are your best option for a durable exterior coat.

Remember that there are always exceptions to the rule. For instance, choosing a cheap coating for your property might not last very long. Be sure to look up the QUV rating for any paint you are thinking about purchasing. The surface’s orientation should be thought about, as well. The most UV exposure will occur on Southern- and Western-facing walls.

Here are the colors that last the longest on exterior

  • Beige
  • Tan
  • Light brown
  • Light blues
  • White
  • Light green

Tips For Long-Lasting Exterior Paint

1. Be mindful of color limitations.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing paint colors to apply to a structure’s exterior. Some colors should not be used on alkaline surfaces since they are alkali-sensitive. Most paint producers have placed symbols, icons, or words that convey this information on the color chips.

2. Think about how much of the painted surface is exposed.

The surroundings and solar orientation of a structure have a significant impact on color retention. The greatest UV light is emitted onto southernly exposed surfaces, which causes the biggest color loss issues. Areas shaded or facing a different direction are still impacted by UV light, albeit to a lower extent.

3. Some colors fade faster than others.

Earth-tone colors like beige, brown, tan, and others hold up better when exposed to the weather. These colors’ inorganic pigments are less likely to degrade than organic hues like reds, blues, greens, and yellows. The disintegration mainly occurs in hot, dry locations where exterior paint is negatively affected by intense UV exposure.

4. Use only quality paints for perfect color retention.

High-quality paints are excellent at retaining their color when exposed to the outdoors. In addition to having improved surface adherence, they also show excellent resistance to chalking, a condition that can strip exterior paint of its color. Choosing the right paint and color for your home will be well worth the effort.

Reach Out To Professional Painters If You Don’t Want To Take Chances

Exterior paint finishes might be damaged from the beginning by painting in unfavorable conditions, using excessive paint, or applying paint unevenly to the surface. The Picky Painters from Cleveland, Ohio, is there to help if you don’t want to take risks. We have done numerous exterior painting jobs in the past, and we assure you that we only use high-quality paints.

What Colors Last The Longest On Exterior? (1)

This home in Cleveland, Ohio had recently had the siding updated by covering the original wood with a low maintenance vinyl siding, The windows are still original, but they are not ready for the expense to replace them so we updated the color with some fresh paint to maintain the wood windows from getting any worse in the meantime.

What Colors Last The Longest On Exterior? (2)

The trim work on this home in Olmsted Falls, Ohio needed some updating as it was in poor condition but a little bit of fresh paint can make a big difference when in the right areas.

Book an appointment with us today!

Visit our website: https://thepickypainters.com/.

Read more about our exterior painting blogs:

What is making my exterior house paint fade?

When is the Best Time for my Exterior Painting Project?

What You Should Know About Painting Exterior Aluminum Siding

What Colors Last The Longest On Exterior? (2024)
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