Choosing Paint Colors – Tools, Tips & Suggestions

Selecting the right colors for your home or business painting project can be a daunting task.  There are thousands of colors available and you can create your very own colors by color matching a sample at your local paint store.

As a professional painting contractor, ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs frequently gets asked for help in selecting a color for the client’s project.  Almost everyone struggles with selecting the perfect color.  There is no simple solution but there are a few tools that can help narrow the range of choices.  We set out to find a few of them and see if they work.  Here’s what we found.

Issues & Observations

• Paint color systems are designed by designers, not paint companies
• Color on a chip, computer or phone is not the same as on the wall
• Light colors are frequently the most difficult to match
• Colors may not render the same in different paints (even same manufacturer)
• Matching systems do not compensate for sheen (gloss) variations
• Fabric, metallic and textured surfaces are almost impossible to match
• Flat smooth surfaces are best for matching – like paint on a 2”x2” white board
• Light plays a very important role in color (i.e. sunlight versus fluorescent)
• Consumers tend to trust computers more than “experts” in the stores
• There’s been little change in matching software since it was introduced
• In store matching hardware is often not properly calibrated or maintained
• Each tool renders a different result (even with same company stores)
• Color is subjective and each person will see things differently

Interesting Place to Start Your Search

Porter / Pittsburg Paints has an interesting place to start.  Perhaps you don’t have any ideas on what colors appeal to your sense of emotional well being.  You are thinking blue but you entire house is brown.  You are tired of what you have and want a fresh new start.  

The Voice of Color, ColorSense Game is a unique color selection tool with consideration of the colors “best suited” for you. It’s all about you, your personality, your style, and your senses. I have no clue has this thing works. Having completed the exercise many times and even tried to cheat on my answers, it almost always comes back with my preferred colors.  http://porter.voiceofcolor.com/porterpaintgame/

Online Selection Tools

There are a variety of tools which can help a consumer narrow the choices from 3500-4000 colors.  Use these tools to cull down the choices.  After reviewing the sites below, my professional opinion is none of them are going to give you a perfect solution.  This is certainly not an exhaustive list and they are not in any particular order.  I just picked some of the more readily available options on the Web.  Best option is to use one or more of them to create an initial selection of three to five colors for further evaluation.

HB PaintBrush http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/paint-colors/  HB PaintBrush lets you play with paint with colors from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams and Valspar

Sherwin Williams Visulizer https://www.sherwin-williams.com/visualizer  Sherwin Williams online tool allows you to upload a photo and color each area with your selections. 

Colorjive http://colorjive.com/home.action Three free and you have to pay for this service.

CBN Selector http://www.cbnsystem.com/services/home.asp  You will need to purchase and download the software for this one. 

Ben Moore Personal Color Viewer http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=portletInstance_2&portletInstance_2_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2Fcms%2FContentRenderer%2FrenderContent&portletInstance_2cnp=public_site%2Farticles%2Fmain_page_articles%2Ffh_home&portletInstance_2np=public_site%2Farticles%2Fapplication_article%2Fapp_personal_color_viewer&_pageLabel=fh_home

Behr Color Smart http://www.behr.com/dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=8328ea6621ca5110VgnVCM1000008119fea9RCRD#channel=INSPIRATION;vgnextoid=8328ea6621ca5110VgnVCM1000008119fea9RCRD;view=26  This is Home Depot’s solution for their store brand.

Mobile Phone Apps

House Beautiful I-Phone App  http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/colors/color-personality-3

Sherwin Williams ColorSnaphttp://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/paint_color_palette/colorsnap/index.jsp Simply take a picture of the color and let the app provide a suggested match.

Ben Moore Color Capture http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=fh_home&WT.ac=Catch-a-Color&cachebuster=Mon+Jun+08+12%3A26%3A42+EDT+2009&np=public_site%2Farticles%2Fpromotions%2Fpromo_iphone

In Store Color Matching Services

Most paint stores provide some level of color matching services.  As stated earlier, consumers seem to trust the computer more than the paint store clerk.  The paint store personnel are there to sell paint and supplies.  They tend to get frustrated quickly with consumers looking for color help.  Don’t let this bother you.  Press on until you get what you need. 

The level of training for color matching and the equipment available has a tremendous impact on the store’s ability to help you match.  Even with the technology, it helps to have a paint professional that has some artistic talents.  Find someone who has the ability to use intuitive judgment to adjust the numbers and get closer to the color you desire. 

Paint stores are better at matching standard colors from other manufacturers than totally custom colors.  Consider finding the color you like in a competing brand and have you the color created in the paint system you wish to use.  If the store has matched this color in the past, they may the formula already in their database and be able to remove some of the guess work.

We visit a lot of paint stores and spend a fair amount of time working to match colors for clients.  This is not an easy task even for the professional painter. Quite frankly there is just about as much art as science in trying to get to the color you want. Ask for the person at the store who has the best skills at matching paint.  Don’t just assume that anyone in the store can help.

Test Samples – May Be the Only Way to Know

In most cases, you should be able to purchase a test sample of the colors you selected.  Select the top two or three colors.  Have the store create a take home sample and paint a test patch on the area of your project.  Here are a few things you should consider about samples:

• Get samples even if you plan to use a standard manufacturer’s color
• Colors on paint chips rarely are an absolute match for the color on the wall
• Most samples are satin or eggshell formula – buy a quart for flat or gloss tests
• Create test patches on several areas, lighting conditions and surfaces
• Avoid trying to darken or lighten test samples where possible – start fresh
• Don’t give up – finding your ideal color may take several attempts

Results & Recommendation

 Using online, mobile and store based tools can help you narrow the selection process. They may save you some valuable time.  You still may not find color nirvana, but at least you can get a bit closer to your goal. 
Where possible select a standard color from the paint supplier used for the project. While standard colors and codes do change, most of your high quality paint companies maintain these codes indefinitely.  Use only high quality paint stores or contractors that keep a record of the paint and colors used.  You will need this information for future repaints and touch-ups.

Stick with the stores and manufacturers that have trained paint professionals or hire a professional painting contractor to help.  Color may only be surface deep, but it is the most visible portion of your emotional and intangible investment.

Slippery Slopes – Coating Pool Decks, Patios & Garages

Overview

ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs sees a lot of concrete decks, patios and garage floors during visits with consumers and business owners.  Some are just plain ole concrete, some have been covered with kool deck, and others are in various stages of floor coverings (i.e. tile, pavers, indoor/outdoor carpet, rubber mats etc.).  Interesting enough, most consumers don’t often consider their painters in the solution process for these substrates.  While there are other options, painting or coatings for these surfaces can be one of you most economical options for both protection and beautification.

First and foremost, do not put regular house paint on any of these areas. House paints are not meant to be walked upon.   Only use coating products which have been designed to be applied on walked on concrete and masonry surfaces.  If you have any doubts about the products or application methods, do not attempt these projects on your own.  Removing these products from the substrate is a very messy, expensive and can cause damage to the surfaces.

Proper Prep is Paramount

Like all painting applications, preparation is the key to success.  You can purchase the best finish coat product and still fail if the preparation is not completed correctly.  Surfaces must be grease free, chemically neutral and high sheens must be removed for proper adhesion.  Preparation depends heavily on the prior applications/products used on the surface.  A pool deck with original cool deck (aka kool deck) may only need a chemically neutral power wash and a couple of coats of new concrete stain.  An older deck with multiple coatings could require strip, acid wash, sand and other prep.  Older garage floors may require many steps to arrive at a clean palette for the new coating.

Concrete coatings come in basically two varieties.  Similar to wood finishes, there are stains and top coats.  Products also come in water and alkyd bases as well as single part and multi-part epoxies.  There are some fairly complex formulations here.  Many can be applied by the DIY crowd.  Some require skills beyond the typical weekend warrior. 

Multitude of Considerations

Once you have selected the right product for the job, there is still more to consider.  Most of these products can be tinted.  Be careful putting darker colors on pool decks.  They will absorb heat and be hot on your bare feet.  Some products only come in manufactured colors.  Are these going to match your goals and create the look you desire?  If not, you may have to consider other options.  Number of coats required, dry time and use time are all factors.   Don’t do one of these projects and have a pool party the next day.  You will have disaster on your hands.  Read the labels carefully and be conservative.  If it says stay off for 48-72 hours, then stay off for a week.  I personally recommend you avoid driving your car into a coated garage for at least a month. Let the stuff get really cured and hard.  After a run on I-4 or Rt. 417, your tires can heat up to incredible temperatures.  The coating can stick to the tires and peel up when you roll back out of the garage.  Tread or slip rating is very important.  You don’t want anyone to slip and fall on the pool.  You certainly don’t want your car to slide into the back wall of the garage.  Some of these products may require the addition or grit or other aggregates.  These aggregates quickly sink to the bottom of the bucket.  Coatings must be constantly mixed during the application to avoid spot builds.  Uniformity is a challenge when using multiple gallons.  You will likely need to “pot” the coating (mixing in a different bucket) and the aggregate to achieve the best results.

Parting Comments

Coatings for concrete pool decks, patios and garage floors can add value to your home or business at a reasonable price.  Compared to other solutions like tile, pavers and overlays; coatings can be much more cost effective.  There is risk here.  Don’t do, if you just don’t know.  As “they” say, it is hard to fix stupid.  Consult true painting professionals on these projects.  Do not rely on basic retail clerks.  They frequently do not have any training in this very specialized niche. 

Still have doubts about your DIY ability in this area?  Give ProTect Painters a call and we’ll provide you with a free consultation and estimate for your project even if you decide to DIY.

The Dark Side of Exterior House Painting …Choosing Colors for Great Looks and Longevity

The most commonly used exterior paint color for Central Florida homes is what we call “builder beige.”  It seems we have been lulled over the past 15 years into thinking this neutral, good coverage, yet boring idea is the standard for homes.  But wait!  There could be some rational reasons for this color selection.  Read on for more on this idea.  Regardless, if your home is builder beige and less than 10 years old, you probably have never painted the exterior and are well overdue for updating your home.  So… what color are you going to choose?

Time to Paint Your Home?

Beyond the sticker shock of painting your home properly, the most common questions are what color and how long will this last?  If you are painting your home for the first time, your builder paint may have lasted only 3-5 years.  That builder beige just did not hold up to your expectations?  “We don’t want to do that again!”  Before you throw the beige under the bus, considering there could be other issues here as well.

Painting a home is 90%+ preparation.  New construction surfaces create difficulties.  They absorb paint at uneven rates and curing masonry continues to leach salts for a long time.  Builders are faced with the tradeoffs of home delivery times versus longevity/protection of the coating applied.  Since most consumers know little about paints, most builders apply products designed to get the production completed quickly and at lower cost.  Looks good for the initial sale but does not produce quality long-term results (Note: In 2004 storm leak cases, many builders cited it was the homeowner’s maintenance responsibility to paint the home and avoid water intrusion issues.  Some of these lawsuits are still pending.)

Properly applied, today’s paint systems can last well beyond the 3-5 year range above.  Typical repaint cycles fall into 5-7 year, 8-12 year and 15 year+ ranges based on the amount of surface preparation, paint system selection and color.  In most cases, the repaint on your home should outlast the original builder paint on your home.

What’s and Why’s of Color

Can we talk here?  Better paints just work better.  Paints are a combination of chemicals and pigments used to provide protection and color.  Paint technology is constantly evolving but color selection has a tremendous impact on performance.  Ultraviolet (UV) light is absorbed or reflected by the color affecting how long a paint job will last.  Apply the best paint you can find for the application (PS – Cost alone is not a factor.  Some very expensive elastomeric products fade worse than high quality latex coatings.)

Dark colors on the body or trim draw attention to the property.  They are also more prone to fading.  They absorb more heat and are likely to be subject to additional moisture problems.  Touch ups for ongoing maintenance can be an issue since the color in the can may not match the house.

Beiges, browns, tans, and earth-tone colors (inorganic) tend to be more stable on exterior exposure.  The pigments used in these colors are less likely to break down then the pigments in reds, blues, greens and yellows (organic colors).  This is especially true in hot sunny climates, like Florida, where the intense UV exposure exerts a heavy toll on exterior paint.

Some manufacturers have been trying to extend color warranties but this practice is too new and yet to be tested completely.  Keep in mind they only warranty the paint and not the paint job.  The cost of materials is small relative to the labor and preparation required to paint your home.  These products are 20-40% more expensive than the most commonly used paints.  Personally, I am not convinced they are any better but data here is very limited at best.

What Colors Should You Choose?

The ones you like – of course!  You can pick any color under the rainbow as long as it is the one which meets your objectives (And maybe the objectives of your HOA as well … always check the rules before proceeding.)  Just be advised that not all colors are created equal in the eyes of the paint gods.  Please take fade, durability, maintenance and longevity under consideration.  If long repaint cycles are your goal (10-15 years+), then avoid the dark colors and stick with inorganic tones.  If you like to change colors frequently, the live it up.  It’s your home.  Enjoy the colors you like and plan on more frequently repaints. 

Try Before You Buy

One of the best ways to select colors for your home is driving around.  Take a look at houses in various neighborhoods.  Take pictures of those you like.  You might even considering knocking on the door and asking what color they used.  “I love the color of your home.  Would you mind telling which color you selected?”  Don’t worry about the brand of paint. Today’s laser guided paint match systems can find the color match for your home.   Get a test sample of the color(s) and paint them on your home.  (Colors tend to look different on the wall than on the chip or in the can).  Adjust your colors slightly until you find the ones the match your style, mood and objectives.

Still Confused?

Color analysis paralysis?  Ok, time to get help.  They are many options here.  First, call a painting contractor.  They don’t always pick colors but the good ones can help you evaluate the pros and cons of the colors you have selected as well as the best products for your home.  Go to the paint store and look at some of the pre-selected color themes for homes.   Paint companies spend thousands designing these for your use.  Try some of the free color sites on the Internet.  They tend to be selling something but may offer some help for your project.  Check out the local interior designers.  They may have a color designer on staff.  For a fee, they will provide a consult and several color palettes.  If you are selling your home, consider home stagers.  They will give you advice on how to dress up your home for today’s market.