4 Tips To Find The Best Color For Metal Siding Panels

You’ve made a decision to have metal siding and wall panels for your house. Now you’re onto the next problem of deciding: which color should I pick? We know that choosing the right color is a challenging decision that can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed.

You need your metal wall panels to reflect exactly the style and color you’re looking for. That’s why, at Western States Metal Roofing, we’ve created a selection of over 100 different colors and paint finishes. Everyone has their own personal preference which can vary from person to person.

Picking the right color for your metal siding panels is a similar process to finding the right color for your metal roofing panels. However, metal siding and wall panels have an aesthetic appeal that is more prominent and visible that creates a modern exterior design that is attractive and draws attention.

In this article, our goal is to give you valuable tips to help guide you through the process of choosing the best metal siding color:

1. Choosing The Right Metal Siding Panel
2. Selecting a paint system. PVDF v. SMP paint finish
3. Factors that you should consider: Cost, Size, Surrounding Environment and Location, Color Trends, and Energy Efficiency.
4. Helpful Tools that are available for you: Color Visualizer, photo galleries, download color catalogs, and request a color chip or metal sample.
   
   

Tip #1: Choose The Right Metal Siding Panel

When deciding on a metal siding panel, it’s important to know about fastener installation and how metal panels are secured in place. There are two main types of fastener systems: exposed fastener and concealed fastener. What’s the difference?

Exposed fastener siding is secured by fasteners that are visible and can be seen on the surface of the metal panel.

Concealed fastener siding is secured by fasteners that are not visible to see on the surface of the metal panel. Each of these fastener systems will have a distinct appearance based on the securing process of the panels.

When you are able to recognize the difference between the exposed and concealed fastener systems, you’ll be able to decide on the metal panel that best suits your residential or commercial project. This decision will also help to determine whether your plans involve preparing for DIY installation or hiring a contractor.

We’ll outline the metal siding panel types that are available in addition to the benefits and drawbacks that should be considered for both fastener systems, including: installation methods, costs, appearance, performance, and service issues.

Exposed Fastener Metal Panels

What are the advantages?

• Easier and quicker installation - great for DIY projects!
• Less expensive
• Classic and timeless appearance

What are the disadvantages?

• Having exposed panels can lead to problems with maintenance

Types of Exposed Fastener Metal Siding: 

• ⅞” Corrugated
• PBR Panel/ R-Panel
• Western Rib (7.2 Panel)

Check out our page Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing and Metal Wall Panels to learn more about exposed fastener types.

Concealed Fastener Metal Panels

What are the advantages?

• The fasteners are concealed so they are less likely to leak.
• There are no visible screw heads
• Sleek/ Modern styled appearance

What are the disadvantages?

• Difficult installation process - more likely to hire a contractor for install!
• More expensive
• Repairs/replacements of damaged panels is more challenging

Types of Concealed Fastener Metal Siding:

• Western Wave
• T-Groove
• Western Reveal
• T-Reveal
• Standing Seam

To get more information about concealed fastener type, see our page Concealed Fastener Metal Wall and Siding Panels.

We can help you narrow down your options! Check out this article The 5 Best Metal Siding and Wall Panels. And What You’ll Pay to learn about the most popular metal panels that fit best for residential, commercial, and agricultural designs.

Tip #2: Which paint system is best for me? PVDF or SMP?

SMP Paint System

SMP or silicone modified polyester is a type of paint system that contains silicone and polyester components. Silicone in the coating works to reinforce gloss retention and weather resistance.

SMP panels will have less resistance to fading and chalking. In comparison to PVDF (24 Gauge), SMP panels are 30% to 40% cheaper and are available in lighter gauges.

However, the drawbacks of SMP is that panels are more susceptible to minor damages, and more likely to fade depending on which color is used. For instance, darker colors, such as black or red, tend to fade faster overtime. Whereas, in lighter colors, the panel’s appearance as a result of fading and chalking is less apparent. 

SMP paint finish is an excellent choice but in terms of overall quality, SMP is lower in paint finish quality compared to PVDF.

PVDF Paint System

PVDF, or polyvinylidene fluoride, is a paint coat that has a strong chemical structure due to having a carbon-fluorine bond. 

The main advantage of the PVDF paint system is better higher UV resistance which provides long-term durability and longer lasting color integrity in harsh environments. The panels will chalk and fade at a lesser rate when compared to PVDF. 

However, the main disadvantages of PVDF is that it's only available in heavier gauges and is higher in cost when compared to SMP.

For more information, we provide an in-depth explanation that compares both paint systems in our article Best Paint For My Metal Roof Panels: SMP Paint vs. PVDF

Tip #3: What are the different factors to consider when choosing a metal siding color?

Surrounding Conditions

The color of your metal siding panel plays a key role in complementing your home’s style and exterior design. To make the best decision, you should take into account the environment just outside of your home such as your front and back landscape.

You might want to take note of all the elements placed around your property. This may include decorative objects, plants, flowers, scenery, streets, other properties and many more!  

What is the nature or setting of my home or property? 

• Mountains and forest
• Tropical and coastal 
• Desert and plains 
• Urban and city-like 

For mountain and forest areas, we recommend colors with more subtle and earthy tones to go well with the natural surroundings. Popular colors include: Classic Green, Dark Bronze, Medium Bronze, Burnished Slate, Charcoal Gray, Slate Gray, Ash Gray, Rusted Paint Prints, Real Rusted Roofing, Matte Finishes, Weathered Gray Paint Prints

For tropical and coastal locations, colors that are more vibrant, bold and radiant will help create a more lively appearance. Blue-hued colors are popular for presenting a calm and relaxing vibe for your property. Common colors in these areas are: Aged Patina, Sage Green, Regal Red, Slate Blue, Regal Blue, Zinc Metallic, Copper Penny, and Copper Paint Prints

For desert and plains, the prominent colors are more warm and neutral such as: Sandstone, Desert Tan, Mansard Brown, Burnished Slate, Medium Bronze, Black Ore Matte, Slate Gray, Ash Gray, Terra Cotta, Rusted Paint Prints, Real Rusted Roofing, Matte Finishes, Weathered Gray Paint Prints

For urban and civic locations, colors that are dark, matte, glaring, and textured would work well to present a sleek and modern look. Common colors include:  Matte Black, Matte Midnight Black, Matte Dark Bronze, Matte Musket Gray, Vintage, Black Ore Matte, Gray Zinc Matte, Speckled Blackened Rust, Blackened Copper, and Weathered Gray Paint Prints.

Color Trends

If you’re having trouble choosing a color, start by researching metal siding color trends that are popular in your neighborhood, business setting, or worldwide. You want to make the best color choice that will hold value and maintain attractiveness on the market to last a lifetime!

Take a closer look around your area! What colors and styles are most prominent in your neighborhood for residential homes? Which colors work best for your local commercial buildings? 

Now what style and architectural design are you hoping to achieve? 

• Modern/Contemporary
• Rustic
• Craftsman

Like most people, you want to know what are the exterior house color trends for 2021. Most homeowners have gone with a blend of contrasting colors of earthy-tones such as greens, tans, browns, and charcoal grays. 

Mixed color combinations that work best on homes are often the dark-based metal siding panels that incorporate bold and bright-colored metal accent panels.

If you are looking for a color that eye-catching, check out designer paint prints which lists colors such as rusted colors, copper colors, gray zinc colors, blackened steel colors, and even metal that looks like wood. T-8 Plankwall is a great option when you want a wood-like siding without the extra maintenance of real wood. 

Hopefully, by discovering various color trends, you’ll get a better idea of which colors will best suit your home or building's unique style.

Energy Efficiency

Homeowners can benefit from energy savings and energy efficient qualities of metal siding panels. Energy savings vary based by color, paint system, and heat reflection coatings. On average, homeowners will have energy savings of 7-15%.

The best colors to help make your property more energy efficient are Cool Metal Siding Panels.

Metal roofing and siding panels that are cool are known to be highly reflective and have high thermal emittance. The sum of energy reflecting away from the roof's surface is referred to as solar reflectivity. The power of a panel to expel heat that it has absorbed is measured by thermal emittance.

Watch our videos to learn more about energy efficiency and energy savings with your metal roofing panels: The Energy Savings Of A Metal Roof Can Lower Your Electricity Bill + Lower Your Insurance Costs

Tip #4: What tools are available that will aid in finding the right color?

Photo Galleries

The benefit of looking at photo galleries is that you’ll get to look at various real-life examples of metal siding panels. Typically, the pictures that are showcased are compiled of many metal wall panels that the company takes or that the customers provide. Pictures can also reveal color trends and color combinations that are widely used and bought by metal manufacturing companies. 

A quick Google Search is another way to see how any particular metal panel and desired color looks like. You’ll see that the possibilities are limitless!

Overall, this is a great first start to seeing the colors on different styles of homes and commercial projects which you could use as influence for your own property.

Check out these Metal Roofing Pictures to see how metal panels look on the homes and buildings of our customers.

Color Visualizer

Using a Color Visualizer tool will help you get a more realistic view of your home or building. It’s easy to use and allows you to visualize how any of our metal panels and colors would look on your property right from your computer.

With a touch of a button, this online design tool can immediately assist all of your metal siding projects! Most color visualizer tools let the user experiment with sample buildings typically included or with the image of your own property that can be uploaded. Most metal manufacturing companies have their own Color Visualizer tool - so the programs may differ in the number of existing material options and colors to select from.

Be able to explore freely and creatively - with over 100 colors and finishes to choose from - using our Color Visualizer tool.

Download Color Catalog

Color catalogs comprise an organized set of images to present all of the available color choices. Colors are often categorized in groups based on paint finish, matching color scheme, texture, or exclusive designs. 

The reason why color catalogs are a great tool to use is because it’s readily available online for you to instantly view and download.

Here’s a list of all of our downloadable color cards:

1. SMP Colors
2. PVDF - Standard Colors
3. PVDF - Special Order Colors
4. PVDF - Matte Colors
5. Specialty Paint Prints/Designer Colors
6. Specialty Paint Print Catalog
7. Real Rusted Roofing
8. Vari-Cool Color Changing Paint System
9. Metal That Looks Like Wood

Request To Get Free Color Chips or Metal Samples

Need a closer look of what the metal panel looks like? Pictures and 2-D graphics can give you a good initial impression but aren't the best visual representations. Online images are never entirely accurate and the appearance of colors and finishes can vary depending on location, amount of sunlight, and surrounding conditions of your home. 

Be able to examine any metal panel or color right in your fingertips. Receive a color chip or free metal sample by filling out a sample request form.

Ready To Pick Right Metal Siding Color?

Now that you have read about how to choose the right metal siding color, it’s important to know:

• Metal Panels: When choosing a metal panel, you have 2 main types to consider: exposed fastener or concealer fastener metal panels? 
• Paint Systems: Select which paint finish works best for your home. Compare key differences between PVDF or SMP including: resistance to environmental effects, durability, long-term appearance, costs, and overall quality. SMP panels cost less but PVDF panels are higher in quality. 
• Factors to consider: Surrounding Conditions, Color Trends and Styles, and Energy Efficiency. Observe your settings and decide accordingly!
• For more help, make use of available tools: view photo galleries, try out our color visualizer, download color catalogs, and request to get free color chips or metal samples.

Take your time! We understand that you want to make the most well-informed decision when it comes to selecting the right metal siding color! For additional guidance, check out our Metal Roofing & Siding Panels Colors - Resource Center.