Friday, January 21, 2011

Choosing the Right Paint Color

So..you've finally decided to update the old paint scheme in your home. You've hired a professional and are ready to go....until...you're faced with the daunting decision to choose a paint color! With thousands of colors to choose from narrowing them down to the perfect color may prove more than overwhelming.
 Here are some tips and tricks to finding the correct paint color for your home!


1. Consider the tone of the room that you're trying to create. For example, most tend to prefer a calming effect for their bedroom to enhance relaxation and rest. For a more high energy place, such as a child's playroom, a more playful and energetic color would be a better choice than the same color used in a bedroom.
2. What is your personal preference? Do you prefer subtle tones that create a calming tranquil effect? Or are you bored by these schemes and find them too dull? If so, maybe a bright accent color might be a good idea to use the burst of color while maintaining the neutral feel. If you prefer high energy colors, and like to rooms to appear more vibrant- think of using bold colors such as deep reds, yellows, oranges, or purples.
3. Keep in mind lighting WILL effect the end result. Make sure you consider this when choosing the paint color- a good idea is to get a sample of the paint to see how the lighting (natural or artificial)  will effect the color once dry.
4. Paint is a great way to accentuate furnishings and decor in any room, if you're having trouble finding just the right color to match a favorite piece, remember most stores will do a custom match to any piece.
5. Use high quality paint (we suggest Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams). While saving a few bucks might seem appealing at first, you'll end up paying more in the end. Cheaper paint will take more coats to cover adequately, and will last significantly less time than using higher quality paint.


Ask a professional! Classic Painting is happy to offer complimentary color consultations (as well as samples in many cases) for any project to help ease any paint selection anxiety!


Friday, January 7, 2011

How Valuable is YOUR time?

   A good rule of thumb is to update your home every 5 years, and painting is one of the cheapest ways to do so. Painting the exterior of your home gives you the biggest bang for your buck, boosts curb appeal and creates a clean, inviting feel for the home. It is the easiest way to create the ever important positive first impression of your home. Sounds easy enough right? Grab a few gallons of paint, a ladder, some old clothes and off you go- your home has a new wardrobe in a matter of no time. WRONG!
   If only it were that easy~one of the biggest misconceptions for painting is how long it will take to complete the entire project, correctly. Take into consideration your already busy life-do you really have the time, or desire to prep and paint your home? Ever heard the saying, "Next time, save yourself the time, and hire a professional?" Professionals are called that for a reason- they've got the know-how that you and I don't. Painting can be surprisingly dangerous- with the high ladders and sometimes hazardous materials, is this a risk you are willing to take? Professionals have been trained to deal with the hazards of painting your home, so let them. On top of the time it takes and the possible risks, can you, the average do it yourselfer, compare to the quality a trained professional can? There is nothing more expensive than cheap paint, or a cheap paint job.