Gray is one of the most popular paint colors for home exteriors. With its versatile neutrality, gray can create a modern, sophisticated look or evoke a cozy, relaxed feel for your house’s curb appeal. But before rushing off to the store for gallons of gray paint, it’s important to learn how to choose and use this color correctly.
Whether you’re painting cedar siding, brick walls, or stucco surfaces, you’ll find tips for selecting the right gray, prepping properly, and executing the painting process from start to finish.
Choosing the Right Gray for Your House
With so many gray paint options out there, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect shade. Here are some key factors to consider:
Home Style and Architecture
Look at the existing architectural style of your home. Gray works well to modernize Colonials, Craftsmans or other traditional designs. For contemporary spaces, you can opt for cooler grays with blue undertones. Always sample a few shades directly on your house before finalizing.
House Exterior Materials
The shade of gray should complement the existing siding, brick, stucco or other exterior materials. For example, light gray pairs nicely with white trim details while darker charcoal grays suit homes with lots of stone accents.
Surrounding Environment
Factor in the location and surrounding landscape of your home. Grays with green or brown undertones enhance homes nestled in lush natural environments. Meanwhile, steely blue-gray works for beach houses. Observe how the light hits your home throughout the day.
Warm, Cool and Neutral Grays
Gray paint ranges from warm grays with orange, red or yellow undertones to cool grays with hints of blue and green. Neutral grays sit in the middle. The undertone will impact the overall look and feel.
Dark vs. Light Shades
Dark charcoal grays make a dramatic statement while soft, pale grays have an airy, elegant effect. For a flexible option, choose a medium-tone gray. Test out darker and lighter samples to see what complements your home best.
Recommended Gray Paint Colors
Some popular, well-reviewed gray paints include:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
- Valspar Vapor
- Behr Gray Screen
- PPG Timeless Gray
Prepping Your Exterior for Painting
Proper prep work ensures your new gray paint job holds up. Here are tips based on your home’s exterior:
Wood Siding
Inspect wood thoroughly and make repairs before painting. Fill cracks and holes with exterior wood filler. Sand rough areas. Primer helps wood accept gray paint.
Brick
Clean brick with a pressure washer. Repoint any cracked mortar and let dry before priming and painting. Use a high-quality exterior masonry primer.
Stucco
Pressure wash stucco and use an elastomeric patching compound for cracks and holes. Apply an alkaline-resistant primer to help the paint adhere.
Aluminum or Vinyl Siding
Scrub siding with an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse and let dry fully. Scuff up glossy areas before priming and painting.
Pro tip: Always check for mildew or other dirt buildup and address this before painting for a pristine gray finish.
Painting Tips for a Professional Look
Use these painting techniques get the highest quality results:
Use Quality Brushes and Rollers
Invest in angled sash brushes for cutting in edges and microfiber paint rollers for quickly coating large areas.
Work Methodically in Sections
Paint one wall at a time, working from top to bottom in 3-4 foot sections. This prevents lap marks and ensures proper coverage.
Cut In Trim and Edges First
Use a brush to carefully “cut in” around windows, trim, corners and edges before rolling paint onto the main areas.
Apply Multiple Coats
Lightly sand, then apply two coats of primer and two finish coats of gray exterior paint for best coverage and durability.
Watch the Weather
Avoid painting on excessively hot, humid, or windy days. Ideal conditions are when temps are between 50-90degF.
Choosing Colors to Complement Gray
Accent exterior features in complementing paint colors to make your gray really pop. Try these combinations:
White Trim
Classic white trim framing windows and doors keeps the look crisp against gray siding or brick walls.
Black Accents
Think black window shutters, gates, railings or front doors to dramatically contrast with cool gray exteriors.
Pops of Red
A bright cherry red front door or window boxes look lively against dark charcoal gray exterior paint.
Natural Wood
Let wood trim, beams, decks or other details shine against a gray backdrop for warmth.
Caring for Your Gray Exterior
Keep your new gray paint looking fresh by:
- Letting it cure fully for several weeks before washing
- Rinsing with a garden hose using moderate pressure
- Spot cleaning stubborn stains with mild detergent
- Applying a fresh coat every 4-6 years
Inspiring Examples of Gray Houses
Need a little inspiration before committing to gray exterior house paint? Check out these gorgeous real-world examples:
Coastal Cool Gray
This light gray pairs beautifully with the home’s contemporary architecture, white trim, and beachy landscaping.
Cottage Charm
Warm gray on this Craftsman cutie complements the stone accents and makes the red door pop.
Refined Elegance
Silvery gray on this Victorian updates the look while preserving the home’s stately architecture.
Urban Sophistication
Sleek charcoal gray modernizes the row house exterior and adds versatility.
Gray exterior paint offers versatility for modernizing all different home styles and materials. Follow the tips above for choosing a shade, prepping adequately, and painting properly. We hope this guide gives you the inspiration to confidently paint your exterior gray!
While gray is a versatile color, it can sometimes appear flat and lifeless on a house exterior. To add depth and dimension, consider incorporating natural elements into your gray exterior paint scheme. This could include using gray paint on a house with natural stone accents, such as a stone fireplace, or pairing gray with lush green landscaping. Adding greenery to the yard or potted plants on the porch can help bring the exterior to life and create a cohesive, harmonious look.
Another way to make gray pop is by using it as a bold accent. For example, consider painting a front door a deep, navy gray or adding gray shutters to the windows. These accents will help the gray exterior stand out and create a focal point. Just be sure to test the shade on a small section of the house before committing to a bold accent to ensure it complements the overall color scheme.
If you’re hesitant about committing to an all-gray exterior, consider mixing gray with other neutrals, such as white, beige, or black. For example, you could opt for a gray base with white trim or a gray roof with black shutters. This will help break up the gray and add visual interest without overwhelming the exterior.
While gray is a smooth, sleek color, adding texture to the exterior can help it come to life. This could include using a textured gray siding, such as shingles or board and batten, or incorporating natural textures, such as stone or brick, into the design. Texture will also help the gray stand out in different lighting conditions, as it will reflect light differently than a smooth surface.
Gray is a versatile color that can appear differently depending on the lighting conditions. To make the most of this, consider how the gray will appear in different lighting situations. For example, a light gray may appear darker in the evening, while a dark gray may appear lighter during the day. By playing with light and shadow, you can create a dynamic and interesting exterior that changes throughout the day.
As mentioned earlier, gray can appear warm or cool depending on its undertones. You can use this to your advantage to give different areas of your exterior visual contrast. For example, choose a cool gray for siding with a warm gray front door. The contrast will add depth and dimension for maximum curb appeal.
