When it’s time for a long-awaited home improvement paint project, the options can quickly become overwhelming. There are so many brands and finishes at the hardware store, not to mention the specialty and premium brands that are sold exclusively online. Take a deep breath as we cover the basics, and you’ll be enjoying a freshly-painted room in no time.
Color
Despite how expansive the paint chip variety may appear, color is one of the easiest and most fun aspects of a new paint job. The factors to consider here, such as a color’s impact on your mood, are completely personal and subjective. Ultimately, you will know what’s best!
If a room is already furnished, choose a color that coordinates with your existing scheme. Consider which colors are complementary, or gravitate toward something timeless and neutral. When you’re starting from scratch, it is surprisingly both easier and harder than building on an existing palette. On the one hand, there are no limitations since the room is a blank slate; on the other hand, the seemingly endless options can leave you stuck in a loop of contemplation! When you want to outsource the task, browse Pinterest for inspiration. Something is certain to catch your eye!
Sheen
Flatter paint finishes absorb more light whereas glossier paints reflect light. Glossier paints tend to be more durable as a finished product since they can easily be wiped down. However, as the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold; the shinier the finish, the more likely imperfections will show. In any given room, you could use both a flat and a glossy finish — typically baseboards, cabinets, moulding, and trim are comparatively high-sheen while walls and ceilings are a flatter option like matte or eggshell.
Material
There are 2 primary categories of interior home paint: enamel (oil-based) and latex (also called water-based). The differences boil down to drying time, shine of the finished product, durability, and difficulty of cleaning. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, shines brighter, lasts longer, and is more difficult to cleanup than water-based. If you’re using an opaque undercoat called primer, make sure to match the base material–water or oil–to the base material of the primer.
Additives
Specialty paints include those with extra features. Some of these paints have anti-mold, anti-mildew, fire retardant, or anti-condensation additives which give the paint special qualities. There are certainly benefits to using the mold-resistant paint in very humid spaces. Spending a little extra during the initial paint job can prolong the life of your investment!
If you’re interested in our house painting services in Bucks County or commercial painters in Bucks County, contact us today! We can make your home or business look brand new.
Our Interior Work
Our Exterior Work
