🌞 What Is LRV and Why It Matters When Choosing Exterior Paint

 

If you’ve ever picked out paint colors and seen something called “LRV,” you might have wondered what it means — and whether it even matters. But in reality, LRV is one of the most important things to consider when choosing exterior paint for your Bay Area home.

Why? Because LRV affects how your paint performs, how long it lasts, and how your home looks in sunlight.

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🎨 What Is LRV?

LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value.

It’s a number between 0 and 100 that tells you how much light a paint color reflects:

• A low LRV (0–30) means the color absorbs more light — think black, navy, deep green

• A high LRV (60–100) means the color reflects more light — think whites, creams, pale grays

Most colors fall somewhere in the middle — and choosing the right range can make or break your exterior paint job in terms of fade resistance, appearance, and comfort.

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☀️ Why LRV Matters in the Bay Area

 

California’s climate — especially here in the Bay — comes with unique challenges:

• Long months of sun exposure

• Fog, moisture, and salt air near the coast

• Dust, ash, and wildfire impact

• Big differences in lighting throughout the day

 

LRV becomes a key factor in how your paint:

• Performs in extreme weather

• Fades over time

• Impacts your home's temperature

• Looks in natural daylight

 

🔥 1. Paint Durability

Darker colors (low LRV) absorb heat, which can:

• Accelerate fading and discoloration

• Cause bubbling, cracking, or peeling

• Raise temperatures on siding, trim, or stucco

Lighter colors with higher LRV reflect more sun and help your paint last longer, especially on homes that face west or south.

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🌬️ 2. Temperature Control

Paint colors with higher LRV values can keep your home cooler in summer by reflecting heat instead of absorbing it. This is especially helpful if you use AC or have areas of your home exposed to full sun all day.

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👁️ 3. True Color in Natural Light

Bay Area lighting changes by the hour. A paint that looks great on a swatch may look way too dark in afternoon sun. Choosing a color with the right LRV helps you avoid surprises and get the true shade you were aiming for.

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🧱 4. Matching Paint to the Surface

 

Here’s a simple breakdown of recommended LRV ranges for different areas:

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South- or West-Facing Walls (Full Sun):
👉 Go with an LRV of 50–75 to reduce fading and overheating.

 

Shaded or North-Facing Walls:
👉 Use colors with LRV 30–60. These won’t get hit with direct sunlight all day, so you have more flexibility.

 

Trim & Accent Colors:
👉 Darker trims (LRV 10–40) are fine if you’re okay with more frequent touch-ups.

Entire Home (Sun + Cooling Consideration):
👉 Stick with LRV 60–85 for brightness, reflection, and comfort.

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🎨 Top Long-Lasting Exterior Paint Colors with High LRV

 

If you’re aiming for maximum durability and fade resistance, here are some tried-and-true color families that perform well in the Bay Area:

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✅ Off-Whites & Creams

Great for traditional and modern homes — they reflect light and stay clean-looking longer.

• Swiss Coffee (LRV ~83)

• Alabaster (LRV ~82)

• Dove White (LRV ~79)

 

✅ Light Grays & Greige Tones

Subtle, neutral, and pair well with stone or natural wood.

• Repose Gray (LRV ~60)

• Edgecomb Gray (LRV ~63)

• Agreeable Gray (LRV ~60)

 

✅ Soft Beiges & Sand Tones

Warm and timeless — great for Spanish and stucco homes.

• Accessible Beige (LRV ~58)

• Natural Tan (LRV ~65)

• Navajo White (LRV ~72)

 

✅ Pale Sage & Earthy Greens

Perfect for wooded or hillside properties — blends well with nature while staying reflective.

• Clary Sage (LRV ~41–45)

• Sea Salt (LRV ~63)

• Soft Fern (LRV ~60)

 

✅ Light Blues for Coastal Homes

Works well with white trim and beachy landscaping.

• Silver Strand (LRV ~59)

• Rainwashed (LRV ~59)

• Windy Blue (LRV ~61)

 

🎯 Pro Tip: Even with high LRV colors, always choose UV-resistant, exterior-grade paints from quality brands like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams for the best longevity.

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🧠 Need Help Choosing the Right Color?

At Oak Tree Painting, we help you choose colors based not just on style — but on light exposure, surface type, and long-term durability. We'll even test real samples on your home so you can see how the color looks in actual daylight before committing.

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📞 Let’s Pick a Color That Lasts

Your home deserves a paint job that stays beautiful year after year — not one that fades fast and costs more in the long run.