Updated on Dec 9, 2025
26 Minute Read

Polite White SW 6056 Paint Color by Sherwin Williams

Soft Elegance, Pure Charm

Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly calmed by the color of the walls? SW 6056 Polite White by Sherwin Williams has that gentle power. I was looking around for a shade to freshen up my living room, tired of the typical choices that seemed too stark or too dull. That’s when I came across Polite White. It’s a soft, soothing white that combines subtle hints of gray, creating a flexible backdrop that complements any decor style.

Using Polite White, I noticed how it beautifully played with the natural light, making my room feel brighter during the day and cozy at night. It’s far from the sharp glare of a pure white, providing a refined neutrality that’s easy on the eyes.

Setting up this color on your walls can be a smart choice, whether you’re aiming to create a minimalist look or want a quiet base to let your vibrant furniture pieces stand out. It’s like a quiet friend in the background, unassuming yet uplifting.

Plus, decorating around it is a breeze; it pairs wonderfully with soft pastels, bold hues, and even earthy tones, giving you the freedom to personalize your room without the worry of clashing colors.

Polite White SW 6056 Paint Color by Sherwin Williams
via sherwin-williams.com

What Color Is Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams?

Polite White by Sherwin Williams is a soft, neutral shade of white that offers a clean and welcoming atmosphere in any room. This color is a flexible choice, bright enough to create a light, airy feel, yet subtle enough not to overpower. It works exceptionally well in minimalist or Scandinavian-style interiors where simplicity and functionality are key. The gentle tone of this white pairs beautifully with natural materials such as wood, adding warmth and texture to the environment.

For those who favor a more rustic look, Polite White provides a perfect backdrop for rough-hewn wooden beams and stone features. In modern and contemporary settings, it complements sleek lines and metallic accents like stainless steel or chrome, enhancing the openness of the room without causing distractions.

Additionally, Polite White is an ideal base for layering various textures. It goes well with linen, cotton, and wool, enriching rooms through soft furnishings such as curtains, cushions, and throws. It can also effectively counterbalance the cold feel of glass or mirror surfaces, adding a touch of coziness to the decor.

In summary, Polite White is adaptable and can integrate smoothly into various design styles, supporting a range of different materials and textures to create a cohesive interior design scheme.

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Is Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams Warm or Cool color?

Polite White by Sherwin Williams is a popular paint color for those looking to brighten up their home without it feeling too stark. This shade of white has a warm undertone that makes it cozy and inviting, which is perfect for living rooms or bedrooms where comfort is key. The softness of Polite White also helps it blend seamlessly with different decor styles and colors, making it a flexible choice for any room.

In smaller areas, using Polite White can help make the area look bigger and more open. It reflects light well, enhancing the natural brightness of a room. This is particularly useful in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight. In larger rooms, this color can be the perfect backdrop for wall art or bold furniture, allowing those elements to stand out without feeling excessive in the area.

Overall, Polite White is a great choice for anyone looking to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in their home. Its ability to adapt to various settings and styles makes it a go-to color for many homeowners.

Undertones of Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White by Sherwin Williams is a flexible paint color with subtle and varied undertones that add depth and complexity to its appearance. The undertones of a paint color are secondary colors that influence how the primary color is perceived, especially under different lighting conditions. The undertones in Polite White include pale yellow, light purple, light blue, pale pink, mint, lilac, and grey.

These undertones can affect how we see the color on the walls in several ways. For instance, pale yellow can give a warm glow in sunlight, making a room feel cozy and inviting. Light blue and mint can bring a cool freshness, which is great for making an area feel airier.

Light purple and lilac add a touch of softness and are ideal for bedrooms where a calming effect is desirable. Pale pink can make the lighting feel softer and more flattering, which is perfect for areas intended for relaxation. Lastly, the grey undertone helps balance out the warmth, ensuring the color remains neutral and flexible enough to match a wide range of decor styles.

When used on interior walls, the complex undertones of Polite White make it highly adaptable to different rooms and lighting conditions. It pairs beautifully with various furnishings and works in any area, reflecting and absorbing light in unique ways throughout the day. This makes the painted area stay dynamic and visually interesting.

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What is the Masstone of the Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams?

Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams has a masstone of light gray, with a hex color code of #D5D5D5. This light gray shade is clean and subtle, making it a flexible choice for homes. Because of its neutral tone, Polite White fits well in various rooms, whether in a sunny kitchen or a cozy living room. It doesn’t take over a room but rather supports other colors, helping to tie together different design elements.

This color can make small rooms appear larger and brighter as the light reflects off its pale surface. It also serves as a gentle backdrop that can highlight artwork or furniture, allowing them to be the focal points in the room.

Additionally, the understated quality of Polite White ensures that it won’t quickly go out of style, making it a practical choice for those looking to freshen up their walls without committing to bold or trendy colors. It keeps rooms looking clean and open, an ideal choice for a lasting, airy feeling in a home.

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How Does Lighting Affect Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams?

Lighting plays a crucial role in how we perceive colors, as different types of light can greatly alter the appearance of a paint shade. Polite White by Sherwin Williams, a subtle and flexible color, demonstrates this phenomenon distinctively under various lighting conditions.

In natural light, Polite White reveals its true character influenced by the direction of the light. In rooms facing north, which receive less direct sunlight, the color may appear slightly cooler and more shadowed, giving a crisp, clean look. This light enhances the pure qualities of the color, making it ideal for creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere in areas like living rooms or study areas.

In south-facing rooms, where sunlight is abundant throughout the day, Polite White is bathed in warm, bright light. This exposure brings out the warmth and softens the color, making the area feel inviting and cozy. It is perfect for communal areas like the kitchen or the family room, where a welcoming vibe is desired.

East-facing rooms receive strong sunlight in the morning, which can make Polite White look very vibrant and fresh during the early hours. As the day progresses and the natural light diminishes, the color may shift to appear more muted and cooler, offering a gentle change that keeps the area feeling lively yet comfortable from morning to night.

West-facing rooms experience the opposite effect, with softer morning light and intense sunlight in the late afternoon. Polite White in this setting can shift from a soft, subtle hue in the morning to a more pronounced, warmer glow by evening, perfect for areas used predominantly later in the day.

Artificial lighting, such as LED or incandescent bulbs, will also affect how Polite White is perceived. Under warm artificial lighting, the color can appear more yellowed and softer, enhancing the coziness of an area. Cooler LED lights, on the other hand, can make it appear more stark and defined, which works well in more modern or industrial decor styles.

Thus, the effect of lighting on Polite White by Sherwin Williams exemplifies how lighting conditions should be a key consideration when choosing paint colors for different areas and purposes.

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What is the LRV of Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams?

LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, which is a measurement used to indicate how much light a paint color reflects or absorbs when painted on a surface. Measured on a scale between 1 and 99, a higher LRV number means the color reflects more light and appears lighter, while a lower number means the color absorbs more light and appears darker.

LRV is especially useful when choosing paint colors for a room, as it helps predict how the color will behave under different lighting conditions. For example, a color with a high LRV will make a room feel brighter and more open, while a color with a low LRV might make a room feel more enclosed and cozy.

In the case of Polite White, which has an LRV of 74.042, this means it is a light color that will reflect a significant amount of light. This high LRV makes Polite White an excellent choice for making smaller areas appear larger or for use in darker rooms where you want to maximize the available light. The high reflection rate also means that this color can help create a bright and airy feel, enhancing the overall ambiance without feeling excessive in the area. Because Polite White reflects a lot of light, it also offers some flexibility in terms of pairing with both darker and lighter hues, allowing for a variety of decorating options.

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Coordinating Colors of Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams

Coordinating colors are selected to work well together in complementing or enhancing the look of a main color by providing contrast or depth. In the case of a light and flexible shade like Polite White by Sherwin Williams, the coordinating colors play a crucial role in bringing out its best qualities in any area. These colors harmonize with the main shade to create a balanced and visually appealing palette.

For instance, Snowbound SW 7004 is a soft, slightly cool white that acts as an excellent coordinating color. It differs from Polite White by having a bit more of a muted tone, making it perfect for trim or cabinetry to create a subtle distinction against walls painted in Polite White.

In another style, Canyon Clay SW 6054 offers a warm terracotta color that adds a natural, earthy feel when used alongside a neutral like Polite White, ideal for accent walls or decorative touches. Lastly, Spalding Gray SW 6074 provides a stately medium gray that stands out with its sturdy and balanced feel, excellent for creating a strong contrast that is not excessive, which makes for refined formal areas or cozy, casual retreats. These coordinating colors help in achieving varied design effects and moods depending on how they’re used within an area.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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What are the Trim colors of Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams?

Trim colors are chosen to complement or contrast the main color on walls, enhancing the overall aesthetic of a room. For a shade like Polite White by Sherwin Williams, selecting the right trim colors can help define and accentuate architectural features, create visual interest, and balance the color scheme of an area.

Shoji White SW 7042 and Natural Linen SW 9109 are excellent choices for trims when using Polite White, as they offer subtle variations in tone that enrich the neutral palette without feeling excessive.

Shoji White SW 7042 is a gentle off-white with a warm undertone, making it a flexible trim color that softens transitions between walls and trim, providing a cohesive look. It works well in various lighting conditions, subtly reflecting light to brighten areas naturally.

On the other hand, Natural Linen SW 9109 is a slightly darker, beige color with a hint of warmth. It’s perfect for adding a touch of warmth to an area, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Both colors support an elegant yet relaxed environment, working in harmony with Polite White to enhance the beauty of the home.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors Similar to Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams

Choosing similar colors is crucial in design because they create a harmonious and pleasing aesthetic. When colors like Polite White by Sherwin Williams are used alongside their similar shades, it allows for a seamless visual flow throughout an area.

This technique is often used to enhance the sense of continuity and cohesion in an environment, whether in a home or a commercial setting. These subtle variations within the same color family can help highlight architectural details, create depth, and ensure that the decor doesn’t feel jarring or disjointed.

For instance, Intimate White has a gentle touch of pink, offering a warm and cozy feel, ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere in living areas. Faint Coral, with its soft blush tone, adds a hint of playfulness and is perfect for areas that need a subtle splash of color. Modest White and Reliable White are both understated and clean, providing a fresh backdrop that works well in virtually any setting.

Everyday White has a straightforward, unpretentious vibe that makes it suitable for areas that require a clean and crisp appearance. Gauzy White, with a slight airy quality, enhances areas with a light and breathable feel. Nice White offers a friendly and inviting tone, suitable for a relaxing home environment. Hush White, as the name suggests, uses a muted tone to create a soft, low-key backdrop.

Cultured Pearl is slightly refined but still easy to blend, adding a touch of elegance without feeling excessive. Lastly, Gorgeous White stands out with its subtle refinement, making it perfect for adding a polished look to any area. These shades all work closely with Polite White, forming a palette that is easy on the eyes while allowing individual elements to stand out softly.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors that Go With Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams

Choosing the right colors to pair with Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams can make a significant difference in achieving a cohesive and appealing design in your home. This shade of white serves as a flexible backdrop, which means the accompanying colors can help set the tone and mood of the area. Polite White is subtle enough to be paired with a variety of other shades, ranging from soft whites to more vibrant colors.

For example, Original White SW 7077, a clean and bright white, provides a fresh and airy feel when paired with Polite White, making it ideal for modern and minimalistic areas. Dreamy White SW 6021, with its soft and slightly warm undertones, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for living areas or bedrooms.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color, Free Spirit SW 6973 is a lively and cheerful option, adding vibrancy while maintaining a light and open feel. Smart White SW 6007, a crisp and clear white, works well in areas that aim for a sharp and defined look. Hush White SW 6042, featuring a subtle hint of gray, brings about a soothing and calm effect, suitable for areas where relaxation is key, such as bathrooms or bedrooms. Lastly, Gorgeous White SW 6049, which has a radiant and slight creamy feel, adds warmth and refinement, making it excellent for elegant areas. Each of these colors can effectively complement Polite White, enhancing the overall aesthetic of any room.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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How to Use Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams In Your Home?

Sherwin Williams’ Polite White SW 6056 is a flexible and inviting paint color that brings warmth and brightness to any room. Perfect for creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, this creamy white shade pairs beautifully with a range of colors and styles.

In the living room or bedroom, Polite White can be used on walls to provide a calm, clean backdrop. It allows furniture and art pieces to stand out, making the area feel larger and more open. In the kitchen, cabinets painted in this gentle white can give the area a fresh and tidy look. It reflects light well, which can make smaller areas appear more airy and spacious.

For a unified home design, consider using Polite White in hallways or common areas. It works well with soft pastels, vivid colors, or earth tones, offering plenty of design flexibility. This color is a great choice for anyone looking to refresh their home with a friendly and pleasant feel.

Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Intimate White SW 6322 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Intimate White are two shades by Sherwin Williams that offer subtle differences for your decorating needs. Polite White is a soft, clean white with a neutral base that makes it very flexible. It doesn’t lean too much towards any color, making it a great choice for any area that aims for a straightforward, fresh look.

On the other hand, Intimate White has a warmer undertone, giving it a cozy feel. This shade is excellent for areas where you want a hint of warmth to make the room feel more welcoming and comfortable. Its slightly pinkish tone adds a gentle, soothing effect to the walls, ideal for bedrooms or living areas where you spend a lot of relaxed, personal time.

Both colors are pale and light, but the choice between them depends on the mood you want to set: crisp and clear with Polite White, or warm and cozy with Intimate White.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Faint Coral SW 6329 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Faint Coral, both by Sherwin Williams, offer distinct vibes for interior areas. Polite White is a clean, crisp white that acts like a blank canvas, making rooms feel open and airy. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to create a simple, fresh look, and works well in any lighting, helping small areas appear larger.

On the other hand, Faint Coral brings a subtle touch of warmth, with its gentle blend of pink and orange tones. This color adds a hint of personality without feeling excessive, making it perfect for adding a soft, cozy feel to areas like bedrooms or living rooms. Faint Coral pairs nicely with other soft hues and can also balance well with darker colors, adding depth and warmth to decor.

In conclusion, while Polite White sets a straightforward, clear background, Faint Coral offers a warmer, slightly more colorful option to gently enhance the mood of an area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Gorgeous White SW 6049 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Gorgeous White by Sherwin Williams are two white shades, each with its own unique tone. Polite White has a slightly warmer undertone, giving it a cozy and inviting feel. This makes it a great choice for living areas or bedrooms where a soft, welcoming atmosphere is desired.

On the other hand, Gorgeous White leans a bit cooler, with a hint of gray that imparts a clean and crisp look. This color works well in modern settings or bathrooms and kitchens, where a fresh, clean appearance is often preferred.

While both colors are shades of white, their different undertones mean they each set a distinct mood and can complement different styles and areas effectively. Whether you go for the warmth of Polite White or the crispness of Gorgeous White depends largely on your personal preference and the specific needs of the area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Cultured Pearl SW 6028 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Cultured Pearl are both neutral colors from Sherwin Williams that offer subtle differences for your decor. Polite White is a soft, warm white with slight yellow undertones, giving it a cozy feel perfect for creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in any area.

On the other hand, Cultured Pearl is a bit cooler, featuring gray undertones. This makes it ideal for areas where you want a clean, calm look without the warmth of Polite White.

Both colors are flexible enough to work in various settings, whether you’re painting a living area, bedroom, or kitchen. Polite White works well in areas with a lot of natural light, enhancing the room’s warmth. Cultured Pearl is great for areas that might not get as much sunlight, providing a subtle brightness without the need for stronger colors. Choosing between them depends on the mood you’re aiming to create and how much natural light your area receives.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • SW 6028 Cultured Pearl
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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Nice White SW 6063 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Nice White, both from Sherwin Williams, share a subtle distinction that makes each unique in its own right. Polite White has a warm, inviting quality, making areas feel cozy and comfortable. This hue leans slightly toward a creamy tone, which adds a softness ideal for living areas or bedrooms, where a calm atmosphere is often desired.

On the other hand, Nice White offers a cleaner, more neutral appearance. Its base is less creamy than Polite White, making it more flexible for different settings like kitchens or bathrooms, where a more straightforward and fresh look is preferable. This neutrality also means it pairs easily with a wide range of other colors, both bright and muted.

When deciding between the two, consider the kind of vibe you want for your area—cozy and warm with Polite White or clean and flexible with Nice White. Both shades are user-friendly and adaptable, subtly enhancing the area without feeling excessive.

You can see recommended paint color below:

polite_white_sw_6056_vs_nice_white_sw_6063
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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Hush White SW 6042 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Hush White by Sherwin Williams are two subtle shades that although similar, have distinct undertones and vibes. Polite White is a soft, warm white that offers a creamy feel, making it cozy and inviting for areas like living rooms and bedrooms. Its warm undertone helps in creating a snug and welcoming atmosphere, especially in areas with lots of natural light.

On the other hand, Hush White leans toward a cooler palette, offering a hint of gray. This makes it an excellent choice for a modern look, providing a clean and fresh appearance. It’s particularly effective in areas that aim for a minimalistic or contemporary style, as its coolness contrasts well with modern furnishings and decor.

Both colors reflect light beautifully but in different tones, with Polite White giving off a warmer glow and Hush White casting a crisper light. Choosing between them depends on the mood and style you’re aiming to achieve in your area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

polite_white_sw_6056_vs_hush_white_sw_6042
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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Everyday White SW 6077 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Everyday White by Sherwin Williams are both shades of white paint, but they have different undertones and vibes. Polite White has a cooler undertone, leaning slightly toward a soft gray. This gives it a clean and fresh look, making it a great choice for modern areas. It can make rooms feel more spacious and bright.

Everyday White, on the other hand, has warmer undertones, bringing a cozy and welcoming feel to any area. Its subtle creaminess can make an area feel homier and more inviting, which is perfect for places where you want a relaxed atmosphere, like living areas or bedrooms.

Overall, if you’re deciding between the two for your walls, think about the mood you want to create. Polite White is good for a crisp, clear look, while Everyday White works well for a softer, warmer ambiance. Both colors are flexible and can work in many different types of décor.

You can see recommended paint color below:

polite_white_sw_6056_vs_everyday_white_sw_6077
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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Gauzy White SW 6035 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Gauzy White, both by Sherwin Williams, are similar yet subtly different shades of white. Polite White is a cleaner, crisper white that can make a room feel fresh and airy. It has a hint of coolness to it, which makes it great for a modern look that feels tidy and organized.

On the other hand, Gauzy White is a softer, warmer white. This color has a cozy feel, making it perfect for areas where you want to relax such as bedrooms or living areas. Its warmth can make a room seem more welcoming and comfortable.

When choosing between the two, consider the mood and function of your area. Polite White works well in areas that benefit from a bright and sharp vibe, like kitchens or bathrooms. Gauzy White, however, is better for areas where a softer, more soothing atmosphere is desired. Both colors reflect light well, but their slight tonal differences can affect how they complement other colors and furniture in your area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

polite_white_sw_6056_vs_gauzy_white_sw_6035
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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Modest White SW 6084 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Modest White are two subtle shades from Sherwin Williams. Polite White is brighter with a clean, fresh feel to it. It can make a room feel larger and is flexible enough for various areas. This color reflects more light, which means it’s great for areas without much natural sunlight.

On the other hand, Modest White has a warmer undertone, making it cozier and slightly darker compared to Polite White. This shade adds a gentle warmth to rooms, ideal for creating a comfy and inviting atmosphere.

When you’re deciding between the two for your home, think about the mood you want to set. If you’re after a more open and airy vibe, Polite White is a good choice. But if you prefer a snugger, warmer setting, Modest White might be the better option. Both colors are neutral and will go well with a variety of decor, so they’re very practical options for any area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

polite_white_sw_6056_vs_modest_white_sw_6084
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Polite White SW 6056 by Sherwin Williams vs Reliable White SW 6091 by Sherwin Williams

Polite White and Reliable White by Sherwin Williams are two shades that, although both are white, offer different vibes for your area. Polite White has a slightly warmer tone which gives a cozy and welcoming feel to any room. It’s great for creating a snug and inviting atmosphere, perfect for living areas or bedrooms where comfort is key.

On the other hand, Reliable White has a cleaner, crisper look which helps make an area feel more open and bright. It’s a fantastic choice for areas that get less natural light or smaller areas that you want to appear larger. This color tends to lean more toward a neutral or cooler white, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or modern living areas that benefit from a fresh and clean appearance.

Both colors are flexible and can work well in various decorating styles, but your choice will depend on the kind of mood you want to set and the specific characteristics of each area.

You can see recommended paint color below:

polite_white_sw_6056_vs_reliable_white_sw_6091
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After studying SW 6056 Polite White by Sherwin Williams, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to brighten their area without making it too bright. This shade of white is soft and warm, making it feel cozy, almost like you’re wrapped up in a gentle hug. It has the power to make small areas appear bigger and give a clean and fresh look without being too stark or cold, which sometimes happens with stronger whites.

Polite White is also really great because it works well with lots of different colors. Whether you’ve got bright colored sofas or dark wooden tables, this paint will complement them nicely. It’s not just for walls either; you can use it on ceilings or trim to pull a whole area together.

I’m glad I got to learn about Polite White because it’s shown me a perfect balance between too much and too little color, making it just right for all kinds of places in a home. If you or anyone you know is thinking about repainting and wants something that’s both easy to use and looks good, SW 6056 Polite White could be the way to go. It seems to set a friendly and welcoming vibe, perfect for any area.

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