For easy maintenance, use a minimum level of eggshell gloss (never flat) for
light colors. The darker the color, the higher the gloss. For a tone like
hunter green or burgundy use a semigloss, it adds a richness and depth while
preventing chalking (those marks from anything rubbing against the wall.)
Trim Paint
To maximize the architectural features of a room and frame it most effectively,
use high gloss decorator white on your trim and moulding. This will make even
neutrals look fresher and crisper, and allow the architectural features to do
their job of framing the room and setting the stage.
Ceiling Paint
It can be marvelously effective with ceilings over 8’ to use graduated tints of
your wall color instead of ceiling white. In tray ceilings especially, this
promotes the architectural feature. If you are hesitant, at the very least,
consider a bone or linen white so that your trim in white stands out and
doesn’t disappear against ceiling white.
Paint Selection
Buy the best paint quality you can afford, don’t skimp on this one. If hiring a
pro, allow them to use the brand they prefer, they work best with a favorite.
Any quality paint brand can match samples from other manufacturers.
Priming
Using a tinted primer can really speed up and improve coverage of any color.
Light colors typically require a minimum of two coats, while darker colors can
require as many as six for even coverage and to get the true level of color.
Prime with black under dark colors.
Selecting Colors
Don’t select your colors from a one inch paint chip. Do purchase a quart (in
some cases less is available) of the desired color and either:
a) Paint it on a piece of foam board (available at office and art supply stores),
a minimum of two coats and let it dry. Hold up your sample at morning, noon and
night, over three days to get a real feel for it. Rarely will you go with the
first color you select, usually you need to try three.
b) You can paint your quart tester directly on the wall, but be aware that this
will necessitate making a decision quickly to avoid a splotched room, and you
still need to evaluate the color on each wall.
Don’t pick your color while it is resting horizontally on a surface either, it
changes in vertical format. Unless you are painting a floor, check the color
vertically.
Remember, it is only paint and can always be changed!
Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt
About The Author
Melissa Galt is a Lifestyle Designer and Speaker based in
Atlanta, GA. She hosts a series of blogs on design tips and trends and produces
a monthly ezine dedicated to helping subscribers design their signature life.
For the latest teleclasses, seminars, and ebooks on designing your life check
out http://www.melissagalt.com.
