White is the most popular exterior paint color in America — and also the most complicated to choose. There are hundreds of "white" shades, each with different undertones that dramatically change how your home looks. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate warm vs cool whites, the best white paints from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, finish selection, and application tips for stunning results.
🎨 Understanding White Undertones
Warm Whites
Cream, yellow, pink undertones. Cozy, traditional feel. Works with brick, stone, warm roofs.
Cool Whites
Blue, gray, green undertones. Modern, crisp feel. Works with dark trim, coastal settings.
Pure/Neutral Whites
Minimal undertone. Versatile, clean look. Works with most styles and accents.
Best Sherwin-Williams White Exterior Paints
Sherwin-Williams offers an extensive range of white exterior paints. Here are the top choices for different needs:
Extra White (SW 7006)
CoolLRV: 86 – Very bright, clean white with slight cool undertone.
- ✓ Crisp, modern appearance
- ✓ Great for contemporary homes
- ✓ Excellent with dark trim colors
- ⚠ Can feel cold in shade
Best for: Modern architecture, coastal homes, homes with dark roofs or dark trim.
Pure White (SW 7005)
NeutralLRV: 84 – True white with minimal undertone. Most versatile option.
- ✓ Works with almost anything
- ✓ Clean without being harsh
- ✓ Popular trim color
- ✓ Designer favorite
Best for: Any style home, especially when you want flexibility with accent colors.
Alabaster (SW 7008)
WarmLRV: 82 – Warm, creamy white. Extremely popular and versatile.
- ✓ Cozy, inviting feel
- ✓ Complements brick beautifully
- ✓ Sherwin-Williams bestseller
- ✓ Timeless appeal
Best for: Traditional homes, farmhouse style, homes with red/brown brick or warm stone.
High Reflective White (SW 7757)
BrightestLRV: 93 – The brightest, whitest white available.
- ✓ Maximum brightness
- ✓ Ideal for trim contrast
- ✓ Ultra-clean look
- ⚠ Can be blinding in full sun
Best for: Trim and accents, or when maximum brightness is desired.
Creamy (SW 7012)
WarmLRV: 81 – Rich, buttery white with distinct warmth.
- ✓ Sophisticated warmth
- ✓ Pairs with natural wood
- ✓ Historic home favorite
- ✓ Never looks stark or cold
Best for: Historic homes, Craftsman style, homes with natural wood elements.
Greek Villa (SW 7551)
WarmLRV: 84 – Soft white with subtle yellow/cream undertone.
- ✓ Mediterranean feel
- ✓ Warm without being yellow
- ✓ Works in all climates
- ✓ Beautiful at golden hour
Best for: Mediterranean, Spanish, or Tuscan-style homes.
Best Benjamin Moore White Exterior Paints
Benjamin Moore is known for rich, complex whites. These are the top exterior choices:
White Dove (OC-17)
WarmLRV: 85 – The most popular white in America. Soft, warm, incredibly versatile.
- ✓ Designer #1 choice
- ✓ Works with everything
- ✓ Never too stark or cold
- ✓ Timeless beauty
Best for: Any home style. The "safe" choice that always looks beautiful.
Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
PureLRV: 92 – The purest, brightest Benjamin Moore white.
- ✓ No visible undertone
- ✓ Modern, clean aesthetic
- ✓ Excellent trim white
- ✓ Photograph beautifully
Best for: Modern homes, minimalist designs, when you want true white.
Simply White (OC-117)
Slightly WarmLRV: 91 – 2016 Color of the Year. Crisp white with barely-there warmth.
- ✓ Extremely versatile
- ✓ Bright but not harsh
- ✓ Works in any lighting
- ✓ Farmhouse favorite
Best for: Farmhouse, transitional, modern farmhouse styles.
Swiss Coffee (OC-45)
WarmLRV: 83 – Rich, creamy white with noticeable warmth.
- ✓ Elegant, sophisticated
- ✓ Perfect with natural stone
- ✓ Never looks cheap
- ✓ Historic home classic
Best for: Mediterranean, traditional, historic homes with warm roofs.
Decorator's White (CC-20)
CoolLRV: 84 – Cool, crisp white with slight blue undertone.
- ✓ Modern, gallery-like feel
- ✓ Great with blues and grays
- ✓ Clean, contemporary
- ⚠ Can look cold in shade
Best for: Contemporary architecture, coastal homes, or with blue/gray accents.
Super White (PM-1)
BrightestLRV: 90 – Benjamin Moore's brightest, truest white.
- ✓ Maximum brightness
- ✓ Best for trim contrast
- ✓ No undertone interference
- ✓ Clean, crisp results
Best for: Trim, shutters, doors when you want maximum pop against siding.
Choosing the Right White for Your Home
Selecting the perfect white depends on several factors:
Consider Your Fixed Elements
| Fixed Element | Recommended Whites |
|---|---|
| Red/Orange Brick | Warm whites: Alabaster, White Dove, Swiss Coffee |
| Gray/Brown Brick | Neutral whites: Pure White, Chantilly Lace |
| Natural Stone | Warm or neutral: White Dove, Greek Villa, Creamy |
| Dark Roof (Black/Brown) | Any white works; cool whites create contrast |
| Light Roof (Gray/Tan) | Warm whites for cohesion |
| Blue/Gray Shutters | Cool whites: Extra White, Decorator's White |
| Black Shutters | Any white; Pure White, Simply White for classic look |
Consider Your Architecture
🏠 Traditional/Colonial
White Dove, Alabaster, Swiss Coffee — warm, classic feel.
🏡 Farmhouse
Simply White, Pure White, Chantilly Lace — crisp, fresh.
🏢 Modern/Contemporary
Extra White, Chantilly Lace, Super White — bright, minimal.
🏛️ Mediterranean
Greek Villa, Swiss Coffee, Creamy — warm, sun-kissed.
🌊 Coastal
Simply White, Decorator's White, Extra White — fresh, breezy.
🔨 Craftsman
Creamy, Alabaster, White Dove — warm, natural feel.
White Exterior Paint Finishes
The right finish is crucial for white paint success:
| Finish | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | Not recommended for exteriors | Hides imperfections | Shows every dirt mark, hard to clean, fades fast |
| Eggshell | Siding with some imperfections | Slight sheen, hides minor flaws | Less durable than satin |
| Satin (Recommended) | Siding, most surfaces | Easy to clean, durable, balanced sheen | Shows major imperfections |
| Semi-Gloss | Trim, shutters, doors | Very durable, pops against satin siding | Shows every imperfection |
| Gloss | Front door only | Maximum durability and shine | Every flaw visible, rarely used for siding |
Color Combinations with White Exteriors
White works beautifully with many accent colors:
White + Black
Classic, timeless, high contrast. Modern farmhouse staple.
White + Navy
Nautical, crisp, sophisticated. Works for coastal and traditional.
White + Forest Green
Classic, natural, elegant. Perfect with natural landscapes.
White + Charcoal
Modern, softer than black. Contemporary and transitional styles.
White + Natural Wood
Warm, organic, modern farmhouse. Stained wood accents.
White + Red Door
Bold, welcoming, traditional statement piece.
Keeping White Exteriors Clean
White exteriors require more maintenance. Here's how to keep them looking fresh:
Prevention Tips
- Choose self-cleaning paint: Sherwin-Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Regal Select have technology that helps rain wash away dirt
- Use mildew-resistant formulas: Essential in humid climates (Southeast, Pacific Northwest)
- Pick satin or semi-gloss: Smoother finishes shed dirt better than flat
- Maintain landscaping: Keep mulch, soil, and plants away from siding
- Fix drainage issues: Redirect water away from foundation and siding
Cleaning Schedule
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Spot clean visible dirt, bird droppings, spider webs |
| Quarterly | Rinse siding with garden hose, check for mildew |
| Annually | Professional pressure wash (low pressure for painted surfaces) |
| Every 5-7 years | Touch-up or full repaint depending on condition |
Application Tips for White Exterior Paint
White paint is less forgiving than colors. Follow these tips for best results:
- Prime properly: Tinted primer (gray tint for dark colors being covered) ensures even coverage
- Apply 2 full coats: White especially needs two coats for uniform color
- Maintain wet edge: Lap marks are more visible in white paint
- Paint in ideal conditions: 50-85°F, low humidity, no rain for 24 hours
- Avoid direct sun: Paint in shade or when the sun has moved off the surface
- Use quality tools: Good brushes and rollers reduce visible brush strokes
🎯 Find Your Perfect White
Answer these questions to narrow down your best white options:
1. What is your home's style?
2. Do you have brick or stone elements?
3. What trim color do you prefer?
Complete the quiz above to get personalized white paint recommendations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Top choices: Sherwin-Williams Extra White (pure, clean), Benjamin Moore White Dove (warm, versatile), Sherwin-Williams Pure White (crisp), Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (bright, modern). For trim, use Super White or High Reflective White for contrast.
Warm whites work best with earth-toned roofs, brick, and stone. Cool whites pair well with dark roofs, modern architecture, and coastal settings. Always test samples in your specific lighting.
Use Satin or Eggshell for siding (hides imperfections, easy to clean). Use Semi-Gloss for trim, shutters, doors (durability, highlights details). Avoid flat finishes for exteriors.
Choose self-cleaning paints, use satin or semi-gloss finish, pressure wash annually, and apply mildew-resistant paint in humid climates.
Warm whites with cream or yellow undertones complement red brick best. Good choices: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, or Creamy. Avoid stark, blue-toned whites.
Free Exterior Color Consultation
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes provides free color consultations for exterior painting projects. We'll help you choose the perfect white for your home's style, fixed elements, and lighting conditions. Plus, we can show you large-scale samples before you commit. Get your free estimate today!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122