Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get started on your next weekend project.
How do I determine the amount of paint needed for a particular job?
Measure both the height and width of your walls. Then, add the width of all the 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.
How do I select the best colour for my room?
The first step is to examine your furniture, window treatments, and other accessories. From the colours represented in these items, choose your favorite colours and visit your local retailer to obtain coordinating colour chips. Put the chips in the room and look at them both in the daylight and at night to see the effect lighting has on the colours. You may want to even buy a tester-pot of your top choice and test it on one of your walls.
As painting is simple and inexpensive, you may want to experiment with daring colours that you might not choose for more costly items like furniture or room furnishings.
Try out one of the bold paint colours that are the latest trend, such as a magenta and teal.
For those who are a bit intimidated about using a bold colour on all four walls, it can always be used for an accent wall. This would allow you to introduce a small area of bold colour and then as your comfort level increases, begin incorporating a larger number of dark colours into your room.
How do colours affect the size of a room?
Strong, warm colours like reds, oranges and yellows have the tendency to close a space. Called advancing colours, these hues jump out and meet the eye.
Conversely, receding colours like blue, green and violet make a room look larger because they 'stand back' visually.
However, the darkest values of the receding colours, like navy blue or hunter green, also tend to have a diminishing effect on a room’s size. To make small rooms appear larger, choose a white or neutral colour.
Should trim work be used as an accent or painted the same colour as the walls?
The answer to this question depends on what look you are trying to achieve. Use the same colour if you want to downplay ordinary or unattractive trim work, or if you are trying to create a uniform, monochromatic look. Use a lighter or darker colour to accentuate trim or to add subtle hints or bold flashes of colour to your room.
Will the paint I choose look lighter or darker on the wall?
Over a large surface area, most colours appear darker. You may want to consider choosing a colour a shade or two lighter to counteract this effect. To soften a colour, try applying a lighter or more muted colour over the original hue using a design technique such as rag rolling, sponging, or colour washing.
How do I know which paint finish is right for my room?
Matt finishes have no shine, making them ideal for hiding minor surface imperfections. However, they are best utilized in low-trafficked rooms that don’t require continual washing or scrubbing. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are durable, easy to clean and are great choices for kitchens and bathrooms. Gloss finishes feature the highest shine and best durability, so they are perfect for doors, trim and specialty uses.
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