How To Choose Paint

Choosing the right paint for your house is just as important as the application methods used and the surface preparation. With a proper understanding of the various kinds of paints available, you would be better able to select the best one for decorative appeal and brilliant performance.

First, you need to choose between oil-based and water-based paints. Concerns such as sheen come next and depend to a great extent on your individual preference. Sheen is the quantity of light that the paint reflects. If you usually feel stumped when shopping for paint, the guidelines given below would really be of some help.

1. When selecting paints for your exteriors, go for water-based 100% acrylic latex which offers a pliable finish ideal for exterior use.
2. For the interior walls, you can use either oil-based or latex paints.
3. A flat finish offers a rich finish that doesnt reflect light. It is thus suitable for both interior and exterior walls. The bathrooms and kitchen are an exception. For these rooms, the eggshell sheen (low-luster) would be suitable. This paint is washable and lasting making it suitable for areas which water makes moist or wet.
4. Another paint that can be safely used in bathrooms and kitchens is semi-gloss.
5. High-gloss, gloss or semi-gloss paint is suitable for woodwork and trim. High gloss is highly shiny. You also wouldnt require much effort to clean this type of paint.

You need to select the color of your paint wisely because color can create that first impression (good or bad) on your family and also on visitors to your home. It can also affect mood. Color can change mood, the size and shape of the room where its used, and also the size and shape of the furnishings there. Remember the psychological value of color when you make your choice.

The color yellow conveys happiness. It would thus be perfect in rooms which could do with some uplifting and rejuvenation like the dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. Yellow should however not be used as a rooms key color scheme. This is because in a yellow room, babies would usually cry more, and there would be a greater chance of a person losing his temper.

Green is looked upon as the color thats most restful for the eye. You can use green paint in any room of your house. A medium or sage green used in the kitchen cools things down. Used in the living room or family room, it promotes unity and comfort and encourages unwinding. If used as the chief color for decoration purposes, green creates a calming atmosphere. The relaxing effect offered by green is believed to alleviate stress.

Orange is synonymous with energy and encourages enthusiasm and excitement, making it perfect for an exercise room. You can therefore easily understand why this color wouldnt be suitable for the bedroom or living room.