Painting can transform a room and give it a fresh new look or make your house more appealing when putting it on the market. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right paint color for your home? In this blog post, we’ve compiled some key questions to help you make the best decision.

Which Paint Should You Choose?

Paint comes in different sheens and can be either oil-based or latex-based. Latex paint is the most commonly used and preferred type due to its easy clean-up and durability. It’s also fade-resistant and breathes better than oil-based paint, resulting in fewer paint blisters. We recommend using latex paint for most walls and household uses. However, oil-based paint is ideal for priming real wood moldings and trim as it effectively seals stains and knots from wood. Remember that oil-based paint takes longer to dry than latex paint, so plan for additional drying time. Regarding brands, our top preference is Sherwin Williams paint for its quality and reliability.

Which Sheen Should You Select?

The sheen of the paint determines how shiny or glossy the finish will be. Higher gloss sheens are easier to clean, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like playrooms or kitchens where walls are prone to getting dirty. High gloss sheen is also great for trim as it gives it a polished look that complements the flatter sheen of walls. Semi-gloss is another good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim, as it offers easier washability with less shine than high gloss. It’s also relatively more affordable than high gloss. Satin sheens have a smooth finish and can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. This could be a good option if you want some gloss and easy-to-clean paint without the shine of a high gloss. Consider using flat or matte paint if your walls have many imperfections. Although it doesn’t withstand cleaning, it can be covered in just one coat and is excellent for rooms with minimal fingerprints and dirt. Eggshell is a popular sheen choice as it hides imperfections like flat paint but is more durable and washable, making it suitable for most rooms.

Which Paint Color Should You Choose?

If you’re selling your house, we recommend choosing white or off-white colors for the walls. This allows potential buyers to envision their color choices and gives your rooms a bright and clean appearance. However, feel free to explore the vast array of paint colors available at your local store or ask a salesperson for color schemes that match your desired look. Remember the color wheel you learned about in school, with primary colors like red, yellow, and blue at 12:00, 4:00, and 8:00, respectively. Combining these colors creates secondary colors like purple and orange. Analogous colors, which are next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue and purple, complement each other and allow one color to stand out more. Complementary colors, which are opposite on the color wheel, such as green and red, create a striking contrast when used together. Sticking to shades of the same color can create a subtle and soothing look. Cool colors like blues, greens, and purples can make small rooms appear larger and airier, while warm colors like reds, yellows, and oranges can make a room appear more vibrant. You can also play with the warmth of color by choosing muted shades or shaded colors within the same color scheme. Muted colors are less intense than their vibrant counterparts, and shaded colors are darker tones within the same color family.

Choosing the right paint type, sheen, and color can significantly impact the aesthetics and ambiance of your home. Take the time to carefully consider your choices to refresh your space or enhance its marketability. Happy painting!