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The Paint Dilemma...
We all
know paint is a quick and inexpensive way to dramatically change a room.
We also know that choosing the wrong paint color can also create havoc
in our decorating scheme. If you're like me, you’ve probably had
the husband walk through the door after a long day at work to find an
artistic creation gone awry: half a wall painted one color and six
samples of paint blotches on the other wall, countless brushes strewn
across the floor, paint in your hair and clothes, a dog of a different
color, and -- oh my gosh! -- no dinner. Not good.
What have I learned from being my own
painting contractor? PREPARATION is the key! I don’t care what
name brand or perfect color you have chosen for your new project. If
the prep work is bad, then your paint job is worse. I have spent DAYS
sanding, puttying, sanding again, priming, sanding again, priming, and
then painting. The results are outstanding! A painter who does the
appropriate prep work costs hundreds for a very small job and thousands
for a larger job. Good painters are expensive. That is why I’ve taken
on most of my painting projects and why my wrist needs a splint. The
local painting store will offer helpful advice on prepping and
painting. Always use two coats and if you are a perfectionist like me,
I always prime with two coats if necessary and apply 2-3 coats of the
final paint. Sounds like overkill but it works for me.
Above: A painted reproduction dry sink in a mud room serves as a
functional yet eye-catching piece.
The exterior color should complement the
interior colors.
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After
deciding what color your room should be, you might find yourself
deciding on what KIND or brand of paint to use. Having completed a
number of paint projects myself, I have my favorite brand. Sherwin
Williams has consistently performed in many applications including wood
furniture, walls, and wood trim. Sherwin Williams has several lines of
paint, some of which are brand new on the market. I have used their
Cashmere line for interior use but you might want to investigate their
new Duration Home which has many attractive qualities including stain
resistant technology exclusive to Sherwin Williams. I love their
neutral tones including Dover White and Muslin. If you have classic
furniture and architectural details to showcase, why clutter it with a
busy wall color? Use a paint color that serves as a subtle backdrop
for heirloom furniture. Any kind of figured wood case piece looks
sharp against gallery white walls.
Remember
-- LESS is MORE.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve seen pleasing color
palettes in homes and businesses and always inquire what paint color or manufacture it came from. Keep in mind
though, that same paint color that looks pleasing to the eye in one
setting can look very different in another. Thank goodness that
paint is affordable and we don’t need to be experts to apply it and have
fun with the results.
For
some no nonsense advice on paint and proper application, This Old
House November 2005 has helpful information.
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