Paint tips

I've said it before and I'll say it again, always pick your paint color last. You will thank me later, I promise!

With paint, you definitely get what you pay for, buy the best you can possibly afford. More expensive paint often saves money in the long run because you end up using less. My favorite is Benjamin Moore's Aura, it is a painting experience. My husband really makes fun of me for saying this, but I do really, really love it!

Remember that paint is the cheapest and easiest thing to change...you can repaint walls much easier than changing carpet or countertops.

When choosing a sheen remember the flatter the paint, the better it touches up, but the less scrubbable it is. Except with Aura, it is equally scrubbable in all sheens and it touches up great too. Eggshell is a good happy medium, not too flat, not too shiny. It is what most people use. Most people do use flat on ceilings, however. One thing to keep in mind though, is that paint companies terms for sheens are often slightly different. When shopping have your salesperson show you an example of their sheens.

If you have small children (or messy big ones!), try satin or pearl finishes in bathrooms and kitchens so walls will be more scrubbable.

Don't rush your color choice...always try the color in your space before you buy. Lighting changes everything. Metamerism is the occurence of colors seemingly changing colors when looked at with different lighting. Paint swatches will often look completely different at your house than they do at the paint store or your neighbor's house. They will also look different from room to room in your house. Try your swatches at different times of the day, on sunny days and cloudy days, and on all walls of the room to make sure you like it everywhere before you commit. If your paint store has a sample or bigger swatches of your color, take advantage of that...if you buy a sample I recommend painting it on a piece of cardboard or posterboard so it's easier to move from place to place.

Do your prep work: Wash your walls before you paint. For best results, use TSP (trisodium phosphate), following the package instructions. Tape off trim or go very slowly cutting in your room and keep a wet rag in one hand to wipe up drips. Use a drop cloth! As with the paint, use good quality roller frames, covers and paint brushes. Use the right size nap for your space...heavier naps for textured walls. Paint store employees should be able to help if you are confused.

Don't want to paint yourself...ask a paint store or designer (like La Casa Designs!) for a recommendation of a good quality painter. Get several bids.