CHOOSING PAINT COLOR

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This information will help you when choosing your colors for decorating a room in the house.
Sometimes the vast choice of the differing tones of color seems to be daunting, but when you immerse yourself in the search, you will discover all sorts of wonderful color combinations.

Here are some of the terms used by

Interior Designers and Decorating Consultants

Gloss paint is oil based with added resin which gives it a hard wearing quality. It can be bought in varying degrees of shininess and also in the non-drip variety. Gloss is usually used for the doors and their surrounds and for skirting boards.

Emulsion paints are water based with added vinyl or acrylic resins. These finishes range from matt to gloss. As the sheen increases so the durability of the paint increases. Emulsion paints are usually used for the walls and ceilings.

Other types of paint

• Primer Used to seal unpainted surfaces Undercoat Applied on the top of primer and introduces the final color.
• Anti Condensation Paint often contains anti-fungicide useful in bathroom.
• Radiator Paintis formulated to cope with high temperatures without losing its color.
• Fire Retardant Paint has a greater flame resistance and will help reduce the spread of fire.

Demystifying Designer Terms

• BASE or BACKGROUND COLOR The base color is usually used for the walls and is usually the main color on which to plan your accents, contrasts or complimentary colors.
• ACCENT or HIGH-LIGHT COLORS An accent color creates a bit of drama and vibrancy. It is often a brighter color to lift the general color theme. It may be used for the accessories, throws or cushions.
• DOMINANT COLOR When you enter the room, this is the color that jumps out at you and catches both the eye and the memory. It may not be the color used in the greatest proportion.
• CLASHING COLORS Some colors work well together but some combinations do not feel or look right and can unintentionally upset the balance of the room. If combining colors, it is a good idea to use a color wheel.
  When the color scheme is chosen, it is worth buying a small testpot of paint to paint the colors onto pieces of cardboard and leave them around the room for a trial period.
  Only when you are truly satisfied with your paint color combinations should you begin your decorations.

Families of Paint Colors

• COLD COLORS Blues and greens and greys remind us of cooler days but can also create a serene and stress-free feeling. Think of your own cold and cool colors.
• WARM COLORS Browns and reds, oranges and yellows would fall into this category. Think of your own warm and hot colors.

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