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Burning the backs of your legs on an unshaded banana lounger is never going to be a happy summer memory, so we understand if you’re desperately searching the internet for useful tips on how to keep metal patio furniture from heating up too much in the sun—or how to simply escape the warm-season heat in a poorly protected outdoor space. A sail is one of those nifty, relatively affordable projects that will add shade and style to your patio, but only if you choose one in the right color. It turns out, however, that color choice is a hotly debated topic among patio cover professionals. The short answer is: It’s not the color that matters, but how much light the shade lets through. Most likely, though, you’ll be better at creating cool, comfortable shade with lighter colors.
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You’ve probably heard that wearing light-colored clothing keeps you cool. Black fabric absorbs sunlight, while white textiles reflect it, right? In fact, research suggests the opposite, with factors like the type of textile, the environment, and the clothing also playing a role. Similar concerns apply to shade sails, which are, after all, something like clothing for your patio. Some experts say that dark colors absorb infrared (IR) radiation (read: heat) before it can reach the ground, making the underside of a shade sail feel cool. Others say that to keep a patio comfortable temperature-wise, you need a light-colored shade sail that repels IR radiation.
The science behind the cooling colors of solar sails
Does a midnight blue shade in a sunny location create a more pleasant outdoor environment than, say, a lemon yellow shade? Because white reflects all parts of the light spectrum, it may be the optimal color for a shade sail. And science seems to support this theory. Home energy experts point out that light-colored roofing materials reflect sunlight and cool the interior of the home, while tiles and metals in dark tones do the opposite. Likewise, colorful walls on homes in desert environments radiate heat rather than retain it. In a 2023 study published in Buildings, researchers found that similar strategies—light-colored stones and finishes, and reflective coatings—have been incorporated into the exterior facades of traditional homes in China.
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However, color alone does not make a cool patio. The shape of the shade sail (how large the area is that the sail shades), breathability or openness factor and the location of the patio also play a role. For example, if you are shading a patio that is exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, choosing a sail made of a dense fabric makes more sense than one made of a lightweight, open-weave textile. Thicker fabrics block more infrared radiation. Moreover, people who install shade sails over their outdoor spaces are not only concerned with lowering the temperature. They are also looking for protection from the skin-damaging effects of the scorching sun.
Let the colour of your sun sail guide your purchase decision
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) damages your skin and can cause painful sunburns or, worse, skin cancer. Lighter shade sails let more UV rays through than their dark-tinted counterparts. Shade sail vendors claim that most sails, regardless of color, block at least 91% of the sun’s UV rays. Sails made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offer particularly good UV protection. In short, choose a black or brown shade sail made from the highest quality HDPE for maximum UVR protection. You shouldn’t be able to see the sky through it; look for a UPF rating of 30 or higher.
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If you just want to lower the outside temperatures, choose a white or very light shade. Amazon sells an affordable PureFit 8′ x 10′ rectangular shade sail in beige for under $30. To protect yourself and your guests from UV rays, choose in-between colors like light green, light blue, red or purple. A Yescom 23′ x 22′ UV-blocking rectangular shade sail in fuchsia costs almost $90 at Walmart. If you’re looking for stylish summer decor ideas that can be easily replaced after the season and meet your UV protection and shade needs, choose lighter shades that match your existing decor and are easy to remove and store. Lowe’s offers a Coolaroo HeatShield sail in a modern silver gray that comes ready to install with pre-attached ropes and fasteners for under $45.
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