Choosing the Best Green Exterior Paint Colors
Green is having a major moment in home exteriors. This soothing, natural hue not only looks great on home facades, but also pairs nicely with landscaping and outdoor surroundings. With the right shade of green, you can give your home serious curb appeal and a relaxed, inviting vibe.
But with countless shades of green paint to choose from, it can be tricky to select the perfect hue for your home's exterior.
The Appeal of Green Exterior Paint
Before diving into specific shades, let's look at why green is a fantastic choice for home exteriors:
- Connects the home to nature - Green is intrinsically linked to vegetation, trees, and the natural world. Painting your exterior green helps integrate the home with its environment.
- Provides versatility - Green exterior paint colors range from soft pastels to deep forest hues. There's a green for every style home.
- Feels relaxing and welcoming - Green evokes a sense of harmony and tranquility. It's a great exterior color for destressing.
- Enhances curb appeal - A green exterior helps your home stand out. It adds character and aesthetic appeal.
- Offers protection - Quality green exterior paint protects siding and trim from weathering and damage.
- Environmentally friendly - Many green paints contain low-VOC formulas that are better for the environment.
Popular Shades of Green Exterior Paint
Green exterior paint encompasses a wide spectrum of shades and undertones. Here are some of the most popular greens used on home exteriors:
Sage Green
A gray-green reminiscent of the herb sage, this subtle hue has a soothing, peaceful quality. It works well with stone and brick facades in Craftsman, Country, and Farmhouse style homes.
Forest Green
Deep and woodsy, forest green has a traditional, stately look. Use it on main house siding or on accent trim to make a bold statement.
Mint Green
Cool and refreshing like its namesake, mint green offers a cheerful, casual vibe. It's great for cottage, beach, and contemporary homes.
Lime Green
This vibrant, yellow-tinged green is energizing and fun. Use it sparingly on details like door and window trim for a playful pop of color.
Teal Green
Teal is a bluish-green that brings to mind tropical landscapes. It works beautifully on homes inspired by Coastal and Tropical design.
Olive Green
Earthy and organic, olive green is a versatile neutral that complements red brick and cream-colored siding. Mediterranean style homes can rock this hue.
Choosing the Right Shade of Green
With so many green paint options, narrowing it down can be overwhelming. Here are tips for selecting a green paint color for maximum exterior appeal:
Consider Architectural Style
Choose a green hue that enhances your home's architecture. For example, deeper forest greens complement Tudor designs, while bright mint greens pair well with contemporary homes.
Take Note of Surroundings
Select a green with similar tones to your environment. Greens with blue undertones complement ocean views, while earthy greens enhance homes surrounded by trees and woods.
Complement Existing Colors
If your home exterior already has other colors, pick a green that works alongside them. Cool sage greens go nicely with grays, while olive greens pair well with tans.
Test Paint Samples
Always test green paint colors on a section of exterior wall before committing. View samples in different light at various times of day to get the full effect.
Best Green Exterior Paint Finishes
In addition to shade, also consider the paint finish when selecting an exterior green. Here are some top choices:
Flat
With a non-reflective, matte look, flat is a good option for heavily textured walls. It helps conceal imperfections. However, it's more prone to showing dirt and marks.
Eggshell
Slightly shiny, eggshell resists dirt well. It's ideal for siding, doors, and trim. The subtle sheen makes the green color pop.
Satin
With mid-level luster, satin offers durability and vivid color. It's a great choice for high-traffic areas like doors and window frames.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss boasts excellent stain resistance and easy cleaning. Use it on trim and accents to really make green details stand out.
Prepping and Painting the Exterior
Achieving an attractive, long-lasting green exterior relies on proper prep work and application techniques:
Clean Surfaces
Pressure wash siding, trim, doors, etc. to remove dirt, mildew, and flaking paint. Sand glossy areas to help the new paint adhere.
Repair Damage
Fix cracks, holes, peeling sections, and rotted wood prior to painting. Use caulk and primer on repaired areas.
Apply Primer
Prime all surfaces with appropriate primer before applying green paint. This helps the color go on evenly and last longer.
Use Quality Tools
Invest in good brushes, rollers, and trays suited for exterior painting. This makes application easier and faster.
Paint Multiple Coats
Two coats of quality exterior paint ensures full, even coverage and lasting color vibrancy. Allow proper dry time between coats.
Maintaining Your Green Exterior
Proper maintenance keeps your green exterior paint looking fresh and vibrant:
- Allow paint to fully cure - Wait at least 2 weeks before washing to prevent damage.
- Periodically wash - Use mild soap and pressure washer to remove dirt and mildew buildup.
- Touch up worn areas - Spot paint scratches, scuffs, and peeling sections to prevent decay.
- Repaint every 5-7 years - Regular repainting maintains the protective properties of the finish.
Benefits of Green Exterior House Paint
Green is a gorgeous, versatile choice for exterior house paint. Beyond just looking great, it offers many advantages:
- Expresses personality - Green shows the homeowner's personal taste and design sensibilities.
- Enhances curb appeal - Green instantly boosts a home's visual attractiveness and street presence.
- Provides protection - Quality green paint protects siding, trim, doors, etc. from damage.
- Eco-friendly options - Many green paints have low-VOC formulas that are better for the environment.
- Connects to nature - The earthy color helps integrate the home into its landscape.
A green exterior paint job can make your home look better. It offers curb appeal along with protection and self-expression. Just be sure to consider factors like architectural style, surroundings, and existing colors when choosing your perfect shade of green. The result will be an exterior that delights and inspires.