922 Paint

Which paint colours are best for my walls?

Try to match your colours to your mood, or play with combinations to create a desired feeling. For example, white gives a feeling of purity and clarity but it can come across as being a bit too clinical and bland in some places. In which case, inject a little optimism with a drop of yellow paint, or accentuate the cosiness of a beige canvas by introducing an accent wall in warm washed red. Don’t be afraid to indulge: purple paint, when used sparingly, can make a room feel more regal. Block colours can work particularly well in bathrooms and kitchens but they can also become overwhelming. Try to find a balance. Make sure you consider the dimensions of each room and the effect of different shades of your colour palette. For instance, a dark colour on a ceiling will appear to lower the height of a room while lighter colours add width.

Which type of paint should I buy?

Matt emulsion or acrylic paint is the classic choice for interior walls – giving a depth of colour with low reflective sheen. The latter characteristic is important as this helps to mask imperfections on the surface. Eggshell paint is also quite flat, popular in kitchens and bathrooms, and easy to clean. If you want something glossier, try satin paint. The most reflective and durable type, however, is gloss paint; often used on doors, door frames, coving and skirting to provide subtle contrast. If you’re painting over something dark, patterned or a difficult surface, primer (undercoat paint) will do wonders; helping the top layer of paint to stick and giving a full, even look. You can also buy paint that will work on especially difficult surfaces – chalk paint, wood paint and even tile paint.

How should I test the paint?

Consider what will work best with the existing décor in your room. Seek advice from professionals if you’re not sure. Then get hold of several paint swatches and isolate each colour with a sheet of white paper to get a clearer sense of the shade. In fact, why not put together a moodboard of the intended colour scheme for each room? Better to make mistakes on paper before you spend money. Next, buy tester pots and paint at least 60 square centimetres on to lining paper. Wait till they dry and then tack them onto various walls and see how they fit into the space around textiles and other elements. Take time to observe how natural light affects their appearance throughout the day. Go with the colours and combinations that make you feel good.

It’s especially important to test small amounts of chalk or wood paint if you plan on painting furniture or floorboards as the shade will vary completely on the wood beneath – you made need one or five coats, depending on the material and the look you want. The same can be said for tile paint, too.