How To

How to Shop for Paint Colors

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Paint is the most dramatic choice you make when decorating your home. Paint color sets a space apart or creates a unified flow throughout your entire living space. Explore your color desires before you shop for paint. Do not be overwhelmed by the thousands of paint colors available. Express yourself with the color of paint you choose. If you don't like it, start again and paint over it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Color wheel
  • Paint samples
  • Paintbrush or roller
  • Paint
  1. Step 1

    Allow your imagination to run wild. Consider traditional and non traditional color choices for the room you plan to paint. Shop for materials or paint samples of the colors you are considering. Place the samples in the room and assess how they impact your living space during different times of the day. Narrow your options to one or two colors that work for you.

  2. Step 2

    Find the permanent fixtures in your room. Place your color samples on furniture or cabinetry you intend to keep. Decide if your color choices work with the permanent pieces in the room. Change your color selections if the permanent fixtures in the room do not work with your color choices.

  3. Step 3

    Consider the impact your color selection has on your total living space. Choose a color scheme that gives continuity from room to room. Look for color choices on a color wheel that complement or contrast with existing paint colors. View your home as a large canvas and choose colors that provide uniformity to the painting.

  4. Step 4

    Visit an online or local paint store. Shop their color selections and ask for color advice. Utilize the "Paint Online" features available on several paint retailers' websites. Paint your room online and get a preview of what your finished room looks like.

  5. Step 5

    Choose a color scheme and begin to shop for paint. Evaluate the paint products of several different retailers. Explore different paint finishes, such as a flat or glossy finish. Notice the impact a paint finish has on color selection. Choose the paint finish that works for your décor. Consider paint in different finishes for different parts of the room. Purchase a small quantity of paint in the color and finish you desire.

  6. Step 6

    Paint a small portion of your room with a paint brush. Apply all of the colors you intend to buy on their appropriate wall. Live with your color choices for several days. Pay attention to how light impacts your color choice at different times of the day.

  7. Step 7

    Decide on the final color palette for your paint purchase. Buy paint in sufficient quantity to complete your painting project.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden