Choosing an exterior paint scheme for your business is quite an undertaking. That’s not only because the colors you select will affect the way your customers perceive your brand but also because the dizzying array of colors available today can give anyone a hard time when it comes to selecting the right color combinations. Furthermore, at $40 a gallon or more, you can’t afford to make a mistake, right? So, how can you get your exterior color scheme right the first time? Well, that’s quite simple: by researching and planning everything carefully. Here are five steps our professional painters have found to be effective when trying to create a beautiful color palette.
- Plan around the elements you cannot change. If you’re only planning to repaint your exterior, it’s important to consider certain elements, such as roof shingles, trim, and stonework, before opting for an exterior paint scheme. For instance, if your roof and trim are blue, you should choose hues that go well with this color, such as white, light beige, or grey. If the color scheme is too dull, you can spice it up with warm accent colors, such as yellow, orange, coral, orchid, or green.
- Know your options. One thing you need to know before buying exterior paint is that there are basically four color schemes: 1) Monochromatic color schemes, which typically include three tints or shades of the same color (e.g. light, medium, and dark blue). Monochromatic schemes are excellent choices for the businesses located in conservative neighborhoods; 2) Complementary color schemes, which employ colors opposite to each other on the color wheel (blue-orange, red-green, etc.). Delivering a great deal of contrast, complementary color schemes are more appropriate for modern neighborhoods; 3) Triadic color schemes, which include three different colors, tints, or shades placed equidistant on the color wheel (e.g. blue-red-yellow or green-violet-orange). Since triadic color schemes are highly complex, only an experienced professional is able to create a well-balanced, harmonious palette; 4) Adjacent color schemes, which usually involve tertiary colors (colors derived from red, yellow, and blue) located next to each other on the color fan deck (e.g. blue-blue/green-green, red-red/orange-orange, etc.). Before opting for a color scheme, don’t forget to check the colors that should be avoided when painting a business.
- Put your customers first. When choosing exterior paint for your business, the most important thing to consider is what your customers want. Since most people are drawn to classy color schemes with clean accents, the color palette you intend to select should create an inviting, pleasing atmosphere that puts customers at ease.
- Consider the climate. When choosing exterior paint colors, the climate also plays a role. Considering Florida’s humid subtropical climate, the best decision is to opt for light, bright colors, which reflect sunrays and keep buildings cooler. Though light hues tend not to fade as quickly as dark colors, go one or two shades darker as the color will lose part of its intensity over time.
- Test the color. For the best result, test the color in an inconspicuous part of the building. Let the paint dry completely and look at it under varying lighting conditions to decide if it’s the color you want.
To get the best results from your paint job, always follow expert advice when choosing colors and preparing your business for painting. If you’re stuck for inspiration, contact us at Performance Painting. Our professionals are ready not only to come up with an amazing exterior paint scheme that will set your business apart but also to complete any painting project proficiently.
