Presenting the Sample Wall
Does this image look familiar? Ahhhhh I hope it doesn't because this means you have entered the realm of uncertainty which is a tough place to be. That feeling of uneasiness and despair in the bottom of your stomach. Followed by questions of hmmm I wonder, and maybe and well maybe? You need clarity on your colour choices! The above photo shows this, with too many colour spectrum's. If you are in this situation, follow these 3 Tips to overcome the delima and refocus.
- The best way to test your colour samples is of course with a painted sample square usually 2' X 2' on a white wall space as in the sample snap below. Ensure you are using the wall that has the most diverse direct natural light. This way you can observe how the light changes the colour throughout the day. If you don't have any natural light, ensure you use the existing lighting to the max or if you plan to add a light, do this when looking at the colour. You don't want to paint in a corner, as this will reflect the old colour into the new colour with lighting or on a wall with no natural light. So you will view the colour incorrectly. Plus you don't generally stare into the concerns for clarity!
- No white paint available? Paint out large white poster boards with your samples let them dry and hang them on the wall. Attach a Pure White colour chip to the sample so you can see how it will work with the millwork (baseboards). Painting the poster board also allows you to test it again the floor, which is huge. As your floor will reflect colour with the lighting from the room. (as seen in the blue colour board samples below)
- Edit your selections to 3 - this will make it way easier to decide the YES colour. You will gravitate to one colour all the time when you come in and out of the room. Then you will begin to notice the colour intensity with the other elements (lighting, flooring, you begin to SEE the colour) If your samples are similar in hue value that is ok, meaning you may have two light shades and one dark shade or vice versa.
- BONUS Tip: When getting ready to paint, use a paint product that is paint and primer in one, or tint your primer to the colour your are using. It will give you the best consistent colour coverage over the old paint.
Colour Samples on the painted White Wall.
Colour Samples on painted White poster board.
I hope these tips have helped you focus your colour choices, and now you are Happy and Painting with confidence! But if you still are feeling overwhelmed and stressed with the process, then its time for us to ....Talk!
Call on me YOUR Design Expert for not only clarity, but for peace of mind on your walls. Have the Best Day!
Rampant Red, xox
The Painted Wall of perfection! Here with Guildford Green by Benjamin Moore, colour of 2015. See how it changes with lighting?