How to choose an exterior paint color for your building

They say you only have one chance to make a first impression and more often than not, the exterior of your building – whether an apartment complex, a commercial retailer or an industrial manufacturer – is that first impression.

Just like any other branding for your business, your exterior should be a reflection of your company’s values, personality and tone where both the color and condition match the professionalism and expertise of your business inside.

Whether you’re opening a new business or looking for a refresh on your existing exterior, here are tips to consider when choosing a paint color for the outside:

Think about your aesthetic & tone

Start by considering how you want your employees and customers to feel when they visit your facility. Are you a fitness studio bringing the energy? A coffee shop hoping people will feel comfortable and stay a while or an apartment building that wants to evoke the feeling of home and calm? Knowing your brand aesthetic and combining it with your desired outcome can help guide you toward a color palette that suits both your brand and building. If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a tool on the psychological effects of color to help identify colors that evoke the feelings you want your brand to convey.

Use your existing color palette

Speaking of color palettes, if your brand has an existing color palette, we always recommend starting there. Generally palettes will contain a few bold colors and some that are more muted. Think about which of the colors from your palette would have the greatest exterior appeal and would serve as a complement to your structure. Here are 2022 trend colors and some additional painting resources.

Bring in accent colors

Accent colors can be an easy way to showcase your brand’s personality on the outside in a more muted way. Use bolder colors from your palette or elevate 1-2 “hero” colors that are prominently featured in your logos and branding materials but may not be appropriate for a full exterior.

Regardless of the color you choose, once it’s complete, maintaining your exterior paint job is an important way to keep your business looking professional. Alpine has more than 40 years of experience painting interiors and exteriors and advising businesses of all kinds on how to paint and maintain their buildings. Give us a call today to discuss your next painting or renovation project.