1. What the colour choice depends on
Choosing a colour follows a few simple rules. Light shades visually enlarge and brighten, and look good on large surfaces and in smaller interiors. Dark shades add character, emphasise the stone texture and hide dirt better - hence common on plinths and fences. On top of that come the surroundings (roof, window frames, neighbouring buildings, greenery) and light, which can strongly change how the colour reads.
2. Colour for a facade
On a facade the reference points are usually the roof and window frames - the panel colour is chosen so it works with them (tone on tone, or a deliberate contrast). It is worth looking at the neighbouring houses and the local character of the area too. A popular approach is to clad part of the facade - the ground floor, corners or a band around the entrance - in a shade that contrasts with the render. There is more about installation locations in the article where to install quartz panels.
3. Colour for interiors
Indoors the colour is matched to the floor, furniture and lighting. Warm, sandy and beige shades warm up a living room or hallway, while greys and graphites suit modern, minimalist schemes (for example a wall behind the TV). Remember that artificial light in the evening will show a different shade than daylight - so it is worth looking at a sample at different times of day. For ready ideas, see 10 inspirations for quartz panels.
4. Joint colour = the tinted primer colour
This is the easy-to-forget part: the joint colour is created by the tinted primer used to prime the whole wall (its primary role is the panels' adhesion, and in the exposed joints you simply see its shade). The manufacturer recommends a primer close to the panel colour - this gives a coherent, subtle effect. If you want a stronger, graphic pattern of joints, you can choose a darker or lighter primer. Decide the joint colour together with the panel colour.
5. Light, matt and gloss
The same panel looks different in shade, in full sun and under artificial light. On top of that comes the varnish: it usually deepens the colour a little and raises the gloss, and the effect depends on the number of coats. Without varnish the surface is more matt.
6. Check on a sample + realizations gallery
Screens and print distort colour, so make the final decision on a physical sample or swatch, viewed in the intended spot and light. You can order samples and swatches before buying the whole area - how and where is described in the article where to get samples and swatches.