New year, new paint color

Painting projects will be more popular than ever with do-it-yourselfers in 2015, according to a Sherwin-Williams survey of homeowners. If you plan to paint this year, here are some tips to help prepare you for success.

Choose colors with confidence

A fresh coat of paint in the right color can quickly transform the look and feel of any space. To help choose the perfect color, homeowners can use Sherwin-Williams’ online Color Visualizer to virtually paint a space and try different color combinations, making it easy to choose with confidence.

Find color inspiration

More than half of DIYers say they look to nature for color inspiration, while more than a third take their color cues from Pinterest images. For added color inspiration, consider the 2015 Sherwin-Williams color of the year: Coral Reef, described by the survey respondents as “cheerful” and “up-beat.”

Select the right finish

Make sure you’re getting the best finish for the space you are painting. For durability and washability, choose a semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss is a good option for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as trim.

For high-traffic areas, like a hallway or a kid’s bedroom, satin and egg-shell paints are preferred, as the finish is easy to clean and maintain. High gloss paints are also extremely durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for windows, doors and trim. For spaces that have something to hide, a flat finish will work to your advantage.

Paint your space in the correct order

When planning your painting project, also consider the order in which you paint your space. Start with the ceiling, followed by the walls. If two coats of paint are needed, finish both coats before moving to the next step. Then, paint the windows from top to bottom.

After the windows, paint the baseboards, trim and door-frame. Finally, paint the door. Following this order will help ensure a smoother painting process and will require fewer cleanups.

For more help in planning your next painting project, visit www.sherwin-williams.com.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.