For easy maintenance, use a minimum level of eggshell gloss (never flat) for light colors. The darker the color, the higher the gloss. For a tone like hunter green or burgundy use a semigloss, it adds a richness and depth while preventing chalking (those marks from anything rubbing against the wall.)

Trim Paint

To maximize the architectural features of a room and frame it most effectively, use high gloss decorator white on your trim and moulding. This will make even neutrals look fresher and crisper, and allow the architectural features to do their job of framing the room and setting the stage.

Ceiling Paint

It can be marvelously effective with ceilings over 8? to use graduated tints of your wall color instead of ceiling white. In tray ceilings especially, this promotes the architectural feature. If you are hesitant, at the very least, consider a bone or linen white so that your trim in white stands out and doesn't disappear against ceiling white.

Paint Selection

Buy the best paint quality you can afford, don't skimp on this one. If hiring a pro, allow them to use the brand they prefer, they work best with a favorite. Any quality paint brand can match samples from other manufacturers.

Priming

Using a tinted primer can really speed up and improve coverage of any color. Light colors typically require a minimum of two coats, while darker colors can require as many as six for even coverage and to get the true level of color. Prime with black under dark colors.

Selecting Colors

Don't select your colors from a one inch paint chip. Do purchase a quart (in some cases less is available) of the desired color and either:

a) Paint it on a piece of foam board (available at office and art supply stores), a minimum of two coats and let it dry. Hold up your sample at morning, noon and night, over three days to get a real feel for it. Rarely will you go with the first color you select, usually you need to try three.

b) You can paint your quart tester directly on the wall, but be aware that this will necessitate making a decision quickly to avoid a splotched room, and you still need to evaluate the color on each wall.

Don't pick your color while it is resting horizontally on a surface either, it changes in vertical format. Unless you are painting a floor, check the color vertically.

Remember, it is only paint and can always be changed!

Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt