The US Exterior Painting Magazine

US exterior painting trends, color guides, costs per sq ft and HOA-friendly palettes. Articles written by US-based contractors covering Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr, with region-specific tips for Sun Belt, Pacific Northwest and New England climates.

Featured US topics this month

Exterior painting & siding: cost per square foot across Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Denver and Seattle. Hardie board vs vinyl siding vs stucco repaint comparisons.

US paint brands in depth: Sherwin-Williams Emerald, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior, Behr Marquee, PPG Timeless - paint sheen guides and climate durability from Sun Belt heat to Pacific Northwest rain.

HOA, permits & climate: HOA-approved palettes, city permit requirements, and picking exterior colors that hold up in Florida humidity, Arizona sun, or New England winters.

Benjamin Moore Color Visualizer 2026: 5 Limits + Free Alternative
Tools & Resources
2026-06-03 Hugo Dumoulin

Benjamin Moore Color Visualizer 2026: 5 Limits + Free Alternative

The Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer is the brand's free first-party visualizer, but in 2026 its stock-room overlay still struggles on real exterior photos of cedar shake, brick, and Hardie lap. Here are 5 honest limits plus the #1 free AI alternative that renders all 3,500-plus BM shades on your actual house photo in 30 seconds.

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Valspar Color Visualizer 2026: Limits + Best Free Alternative
Tools & Resources
2026-06-03 Hugo Dumoulin

Valspar Color Visualizer 2026: Limits + Best Free Alternative

The Valspar Color Visualizer at Lowe's is free across app, web and in-store kiosk, but in 2026 its sticker-style overlay and Lowe's-only stocking footprint hold it back on real exterior photos. Here is the honest review plus the #1 free AI alternative that renders Valspar Renew Blue (2026 COY) and the full catalog on your actual house in 30 seconds.

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Cedar Shake Siding Paint Colors 2026: Top 10 Plus Stain Options
Colors & Inspiration
2026-06-03 Hugo Dumoulin

Cedar Shake Siding Paint Colors 2026: Top 10 Plus Stain Options

Cedar shake siding paint colors for 2026 lean coastal: BM Coastal Cottage, SW Nantucket Gray, BM Hale Navy with white trim, and weathered driftwood gray. Three finish options matter as much as the color: paint (8 to 12 yr cycle), semi-transparent stain (5 to 7 yr), or oil-rub for natural patina. Test any cedar shake color on your own home photo free in 30 seconds.

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SW Pure White Exterior Guide 2026: SW 7005 Tested
Paint Colors
2026-06-03 Hugo Dumoulin

SW Pure White Exterior Guide 2026: SW 7005 Tested

Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) exterior guide 2026: HEX #EDECE6, LRV 84, cool-neutral undertones, 4-orientation behavior, trim pairings (Tricorn Black, Iron Ore, Naval) and Pure White vs Alabaster vs BM Decorator's White vs BM Chantilly Lace head-to-head.

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SW Iron Ore SW 7069 Exterior 2026: Warm Charcoal for Mountain Modern
Brand Reviews
2026-06-03 Hugo Dumoulin

SW Iron Ore SW 7069 Exterior 2026: Warm Charcoal for Mountain Modern

Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 for mountain modern, cold-climate and wood-accent homes: real LRV 6, hex #4A4A48, greenish-charcoal undertone that loves cedar, copper and stone, 12-month Aspen alpine field test, snow-load behavior, when to choose warm charcoal over true black, trim pairings, FAQ.

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