Tips and Tools to Cut through the Overwhelm of your next Painting Project
So, you’ve made the exciting decision to update your interior walls. Pick a color and you’re ready to go. So easy, right? If you’ve been through this process on your own, I’m guessing you’ll agree with me with a resounding “No!” The subtleties in shade, the effect of light, the ease of application, durability, and purpose. So much to consider in what seems like such a simple process.
While hiring a designer helps virtually erase the above overwhelm, that option is not always in the budget. Here are a few tips and tools to help you cut through the clutter.
Picking a Color
There are so many colors to choose from, making it difficult to know the difference in tone between similar colors. However, this is why it is important to ask for professional help because we have the connections, tools, and platforms that can make your project go smoothly and you can have the finished project you dreamed of.
Fortunately, the world of technology has allowed paint manufacturers such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams to create apps that assist your color choices. Their apps can be used on your phone or a tablet, and we can walk you through it. You simply take a picture of the room you want to be painted and begin to pick out colors. As you pick a color, the application will replace the color of the walls with the color you chose giving you an idea of what the room could look like fully painted. This process can be more convenient than flipping through a color chart and holding it up to the wall to see if that little 2-inch by 2-inch color square looks good in your room.
Another way to receive help from your project manager is to ask for examples of their work that apply to your needs. Most if not all companies have some type of portfolio for you to access so that they can generate some ideas from past work that they have done.
For example, at Hester Painting & Decorating, we use Houzz as one of our main platforms to post past projects that we have completed, showcasing multiple projects from wallcoverings to faux finish to basic painted wall. Not only will this allow you to gather some ideas, but it also gives you the chance to see what type of work your painting contractor does, how professional they are and what the finished product will look like.
Also, don’t forget to view your painting contractor’s main website. Take the time to look through the entire website and do your research on the company and the quality of their work. A professional looking website is a good example of a professional company. Their website is where they will have all the information about their company and all the completed and current project pictures and descriptions. Visit the Hester Painting and Decorating website and click on the portfolios to view all the finished productions. Then by clicking on other tabs such as Residential, Commercial, Interior, Exterior you can see the wide variety of work we perform. Hester can do it all! Any homeowner that is in need of an update and is unfamiliar with color schemes should seek professional help. As experts, Hester can guide you and save you time and stress during your process.
Picking the Type of Paint and Finish that is Right for You
Simple painted walls are nice and clean, but there are many options that really give a room some unique style while expressing your own comfort or statement. Great options for adding a beautiful and inexpensive design touch to any room are paint sheens, faux finishes, and decorative finishes.
- Paint Sheens
Paint sheens are available in nearly every color and can suit any room. One rule to consider with sheens is the higher the sheen, the higher the shine. Higher shines are the most durable and long-lasting. But the one thing that goes with shine is the extensive preparation that is needed for your ceiling, walls or trim. When the shine is high, the surface shows all its faults.
When painting you can choose between flats, satins, semi-glosses and high glosses. High glosses are easy to clean and reflect light better than the flats or semi-glosses. Whites or off whites are ideally suited for high gloss and will nicely complement this sheen effect. Rich, dark colors look much better with slightly less sheen to avoid the super shiny effect. But dark colors should not be done in a flat finish due to chalking. Eggshell or Satin paints create a pearl-like luster and are ideally suited for high traffic areas as they are also easy to clean. Semi-glosses are sleek and radiant and also easy to clean. Flats are non-reflective and are ideal for ceilings or an understated look in any room. They are harder to clean, so keep that in mind.
- Decorative Finishes
Faux finishes are decorative finishes that give the appearance of materials such as marble, wood or stone. Finishes can be rustic or natural, replicate the appearance of old-world plaster, or give your walls a shimmering look.
Venetian plaster can be applied and create a deep rich texture with relatively flat finished walls. Artisan finishes in various shades and hues give the impression of marble or stone and changing light varies the appearance.
Metallic paints shimmer and add light. These paints can be difficult to brush and roll, so for most finishes, they should be sprayed. Another option is to brush and roll areas that can then be lightly glazed with a metallic wash to have a uniform finish.
- Texture
Texture can be added to a room through the use of textured wallpapers or textured paints. Textured surfaces add depth, warmth, contrast and artistic value to any room. Most textures should be done prior to painting. After textures are painted, walls can be over-glazed to create more shadowing and textured.
With so many options for the finishes in your home, the best way to narrow down your options is to see large samples of the finish you are considering. Hester Painting & Decorating project managers are happy to create sample boards so you can see the finish and color. Please also check out our website or Houzz to see examples of completed projects.
