Woodstains – finding the perfect match

Choosing the perfect paint or woodstain colour for exterior woodwork including garden sheds, decking, garden furniture, window frames or exterior doors is not simply a matter of personal taste. It’s no coincidence that some colours work well in certain environments and not in others. There are several factors that need proper consideration before choosing a colour for an exterior project to make sure it stands out for all the right reasons.

Location, location, location

First look at the surrounding environment. When painting or staining exterior wood, the colours should tone in, where possible, with neighbouring homes or businesses. Different regions often have their own distinct colour palette from dark grey granite to sandstone and red brick. The colourful pastel shades which are typically used in coastal towns and villages, with beach huts and individual homes sporting a rainbow of colours, suit this environment in a way that might look out of place in the middle of the city.

Take inspiration from these building materials as well as the more natural colour tones in the local area and select shades for exterior woodwork which will complement or harmonise with these – anything that doesn’t, might clash or feel jarring and unconsidered.

 

Keeping one eye on the past

A listed property will have certain regulations as to what is permitted in terms of redecoration, especially to its exterior. Other buildings, even if they’re not listed, will require different colour choices and schemes depending on their own heritage and style.

Think about the difference between a contemporary building with crisp painted render or exposed cement; a dark stone Victorian town house; or thatched roof country cottage. In each instance, colours will tone in differently. It’s important to take stock of the background colours of a building and its surroundings and the way the exterior woodwork interacts with it.

And while some buildings demand a neutral off-white, cream or grey masonry paint due to their location, the good news is that you can inject some colour and personality into a building in a subtle way through the woodwork. Bright colour works well particularly well on doors and windows and can provide a colourful contrast to the rest of the building.

 

Making light work of the job

Daylight can differ depending on the season, which part of the country you’re in as well as the time of day. When exposed to natural sunlight, colours will appear lighter, so we generally recommend choosing colours which are one or two shades darker than you’d use for your interior. It’s best to always go slightly darker than you think you need, to avoid the colours appearing washed out by the daylight.

Discover more about which colours suit different architectural styles and take a look at the regional colour palettes we’ve created in our Exterior Colour Book from our colour experts. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and information.