When it comes to choosing colors that don’t attract heat, lighter shades tend to be cooler than darker colors. This is because lighter colors reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best colors to keep cool:
White
White is the best color for reflecting sunlight and heat. Since white reflects all visible wavelengths of light, it will keep you the coolest in hot weather. Studies have shown that white clothing can reduce skin temperature by about 4°F compared to black clothing. White also makes a great exterior house paint color for reducing solar heat gain.
Light and Pastel Colors
Pastel shades of yellow, blue, pink and other light colors also make good choices for beating the heat. Light colors allow more sunlight to bounce away compared to darker pigments. Some examples of cool light colors include:
- Light yellow
- Light blue
- Light green
- Light pink
- Mint green
- Baby blue
- Lavender
These lighter versions of colors will reflect more sunlight than their darker counterparts.
Neutral Colors
Whites and neutrals like beige, tan and lighter shades of gray are also excellent at staying cool in summer. Neutral colors by nature don’t absorb much light, so they maintain lower surface temperatures.
Here’s a table comparing some neutral paint colors and their Light Reflectance Values (LRV):
| Paint Color | LRV |
|---|---|
| White | 95 |
| Extra White | 90 |
| Alabaster | 86 |
| Light French Gray | 74 |
| Khaki Beige | 67 |
| Mushroom | 43 |
The higher the LRV, the more light is reflected. As you can see, white and lighter neutrals reflect the most light.
Metallic Colors
Shiny metallic colors like silver, aluminum, light gold, and pewter are also excellent heat reflectors. The high-gloss finish of metallic paints and coatings bounces sunlight away rather than absorbing it into the surface below.
Avoid Darker Colors
Darker colors with lower LRVs should be avoided if you don’t want to attract heat. These colors absorb more light waves and can get much hotter in direct sunlight.
Here are some dark colors to steer clear of:
- Black
- Dark brown
- Dark red
- Dark green
- Dark blue
- Dark gray
Black clothing absorbs the full spectrum of visible light and can get unbearably hot. One study found black shirts absorb 120°F more heat from sunlight than white shirts! Dark exterior house paint also soaks up heat and can raise indoor temperatures.
Best Colors for Roofs
When it comes to roofing, lighter and reflective colors are ideal for keeping attics and interiors cooler. Here are some good roof color choices:
- White
- Silver
- Light gray
- Light tan
- Cool roof coatings
White reflective roofs can reduce surface temperature by up to 50°F compared to traditional dark roofs. This keeps attics more comfortable and reduces cooling costs.
Best Colors for Houses
For home exteriors, lighter paint colors will also minimize heat gain from the hot summer sun. Here are some ideal house colors:
- White
- Beige
- Light gray
- Light yellow
- Light blue
- Light green
Light-colored siding and trim will reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it into the home’s walls and framing. You can also look for exterior paints specially formulated to reflect infrared radiation.
Best Colors for Cars
Vehicle color also impacts interior temperatures. Light-colored cars stay cooler in the sun compared to dark-colored vehicles. Some good cool car color choices include:
- White
- Silver
- Beige
- Light yellow
- Light green
One test found that a black car interior reached 117°F in the sun, while a white car interior reached only 111°F. The darker cabin required more air conditioning to cool down.
Best Colors for Clothing
When it comes to clothing, light-colored fabrics will keep you coolest on hot sunny days. Some good choices include:
- White
- Khaki
- Light blue
- Light gray
- Light pink
Lightweight, light-colored clothing allows more airflow and facilitates sweat evaporation to keep you cooler. Dark clothes absorb more heat and can cause discomfort on hot days.
Conclusion
In summary, the best colors to not attract heat are light and bright shades. White is the most reflective, while other pale neutrals, pastels, and light metallic colors also minimize heat absorption. Darker colors should be avoided as they soak up more sunlight and get hotter. Following these simple color choices can help keep you cooler indoors and out during the warm summer months.
