Determining the color of vinyl siding on your home can be important for several reasons. You may need to match the color for repairs or additions, get an accurate color name for repainting trim or accents, or simply want to know for your own information. Vinyl siding comes in many different colors and shades, which can make identifying the exact color challenging. However, with some simple steps you can figure out what color your vinyl siding is.
Look at Manufacturer’s Code or Sticker
The easiest way to identify the color is to find the manufacturer’s code printed directly on the vinyl siding pieces. Vinyl siding manufacturers will often print a small code on the back or edge of siding panels to keep track of details like color and production run. This code is not always easy to find, but if you can locate it, you can then match it up to a color chart from the manufacturer. The code will be a series of letters and numbers that corresponds to a specific color name.
If you don’t see a code, you may find a manufacturer’s sticker on the original siding packaging if it is still available. Most vinyl siding is sold with a sticker that lists details like the style, dimensions, production run, and color. Keeping any leftover packaging stored away can come in handy for identifying color down the road if needed.
Inspect Areas Less Exposed to Sun
Vinyl siding fades and changes color over time when exposed to sunlight. So the best way to get the true, original color is to look at areas that get less direct sun. Under roof overhangs, underneath shutters or downspouts, or behind shrubs and trees are good places to get a view of less faded siding. You can then compare the original color you find in these protected areas to color samples from the manufacturer.
Also inspect siding on the lower floors of multi-story homes, which see less sun exposure and weathering compared to upper floors. Or look at sections replaced more recently after repairs that better match the newer replacement piece.
Compare to Manufacturer’s Color Samples
If you don’t have any manufacturer codes or stickers to go by, the next step is to visually compare your siding color to actual samples. Most major vinyl siding brands provide color charts online or at local distributors. You can order free vinyl siding samples from manufacturers too.
Hold color samples directly against the siding in different spots around the house, ideally in less faded areas. Natural lighting works best to get an accurate color match. Look closely at hue, lightness/darkness, and color tone. You may need to request several samples to find just the right match.
If possible, compare colors late in the day when the sun is low and not as harsh. This softer light shows the true color better than midday sun.
Use Color Matching Apps
There are also several paint color matching apps that can identify siding colors. These apps work by taking a photo of your siding and matching the dominant colors in the photo to their database of paint colors. Here are some top options:
Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap App – Specifically designed for matching exterior paint colors like siding. Has a database of over 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors to match.
Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio App – Matches photos to Benjamin Moore exterior paint colors. Also provides coordinating color suggestions.
ColorSmart by Behr – Matches photos to Behr exterior paint colors. Includes a scanning feature that instantly reads the color.
Color Capture by Valspar – Matches colors from photos to Valspar exterior paints. Has an augmented reality feature.
These apps aren’t exact, but can get you very close to identifying the manufacturer name and color name for your siding.
Hire a Professional Inspector
For a small fee, you can hire a professional building inspector to identify your home’s siding color. They have experience matching colors, specialized tools, and often keep catalogs of color samples from major brands. This takes any guesswork out of determining the color and gives you an authoritative answer.
Pro inspectors know where to look for manufacturer codes that may not be readily visible. Their professional opinion on matching less faded areas to color samples will be more educated as well. Consider hiring an inspector if you need 100% accuracy and certainty on matching your existing siding color.
Repaint a Section
If you want to definitively match the color for repainting purposes, a test spot is the best answer. Purchase a few color samples close to your siding color. Clean and lightly sand a small, inconspicuous section of siding. Then brush the paint samples directly on the siding and let them fully dry.
The sample that dries closest to the original vinyl color is your match. Just be sure to use 100% acrylic latex exterior paint, which offers the closest sheen and appearance to vinyl. This paint test patch allows you to match the aged, faded color of your existing siding rather than the original color.
Replace a Section
For an exact color match when replacing damaged siding pieces, simply replace with new siding in the same color. Look for a small, hidden area of siding to remove and take a sample to the home improvement store.
Associates can scan the barcode on your siding piece to lookup the manufacturer and color name in their system. Or provide them with any manufacturer details you already know. Purchase the same brand and color siding to seamlessly match the new pieces.
Check Permits or Home Records
If previous homeowners kept records on the siding installation or you have the permit paperwork, you may be able to find the original color name and brand there. Details like siding color are often listed on the permit or included with home improvement receipts and warranties.
If you don’t have the records yourself, contact your local building permits office with the property address and install date. They can lookup the original siding permit on file which should contain the color details.
Conclusion
Identifying vinyl siding color involves inspecting manufacturer stickers and codes, looking at protected areas, color matching to samples, using apps, hiring a professional, testing paint patches, replacing pieces, and checking permits or records. With one or more of these methods, you should be able to determine the exact color name and manufacturer of your existing vinyl siding. This allows you to match colors for repairs, repainting, or your own knowledge.
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Code | Find small printed code on siding panels that matches to a color name. |
| Inspect Protected Areas | Look at siding not faded by sun to see original color. |
| Color Samples | Visually compare siding to actual color samples from manufacturers. |
| Color Matching Apps | Use phone apps to match siding color to database of paint colors. |
| Professional Inspector | Hire an expert to identify the color with specialized tools. |
| Paint Test Patch | Paint color samples directly on siding to find visual match. |
| Replace Section | Match new siding pieces to existing by scanning barcode. |
| Check Records | Lookup original siding color name on permits or home records. |
