6 Tips for Choosing the Right Metal Building Color

Metal buildings offer a ton in terms of style, durability, and longevity. Whether you’re eyeing one for a commercial business or a residential home, you’ve made a smart choice. 

Now, it’s time to personalize your property! Today, we’re sharing six tips to help you choose a metal building color that showcases your personality and unique aesthetic.

1. Browse Social Media

You’re going to scroll anyway, so why not make it a productive session? These days, you can find tons of metal building color schemes on sites like Instagram and Pinterest. Use these free resources to your advantage and glean a little inspiration from the images!

To give your search some direction, try using a hashtag such as #metalbuilding and see where it leads you. You may find that your eye is drawn to certain pictures that you didn’t expect, or tones that are usually outside of your wheelhouse. 

As you browse, remember to take it all with a grain of salt. Influencers are experts at staging their photos to look as beautiful as possible, so don’t feel discouraged if mimicking those portraits feels a little daunting. Just jot down themes you see and ideas you like, and go from there.

2. Use Color Theory

Did you know that certain colors can conjure up different emotions? Think about how happy you feel when you see sunny, yellow paint. Now, think about the way a fiery red can make you feel angry or unsettled.

When researching colors for metal buildings, think about the vibe that you want yours to project. Is it supposed to be a polished and professional property? Or, do you want it to feel warm and cozy?

There’s a true psychology to colors, and this is an important consideration to keep in mind. 

3. Don’t Forget Personal Preference

It’s easy to get wrapped up in everyone’s opinion on the best color for a metal building. In fact, you may be fielding comments from your friends and family members on a daily basis, especially if they know you haven’t chosen a favorite yet.

While some degree of outside input can be helpful, remember that you own the building at the end of the day. Make sure that the final selection is one that you adore, even if it isn’t the hands-down crowd favorite. 

Of course, this is easier said than done if you don’t know what you actually like. To get your creative juices flowing, take a walk in nature. Take note of the hues that delight you, and the ones that you don’t prefer. 

You can also think about some of your favorite buildings, and the elements that you appreciate the most in them. As you peruse the various metal building color options, leading with personal preference is a smart way to go.

4. Try Paint Samples

It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, but many prospective painters fail to ask their local hardware store for paint color samples! Priced much lower than a full gallon, these tiny jugs are just right for trying out a few of your favorite shades. Once you’ve found a few colors you love, take the chip to your local paint store and ask them to mix up a sample. 

If you can choose, always go for actual paint samples over paint color chips. While they might seem helpful in theory, it can be difficult to see how the paint will actually look on your building, especially in the changing light. 

As you apply each paint sample, keep in mind that you’re not using actual “paint”. Rather, most sample jars contain a much more watery liquid that cannot stand on its own. If you do plan to use it as a permanent paint (such as to add an accent), then you will need at least two coats, as well as a top coat.

5. Consider the Context

Is your metal building standing alone in the middle of an open, empty expanse? If so, then you may not need to give much credence to the surrounding homes and buildings in the area. In that case, you’re free to be as unique as you want with your paint color choices!

Otherwise, it’s smart (and respectful) to take a look around you. You don’t have to match your neighbors exactly, but you want your building to make sense in context.

What color scheme to most of the other properties appear to follow? How can you help yours follow that same pattern? Should you choose light or dark colors?

These questions can help you eliminate certain colors that simply seem off-brand for the space you’re designing around.

6. Test Paint Online

Have you ever wished that you could “try on” a paint color before committing to one? With sophisticated online visualizers, you can!

Many major paint manufacturers will allow you to upload an image of your building and “test” paint colors before you buy them in the store. This can be a great way to visualize how the final product will look, although keep in mind that your computer screen may adjust the colors and undertones a little.

With tools like these, you can easily experiment and try on different looks before making a final decision. This quick step can save you time, money, and a major headache down the road. 

Which Metal Building Color Will You Choose?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all metal building color that works for everyone. The hunt for the perfect one can be exiting, but overwhelming at the same time.

Think about the mood that you want your building to set, as well as the properties that surround it. Then, consider your personal favorites, as well as any images that struck a chord on social media. Before committing to a particular color, visualize it with online tools and try a few paint samples to see how it looks in real life.

Along the way, we’re here with all of the lifestyle news you need. Be sure to check back often for more of our helpful guides!