Paint 101

My favorite decorating tool is a can of paint. Nothing brings about a big change with so little investment. Often, you can do it yourself.

The change can really have an impact. If you change the furniture but leave the paint color, the change is noticeable. However, if you leave the furniture but change the paint, it’s dramatic.

Here are some basic facts and tips to painting that can really add a finished look to your paint job without adding too much work and money.

Sheens

Paint comes in different sheens or finishes. Before you select your color, determine the sheen you would like.

This is because different sheens reflect light differently and the color will look different on your surface.

Sheens range from flat to high gloss. For most walls, flat gives a consistent and smooth finish. It can hide most defects in the surface you are covering.

As you get higher up the sheen chart in terms of gloss – the higher you go, the more perfect the surface needs to be. For example, high gloss can show any imperfection. I would use it only on brand new sheet rock walls. Also, the look is very unique and should only be used on a small space.

Semi-gloss is very popular for doors and trim. Its easy to wash and holds up to knicks.

I like to use satin instead. It’s a little softer and just as washable.

All paint stores have charts which show the different sheens.

Major Name Brands vs Home Improvement Store Brands

Hands down, I always use either Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. They cost more but you get what you pay for.

The major brands adhere to the surface better, so they apply evenly. They are more fade resistant, knick and smudge resistant. Also, the color is true so it appears more consistently throughout the room and in different light.

I do not recommend selecting a major paint brand color and then having another store mix it or match to their brand. My experience has taught me that it’s just not the same. In most cases, it is off a shade or two. But I have been in situations where it really is disastrous.

The reason for the mismatch is the base paint used is composed of different shades. The major brands have a purer white base, so it doesn’t mix in other tones and you get a true representation. Other paints have a different base. For example, if you select a blue and the base has some yellow in it, the result is a greenish tinge. I have seen jobs where it came out very wrong and cost additional time and money.

Selecting a Color

Don’t beat yourself up on this one. It is almost impossible to select the right color these days. The reason is that there are literally thousands of colors from which to pick. Companies have over 40 blues, 50 grays and umpteen whites.

Selecting the right color requires an understanding of undertones. When you need a color selected, save yourself lots of time, money and frustration and hire a color consultant.

I highly recommend a professional for this job. Needless to say, the professional I recommend is me.

Primer Plus Two Coats of Color

Always use a primer if:

The surface has never been painted before
If you are painting a surface that is very dark and going to a lighter one.
When the surface has been patched or is stained

Primer and paint have different purposes. A primer is a protective coating that you apply to a surface before painting. Primers:

Help ensure a uniform paint finish
Block water, grease and smoke stains that can bleed through your paint
Help paint adhere to your surface for a better, longer lasting look

Primer and paint have different components so, they dry differently on the wall. Here is a picture showing the difference when they are dry. Don’t think you applied the primer wrong and that it needs another coat, just one coat of primer is all you need.

False Claims

Some companies advertise primer and paint in one. They boast it saves you time and money. This is a marketing ploy. As we just discussed, paint and primer have two distinct purposes and composition. They are not effective if combined.

Another claim made by some paint companies is that their paint covers so well, you only need one coat. Not true. It is impossible to paint and cover an entire surface in one coat. You will always miss a spot. Plus, a second coat, adds richness to the color.

Quality Brushes and Rollers

Invest in quality brushes and rollers. It’s not necessary to go to the extreme high end, but i recommend using tools that are above disposable dollar store quality.

Otherwise, you will be leaving bristles behind. The rollers will begin to break up, leaving particles on the wall, stuck in the paint.

Some Things To Keep In Mind

Three coats of paint are not equal to one coat of primer plus two coats of paint. Remember, they have different purposes and compositions.

Always use a drop cloth, not just on the floor but cover nearby furniture as well.

Make sure a pet doesn’t come sniffing around the paint tray. I learned this the hard way!