One of the most important things you need to learn when interested in DIY home projects is how to choose paint color. You cannot simply choose your favorite color and expect everything to turn out great. Fortunately, we got you covered with some really useful tips. Here is how you can choose the appropriate paint color in various cases.
Use Real Paint Samples
Remember that you cannot really tell how the color will look on your wall. Many make the mistake of taking small paint chips but you want to find the manufacturers that offer containers with sample colors. The samples can be bought in various small sizes, like pints. You spend under $10 and you can see exactly how the color will be, allowing you to avoid a potentially huge waste of money.
Color will often dramatically change if faced with specific lighting conditions. Roll samples on white tagboards so you can move samples around. This allows you to easily check lighting conditions.
Use Family Color Collections
Most serious paint companies out there group colors in “schemes”, “concepts”, “collections” and “families”. These are complementary color combinations you would rarely consider but that work really well in combination. You basically manage to take advantage of the research that was already done by some experts. Look for brochures offered by paint stores and search online for websites of the paint manufacturer. You can even find combinations on Pinterest and websites like houzz.com.
Permanent Colors First
Base color choices on permanent room furnishings or some home exterior features. When looking at indoor options, look at artwork, rugs, upholstery, blinds and flooring. This will suggest clear color directions. When analyzing outdoor areas, think about the factory-finished materials like fascia, gutters, brickwork, soffits and roofs. These are colors that will rarely change and that will determine overall pain color that works best.
Remember to also think about landscaping. You want colors that fit in perfectly with surrounding palette.
Don’t Forget About Your Neighbors
If your color choice is clashing with that of the neighbors you end up in a clear lose-lose situation. For instance, you may personally think that something purple with red would be very good but it is highly possible that neighbors will hate you if you do this. Your property’s resale value will go down but theirs will also be negatively impacted. Indoor decorations are largely around pleasing family and friends but if you ever think about selling the home, weird schemes or colors are going to turn off your potential buyers.
Ceiling Color Lightening
You will often see ceilings in shadows so the color does normally tend to appear darker than the color you have added to the walls. When you really want ceiling color to match wall color it is important to buy ceiling paint that will be around 2 shades lighter. Alternatively, you can also dilute wall color by using 50% white paint. Just make sure you do this right or the result will not be that great.
Carefully Choose Sheen
You have to choose sheen after you choose the color. Many paint companies give you access to various options, like gloss, semigloss, satin, eggshell and flat. The glossier finish is really easy to clean but wall imperfections will be emphasized. Hiding imperfections is much easier for flat paint but it can easily be damaged. You basically want to choose a flat finish for lower traffic areas and ceilings. The glossier finishes are capable of easily withstanding grease and moisture. This makes them great for cabinets, trims and highly trafficked rooms.
As an extra tip, in the event you like flat paint appearance and you are interested in higher durability, mix with eggshell paint at a 50-50 ratio.
Buy Paint Of A Higher Quality
You want to spend around $50 per one gallon if you want the very best result. Paint is made out of pigments, resins and solvents. The paint that is of a higher quality is going to be more concentrated. It includes better resins and finer pigments. You thus end up with a finish that is more durable and more color.
Many homeowners try to save money but when you opt for the more expensive pain, you apply fewer coats. Always do your homework and choose the best quality paint for the project you have.
Be Careful With Exterior Colors
When a color is darker or more intense, there is a higher chance that it is going to show dirt and fade. After just a few years it is easy to notice that really deep reds and vivid blues become subdued. Dirt splotches and streaks are going to be visible. Dark colors are going to sustain increased moisture problems and will absorb heat when compared with lighter shades.
Dark paint faints so it will be difficult to have a perfect match as touch-ups are necessary. The truth is that dark colors will offer a clear air of drama or dignity. This makes them really attractive.
Basically, remember that when you choose colors like blue, red, yellow and green, they will fade fast. When you choose earth tones, like browns, tans and beiges, everything is more stable.
Sponge-Painting Walls
One of the painting techniques that are quite useful at creating a really special effect is sponge painting. Results are highly attractive and the great thing about it is that you do not need to use exotic potions, expensive tools or have a precise hand. As opposed to the other painting techniques, everything is forgiving. As an example, if there is one wall part that ends up lighter, you can get back to the area and dab some darker paint. Practice and you will realize in many cases this painting technique works great.