Dover White vs Surfmist: Which paint is best for your house?

Choosing the right shade of paint for your home is more than an aesthetic decision. It’s about creating an environment that aligns with your comfort and style preferences. When it comes to picking the perfect white paint, the Colorbond Dover White vs Surfmist debate is a common dilemma for homeowners.

Each offers distinct benefits. Dover White gives a warm and welcoming feel, whilst Surfmist brightens spaces with its luminosity. No wonder people find it tough to decide which one is the better option. 

This article will guide you through the differences between these popular hues. Hopefully, by the end, you can make a choice that best suits your living space and lifestyle.

What Colorbond colour is Dover White?

Dover White is part of the Colorbond steel range. It’s a new addition to the collection and has quickly gained popularity among homeowners.

This shade is best described as a mix of warm cream and subtle grey undertones. Just like Australia’s coastal towns, its palette mimics that of sandy beaches and sun-bleached timber of ghost gum bark.

What Colorbond colour is Surfmist?

Surfmist is another Colorbond colour that is defined by a pure white shade with a hint of blue undertones. It’s inspired by natural elements such as cloudless skies and sparkling ocean waters found in coastal regions.

The colour is also engineered to withstand harsh climates while maintaining its beauty. It is even used on commercial buildings to create a clean and modern look.

Colorbond Surfmist vs Dover White: Which paint is best for your house?

There’s no question that both Dover White and Surfmist can transform your living space and have functional benefits. However, choosing between the two can still be very difficult when it’s time to paint your home exterior.

For this reason, the following sections will look into factors such as cost, appearance, versatility, durability, and eco-friendliness to empower you with the knowledge you need. Your ideal home aesthetic isn’t just a dream—it’s a decision away.

Let’s compare these two popular Colorbond colours in more detail to guide you toward the best fit for your home’s personality.

In terms of cost

When considering the cost of Dover White vs Surfmist, it’s important to understand that both are investments that offer long-lasting results. Their prices are not that different, which can be good if you’re on a budget and want to achieve a similar look. 

The specific cost of exterior house painting can vary based on the supplier and the scope of your decorating project. However, the average price range for a 4-litre low-sheen Surfmist is $70 to $100, while the 10-litre variant is between $150 and $230.

Dover White paint, though, regardless of finish, is a bit more expensive and may be harder to source. Being a new addition to the Colorbond palette, not many suppliers and retailers have this shade in stock as much as Surfmist. The average price for a 4-litre low-sheen Dover White is $100, while the 10-litre can cost up to $220.

In terms of appearance

While both colours offer a clean white-based finish, comparing Dover White vs Surfmist exterior paints will show slight differences in the underlying tones. The Colorbond Surfmist colour has a hint of grey, giving it a cooler and more modern look. Meanwhile, Dover White has warm yellow undertones, making it appear softer and more inviting.

Another factor to consider is the lighting in your area. Surfmist can appear brighter in direct sunlight, while Dover White can add a subtle warmth to dimmer spaces and darker colours.

In terms of versatility

Both Surfmist and Dover White are versatile enough to work with various design styles. Surfmist’s cool undertone suits modern and minimalist wall shades, while Dover White’s warmth can complement traditional or rustic aesthetics.

However, one advantage of Surfmist is its ability to blend in seamlessly with other Colorbond shades. It pairs well with other neutrals like Monument and Dune, as well as bolder colours like Deep Ocean and Woodland Grey. 

In terms of durability and longevity

Durability and longevity are important factors when it comes to exterior paint. You want to ensure that your chosen colour can withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain its appearance over time.

Both Surfmist and Dover White Colorbond paints are highly durable and offer long-lasting performance. They can generally resist chipping, fading, and cracking well enough. This makes them ideal for exterior applications in fences and roofs.

However, it’s worth noting that the Surfmist Colorbond paint may require more frequent touch-ups due to its lighter shade. A solution is to get a slightly higher level of gloss to make it more resistant to dirt and stains.

Alternatively, Dover White’s warmer tone can help to hide any imperfections and may require less maintenance overall. You only need to touch up when necessary to keep it looking fresh. 

In terms of eco-friendliness

When choosing a paint colour, it’s important to consider its impact on the environment. Both Surfmist and Dover White are eco-friendly options that are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These particles are deemed harmful to both health and the environment, so it’s better to choose a house paint that is free from them.

However, Dover White may be the more environmentally friendly option as it reflects heat better than Surfmist. But what does this mean exactly?

A paint colour’s solar absorptance value is crucial for managing your home’s energy efficiency. These values represent a paint’s thermal property and, in turn, its ability to absorb heat.

A higher solar absorptance means more heat is absorbed, often leading to greater cooling demands. Both Surfmist and Dover White excel in their reflective qualities, but Dover White offers a slightly higher reflectance due to its lower solar absorptance value. This results in less heat absorption and, in turn, can lead to energy savings in hot climates. 

Moreover, these paints have low thermal transmittance, minimising heat transfer through the painted surfaces. This ensures your home remains comfortable regardless of the weather outside. 

These benefits do not just come in handy in exterior walls. Choosing either shade from the Colorbond Steel family for roofing also significantly affects the home’s overall energy efficiency. Their pale tone and nature-inspired hue offer a striking contrast to other colours and create cooler local environments because of their thermal properties.

Hence, both Dover White and Surfmist are popular choices for eco-friendly building designs and sustainable living.

Touch up your home exterior with Airtasker

Choosing the perfect Colorbond colour for your home should be a breeze now. With this info, you might even feel up for the DIY challenge. But hey, think about the perks of getting a pro painter on board with the help of Airtasker. They will not only save you time and effort but also guarantee a top-notch finish that suits your home’s vibe. Just post your task, share what you need, set your budget and find the right Tasker for the job.