Picking an exterior colour is one of the biggest decisions in a repaint. The colour you choose sets the look of your home for years, and in Brisbane it also has to stand up to strong sun, summer storms and high humidity. Here’s how we help clients narrow it down.
1. Start with what’s staying
Your roof, brickwork, stone, pavers and window frames usually aren’t changing, so they set the palette. Hold paint swatches up against them in daylight. A white that looks crisp on a card can look stark next to a terracotta roof, while a warm off-white usually sits more comfortably.
2. Think about heat
Dark colours absorb more heat than light ones. On west-facing walls, timber and fibre cement cladding, very dark colours can increase surface temperatures and may show fading or movement sooner. If you love a dark look, many paint manufacturers now offer heat-reflective versions of popular dark shades. We can talk you through what suits your surfaces.
3. Test samples on the house, not the screen
Colours on a phone or computer screen are never accurate. Buy sample pots and paint large patches (at least A3 size) on two or three walls, then look at them in the morning, at midday and late in the afternoon. Brisbane’s bright light washes colours out, so most people end up choosing something a shade or two deeper than their first pick.
4. Use a simple three-colour scheme
Most homes look best with a main body colour, a trim colour for fascias, gutters and window surrounds, and an accent for the front door. Keeping to three colours stops the house looking busy and makes future touch-ups easier.
5. Check body corporate and heritage rules
If you’re in a townhouse complex, unit block or a character overlay area, there may be rules about exterior colours. Check before you buy paint so you don’t have to repaint.
6. Choose the right finish
Low sheen is a popular choice for walls because it hides minor surface imperfections, while gloss or semi-gloss is often used on trims and doors because it’s easier to clean. The right product also matters: timber, render, fibre cement and metal all need different preparation and primers.
Need a hand deciding?
Our team offers colour consultations and can recommend colours and products that suit your home and Brisbane’s climate. See our exterior painting services or request a free quote. Prefer to talk? Call us on 0414 334 519.