Stucco is a long-term investment in your home's aesthetic, so taking the right steps to evaluate and choose your color options ensures a result you'll love for years to come. Here’s a more in-depth resource to navigating the stucco color selection process from start to finish...
1. Start with Color Inspiration
The first step is browsing all the available colors, which will give you a feel for the different options out there, if you are unsure what colors will look good. You can explore stucco color charts online or request physical color charts from manufacturers or contractors.
- Looking at Existing Stucco Colors: A very helpful approach is to look at stucco colors applied to real homes, either online or in person. Many manufacturers showcase galleries of completed projects on their websites, and you can often find inspiration by searching for homes with a similar style to yours or just look for specific colors or groups of colors you like.
- Online Options: Viewing colors online is convenient and you can compare so many different stucco color options from different manufacturers. It is important to note that digital screens can distort hues. Use this step for initial inspiration and shortlisting.
- Physical Charts: Physical charts provide a more accurate representation of the color and allow you to compare options in person under natural lighting conditions, but they are not always exact and the texture can affect the outcome too.
Take your time exploring options to narrow down your choices to a handful of favorites. Focus on colors that consistently catch your eye and align with the style of your project.
Consider how they might complement surrounding elements like trim, landscaping, and roof color. Pay attention to how the colors look under different lighting conditions, and don’t be afraid to revisit your choices over a few days to ensure they still resonate with your vision.
2. Get Physical Samples
Once you’ve chosen a few colors from the charts, the next step is to create physical samples. Physical samples give you the true depth, texture, and feel of each color in real life.
- Most stucco manufacturers or suppliers can create small sample swatches for you to examine.
- Hold these samples up to your home or project site during different times of the day to see how the colors appear in changing light.
This step helps you eliminate colors that might not work as well as you initially thought, especially when compared with the overall design of the building or the surrounding environment.
3. Create Larger On-Site Samples
After narrowing your choices further, it’s essential to test the selected colors on a larger scale. This is where larger samples come into play, applied directly onto your project's walls, using the colors you like, along with the texture you are going to ultimately go with.
- Why Larger Samples Matter: A small swatch can look different when scaled up. Applying a sample of the chosen color onto the wall helps you see how it reacts to the surrounding elements like trim, landscaping, and roof color but also gives a "real feel" for how it will look, wliminated any variables that can pop up.
- Consider Lighting: Observe how the color appears under different lighting conditions—sunlight, shade, and artificial light at night. Colors can look warmer or cooler depending on the light source.
- Blend with Environment: Ensure the color complements the overall architectural style and fits harmoniously with the neighborhood or natural surroundings.
Take a few days to observe the samples in various conditions before finalizing your decision.
A color that looks perfect in isolation might clash with certain elements, or it could complement them beautifully. Don’t rush this step—give yourself time to view the samples in different weather conditions as well (if possible), such as overcast days, bright sunlight, or even in artificial lighting at night, to ensure you’re satisfied with how the color performs in all scenarios.
This thoughtful evaluation process helps eliminate surprises and ensures the color you choose will enhance the overall aesthetic of your project, no matter the lighting or environment.
4. Approval and Bulk Ordering
Once you’re confident in your choice, it’s time to move forward. Once everything feels right, communicate your decision to your contractor or supplier so they can proceed with ordering the materials in bulk.
- Final Approval: Confirm the chosen color with your contractor or supplier, only after you are completely satisfied.
- Observe the Color Being Applied: Observe the stucco color as it is applied to the walls, if you can, to make sure that there are no variations in the color from wall to wall.
Why This Process is Worth It: Choosing a stucco color might seem straightforward, but this process ensures that the final product matches your vision. Each step—from browsing charts to creating on-site samples—helps you avoid surprises and guarantees a color that enhances your home’s beauty.
By following these steps, you’ll feel confident about your stucco color choice, knowing it has been tested and approved under real-world conditions. Take your time, enjoy the process, and watch your vision come to life!
