When it comes to choosing an exterior paint color for your home, white is a classic, timeless choice. With so many options for white paint colors, it can be tricky to select the right hue. Sherwin-Williams offers numerous white and off-white paint colors for home exteriors. But which shade reigns supreme in popularity?
Examining Sherwin-Williams’ Most Popular Whites
Sherwin-Williams, one of the leading paint manufacturers in the United States, has a number of popular white and off-white exterior paint colors. Here are some of their best-selling white and off-white paint colors for home exteriors:
- Pure White SW 7005 – Crisp, clean, and bright white
- Extra White SW 7006 – Off-white with a hint of gray
- Snowbound SW 7004 – Soft, warm, off-white
- Alabaster SW 7008 – Creamy off-white
These four paint colors are among Sherwin-Williams’ top-selling whites for home exteriors year after year. But one color stands out above the rest as the most popular white across Sherwin-Williams’ entire exterior paint catalog…
The Most Popular Sherwin-Williams Exterior White
The winner for the most popular white exterior paint color from Sherwin-Williams is:
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White SW 7006 is Sherwin-Williams’ best-selling exterior paint color overall. This crisp, clean, and versatile off-white is a customer favorite for painting the outside of homes.
Why Homeowners Love Extra White
There are several reasons why Extra White SW 7006 is the most popular exterior white paint color from Sherwin-Williams:
- Soft, neutral undertone: Extra White has a subtle warm gray undertone, making it very versatile for homes in different regions and styles.
- Works with many colors: The light grayish undertone allows Extra White to coordinate well with a wide range of trim, shutter, and accent colors.
- Bright but not stark: Extra White has brightness without being harsh or sterile looking against exterior materials.
- Classic and timeless: Crisp whites like Extra White have remained popular exterior paint choices for decades.
Extra White is suitable for contemporary homes as well as traditional exteriors. It’s easy to see why this top-rated off-white is Sherwin-Williams’ most sought-after exterior paint color.
Using Extra White SW 7006
When using Extra White for your home’s exterior, keep these tips in mind:
- Test paint swatches first to ensure the white looks the way you want under natural light.
- Prime surfaces first for proper coverage and adhesion.
- Opt for satin or semi-gloss sheen on trim and doors for added protection.
- Use two coats for best results with even coverage.
- Paint in dry weather when temperatures are above 50°F.
Properly prepping and applying Extra White will result in a fresh, clean exterior that looks great for years.
Complementary Paint Colors
Extra White SW 7006 pairs beautifully with many exterior paint colors. Here are some great options for accent and trim colors:
| Paint Color Name | Paint Color Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Black Fox | SW 7020 | Deep charcoal gray |
| Iron Ore | SW 7069 | Dark gray with brown undertones |
| Cyberspace | SW 7076 | Dark blue-gray |
| Peppercorn | SW 7674 | Deep greenish-black |
| Tricorn Black | SW 6258 | Inky, jet black |
| Real Red | SW 6873 | Classic bright red |
Pairing Extra White SW 7006 with deep, saturated accent colors like these can create a bold, dramatic exterior color scheme.
Alternatives to Extra White
While Extra White is the overall top seller, Sherwin-Williams’ other popular whites also perform well. Alternatives to consider include:
Pure White SW 7005
For those wanting a true, clean white without gray undertones, Pure White SW 7005 is a great option. It has the same brightness as Extra White, but with more of a stark white appearance.
Snowbound SW 7004
Snowbound SW 7004 is the warmest white in Sherwin-Williams’ top sellers. Its subtle beige undertone gives a softer, more approachable look compared to Extra White.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is the creamiest off-white exterior paint color from Sherwin-Williams. Its warm peachy undertones provide a distinct look from typical whites.
While Extra White may be the most popular, Sherwin-Williams offers several white and off-white options with unique undertones and aesthetic appeals.
Achieving the Look You Want
Finding the right white paint involves picking the undertone and brightness level you want. Test different Sherwin-Williams whites on siding or foam board mockups placed in natural outdoor light. This will show you accurate color representations before you paint.
Observe the whites at different times of day when lighting conditions change. Make sure you feel comfortable with how the paint color will look in full sun, shade, overcast skies, morning light, and dusk.
Another option is to paint large color swatches directly on exterior surfaces. Evaluate the colors on the actual materials like stucco, brick, wood siding, etc. This gives you a true preview before painting the entire surface with your white selection.
With some careful testing and evaluation, you can feel confident picking the perfect white or off-white paint color for your exterior from Sherwin-Williams’ many options.
Conclusion
When selecting an exterior white paint color, Extra White SW 7006 is clearly the most popular choice among Sherwin-Williams’ many shades. This versatile off-white offers the ideal balance of a soft gray undertone and pleasing brightness. While competitors like Pure White, Snowbound, and Alabaster have their merits, Extra White repeatedly comes out on top.
Prepping surfaces properly and using the right application techniques will allow Extra White or any exterior white paint to look its best on your home’s exterior. With some thoughtful color testing and sampling first, you can achieve beautiful curb appeal with a fresh coat of white paint.
So if you’re looking for the numero uno white paint from Sherwin-Williams’ extensive selection, Extra White SW 7006 is almost guaranteed to be the winner.
