Picking the Perfect Paint

Appleblossom. A Touch of Grey. Flamingo. The Final Straw. Skyline Blue. Sunbeam Yellow. Monterey Red.

No matter the name of the color, a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home’s interior.

Not only can a new coat of paint help restore old walls and modernize an outdated house, it can also create the illusion of larger or cozier spaces — creating the exact ambiance you’re going for in each and every room.

Use these tips from industry professionals to help you pick the perfect interior paint:

• Choose Your Hues. Choosing from literally thousands of paint colors can be daunting, so it helps to first think about the colors that regularly appeal to you. Look at your clothing wardrobe. Chances are that the colors in your closet are both the colors you feel most comfortable in and the colors that best reflect your true personality. Select three or four and use them as a starting point. Then, use a color wheel, paint app or inspirational website to discover complementary colors and develop a purposeful color scheme.
• Design With Intent. Remember, color will impact both the mood and the perceived dimensions of your space. Typically, lighter interior paint colors make confined spaces feel more spacious than they really are, while darker colors will compress larger areas creating the illusion of a more intimate space. So, if your goal is to create a casual kitchen and dining area, for instance, avoid glaring, formal whites and over-the-top royal hues.
• Don’t Forget to Consider the Finish. Finish refers to a paint color’s sheen and washability factor. Generally speaking, you’ll choose from flat (matte), eggshell, semi-gloss and gloss (shiny), keeping both aesthetics and practicality in mind. Flat paint absorbs light to hide imperfections and is low on the washability scale, so it’s often best for de-emphasized, low-traffic areas and ceilings. On the other hand, satin, eggshell and semi-gloss paints create visual interest and are better for high traffic areas, especially because they resist staining and are easier to clean. A trick of the trade is to remember that the glossier the paint, the more you’ll notice imperfections on the surface.
• Primer Points. It’s always important to prime before you paint, even when you’re applying dark colors over light. After all, a good coat of primer does more than just cover up existing paint. It provides an ideal adhesion surface for new paint, helping it to last longer. Keep in mind that all primers are not created equal. Choose a latex-based, oil-based, tinted or other specialized primer based on the material and condition of your walls. And when in doubt, always consult with a professional who can help you choose the right colors, finishes and primers for your painting projects.

Contact Republic West Remodeling, a home improvement company in Scottsdale, for all of your home’s remodeling needs.