How to Use Behr Paint ColorSmart to Pick Wall Colors

When your have a general idea about how you would like to paint a room with Behr Paint colors, but you need some extra inspiration or help, use the Behr Paint ColorSmart system online. You may be inspired by a natural object, or by a Retro theme, or maybe even by a movie. Using the Behr Paint Color Smart System online make it easy for home owners to narrow down their Beh Paint color choices and palettes. Here is an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial to help you make the most of the Behr Paint Color Smart system online.

What You Need to Use the Behr Paint ColorSmart System

In order to use the Behr ColorSmart system you need to use a compatible browser. The Behr ColorSmart system is compatible with Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari, according to Behr Paints. In my experience, the Behr ColorSmart system is also compatible with Camino. it does not seem to function properly on Opera.

Javascript needs to be enabled on your browser. I have strict pop-up blocking features set on Camino, and I have no problem using this application.

The Behr ColorSmart System works best on a broadband connection, according to Behr Paints.

How to Use Behr Paint Color Smart to Pick Wall Colors

1. Go to Behr.com

2. Click on Select ColorSmart. A new, smaller windows will pop up if your Javascript is enabled.

3. Pick a color selection option. The Behr ColorSmart system gives you three options for picking wall paint colors: Color name/number, Browse Colors, or Inspiration Library. Here is a tutorial on how to use each of these features, including their drawbacks and advantages.

Color Name/Number in Behr ColorSmart

If you know the name of the Behr Paint color you would like to use for you interior decor project, select this option. This option is useful if you picked out a main color as a focal point for the room and you need to find colors to coordinate.

You can also use this option to randomly find color names related to a main color, like red, for instance. But because Behr paint color names are more creative than standard color names, your results list will be limited.

With the color name/number feature you can choose to Add Color. The Add Color feature lets you build your own matching swatches, or you can take the Behr Paint suggestions and click on "Coordinate." Click and drag your select color to the blank paint swatch palette on the right.

Click on "Select" and the Behr Paint ColorSystem provides you with eight coordinating paint color palettes.

Browse Colors in Behr ColorSmart

Browse Color is the best option for exploring colors and selecting colors intuitively.

Click on Browse Colors to view the main color family swatches. The color families are broken down into these groups:

Reds
Oranges
Yellows
Greens
Blues
Purples
Neutrals/Blacks
Whites

Pick any color that you would like to explore. To change the color family quickly at any time, use the "Change Color Family" buttons underneath the main Behr Paint color family swatches.

After you select a color, a range 24 related hues in that color family appears. Use the sliding scale to move the color family palette into different colors. For example, in the Red Color Family, reds which are in the red/purple family can be viewed, or slide the arrow to red/orange colors.

For each color family, the Behr Paint ColorSystem has a tab for "Associated Whites." This tab can be used to find matching neutrals or ceiling hues.

Click on a color that you like. The color will fill in the empty paint swatch on the right. Click on "Select this color." Then you can add color or coordinate accent colors.

Inspiration Library in Behr ColorSmart

The Inspiration library is where would-be interior designers can test out their palettes. The Inspiration LIbrary is a slide show of images. Pick the image you like a palette will be created based on that image.

TIps on Navigation

To navigate through the Behr Paint ColorSystem use the "Back to color" button. You will have to keep clicking on that button until you get back to the main screen. The other option is to close the pop up screen and start over from the Behr.com main page. Sometimes starting over is quicker.

Preview: VIrtual Painting

Use the Preview option at any stage in the selection process to virtually paint a room. The site provides a wide selection of interior photos from which to choose. This is free.

If you want to upload your own photo, there is a nominal subscription fee for the "Use My Photo" service. It's $4.95 a year.

Save Project

Any project can be saved when you register, for free at the web site.

Samples

The paint choices can also be tested out cheaply by the homeowner, through the sample ordering system. Samples may be ordered at any stage of the color selection process.

Sources

Behr, http://www.behr.com
Behr, "Explore Color, http://www.behr.com/behrx/workbook/index.jsp
Personal Use of Behr ColorSmart System