If you have white exterior paint selections on your mind, chances are you’re feeling a little overwhelmed! Choosing the perfect exterior white paint for your home can be daunting - it involves a careful colour selection process because there are so many factors to consider and so much is riding on getting it just right.

First impressions count and the facade of your home is the first glimpse of your home, so choosing the right colour scheme for your home’s exterior will set the vibe for the entire house. It can really make or break the appeal of your entire home. No pressure, right?

House 6: Dulux Casper White Quarter with trims & door in Dulux White Box Half

So, how do you choose the perfect exterior white for your home and which paint should you use for your exterior? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Let us show you how we choose the white paint for the exteriors of our projects and get you on your way to picking the perfect exterior white for your place.

HERE'S WHAT WE'LL COVER:

Why White? The Timeless Appeal Of Exterior White Paint

Start By Sampling Your Exterior Paint

Watch How Bonnie Chose The Perfect White Exterior Paint For Her Dream Home

FAQs About White Exterior Paint

Three Birds Renovations House 13. Exterior colours: Dulux Lexicon Half.

Why White? The Timeless Appeal of Exterior White Paint

Is your vision board calling for a dreamy white exterior? Well, you’re in for a treat! White is a timeless choice for exterior house colours, and for good reason. It’s versatile, classic and can make any home look fresh and inviting. There are. many reasons why white exterior house colours are so popular, including:

1. Enhanced Street Appeal - White paint makes a house look clean and polished, instantly boosting curb appeal. It’s like the crisp white shirt in your wardrobe that never goes out of fashion.

2. Heat Reflection - White reflects sunlight, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer. If it’s good enough for the Greek Islands, it’s good enough for us!

3. Versatile - White works beautifully with most architectural styles and landscapes. Whether your home is a modern masterpiece, a charming country cottage, or a coastal retreat, chances are it’ll look great in white.

So, if you’re dreaming of a white exterior, go for it! It’s a classic, versatile choice that will keep your home looking fabulous for years to come.

START BY SAMPLING YOUR EXTERIOR PAINT

When we’re choosing white paint for the exterior of a home, we often (but not always!) look at shades that are more chalky and slightly warmer than we might use internally. You can get away with very crisp cool whites inside, but your exterior is always going to be exposed to the elements. As much as you try to prevent it, it’ll end up a bit dusty and dirty, and you don’t want that to show.

Read this article to learn how we choose the right white for our exteriors.

Once you’re clear on the shade of white paint you’re looking for, it’s time to choose a few colour samples to brush onto your house. We suggest including at least one warm white and one cool white sample in your search to compare the undertones – this is a great way to help eliminate what doesn’t work.

Our Reno Schoolers are always sharing their favourite shades in the Three Birds Reno School Community group, and the most popular white exterior paint colours from Dulux is another great place to start your selections.

Then it’s time to pick up some sample pots from your local hardware store. Three to five sample colours are usually a good number to give you a solid comparison. Sample pots are usually around $5 each, and the investment is worth it. A little cost now could save you from painting an entire house in a colour you don’t love!

Don’t forget to paint the names of the colours underneath each swatch!

Grab a brush and paint some nice big swatches directly onto your exterior walls (at least 30 x 30cm), side by side so they’re easy to compare. If you’re building your dream home from scratch and need to decide on a paint colour before the walls are in place, you can do this by painting A3 cardboard sheets and lining them up next to each other. Natural light significantly affects the perception of colour, so it’s important to test samples in various lighting conditions to see how they look throughout the day.

Don’t forget to paint on the names of the colours underneath each swatch because you don’t want to get your White Pointers mixed up with your White Polars or your Chalk Whites with your China Whites – that could be an expensive mistake!

Give your sample swatches two coats and allow them to dry thoroughly before comparing them and deciding on the perfect white paint for your home’s exterior.

🌶️ HOT TIP - TEST YOUR TRIM COLOUR TOO!

If you’re keen on having a contrasting trim (which we usually do), paint those colour options on the wall too, right up close to your white swatches. You want to see the two colours together. When it comes to window trims, roofs, gutters, fascia and the front door, whether you keep them the same as the walls or choose contrasting colours comes down to personal preference. And your vision board!

Just one word of advice on this – don’t contrast your downpipes with your exterior walls. Let’s be real, downpipes are #fugly, not a feature, so don’t make them stand out. Paint them the same colour as the walls.

WATCH HOW BONNIE CHOSE THE PERFECT EXTERIOR WHITE PAINT FOR HER HOME

Bonnie’s vision for her Dream Home was to combine country and coast to create a Modern Coastal Barn. She explains how she chose the white paint for the exterior by painting large swatches on the side of the home before settling on Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter because of its warmth and relaxed vibe. To ensure the paint work stands the test of time, Bonnie chose Dulux Weathershield in a low-sheen finish.

FAQs about White Exterior Paint

Q: What ARE THREE BIRDS’ FAVOURITE WHITE EXTERIOR PAINT COLOURS?

A: At Three Birds, we are known for our signature ‘Coastal Cool’ style which usually includes a white exterior. But unfortunately, if you’re looking for a quick pick, there’s no such thing as a go-to shade of white that suits every house. There are hundreds (thousands!) of shades of white to choose from and it’s crucial to consider factors like the architectural style of your home and its surroundings to help you pick the perfect shade of white for your home. We repeat the selection and sampling process on every home we renovate.

Here are some exterior whites we’ve used on our houses:

Warm white: Dulux White Dune Quarter (as used on House 15)

Neutral white: Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter (as used on House 8)

Cool white: Dulux Casper White Quarter or Dulux Lexicon Half (House 6 & House 10)

Q: How do I choose the right white paint for my house exterior?

A: You’ll find this article very handy for tips on choosing the perfect shade of white for your house. Don’t forget to consider the paint finish as well.

Exterior paint needs to withstand the elements, so durability is key. Look for high-quality paint, like Dulux Weathershield, that is self-priming and helps resist mould, dirt and stains, ensuring your home stays looking fresh and fabulous for longer. Investing in a quality product upfront will save you time and money on future maintenance.

Q: What finish is best for exterior white paint?

Gloss finishes can reflect more light and highlight architectural details, while matte finishes offer a more subdued, contemporary look. We're not big fans of shine, on our faces or our façades, so we choose low-sheen paint for our exteriors and semi-gloss for highlighting architectural details and trims.

Consider what suits your home’s character and your maintenance preferences – glossier finishes are easier to clean but can show imperfections more easily.

Matte: Offers a more contemporary look and hides imperfections but may be less durable.

Low-Sheen / Satin: Provides a slight sheen, good durability and easy maintenance.

Semi-Gloss or Gloss: Reflects more light, highlights architectural details and offers excellent durability.

Q: WHICH PAINT SHOULD I USE FOR THE EXTERIOR OF MY HOME?

We use and love Dulux Weathershield for the exteriors of our projects. It’s a water-based acrylic specially developed to withstand the harsh Australian climate. Here’s which paint we use for each exterior surface:

Exterior Walls, including brick & render - Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen

Exterior Trims - Dulux Aquanamel Semi Gloss OR Dulux Super Enamel Semi Gloss

Q: SHOULD I PAINT MY HOUSE MYSELF?

Painting is a job many home renovators choose to DIY to save money, but when it comes to painting the entire exterior of your home, it might be worth considering bringing in the experts. Yes, it costs more, but the job will done quicker and professional painters have the experience and skills to deliver a high-quality, long-lasting finish.

Q: CAN I GET A DISCOUNT ON EXTERIOR PAINT?

You sure can! Three Birds Dream Discount Card cardholders save 10% off Dulux paint every time they shop at Direct Paint.

Get your card here and start saving instantly.

Q: CAN THREE BIRDS HELP ME CHOOSE THE PERFECT PAINT FOR MY exterior?

A: Yes! In our online course, Three Birds Reno School, you’ll learn everything from creating a vision board to designing and planning your home to picking the perfect paint colours, all while gaining the confidence you need to tackle your renovation project without making costly mistakes.

You can check it out here.

Paint has the power to totally transform the way a home looks and choosing your paint is such an important step when painting your home’s exterior.

Remember, white is a timeless choice that can make any home look elegant and inviting. So, take your time, test your options, and enjoy the process of transforming your house into a stunning white colour house that stands out on the block.