What Paint Colors Keep Your Puerto Rico Home Cool?

n Puerto Rico’s tropical climate, your choice of paint color can do more than improve curb appeal—it can actually lower your home’s temperature. With near-constant sun exposure and high humidity, light-reflective colors make a noticeable difference in indoor comfort and energy use.

Here’s how color impacts heat absorption and which Sherwin-Williams paints we recommend for staying cool in paradise.

How Color Affects Heat Retention

Paint color plays a key role in how much solar heat your home absorbs:

• Darker colors absorb more heat and trap it in walls and surfaces

• Lighter colors reflect sunlight, helping keep your interior cooler

• The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of a color measures how much light it reflects (0 = black, 100 = pure white)

In hot climates like Puerto Rico, colors with LRV above 55 are ideal for exterior walls, roofs, and surfaces exposed to direct sun.

✅ Best Paint Colors for Keeping Your Home Cool

All of these options are from Sherwin-Williams and have a high LRV rating—meaning they’re ideal for Puerto Rico’s sunny conditions.

1. Alabaster (SW 7008)

A soft, neutral white that reflects plenty of light without feeling harsh. Ideal for full-home exteriors or modern interiors.

2. Creamy (SW 7012)

Warm and welcoming without absorbing too much heat. Excellent for stucco homes or trim details.

3. Greek Villa (SW 7551)

Bright and crisp with Mediterranean vibes—great for beachfront homes or anywhere with tons of natural light.

4. Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

This light beige keeps things cool and modern while offering more character than white.

5. Sea Salt (SW 6204)

A soft green-gray that works beautifully with coastal architecture. Looks cooler than it is—literally.

Where to Use High-LRV Colors in Puerto Rico

Surface Area	Ideal Colors
Exterior Stucco Walls	Alabaster, Creamy, Greek Villa
Roofs or Overhangs	Pure White, Accessible Beige
Interior Walls	Sea Salt, Alabaster
Ceilings & Trim	Pure White, Snowbound

Bonus: Use Reflective Coatings on Roofs

In addition to color, we often apply elastomeric reflective coatings on flat roofs or concrete surfaces to:

• Reflect sunlight

• Reduce thermal expansion

• Extend roof life

This pairs well with cool-colored exterior schemes for maximum comfort and durability.

📞 Call us today at 787-339-2115 to schedule a free consultation

Let’s make your property look its absolute best.