skip to main content

Home Decorating

White Paint Color to Cancel Green Cast?

12 years ago

There are a bunch of trees surrounding the room that I want to paint a nice crisp white. Of course this means that I get a horrid green cast to any white that I put on the walls. Or a weird funky yellow cast which I haven't determined why that happens.

Should I be considering a white paint color w/ red (pink) undertones to cancel out the green cast to get a 'truer' white color?

I have SW High Reflectance White (no tints added) in my Office and I love it. I also have it in my central hall and it's fine but takes on a pink cast from the pink in the stained glass window. I'm not even going to bother pulling my hair out sampling a kajillion whites to get it perfect for the few hrs. during the day that I'm not blown away by it.

I just know that I have to sample whites in this other room since we do spend a lot of time in it and a continuous green cast will work my last nerve.

What do you think?

Featured Answer

beekeeperswife

12 years ago

I think it's smart you realized that the trees outside will be casting a color into your room, and altering the way you see the white. good job.

I have no suggestions how to counteract that effect though. I thought (during my cream quest) that I did read some way to do what you are talking about. Was it to pick a white with a pink undertone? I can't remember, it was probably on Maria Killam's blog. You can shoot her an email, she said that answering "white" questions is easy and she doesn't mind.

You'll just have to remember that when the leaves are gone, the room will have another "look" to it.

Let us know what you find out!

Maria's email: info@mariakillam.com

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

mjsee
12 years ago
I don't think white is going to work...I'm pretty certain that green reflective thing will happen regardless of the "crisp white" you choose.
Related Discussions
Exterior colors dillemma, on green cast roof!
Q
Comments (3)
What color is the roof? They look very different in the two pics. Is the roof going to change? If it is indeed green - dont be afraid of it or try to pretend its not there - it WILL be seen and it will affect how the colors on the rest of the house look.. There are indeed greys/greiges/beiges that would play nicely with a green-gray roof, you just have to be cognizant of undertones and find the right one that does not fight with your roof color, but flatters and complements it. (FWIW Ive always been a fan of yellowy-cream-white trims with gray or gray green, not that stark white - can those doors, eaves etc be painted? Theres just something about yellows and grays that are just beautiful together. IMHO, a house always looks best when the roof is embraced and appreciated and considered as part of the color scheme. Some ignore the roof, but then end up with mismatched looking house. Try to find paint chips that best capture the "green gray" of the roof and that can help you zero in on some possible colors that would work well with it.
...See More
I’m ready to paint over the tan & sage green wall with white or gray
Q
Comments (9)
Yes I do love the Greek Villa color best. I am trying to avoid painting our trim so I worry the Greek villa is a little whiter and then the current trim will look dirty. We are going to try painting just the kitchen with greek villa first and see if we like it.
...See More
FYI: LowE 366 has strong green tinge / tint / cast
Q
Comments (18)
@Mia Smyth Recent commentary from another poster: https://www.replacement-windows.com/windowbb/viewtopic.php?t=1555 I actually have both the Sun Coat and now the Sun Coat Max. All my windows face South and West and the sun is very strong. I live in CA. The 2 sliding glass doors I purchased about 4 years ago have just the Sun Coat. Its terrible I continually find myself closing the black out drapes. The room is hot and very cold at night. I am happy that I ordered the same Milgard Thermally Improved windows for my entire home with the Sun Coat Max. We have not had them installed yet although I did place the window in the living room on the floor and can tell I will not have to keep closing the drapes and hopefully will not need window coverings at all. I can definitely see the difference. I hear they make a room more comfortable and I can see why.
...See More
Color Cast dilemma. Everything is green!
Q
Comments (61)
the "cabinet designer" is being paid... by the cabinet store. you are a paying customer, and this is an expensive project. don't take advantage of them of course, but don't be afraid to change your mind. when it comes to picking colors: unfortunately sometimes what you really want just might not work in a space. I wanted my bathroom to have white countertops and teal tile, but the natural lighting in there is too blue for that so I compromised. as far as choosing a peachy-red undertone paint for your grey room: you said you'd be worried about it in the winter. I think it would look lovely -- warm and cozy. we're not suggesting anything with a noticeable peach undertone.
...See More
amysrq
12 years ago
I get where you're going here....to use a white with an undertone from the opposite side of the color wheel to balance the green. But, my hunch is that it may turn murky and gray on you. I would play around with a little touch of pink or peach...you never know until you try it. Bee is right though...you will have a pinky or peachy white room in the winter. That could be okay for some people. Knowing you the way I do, I suspect it will not be good! ;-)
ttodd
Original Author
12 years ago
Ha! Ha! Amy - too well, too well!

So many of the white paint colors have pigment added to them and it seems almost imperceptable as it still appears totally white. I was hoping that my eye might be 'tricked' and think that the room was still white once the leaves fall. Who knows though right?!

Good point about possible murkiness. I want this room bright (but soft) white. That's one of the things that I like so much about HRW. It's so white but not cold and harsh. Also since it's such a clear white it totally picks up casts color that may bounce off of it. Luckily the chosen furniture is white.

BKW - is that party w/ David scheduled yet?
beekeeperswife
12 years ago
hah, I was hoping he was using a secret screen name and was a member here, and you know, would send me a PM that he would love to be there...but no. Maybe he's a "lurker", so there's still hope

The drinks are ready though....
mjsee
12 years ago
Hmmm...you should try a sample of BM's Atrium White in that room it has some orange in it (if memory serves)...might cancel out the green...
Kathy Thomas
last year
Try chantilly lace (almost zero undertones) by BM if room gets lots of light, try simply white by BM as well and its better for room with less natural light

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Paint Color Ideas: 8 Uplifting Ways With Yellow and Green

By Jennifer Ott Design

Dial up the cheer with yellow and green paint combinations sure to cast off winter doldrums

REMODELING GUIDES Original Home Details: What to Keep, What to Cast Off

By Laura Gaskill

Renovate an older home without regrets with this insight on the details worth preserving

TROPICAL STYLE Cast Away for South Seas Style

By Christine Ciarmello

Oh, to be in Tahiti right now. The next best thing: tips from South Seas resorts to create that lovely getaway feel at home

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Reasons to Embrace White Walls

By Laura Gaskill

Do they strike you as even more boring than watching white paint dry? Consider what makes them the darling of so many

WHITE How to Pick the Right White Paint

By Kelly Porter

White is white, right? Not quite. See 8 white paint picks for 8 very different effects

WHITE What to Know Before You Paint Your Walls White

By Kimberly Collins Jermain

A coat of white paint can do wonders in one room and wreak havoc in another. Here are tips for using the popular hue

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Keep Your White Kitchen White

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Sure, white kitchens are beautiful — when they’re sparkling clean. Here’s how to keep them that way

COLOR How to Create Calm and Character With Light Colors

By Kelly Porter

Light paint and pale woods can feel rich and cozy too. Here are 7 design twists and colors to try

COLOR Get a Soft Spot for Sea-Glass Green

By Rachel Grace

Soften a room's look by washing its walls in this delightfully airy shade, no sand in your shoes required

DECORATING GUIDES Nature’s Color Wisdom: Lessons on Green From the Great Outdoors

By Laura Gaskill

Green will grow on you for interiors when you look outside for ideas on how to use it

Sponsored

More Discussions

Ideas to make bathrooms less gray

10

What to fill this awkward corner with?

19

turn big table into smaller

11

SW sea salt help

5

I want to mix things up in my flat.

5