Light in Salt Lake City is bright and clear, and snow adds cool reflected light in winter, so colors rarely look like the chip. We start from your roof, brick, floors and counters, and test large samples on your own walls before you decide.
Light in Salt Lake City is different from light in most places. The air is dry and clear, the sun is high and strong, and snow reflects cool light into rooms for part of the year. A color that looks soft on a small chip can look bright and washed out on a west wall in July, and cold on a north wall in January. Picking color here means testing it on your own walls.
For exteriors we start with what will not change: the roof, the brick or stone, the window frames and the concrete. Much of the valley has red, tan or painted brick, and tan stucco, and the paint has to sit well beside them. Strong sun fades dark and bright colors fastest, so we talk about how a color will look in five years, not just next week. Trim and door colors are picked last, once the main body color is settled.
Inside, we look at the floors, counters and the direction each room faces. We put up large samples and ask you to look at them morning, afternoon and under your own lamps. We also help with sheen: flatter on ceilings and rough walls, washable finishes in kitchens, baths and halls. If you live in an HOA, we help you prepare the samples for its approval. Bring the HOA rules to the first visit if you have them.
Color consulting in Salt Lake City: common questions
Why does a color look different on my wall than on the chip?
Because light changes it. North rooms get cool light, south and west rooms get warm, strong light, and snow outside adds cool reflected light in winter. A large sample on your own wall is the only fair test.
Do exterior colors need approval in Salt Lake City?
The city does not review paint color, even in its local historic districts. Many HOAs do, and some have a fixed list. Check your covenants and get approval in writing before paint is ordered.
What exterior colors hold up best in the Utah sun?
Lighter and earth-toned colors hide fading best. Deep reds, blues and near-blacks fade and show chalk sooner at this altitude, most of all on south and west walls. Paint quality matters too.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.