Exterior Paint in Popular Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace is a crisp, clean white paint color with cool undertones that has become wildly popular for both interior and exterior applications. This versatile neutral boasts an exceptional light reflectance value (LRV) of 90.04, making it one of the brightest whites on the market. When used thoughtfully, Chantilly Lace can transform any interior or exterior space with its fresh, airy aesthetic.

With origins dating back to the fine lace of the same name made in Chantilly, France during the 17th century, Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace pays homage to the delicate handiwork while offering superior hide and coverage. This delightful white is formulated to perfection as an exterior house paint thanks to its ability to withstand weathering and retain its bright white hue over time.

What is Chantilly lace paint

Chantilly Lace exterior paint from Benjamin Moore is a top-rated bright white latex paint known for its exceptional hide and coverage. It features a slightly cool undertone that lends a clean, fresh aesthetic to exteriors. While flat in sheen to help hide surface imperfections, it resists yellowing, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a crisp white exterior.

Brief history and origins

The name Chantilly Lace is inspired by the fine handmade lace of the same name that originated in Chantilly, France during the 17th century. The intricate lace was desired worldwide for its exceptional quality and beauty. Benjamin Moore pays homage to this legacy with its Chantilly Lace paint color - a superior bright white paint prized for its ability to make exteriors look crisp, clean and elegant.

Key features and benefits

As an exterior paint color, Chantilly Lace offers many desirable features and benefits:

• Bright white hue resists yellowing over time
• Flat sheen helps hide surface imperfections
• Delivers exceptional hide and coverage
• Withstands weathering for long-lasting beauty
• Reflects light beautifully while hiding dirt

Choosing Chantilly Lace Paint for Your Home Exterior

Deciding whether popular Chantilly Lace is the right exterior paint color for your particular home requires careful consideration of the current exterior, your preferred architectural style, and regional climate conditions. Assessing these key factors will determine if the beloved bright white paint is a suitable selection or if an alternate neutral shade would be more enhancing.

Assessing current exterior and paint condition

When evaluating Chantilly Lace for your exterior paint, examine the current color, material surfaces, and overall condition. Consider factors like:

• Existing color and how dramatic the change to bright white will be
• Materials used - wood, stucco, brick, metal, siding
• Damage, cracks, holes, or texture needing repair
• Weathering, UV fading, peeling surfaces requiring attention
• Determining if a primer coat is advisable before Chantilly Lace topcoat

Proper surface prep is key for ideal paint adhesion and longevity. Chantilly Lace readily highlights any imperfections, so thorough cleaning, repairs, sanding, and priming should precede painting.

Determining if Chantilly Lace is right for your home style and climate

The stark bright white of Chantilly Lace paint lends beautifully to certain home styles while clashing with others. When evaluating, consider architectural style elements like:

• Colonial and craftsman often suit bright classic whites
• Victorian suit whites depending on existing color tones
• Mediterranean styles tend to pair better with warm ivories
• Contemporary and modern farmhouses shine with this crisp white

Regional climate is another determining factor, as humid regions and shaded exposures may cause Chantilly Lace to read dingy. Additionally, northern regions may require hearty paints that withstand frequent temperature changes and precipitation.

Complementary trim and accent colors

Chantilly Lace pairs beautifully with light cool grays, cream tones, and navy for trim and accents. Crisp black shutters also provide pleasing contrast. For a harmonious exterior palette, pair it with colors like:

• Silver Satin - soft warm gray
• Creamy - subtle tone with brown undertones
• Poseidon - rich navy blue
• Classic Black - crisp true black

Always test paint swatches alongside trim, brick, roofing, and permanent exterior elements before fully committing. This ensures your preferred combinations complement beautifully.

Preparing Surfaces for Chantilly Lace Exterior Paint

Achieving flawless, long-lasting results with Chantilly Lace exterior paint requires diligent surface preparation prior to painting. Thorough cleaning, properly addressing imperfections, applying primer when warranted, and allowing adequate dry time between steps helps ensure optimal adhesion and coverage.

Cleaning and repairing exterior surfaces

Pressure wash all exterior surfaces using appropriate cleaners to remove dirt, oil, mold, mildew and other grime that may interfere with proper paint adhesion. Carefully examine all areas, fully removing any loose, cracked or peeling paint by scraping, sanding, and patching holes as needed with appropriate sealants until smooth. Allow all patched areas to dry fully as per manufacturer guidelines.

Choosing appropriate primer

For compromised surfaces, significant repairs, or dramatic color changes from existing paint, applying primer helps Chantilly Lace go on smoothly while fortifying paint adhesion and hide. Consider tinted primer similar in tone when transitioning from a darker color. Allow primer to dry per guidelines before painting.

Extra preparation for wood, stucco, brick, and metal surfaces

Certain surfaces warrant additional prep considerations when painting exteriors in Chantilly Lace:

• Wood: Must be fully dry and conditioned before priming and painting. Sand surfaces and vacuum away dust.
• Stucco: Pressure wash thoroughly and allow to dry fully before primer and paint. Textured surfaces may require extra coats for full coverage.
• Brick: Clean fully with appropriate masonry cleaner before painting. Primer helps the white paint adhere properly to the porous surface.
• Metal: Remove all rust, form oil residues, and rough existing paint by sanding before applying metal primer and painting.

Applying Chantilly Lace Exterior Paint

With diligent prep complete, the surface is now ready for applying highly anticipated Chantilly Lace paint. Carefully follow manufacturer guidelines for best application practices based on your surfaces and conditions. Pay special attention to recommended tools, dry times, number of coats and application technique for superior hide and coverage that dazzles for years to come.

Following manufacturer application instructions

Chantilly Lace paint applied to exteriors requires carefully following Benjamin Moore's precise application guidelines provided on the label and spec sheets for your particular surfaces. This ensures paint film integrity, adhesion and desired appearance with this beloved white paint.

Brush, roller, and spray recommendations

Benjamin Moore offers product recommendations on preferred applicators for applying Chantilly Lace exterior paint to various surfaces:

• Brush: High quality nylon/polyester for smooth application on trim and woodwork
• Roller: 1/2 or 3/4" nap high quality roller cover for large siding and stucco areas
• Spray: Airless sprayer tips between .013 - .017" for efficient overall surface coverage

Number of finish coats to achieve coverage

The number of finish coats needed depends upon surface porosity and texture. Follow manufacturer guidelines specific to each substrate for film thickness standards. While one thick coat may seem quicker, multiple thin coats provide superior evenness and hide. Allow proper dry time between coats.

Achieving an even and consistent finish

Work methodically section by section when painting, maintaining a wet edge as you go to prevent lap marks and hue variations. Work from the top down on multi-story exteriors, completing one wall before moving clockwise around the structure. Use high quality applicators, resisting any urge to overbrush or roll back over drying areas. Inspect work at angles as you go to catch any inconsistencies or missed spots.

Caring for Your New Chantilly Lace Exterior

Your home's fresh Chantilly Lace exterior paint job represents a significant investment of both time and money into enhancing your property's aesthetic. As such, properly caring for the surface once painting concludes ensures your new exterior retains its delightful appearance as long as possible.

Proper curing and dry times

Avoid cleaning, scuffing or exposing the fresh Chantilly Lace paint surface to harsh chemicals until fully cured, generally between 7-30 days depending on weather conditions. Consult manufacturer guidelines for recommended cure times before pressure washing or cleaning. When washing, use mild cleaners free from solvents, alcohol and abrasives.

Cleaning and touch-up techniques

Periodically gently wash the Chantilly Lace exterior using mild, pH-neutral cleaners and soft brushes, sponges or cloths. Spot clean any stained or soiled areas immediately to prevent penetration of the topcoat. Address chips by feathering edges and spot priming before touch-ups. Touch up using original application tools and techniques.

Enhancing longevity with preventative maintenance

Routinely inspect painted exterior surfaces for any signs of damage, checking caulking and sealants around joints. Reapply protective finishes like penetrating stains to wood trim as needed. Catching minor issues early prevents premature deterioration and helps your charming Chantilly Lace exterior endure beautifully.

Visualizing Chantilly Lace on Different Exterior Styles

While universally flattering, Chantilly Lace exterior paint reads slightly different on varying architectural styles. The stark bright white pops against dark brick colonial and craftsman homes, lending them a stately updated classic look. On more ornate Queen Anne Victorians, the clean white beautifully modernizes without competing with existing intricate details. More rustic style mountain cabins with natural wood accents likewise pair handsomely with Chantilly Lace for a stylish but cozy vibe.

Colonial, craftsman, Tudor, Victorian exteriors

The fresh, bright white of Chantilly Lace paint suits Colonial, Craftsman, Tudor, and Victorian home styles beautifully. It provides pleasing contrast against natural brick and stone while highlighting architectural details. The versatile neutral also readily accepts colorful front door and exterior accent hues to further visually define the home.

Mediterranean, contemporary, traditional eclectic

Styles skewing toward Mediterranean with terracotta tile roofs may benefit from warmer antique white tones rather than stark brights for seamless flow. Modern farmhouse and contemporary styles shine paired with clean Chantilly Lace against varied siding materials. For traditional eclectic homes with a mix of materials, choosing complementary whites for each surface helps tie the aesthetic together.

Conceptual photos showing Chantilly Lace transformations

Seeing before and after photos depicting exteriors transitioned from other colors to alluring Chantilly Lace paint keeps the vision tangible. Visualizing the transformation on actual homes highlighting varying styles, siding materials and architectural details brings the possibilities to life excitingly.

Pairing a Chantilly Lace Exterior With Landscaping

A beautifully painted exterior in lively Chantilly Lace serves as the ideal neutral backdrop for pops of vibrant landscaping. Selecting flowers, plants, hardscaping materials and other features in harmonizing or bold contrasting colors refreshes your home's curb appeal delightfully.

Foliage, flowers, and vegetation that complement

Consider incorporating flowering bushes, plants and trees featuring soft cool tones that seamlessly complement Chantilly Lace's subtle blue undertones. Opt for varieties in lavender, light blue, soft sage green, and pale peachy pink for a cohesive aesthetic that feels soothing and elegant.

Hardscaping that features natural stone and brick

Incorporate walkways, patios and other hardscaped areas around the exterior using natural weathered stone, concrete, or clay brick in earthy neutrals. This grounds Chantilly Lace's brightness beautifully while pulling out those barely-there undertones even more delightfully.

Q&A and Expert Tips on Chantilly Lace Exteriors

Homeowners, painters, designers and architects alike often have lingering questions regarding best practices for stunning exteriors in favorite Chantilly Lace paint. These common queries and expert recommendations provide helpful insights for truly exceptional results with this beloved neutral white.

Answers to common Chantilly Lace paint questions

Some frequent questions surrounding Chantilly Lace for exterior applications include:

• Does the blue undertone show through? Subtly in certain lighting. Priming helps mitigate this effect.
• How does the white look over time? Resists yellowing very well compared to other paints.
• How many coats are needed? Often 2-3 for full coverage and consistency.
• What sheen is best? Flat finishes optimally hide surface imperfections.

Professional insights for exceptional results

Industry experts recommend considerations like:

• Proper prep work makes all the difference with such a stark white.
• Combining sheens (eggshell trim, flat siding) lends dimension.
• Incorporating varying whites on each surface helps tie varied facades together.
• Annual gentle cleaning maintains the finish and color integrity.

Where to Shop for Chantilly Lace Exterior Paint

The beloved Chantilly Lace gray-based bright white paint is readily available from nearly every major paint retailer in the 1 gallon size perfect for sampling. For larger 5 gallon buckets suited to entire exterior projects, check with local independent paint stores and larger home improvement warehouses.

Major home improvement stores that carry it

Big box home improvement retailers like Home Depot, Lowes, Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards typically stock gallon sizes of popular Chantilly Lace interior and exterior paint year round. Scan the neutral white paint selection area or enter the exact name or color code into store computers to locate easily.

Independent retailers with extensive selections

For the widest color selection from leading professional paint brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, visit local independent paint retailers. Their knowledgeable staff can also accurately color match, mix custom tints and offer product recommendations to best suit your specific exterior project.

Availability of color swatches and samples

Most paint shops offer free in-store color swatch cards for Chantilly Lace featuring its coordinating colors. Color sample sizes around 8 ounces are also hugely beneficial for testing in small sections before fully committing to gallons. Samples allow envisioning the undertones and sheens most accurately under your unique lighting conditions.

Costs and Budgeting Considerations

Anticipating realistic budget estimates for your exterior paint project helps establish expectations for costs and materials with popular Chantilly Lace. Carefully calculating total square footage and gallons required based on surface type prevents unexpected mid-project expenses.

Average cost per gallon of Chantilly Lace paint

The average per gallon price of Chantilly Lace paint ranges from $25-45 for mid grade latex varieties to $45-90 for premium exterior lines. Professional grade options offer greater longevity and often require fewer total coats for desired coverage.