Transforming exteriors with exceptional colour and performance, Little Greene’s range of exterior paints offers hard-wearing, weatherproof finishes designed to enhance and protect outdoor spaces. Marrying technical excellence with aesthetic depth, these finishes are available in the full spectrum of Little Greene’s celebrated colour palette, ensuring versatility and lasting impact.
From oil-based and water-based gloss and eggshell finishes for wood and metal to traditional Limewash and Masonry Paint for brick, stone, and render, Little Greene provides a comprehensive selection of coatings for any exterior surface. This extensive range allows homeowners and designers to create striking outdoor environments with long-lasting colour and protection, elevating exterior aesthetics with both heritage and contemporary shades.
A new era of exterior colour
“We are seeing a significant shift in how people approach colour for outdoor spaces,” says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. “While many still honor a property’s period character, there is an increasing embrace of bolder, statement-making shades. Interior colour confidence is now extending outside, creating cohesive schemes that flow seamlessly from indoors to out.”
Current trends reflect those seen in interiors, with rich, warm, brown-based tones and earthy natural hues growing in popularity alongside classic coastal blues and sea greens. Greens—particularly deep shades like ‘Hopper,’ ‘Goblin,’ and ‘Mid Azure Green’—are being used to envelop garden spaces, reinforcing a sense of connection to nature. By integrating greens as a backdrop to planting, outdoor spaces can achieve a harmonious and immersive effect.
Beyond colour application, exterior design is also embracing nature by framing views and drawing the outdoors in. Dark greys and blacks on window frames highlight greenery, while soft neutrals like ‘Portland Stone,’ ‘Kitchen Green,’ and ‘Green Stone’ create a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.
The finishes: Designed for performance
Little Greene’s exterior collection comprises six meticulously developed finishes, each tailored to specific surfaces and functional needs:
- Intelligent Masonry Paint: Offering up to 15 years of durability, this water-based, anti-fungal paint provides a smooth matt finish for brick, render, and blockwork. Quick-drying and resistant to dirt and moisture, it ensures exteriors remain pristine for longer.
- Intelligent Exterior Eggshell: Ideal for woodwork and metalwork, this self-priming, environmentally friendly paint delivers an elegant, smooth finish with superior durability. Its quick-drying formula allows for recoating in just 16 hours.
- Intelligent Gloss: A high-performance, fully washable, quick-drying gloss that rivals traditional oil-based finishes in depth and sheen, transforming exterior spaces with exceptional light reflectance.
- Traditional Oil Gloss & Tom’s Oil Eggshell: Classic oil-based finishes offering a robust, luxurious sheen and superior longevity for wood and metal surfaces.
- Limewash: A traditional breathable finish that enhances brick and stonework, allowing buildings to age gracefully while preserving historical character.
- Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer): A cutting-edge, tinted primer designed to optimize adhesion and coverage, particularly when transitioning between bold and pale colours.
Heritage and sustainability
As an independent, family-run company based in Manchester, Little Greene draws from a rich history of colour expertise. Its roots trace back to the ‘Little Greene Dye Works’ of the 18th century, a legacy of craftsmanship that informs its present-day commitment to quality and sustainability.
The company has partnered with the National Trust, ensuring that many of its colours are authentic recreations of historical shades. Sales of Little Greene paints and wallpapers contribute to the conservation of the UK’s historic homes and landscapes, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to heritage preservation.
Little Greene’s sustainability ethos is evident across its product line. With 40% more pigment than conventional paints, its finishes deliver unparalleled depth and longevity. Water-based formulations surpass environmental standards, while oil-based paints incorporate naturally occurring vegetable oils. The company’s ‘Re:mix’ initiative repurposes surplus paint into a high-quality, affordable finish, reducing waste and promoting circularity.
Even the wallpapers, designed to coordinate seamlessly with Little Greene paints, reflect the brand’s environmental dedication. Printed with water-based inks on FSC- or PEFC-certified paper, each roll supports reforestation efforts, ensuring that for every tree used, four more are planted.
From historical authenticity to cutting-edge sustainability, Little Greene continues to set the standard for exquisite, responsible decorating. For more information and inspiration, visit littlegreene.com.
