Interior Painting

Painting Like a Pro

Choosing the Right Color, Choosing the Right Type of Paint Can Make All the Difference

Having trouble picking the perfect paint color for your home decorating project? Not sure what type of paint you should use? Don't feel bad -- even the pros need help from time to time.

Here's a list of top 10 questions and answers to help you better understand the basics of color and paint selection and transform your weekend project into a professional quality job.

1. What is the best way to decide which color is best for my room?

The first step is determining your color scheme by examining your existing furniture, window treatments, and other accessories (or shop for these items first). Choose your favorite colors in these items and visit your paint dealer to get coordinating color chips. Look at the color chips in the daylight and at night so you will see how lighting will affect your color choices. As a last resort, you might want to buy a quart of your chosen color and test it on one of your walls.

2. My room has a chair rail and I am using two colors. Which one goes where?

If you want an open, airy look, always paint the portion of the wall below the chair rail with the darker color. This allows the lighter color to dominate.

3. Should trim work be painted the same color as the walls, or a different shade?

The answer to this question depends on what you are trying to achieve with your room. Use the same color on the trim if you are trying to disguise ordinary or unattractive trim work, or if you are trying to create a uniform, monochromatic look. Use a lighter or darker color to accentuate trim work or to add subtle hints or bold flashes of color to your room.

4. Will the paint I chose look lighter or darker on the wall?

Over a larger surface area, most colors appear darker. It's a good idea to choose colors a shade or two lighter than what you want. Clean, bright colors can appear either lighter or darker depending on the surrounding colors and lighting in the room.

5. I've just finished painting my room and the color is bolder than I expected. How can I soften the look?

Try applying a lighter or more muted color over the original color using a design technique such as rag rolling, sponging, or color washing.

6. How do colors affect a room's size?

Generally, strong, warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows tend to close a space. These colors are known as advancing colors because they jump out and meet the eye. Conversely, receding colors like blue, green and violet tend to make a room look larger because they "stand back" visually. However, the darkest values of the receding colors, like navy blue or hunter green, also tend to have a diminishing effect on a room's size. Small rooms are best made to appear larger by painting them white or a light neutral color.

7. What color should I paint my ceiling?

It is customary to paint ceilings white or off-white. This creates the illusion of higher ceilings and a more open space. Medium to dark colors will create the illusion of lowering the ceiling, which can create a cozy look if the ceiling is higher than usual. With normal height ceilings, medium and dark colors could close in the area too much creating a cave-like appearance.

8. What's the difference between different types of paint finishes and which finish works best where?

* Flat finishes have no shine, making them ideal for hiding minor surface imperfections. While traditional flat finishes are not usually stain-resistant, Pratt * Lambert Accolade is designed to provide maximum stain resistance while maintaining a beautiful flat finish.

* Eggshell or velvet finishes work in just about any room. They are easier to clean than flat finishes and offer a soft glow that warms up any room.

* Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and are good for highlighting architectural details. They work well in kitchens, baths, and on doors and trim.

* Gloss finishes are shiny and scrubable, so they are perfect for doors, trim and specialty uses.

* Sheen terminologies vary by manufacturer. Please see your Pratt & Lambert dealer to view actual sheens.

9. What is the difference between oil-based and water-based paint, and what are the advantages of each?

Alkyd, or oil-based paint penetrates wood better than latex (water-based) paint and won't stick when you keep your doors and windows shut for the winter. For the bulk of most jobs, latex (water-based) paint is the better choice. It dries faster, doesn't yellow and can be cleaned up with soap and water when you break for the day.

10. How do I determine the amount of paint I'll need for a particular job?
The first step is to add the width of all walls in the room together. Multiply this sum by the height of one wall from floor to ceiling. Take this total number and subtract the total area of your doors, windows, archways, etc. to get the exact area of wall space you will paint. A flat surface usually requires one gallon for every 400 square feet. Take into account the number of coats you will need to do the job right. Blue and yellow are hard colors to cover up with just one coat.

Exterior painting tips

16 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR
EXTERIOR PAINTING JOB EASIER!

1. Never hesitate to ask questions.
If you're not sure of a particular type of paint or procedure, ask your local General Paint representative. The most important product we provide is information.

2. Extend the life of your paint job.
Never start a painting project without proper preparation, such as thorough cleaning of the surface, removal of old peeling paint and use of a primer if required. Time spent on preparation will improve the look and life of your paint job.

3. Get rid of surface mildew.
Mold and mildew usually appear as a brown or black staining on the surface and will continue reappearing after each paint job unless eliminated. Wash the affected areas with a mixture of one part household bleach and three parts warm soapy water, then rinse.

4. Store brushes in the freezer overnight.
Brushes and roller sleeves used with oil-based paint can be temporarily kept soft by being wrapped in aluminum foil, placed in a plastic bag and stored in the freezer. This saves clean-up time and trouble when you plan to resume painting in the next day or two.

5. Take good care of your painting tools.
Wash brushes used with latex paint in warm (dish) soapy water. Leave a little soap in the brush and wrap in wax paper to preserve the softness and shape. Comb brushes and rollers after cleaning to eliminate excess fuzz and remove loose bristles.

6. Don't let shrubbery eat your fresh paint job.
Before painting exterior siding, tie back any shrubs or branches that may scratch the fresh paint. Leave tied back for a week to allow complete drying.

7. Keep records.
Always keep a record of the paint used as well as the color code. You'll be glad you did when down the road you discover you need more paint for a touch up or another coat.

8. Avoid painting in direct sunlight.
Heat blistering may result if a hot sun causes too rapid drying of the paint film, trapping solvents which later vaporize and put pressure against the topcoat. This is most common with dark color coatings which are naturally heat absorbent.

9. Check the compatibility of the products you use.
For example, when filling seams on new plywood sheeted sundecks, be sure the filler you use is compatible with the deck coating you intend to use.

10. Take advantage of specialty brushes.
Use an angled brush for sash areas and corners. Ask your General Paint representative about other special tools available to help make your job easier.

11. Line your paint tray.
Use foil as this makes changing the color or type of paint fast and easy.

12. Tip the paint can.
Keep paint in prime condition by storing the container upside down. Make sure the lip of the can is cleaned before sealing.

13. Keep the bugs away.
Put a few drops of wintergreen in exterior oil to reduce the attraction of bugs and flies around the freshly painted surface.

14. Use an extension handle.
An extension handle can eliminate use of ladder in many cases and thus increase safety, speed and mobility. Most people are aware that extension handles can be used with rollers, but not many know that a brush attachment is available for extension painting of edges and corners.

15. Protect your windows.
When painting exterior windows, leave approximately 1/8" of paint extending onto the windowpane. This will provide a waterproof seal that will extend the life of the paint film and also protect the window putty.

16. Read the fine print.
Almost everything you need to know about your paint job is written of the back of the paint can.

 Also check out our Manufacture's Products page

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