Selecting a paint color can be one of the most difficult things to do when decorating your home.
You stare at countless 1"X 2" color samples at the store and finally you decide on a shade called Dreamsicle Pink. It looks great no.. it's perfect! You paint paint your room and suddenly you're in a Tangerine Nightmare.
It's always worth the extra effort to bring some samples home and look at them in your own lighting at different times of the day. Whenever possible, if time allows I always suggest, actually insist is closer to the truth that my clients take the time to do some sample boards of one or two colors of the colors being considered. The sample boards are great because they can be moved around the room. Remember that the color is going to look lighter in some parts of the room than others. Also it's always a good idea to live with the colors for a few days especially if it's a big change.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Paint can reflect other colors in the room. That raspberry carpet maybe throwing some color onto the walls. So keep that in mind when you're looking at a pinky beige vs. a truer beige which is going to look pinker at night under incandescent lighting.
Always look at the paint vertically so the light will hit the samples the way you're going to be seeing it.
Always consider the type of paint you're choosing. The glossier the paint the more imperfections in the surfaces you're going to see but always consider the durability as well.
Matte or flat wall paint doesn't reflect light and is great for hiding flaws but doesn't stand up to cleaning.
Flat Enamel has a matte finish but holds up to an occasional cleaning.
Eggshell Finish has a very low sheen works greats great on walls and holds up better to cleaning than a flat finish paint.
Satin Finish has a velvety look and is a bit glossier. It's used mostly in kitchens, baths, kid's rooms or any other high traffic area. It's also great for doors, windows and all other trim work because it's formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.
Semi gloss paint is used most often on all types of woodwork, doors, windows, cabinets etc. However because of the gloss take extra care with your prep work.
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Guide created: 11/08/06 (updated 11/14/06)
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