Light colors work harder here
Dark colors absorb more heat. On a sunny wall that means hotter siding, more movement in the wood and faster fading. Light and mid-tone colors reflect more sun, stay cooler and keep their color longer.
That doesn't rule out dark colors. They work well on doors, shutters and trim, where there's less surface in the sun and they're easy to repaint.
Colors that suit San Antonio houses
- Warm whites and creams on stucco and limestone.
- Sand, tan and greige that sit well with Hill Country stone.
- Soft greens and gray-blues for trim and shutters.
- Deep accents, like a navy or red door, in small doses.
Which sheen to choose
Flat and matte hide surface flaws, which suits textured stucco. Satin sheds dirt and water better and suits siding. Semi-gloss is for trim and doors, where it's easier to clean and adds a little contrast.
Before you choose
- Check your HOA's approved palette and submit your colors before work starts.
- Paint large test patches on more than one side of the house and look at them morning and evening.
- Remember that colors look lighter outside than on a chip.