In this paper, the preparation of chameleon-type building coatings was investigated. The reversible thermochromic properties of the chameleon-type building coatings at normal temperatures were measured, and their solar reflectance spectra were measured. The results showed that the colors of the chameleon-type building coatings could be changed reversibly between red, violet etc. below 18 degreesC and white above 18 degreesC. The solar reflectance spectra of the coatings showed that they could absorb more solar energy below 18 degreesC than above 18 degreesC, which indicated that the coatings had transformed between light-absorbing and light-reflecting at normal temperatures. The characteristics of the coatings could be used to create a thermally comfortable building environment. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.