How To Choose A Paint Finish

July 2009

In This Issue

Feature Article:
"How to Choose a
Paint Finish "

Color of the Month -

"Blue"

About Premise Design

Hi Friends & Valued Clients,

Summer is in full swing, so you are probably spending more time outdoors. And because there is more sunlight streaming through your windows, itís a great time to choose new colors for the walls and moldings. A change in color can dramatically change the look and mood of any room.

But once youíve chosen the right color, you need to choose the right finish. With many paint finishes available, which is the right one?

This monthís article will help you easily decide which finish to choose for your particular project, so you can really enjoy your homeís transformation.

How to Choose a Paint Finish

The proper paint application can dramatically change the look of a room with very little cost. Paint influences the mood of your home, and even camouflages unwanted imperfections.

But how do you know which finish to choose? This guide will help you decide.

A flat finish has no shine. It is great for walls with nicks and blemishes, as it tends to hide them and make the wall look smoother. A flat finish doesnít reflect light, so it isnít the best choice if you want to brighten your room. It is also difficult to clean, so it is best suited for low traffic areas.

Some paint companies offer a matte finish, which resembles a flat finish. It is slightly more durable and easier to clean. Itís still good for camouflaging minor bumps and other small imperfections.

If an area has a little more traffic, you can consider an eggshell finish, which has a slight hint of shine.

For brightening up a room, choose a pearl or satin finish. They are more glossy than eggshell and will reflect light back into your room instead of sucking it up. Pearl finishes are highly washable and stand up to high traffic. But imperfections in the wall will stand out.

Semi-gloss paint is used most often on trim, doors, and cabinets. It has a nice, subtle shine, and washes easily. Extra care must be taken with wall preparation, since imperfections are highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

High gloss paints offer washability and durability with their reflective, shiny finish. Glossy paints are not often used on interior walls, but they are a dramatic look for cabinets, trims, and even furniture. A high gloss finish will exaggerate and magnify surface imperfections, so careful preparation is essential.

Whether you are updating one room or redecorating your entire house, paint is a simple, inexpensive way to achieve a striking new look.

There's just something calming about blue...

The color blue actually lowers the body's blood pressure and heart rate, making it a great color to use in bedrooms and other areas where a peaceful atmosphere is desired.

Because blue is so calming, it also decreases appetite, so it isn't the best choice for a dining room or kitchen. Food just doesn't taste as good when the appetite is diminished.

Mix blues with white for a crisp, cool, soothing style. Combine with cream for a warmer atmosphere. Add brown with blue for a contemporary look.

Create a reflective, cool environment with the color BLUE.

As the senior designers of Premise Design, Melinda Richardson and Heather Arthurs have 19 years of combined experience helping clients realize their homeís full potential. Their personable approach creates designs perfectly suited to each clientís specific challenges, needs and desires.

Let us show you how great your place can be.

A full list of our services and our portfolio can be found at www.premisedesign.ca. Or, contact us at 403-452-6200 for more information.