There are five color selection mistakes you don’t want to make when choosing paint colors for your home. Let’s be honest…there is nothing wrong with choosing paint colors that speak to you. After all, that is why there are thousands of paint color selections. In fact, one of the biggest missteps is choosing a color you aren’t crazy about just because you don’t want to make a mistake. Luckily, here are some guidelines that will help you make good choices when getting ready to paint.
DON’T OVERLOOK THE FINISH SELECTION
Like everything else, finish is a personal preference. However, different finishes serve different purposes and you need to be aware of each before you make a choice. Many homeowners default to a FLAT/MATTE finish because it hides imperfections well. Unfortunately, it is hard to clean without marring the surface. EGGSHELL is similar to flat paint, but with a little more shine to it. It is also difficult to clean. SEMI-GLOSS and SATIN reflect more light and are sturdier overall. Satin is a great choice for just enough reflective quality and easy cleaning, but both are easier to clean and stand up to the moisture of cleaning. GLOSS or semi-gloss is best saved for molding and trim work.
For more in depth information on types of finishes before you make your final choice, please read out post on Types of Paints and Finishes.
DON’T USE “RISKY” COLORS WITHOUT TESTING
If you are going with a neutral color, such as beige, white, gray, greige or other tried-and-true color selections, you may make a choice based on color chips at the paint store or on the paint fan provided by your professional. However, if you are going for a bold, eclectic or statement color it is best to buy paint samples and apply them to the wall or a poster board that you can move around your room at different times of the day. This will help you be certain of exactly how the color will look in your room. It is best to pay a little extra for several paint samples than have to repaint your rooms because you are dissatisfied with the final product..
DON’T SETTLE FOR WHAT IS ALREADY ON THE WALLS
Perhaps you are getting ready to move or you’ve been looking at the same wall color in your current home for years. Whatever your situation – don’t settle for seconds on your wall colors. Just because the previous owners loved the colors on the walls doesn’t mean you should settle for them. Especially if they don’t coordinate with your furniture, artwork or – most important – your style and taste. When getting ready for a move that is the perfect time to tailor your home to your personal preferences. Get it done before the movers arrive with the furniture or at least before everything is place against the walls.
If a move is not in your future then ask yourself how long it has been since you’ve painted the walls in your home? Paint colors fade and age over time just like everything. Don’t let your home get shabby by neglecting to freshen up the walls. Research color trends and colors, or choose updated neutrals. Express yourself!
DON’T JUST THINK ABOUT THE WALLS
Remember, walls aren’t the only things that need to be refreshed. Consider the doors, trim and crown molding in your home. Once the walls are painted they may seem faded or lackluster. You can always clean them with a solution of water and soap in a spray bottle or try vinegar and water.
If you plan to repaint them too, you don’t have to stick with white. It is popular and elegant to paint the trim the same color as the walls. However, to create a little contrast the trim and moldings should be done in semi-gloss or gloss – whichever you prefer.
DON’T DIY ABOVE YOUR SKILL LEVEL
It is tempting to look at paint projects as easy DIY projects. If you are just doing one room without changing colors and you have the time and equipment, well, that may be ok. But don’t underestimate things. You will have to move furniture, put protective covers on everything, tape off trim and buy any brushes and rollers that you don’t already have. Know your skill level and time constraints before you start. The professionals at ColaTown Painting are ready to help you transform your house to the home of your dreams.
Call or e-mail Britt 803-603-6486 ellisb@colatownpainting.com for a free, no-obligation estimate for your interior or exterior painting needs. We are ready to help!
Recent Comments