Design Decisions, Paint

Why We Chose Sherwin Williams White Duck for Our Exterior Paint Color

Our completed home painted with Sherwin Williams White Duck

Sherwin Williams White Duck (SW 7010) is a warm and creamy white that turned out to be the perfect choice for the exterior of our home. We were fans of this paint color from the first time we saw it on a house, but like all of the other home-building decisions, we did our research to make sure it was the right paint color. In this article, I’m going to share everything we learned to make your decision-making a little easier if you are considering White Duck for your home.

Sherwin Williams White Duck LRV

The LRV for White Duck is 74. But you may be wondering what this value really means. LRV basically helps us determine how bright or dark a color is. LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and is measured on a scale of 0 to 100 where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. So a value of 74 puts White Duck on the light side of the brightness spectrum.

What are the Undertones of White Duck?

White Duck does have some subtle yellow undertones, but overall it is a neutral color. It also has gray undertones which tone down the yellow. So what you end up with is a creamy white with some hints of greige. Greige is a color that is somewhere between gray and beige.

When it comes to the undertones of a paint color, lighting plays a big part. In a particular lighting situation, you might notice a certain undertone, but then in different lighting, a separate undertone can reveal itself. For example, on a rainy overcast day, our house painted White Duck looks creamy, but on a bright sunny day, it appears to be a soft white with no visible creaminess. It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing a paint color.

Similar Colors to White Duck

As I mention above, Sherwin Willaims White Duck was a contender for our exterior paint color from the very beginning. But to make sure it was the right color, we chose two other colors that were very close and did a comparison. Narrowing it down was difficult because there are so many white paint colors to choose from. After a lot of research, we chose Natural Choice and Oyster White both by Sherwin Williams.

As you can see, they both are creamy whites with warm undertones. But let’s take a closer look at each.

Natural Choice Compared to White Duck

Natural Choice has an LRV of 73, which means it is a shade darker than White Duck which has an LRV of 74. It also has a stronger yellow undertone than White Duck.

Oyster White Compared to White Duck

Oyster White has an LRV of 72, making it the brightest of the three colors we were comparing. As for undertones, it is very similar to White Duck with yellow and greige coming through. But it also has some subtle green undertones as well.

Test Before Buying a Lot of Paint

When you are trying to decide on a paint color, it’s always a good idea to try out the colors before spending money on a lot of paint. The worst thing you can do is buy two or three 5-gallon buckets, start painting your house, and then decide that it is not the right color.

To avoid this issue, we got samples of each: White Duck, Natural Choice, and Oyster White. Then we found a space on the front of the house and painted an area with each color. Keep in mind that you should apply two coats when doing test samples like this because one coat isn’t enough to give you the actual color of the paint.

If we had to do it over again, we would have gotten peel-and-stick samples from Samplize. Their samples are accurate color representations no mess involved, and they offer overnight shipping if you are in a hurry to test different colors.

We felt like Natural Choice, was a little too creamy. Oyster White was really close, but seeing it next to White Duck reaffirmed our original decision that White Duck was the right color for the exterior of our home. So we ended up choosing Sherwin Williams White Duck. Applying the paint samples to the brick helped us to feel confident in our decision.

Our Original Inspiration

I have to give credit where credit is due! When we first started looking for an exterior white paint color for our home, we came across this house by Garden Gate Homes. It’s painted in Sherwin Williams White Duck. We loved how the exterior color of the home had a softness and slight creaminess. So thanks to Garden Gate Homes for building this beautiful house and sharing the photos.

Design: Garden Gate Homes

We loved White Duck from the start and only became fonder as time went on. Now that our house is complete, and we’ve had time to see that paint color in different lighting and times of day, we are so happy we made this choice.

Our Favorite Paint Sprayer

If you DIY the painting, here is our favorite sprayer: the Magnum X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer. This tool is essential for anyone tackling large-scale painting projects. Its standout feature is the ability to deliver a smooth, professional finish quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re painting walls, ceilings, or exteriors, the Magnum X7’s powerful motor and adjustable pressure settings ensure precise application, minimizing overspray and saving paint. The convenient cart design allows for easy maneuverability, helping you reach every corner of your space with ease. Perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, the Magnum X7 transforms painting into an enjoyable and efficient task.

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43 Comments

  • Reply matt

    I think we like the Oyster White too. Great idea to put it on the web. Although sometimes it really helps to see the real thing.

    November 9, 2019 at 8:55 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      I agree Matt! Nothing like seeing it in person!

      January 29, 2020 at 5:51 pm
  • Reply Kate Miller

    I am always looking for the perfect white house, and I think I found it in this house with White Duck exterior paint. Is there a floor plan to this house that I could see or purchase?

    You guys are amazingly talented!

    It truly is a beautiful gem! Please advise.

    December 7, 2019 at 7:41 am
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Kate. It is a beautiful home, but we did not build it or design it, unfortunately. If you click on the link in the photo credit right below the image, you will go to the website of the people who built it.

      December 9, 2019 at 3:11 am
    • Reply Amber

      We are currently building and are leaning towards painting our brick White Duck too! We also have a dark wood color on garage and black grid windows. We are wanting to do a dark trim color on the house. Do you have any recommendations on a good trim color to go with White Duck? Thank you!

      July 10, 2020 at 6:23 pm
  • Reply yvonne butler

    What is the gray trim color?

    January 15, 2020 at 9:07 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Yvonne. This home is by Garden Gate Homes, so we don’t know exact colors on this one.

      January 29, 2020 at 5:52 pm
  • Reply Abram

    Great to learn the primary color of your home. However, what is the trim / door color(s)?

    January 27, 2020 at 3:31 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Abram! Yes, we love it! We do not know the trim color, but I’m sure they would answer if you emailed Garden Gate Homes.

      January 29, 2020 at 5:53 pm
      • Reply JC

        Great to know the paint color! Thank you! I’m not sure when I have to pick the paint color for our new build next year. It’s hard to pick a paint for a house not constructed yet! We will definitely keep SW White Duck as a choice! What direction does your home face? We will be NW ish which I know can make it look a bit darker especially on an overcast day, but there is something about the color against the dark green landscaping that lends itself to charm. Our style will be European so I’m hoping it all comes together. Thank you for answer so many questions about your home!

        December 19, 2022 at 7:33 pm
  • Reply Sarah Alsup

    What color is the trim around windows?

    January 28, 2020 at 1:25 am
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Sara! This is a very popular questionk, that I’m afraid I can’t answer, but Garden Gate Homes could.

      January 29, 2020 at 5:54 pm
  • Reply Cheryl

    Hey Brooke,
    Could you share the trim color with us? Love the combination with White Duck!
    And what is the stone?

    January 29, 2020 at 2:45 am
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Cheryl! This is question I do not have the anwer to. I’m sure Garden Gate Homes might know since it was their project.

      January 29, 2020 at 5:55 pm
      • Reply Shahida

        What is the black trim on your windows? Which paint color you used!

        October 5, 2020 at 7:10 pm
  • Reply andrea

    still waiting to hear what ya’ll chose for the trim paint.

    January 29, 2020 at 4:44 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Andrea! This home was not our project, but I’m sure Garden Gate Homes would gladly share with you.

      January 29, 2020 at 5:56 pm
  • Reply Wanda Lurken

    What is the trim color? It goes very well on this house with the main house white color?

    February 3, 2020 at 2:39 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      You should contact Garden Gate Homes. They should be able to tell you the trim color.

      February 14, 2020 at 1:17 pm
  • Reply Angei

    If you aren’t sure on the trim, are you 100 percent sure on the body being white duck?

    February 14, 2020 at 4:14 am
    • Reply Brooke

      Hi Angei,

      Yes, Garden Gate Homes said the house is painted with White Duck.

      February 14, 2020 at 1:16 pm
  • Reply Maggie

    Hi! I know you don’t know the trim color of the Garden Gate house in the photo, but what trim/door color did you do for your home with the white duck brick?

    February 23, 2020 at 3:34 pm
    • Reply Katie

      Maggie, hi! Her door and trim are not painted – they’re wood.

      May 11, 2020 at 10:52 pm
  • Reply Mitzi

    My she shed is currently under construction and will have cedar shakes on front. JoJo Gaines garden shed Is the look I’m going for. The front porche and railings I think will be stained a natural wood color (don’t want it to age to old grey fence color). I wanted a calm creamy, but not too creamy, white and I’m thinking this would be a great color. I hope it will look as good on the cedar as it does on your brick. I’m so thankful your blog popped when it did. Now I have to find the right stain color! Thank you!

    March 21, 2020 at 2:18 pm
  • Reply Arvin

    Hi! Just wondering, did you get flat or semi gloss for duck white paint? Thanks

    May 19, 2020 at 12:35 am
  • Reply Brooke Bauer

    painting my house this week and would also like to know the answer to Arvins questions. Semi gloss or flat for duck white?

    Also, i have some grey stone on my house. Do you think this Duck White would look good with that. I do plan to add wood elements.

    May 26, 2020 at 2:16 am
  • Reply Amy Smith

    What type of Sherwin Williams paint did you use? Also curious if you used a flat finish?

    June 12, 2020 at 9:39 pm
    • Reply Brandon

      I am also interested to know this. Do they have a mineral paint that will let the brick breathe?

      October 8, 2020 at 4:23 pm
  • Reply Lexxie

    Hi Brooke! Can you tell me the finish you used on the exterior of your home-White Duck? I feel like flat catches all the dirt, but semi gloss may be too glossy? AGH! Thanks!

    June 30, 2020 at 4:21 am
  • Reply Sam Pat

    Beautiful Home! We are painting a like color. Do you mind sharing what kind of shingles and color this is?

    Thank you

    July 14, 2020 at 12:12 am
  • Reply Sam

    Seems like a popular question throughout the blog, what are all the finishes throughout the exterior of your home, Gutter, Wood Doors (Special Walnut), Wood Ceilings (also Special Walnut?), Posts (Special Walnut?), Gutters/Downspouts, Stone for the facement of the patio and Garage doors. Thanks!

    July 21, 2020 at 9:54 pm
  • Reply Julia

    Hi Brooke and Henry,
    Love your new house. We are building a house, and trying to pick a stain for our porch beams and supports. Can you share what you used? Thanks!

    July 29, 2020 at 2:41 am
  • Reply Sandra

    Roof? What is the shingle make and color please? Beautiful home!

    August 23, 2020 at 1:30 am
  • Reply Suzanne Pennington

    Hi! We are in the process of trying to pick a color for our brick. White Duck is one we haven’t tried. I am also wondering what color the shingles on your roof are.
    Your home is beautiful!

    October 10, 2020 at 4:44 pm
  • Reply Brianna

    On your home, white duck painted, what is the color of your gutters and downspouts? The look is so great!

    October 11, 2020 at 3:05 pm
  • Reply Stephanie Coyne

    Hi there. Can you tell me what direction the front of your home faces? Trying to get an idea of white duck facing east or west. Thanks!

    October 20, 2020 at 8:56 pm
  • Reply Michelle

    I thought You did exterior was pure white also

    November 29, 2020 at 6:58 am
  • Reply Terry

    We are building a house, and I love yours. Can you tell me the make and color of your roof?

    December 2, 2020 at 2:32 pm
  • Reply Ryan

    Thanks for the info! Our new build is underway and the vision is very similar to this home. Duck white looks great. How does it compare to Alabaster in your opinion?

    February 12, 2021 at 2:59 pm
  • Reply Jeremy Daniels

    Beautiful home. ARe your gutters copper or painted? If painted from the factory, what is the name please? Going crazy between bronze, musket, and royal brown. Thank you!

    March 30, 2021 at 6:59 pm
  • Reply Allie Wesche

    Hi there, did you end up matching your trim to your paint color or going lighter/darker? We are in the process of painting our house white and I am unsure of what to do with the trim.
    Thanks!

    May 12, 2021 at 8:47 pm
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    February 24, 2022 at 10:38 pm
  • Reply Danny

    What color white did you use on your soffits?

    September 3, 2022 at 10:24 pm
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