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Try this before painting!

There’s a time to be actively creative, and a time to be methodical and patient.
The paint process reminds me of my experience in studying tailoring (as in: make a suit!) years ago. Old-world style, our European professor would exclaim with drama and flair…“Rrrripp it Out!” when we students made even a near-mistake. We were always watching out for her incisive eye.  There was no room for shortcuts.

How does this translate to the wall-painting process?
As with many things we undertake, in painting, meticulous preparation is critical to the outcome. The better and more through the prep, the better your room will look.

Source: http://www.faqs.org

Shortcuts in your paint prep often necessitate creativity. But you might not be in the mood to be creative or have the experience and tools at hand to remedy a shortcut error. Think about this: are you ready for the often-dubious benefits of immediate problem solving that sometimes does not give  the best possible result?

Put another way: instant gratification vs. method and planning
We’re definitely not all experienced professionals…and are not quite like the ingenious MacGyver. Personally, I prefer to avoid those last-minute needs for being super-creative, that can be both frustrating and time-consuming. Taking the time to ‘do it right’ usually outweighs the perceived benefit of a shortcut. On the other hand, of course, there’s the benefit of “winging it” that can be the mother of great invention!

So, if you’re in the “careful” mode, here are a few tips from my own experience and from watching and talking to the paint pros:

• Do prep for all areas at the same time, while you have all prep materials at hand.
• Start with a clean wall: remove any surface oils, grease, tape, “stars” (from the kids’ rooms ceilings?)
• Careful patching and sanding of all needed areas
• Prime: use a high quality primer-sealer
• Sand, and Re-patch any areas revealed by primer that are not covered or that look funky
• Caulk edges
• Spot prime as needed
• Light sanding for a smooth base surface
• Apply the first coat of finish color

If there are gaps that need caulking it’s ok to apply caulk between coats.
Try to make it as thin a bead of caulk as you can do, for a crisp edge.
This will give your finish coats a nice clean, professional edge.

• Light sanding as needed
• Apply the second coat of finish color
  

  Image courtesy Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paints

One coat or 2?
It’s always best to do two finish color coats, as noted above. In the 2nd coat the color really comes out to it’s true, intended hue.  It’s easy to miss some areas on the first coat, that you don’t notice until its dry.

• Work in smaller areas, around 3′x3′.
• Keep the paint the same thickness throughout.
• Try to keep a wet edge of each section to minimize roller marks.
• Work from the ‘new’ area filling back into the just-painted section. This will help you keep a more even thickness.

Two schools of thought

1. Some pro’s  like to start with the trim. You can save a little time this way because you can overlap a bit onto the wall.  Then, when you paint the wall and ceiling colors you can cut up to the trim,going around the trim.
2. The other school of thought is to do the 2 coats on the wall then do the 2 coats of trim, making a clean line where trim meets the wall. Caulk as needed, as noted above.

Other details

• Use high quality tools
• Keep all brushes and other tools clean during the process.
• Use a drop cloth
• Use high quality painter’s tape when needed: Not the tan ” masking tape!”

Clean brushes and tools make the job go more smoothly!

A note about exterior painting
Painting exteriors naturally includes a whole additional array of precautions and instructions. Pro’s will know this, but during a recent trip to my local hardware store I was reminded of this important tidbit: Be sure to remove all old wood particles from the surface. Sanding is a good way, and you might also check out other products that can help  make a clean, fresh surface for your new paint color.

Last but not least
Always use the highest quality paint and tools that you can manage to get.  You might even save money in the short or long run. The cost of a professional paint job is around 85% labor, so the best products will make the job go more quickly and you’ll be more confident in having the best possible outcome even if you do it yourself.

Source: House Beautiful.com

I like to look at this as a sort of meditative experience. After gathering all the materials and setting up in an orderly way, the focus is just on the wall as a surface. While Creativity might happen—as, in fact, it often does—it’s more of a happy consequence while I am working on the mechanics of wall prep. After all, I’d rather not have to “Rip it out!”

For tips about working with a painting professional, check out previous COLORVIEWS blog posts.

Creating the definition
It’s always interesting to be in a conversation about matching colors. For me, the first question is “what do you mean by match? ”

I think that ultimately it’s just about feeling that the colors work together and  are harmonious in the space where they appear. Personally I believe that a more interesting space is created when “matching” colors is not even an issue.  I’d rather see it as the best way to enhance the space while referencing qualities of art work, furniture, rugs, and other important objects in view.

Dining room wall colors reference the art work and stained glass panel. Color design and photos by Barbara Jacobs

What makes a harmonious result?
It’s true that when we’re in a paint store —with literally thousands of colors at our fingertips—it’s easy to bounce from one color family to another, and even from one tiny color swatch to another. Even when we bring along fabrics, pottery, pieces of wood, or other “match-worthy” items there are seemingly infinite possibilities. As with a satisfying meal, harmony comes from combining the contrast and balance of a few key ingredients.

Warm dining room transitions into the cool kitchen. From the kitchen, we also see the blues of the painting in the dining room. Note the glowing warm and cool colors of the art-glass pendants.

Kitchen wall color refers to the tones of leaded glass and granite.

On another note, here’s a problem area resolved with color. Floor tile is harder to change than paint color!

Problem area resolved with color balance. Color design and photos by Barbara Jacobs

Stone wall is the inspiration for new paint colors in kitchen and adjacent family room. Color design by Barbara Jacobs

Context is Critical!
There’s just about no way a color that originates in a fabric or other material can be re-created to an exact match in paint. Even if you have a look-alike color in the paint store, on your walls it might be another story.

Here’s why

• We perceive color as reflected light. Space lighting has a lot to do with how we see color—considering the time of day or night, and the light source.
• Even when using the exact same paint color on different walls, color appears different when light is reflected onto surfaces at different angles.
• Color on adjacent walls intensifies in the corners.
• Ceilings are always in their own shadows, in a way– so using color on a ceiling will be deeper than using the same color on a wall.

Tip
We have a natural tendency to look at color chips on a horizontal plane. Always view paint color chips at the same angle as they will be used on the walls.

Surfaces and textures
Whether on a horizontal, vertical, or curved surface, texture makes a difference in both the source color and the destination color.

• A deeper, irregular texture creates subtle shadows and might even make a pattern.
• A smooth surface will typically be more reflective, even with a matte paint surface.
• Colors on a high gloss surface are the most reflective and will appear brighter.

Test the new colors
View the colors in actual painted large color cards, noting how they work with your furniture and fabrics. Look  from one room to the next, and back the other way.  Look at the colors in all times of day and night, with your painted samples taped onto the various surfaces. This is my most-recommended way to really test colors in your home.

You can read more on this subject in my “Perfect Palettes: Mix and Match” article on HGTV.com.

Thanks for reading ColorViews. You’re invited to write to me about your color experiences and project questions that I’ll consider for publishing!

I’m so relieved to know more than one excellent painter I trust, whose presence in my home is at the very least pleasant and unobtrusive, who is orderly and respectful of my personal environment. Personally, I’m more comfortable with someone working in my own home–or in homes of my clients–who has a fairly low profile on the job site and is focused on the project at hand.

You’ll probably also want to feel comfortable with people in your  home even though you don’t know them well. There might be times when you are not there, but the project must go on!  Even though it’s temporary, their presence is a part of your life. Some of these things you can infer when you meet them, and some things you might just have to ask directly.

Apples to Oranges?

Trying to level the playing field can be tricky, because when you start to interview your painters you find that each one can have perfectly reasonable explanations for practices and processes. If you develop a way to keep track of comments and suggestions, and balance that with your own list of project requirements, you will have something to review to try to make “apples to oranges’ into “apples to apples,”  to make your best-informed decision.

Here are a few questions to start with:

How long have they been in business?
Don’t be shy–ask for references.

Do they work alone or with others?
If using a crew, will the owner be available for questions, follow-up and supervision? This will have a lot to do with your level of satisfaction and confidence.

What brand of paint do they use?
You may want to just take the painters recommendation for brand, but you should also feel comfortable discussing this, and specifying the brand you want.

Painters often suggest substituting brands with “we can mix any color in any brand.” However, paint companies have base materials that differ and this can affect the outcome. For example, it’s simply not possible to replicate a “Full-Spectrum “paint color in a non-full-spectrum method, no matter how it looks on a small piece.

Three questions about preparation

• How would the painter treat mildew areas?
• Will the painter plan to fill all holes and caulk seams?
• Will the painter be sanding the walls for a smooth finish?

What is the painter’s typical procedure?
General painting practice specifies two topcoats and often a primer/sealer coat. Does the painter plan to prime the walls under the color coat? Some topcoat colors require a tinted primer.

How many coats of finish color do they recommend?
What kind of paint for ceilings and walls? In most cases, flat finish paint is best for ceilings. However, the paint that is used for walls is often a higher quality than “ceiling white” especially if a tint or stronger color is used.

Contracts are essential
The purpose of a written contract is to make sure all parties understand the scope of work, with clear explanation and details about surfaces to be painted, preparation, methods of working, time schedules and payment procedures for the project. Once you have met the painting contractors in person, this is the best way for you to evaluate the different proposals you receive. Equally important, it protects both you—the client—and the contractor. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract.

Last but not least: remember these important documents
Do they carry commercial liability insurance?  You can request a certificate of insurance from the painter’s insurance company.

As with most home repairs and other big projects, aligning the details in advance will set the stage for a better experience.

Do you have a question you would like to see addressed here?
From time to time my blog will include a specially selected Q & A item. I’d love to hear about your projects.
email: info@integralcolor.com

It’s pretty standard knowledge at this point that using paint is the most cost-effective way to achieve the most change in your home.

This is part 1 of a 3-part series on planning your paint jobs and working with paint professionals.

Are you a do-it-yourself-er, or will you hire a professional? Here are  some tips to get you started.

(see the full post of Part 1, first appearing in this Boston Design Guide blog.)

Not for me!

Help is on the way!

Most homeowners have tried their hand at painting a room. Some are more successful than others, but most people think it is “easy.” But, of all the work you could do or have done in your home…(see the full post of Part 1, first appearing in this Boston Design Guide blog.)

Stay tuned for future installments on this subject.

Two special offers on paint and color consultation, through February, 2010

Paint: 10% discount on your entire paint order.

LM2010 is the code you need when you  place your order for any Full Spectrum color from Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint mixed in the Flat finish of Lifemaster ® “certified green” interior line. (All the same beautiful, healthful colors are also available in Eggshell or SemiGloss finishes, but are not discounted at this time)

No VOC-No Odor Flat paint 100% acrylic washable

VOC-Free Lifemaster® Flat is a Premium paint

• Certified green by the US Building Council
• ICI Paints’ premium quality water based 100% acrylic finish
• Specially formulated for exceptional washability
• Super adhering
• Oil and stain resistant
• Virtually odor free and has no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds)
• A true low-odor paint
• Ideal for hospitals, schools, hotels/motels and office environments
• Perfect for families with allergies

What color to order? Select from your own set of hand painted color cards
It’s easy to get your own actual painted color cards from ellen@ellenkennon.com.

A selection of the Full Spectrum painted color cards. TWO SIZES YOU CAN ORDER: 1"x4"s for $5, and the full set of 90 - 3"x4" cards for $24.

The cost will be credited to your order of at least 3 gallons of paint.

And, a  Companion Offer to help you select your colors, through February, 2010
To help you make those important color selections and create that perfect feeling you seek for your home, or even for your workplace, I’m offering special rates on color consultation to accompany your discount on these beautiful Full Spectrum Paints.

It’s easy to receive an estimate for your project.
I will be happy to provide an estimate for consultation services once I know a bit about your project needs. Because your home is unique, fees are based for the most part on the number of rooms, amount of detail, and other factors.

Contact Barbara Jacobs with a description of your needs.
Photos are helpful.

IMPORTANT: In your email be sure to mention this offer code: LM2010

I look forward to helping you use color to create the beautiful spaces you want to return to!