Best Way to Choose the Right Paint Color

Painting can be fun or it can be a chore. Some people will happily lose a few hours with the radio on and a paintbrush in their hand, while others dread losing another weekend to the second coat. Part of the reason for this may be the end result. People who spend time getting the preparation right reap the benefits at the end and will enjoy taking their time with the job. People who want an instant effect, however, often end up with shoddy results, which disillusions them against ever taking on a decorating job again.

So the secret with painting, as with all decorating, is to take your time. Spend a while looking at paint charts and picking out colors. Take the time to clean, sand and prepare your surface properly, and make sure your work area is organized.

Not properly covering or moving the furniture might seem like a shortcut at the beginning of the job, but it will certainly add time and stress to the day when you’re desperately trying to sponge off vivid blue paint from your brand new sofa.

Choosing Colors

It’s never easy quite getting the right shade. With so many ready-made and made-to-order colors available, the decision can be a daunting one. Luckily, paint manufacturers have realized this, and now sell small tester pots which are perfect for trying out at home, before making the decision to buy the full quantity. It’s worth remembering that colors can have different effects on a room – warm colors will make the room feel cosy but smaller; pale colors can increase the feeling of spaciousness but may not be as comforting on a cold winter night. Of course, clever use of lighting can also affect this, so do think about the room in its entirety, complete with furniture, natural light and artificial light, when choosing your paint.

Different types of paint have varying surface coverage qualities, whether they be oil- or water-based. To calculate how much you need, measure the area you wish to paint and work out the square meterage (length x width). When selecting your paints, check the coverage rate on the can to quantify how much you need. Always allow at least 1096 extra paint because you do not want to run short.

Always Clean Your Brushes and Rollers

If I could afford a ‘Roller’ then I’m sure that I could afford to pay somebody to clean it for me! Seriously though, it’s very important that you purchase good quality brushes and rollers – the quality will be reflected in the standard of the finish you achieve. And make sure that you clean your tools thoroughly when you’ve finished. Just like any other tools, brushes and rollers need to be ‘broken in’, and they will improve with use. As a matter of fact, a good quality range of brushes and rollers should last a lifetime for an average family. And remember, if you get your brush out and it feels a little stiff, just run a wire brush over it – that will soon soften the little blighter up!