Pick the Perfect Paint for Your House

There are several common mistakes made when painting a kitchen or any other room for that matter. One of the biggest issues that I've seen is choosing the wrong color. It looks great in the can, but hideous on the wall. Unfortunately, I know this from my own first hand experience. No matter how novice the painter, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to ensure you have the perfect color everytime.

More often than not, we choose a color based on décor or anticipated theme of the room. While keeping in mind this vision, we neglect to take into account the other areas that surround. For example, if your dwelling is more of an open space, you want the adjoining rooms to flow together harmoniously. You don't want it to feel as though you are entering into foreign territory when going from one room to the next. Also, beware of doing a complete overhaul to match a particular furniture piece, unless it is a cherished antique you intend to display for some time to come. Otherwise, you will find yourself painting rather frequently.

Now to get to the selection of your color. I recommend something neutral. By neutral, I don't mean off white or egg shell, nor boring. You can neutralize just about any color of paint out there. Even if your tastes are a bit exotic, you can still have the color you crave while maintaining a balance with the rest of your home. Mixing a lighter paint base with a bright or rustic color base will help even out the tone, while enhancing the color. Don't attempt to mix the paint yourself, leave it to a professional if you are not comfortable in your abilities to achieve the desired outcome of the paint. Many hardware stores and retailers that sell paint will often do this for you at little cost. If purchasing your paint there, some offer this service for free.

I would also advise to get a "sample" of the paint. Have a small quantity mixed and try it on a surface with a similar texture. After the paint has dried thoroughly, you will get a general idea as to how the paint will look on your wall. This saves both time and money. It's much easier and cheaper to purchase a sample or samples rather than buying gallons, only to discover that this is not what you wanted.

The next mistake to avoid is getting the wrong type of paint. Yes, there are different types of paints. Not all paints are safe or appropriate for all surfaces. Always follow manufacturer's instructions regarding the usage of paint. There are interior paints, exterior, high gloss, semi-gloss and the like. If you really don't know what it is that you need, talk to someone where you are purchasing the paint. If you follow along with these general ideas, you are sure to find the perfect color of paint.