30 Colors

This page from the 1936 Benjamin Moore catalog, Paints – Varnishes – Muresco, features Moore’s House Paint, an oil-based gloss exterior paint used widely for homes during the mid-1930s.

The 30 colors offered reflect the period-typical exterior palette, which was remarkably consistent across manufacturers of the era. Popular tones included Ivory, Pure Gray, Straw, French Gray, Maroon, Tobacco Brown, Lead, Moss Green, Dark Blue, Chrome Green, Colonial Yellow, Leather Brown, Buff, Fawn, Sky Blue, Sandstone, and Syrian Red, among others. These were classic, muted, and practical colors chosen for durability, compatibility with wood and masonry, and aesthetic harmony across architectural elements.

Originally formulated in gloss, these colors are now available in satin or semi-gloss, with eggshell available on special request for a softer, lower-sheen finish.

Ideal for:

• Restoring mid-1930s homes using historically accurate exterior finishes

• Authentic period color schemes for woodwork, siding, and trim

• Modern homes seeking classic, historically grounded palettes

Note: Original gloss sheen is supplied as satin or semi-gloss.

Color Matching & Sample Disclaimer

We define our historic color matches as identical in hue and formulation. Each 8 oz sample is produced in our standard match grade to accurately represent the color.

Due to differences between paint products and finishes, the same color may vary slightly when produced in other grades or sheens.

Higher-grade paint options are available for final applications, just as with full home orders.

Upgrade for Best Results

Your sample represents the color. Your final paint determines the finish.

For full projects, we recommend upgrading to a higher-performance paint line for superior coverage, durability, and overall appearance—especially on exteriors and detailed trim.

Contact us for recommendations based on your specific project.