We are undecided about an exterior house color. We have done test patches of two Benjamin Moore acrylic-latex paints: CC362-Elk (a taupe-beige) and HC 50-Georgian Brick (a dark, brownish-red).

We quite like the "Georgian Brick", but have concerns as to whether it will peel, blister or fade faster than a lighter color. When you touch the wall on which these two samples are painted, the darker color feels much hotter in the sun.

How will this impact sitting on the deck outside beside a "hot" wall? Also, will a dark exterior paint color make the inside of the house hotter? We live in a 1932 one-and-a half story farm home with new windows and insulation.

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Answers

Answered by Karl Crowder, Crowder Painting from Colorado Springs, Colorado

The dark color will fade faster. As you have noticed, it gets much hotter than the lighter color. This extra heat also affects the caulking that is sealing your home. The caulking will also fail sooner.

The CC362-Elk is a more stable color and will resist the affects of the sun longer. I'm not talking about a huge amount of time, probably 2-3 years. You might gain a couple of years on your paint job simple by going with a lighter color.

OK, so much for the con's about a dark paint color. I have to admit, I like a darker body on a house. It has a pleasing look. A lighter trim color takes on a bold look against it. And, the trim is better defined.

It all comes down to aesthetics or a little more time before repainting. Go ahead and work with both colors. Choose a trim color for HC 50-Georgian Brick and a trim color for CC362-Elk. Apply both of these color schemes around your house. Take a good look and weigh to pro's and con's.

As for heating up your house, the darker color could affect this but not much. You have good windows and extra insulation. I doubt you would notice any extra heat.