Color can have ultimate impact both in the interior and exterior of our homes. However, color selection can be a daunting task and even if we've selected our colors, application can feel overwhelming. Enter Ed Crandall with ProTect Painters with some advice on how to select the right color and apply it the right way for the best results.
Q: Tell us a little bit about ProTect Painters and your business in Minneapolis.
A: ProTect Painters is a professional painting contractor franchise which specializes in exterior and interior house painting, as well as commercial painting projects. I opened my ProTect Painters business in January 2011. It’s a home based business, but my ProTect Painters serves all of the Twin Cities area.
Q: What interior and exterior colors and color combinations seem to be popular this year?
A: In early 2011, the international interior paint colors trends research team from the Color Marketing Group made predictions about the most popular paint colors in 2011. In general, they predicted the use of colors that are relaxing, soft, muted and comfortable, such as neutral gray and green-yellow. However, they also recommend a dark chocolate and smoky purple combination. They said that pinks, browns and purple tones would be hot this year.
- Bold and Inventive – Artsy, creative types are using a lot of bright, cheerful hues lately. Examples in the Sherwin-Williams color palate include colors with names like: Habanero Chile, Sapphire, Parakeet and Quilt Gold. PPG Porter Paints calls these colors part of its “Pop Art” collection.
- Fresh, airy, romantic – Subdued, more gentle people should use colors closer to pastels and pale neutrals. Sherwin-Williams color palate examples include: Whole Wheat, Chivalry Copper, Breaktime and Supreme Green. PPG Porter Paints calls this color family its “Color Delight” collection.
- Elegant, understated – Restrained individuals hoping to reflect their refined tastes should go with clean, classic colors. The Sherwin-Williams color palate examples include: Empire Gold, Svelte Sage, Queen Anne Lilac and Light French Gray. PPG Porter paints calls this color family its “Prana” collection.
- Sultry and primal – These colors are very similar to those in the bold, inventive category above. These colors are derivative of color combinations found in Morocco and Turkey, Persian paisleys and others found on world travels. The Sherwin-Williams color palate examples include: Exuberant pink, Burgundy, Indigo Batik and Purple Passage.
Q: Please offer some summer painting tips.
A: Based on my own experience and training my tips include the following:
- Avoid painting during times with high humidity and moisture in the air
- Do not paint a surface when it is more than 90º F.
- Be aware of chalking and discoloration on the exterior of a household.
- Drastic color changes (changing a room from a dark color to a light color or vice versa) require a primer, as well as at least two to three coats of paint.
- Using stencil designs and unique color combinations give rooms more personality.
- Consider the following before you paint: 1) Start with a clean, dry and dull (not glossy) surface; 2) Remove all dirt, dust, loose paint, rust, or mildew, 3) Surfaces must be thoroughly dry before they are primed or painted, 4) Appropriate use of putties around windows and doors prevents moisture - be sure it’s completely dry before priming or painting, 5) Rough up surfaces by sanding or using a liquid deglosser
- Use primer to help with adhesion when: Painting new wood never painted before, repainting a badly deteriorated surface, or painting a surface that has been stripped or worn
- Before You Paint: 1) Stir can of paint just before you start, 2) Stir periodically as you paint, and 3) Stir upward from the bottom, NOT just in a circle
Q: We've heard that color impacts mood. Could you offer some examples of some colors and the moods they create in a room that homeowners should consider?
A: My research is obtained from various sources, including Freshome, Bloomsburg University, and others.
- Blue: Elicits feelings of tranquility and confidence. Is the least appetizing color, so should not be the main color in kitchens. People are more productive in blue rooms and it is common in bedrooms because it produces calming chemicals in the body.
- Green: Representative of nature, health, and relaxation. Currently the most popular color for decorating because it is easiest on the eyes. It is suited for almost any room in the house because it can promote comfort in the living room and also fertility in the bedroom.
- Purple: Connected with spirituality, nobility, and wisdom. It is most successful when used sparingly.
- Red: Brings people together and stimulates conversation in the living room and stimulates appetite in the kitchen. Strong and can increase heart rate, so neutral accents should be utilized.
- Yellow: Inspiring and hopeful. People tend to lose their tempers most often in yellow rooms. It is the hardest color for the eye to take in. Yellow enhances concentration, speeds metabolism, and is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Orange: Denotes balance, excitement, has luminous qualities. While it is not a good idea in the living room or bedroom, it is great for an exercise room.
- Black: Effective in small doses as an accent color. Symbolizes power, formality, and elegance.
- White: Simple, pure, clean, and brings a summery lightness to any room. To make white work, an accented wall, colorful furnishings, or artwork should be used.
The color of the ceiling should not be neglected because lighter colors make the room seem more open, while darker colors make the room for intimate. As an overall rule, dark greens, dark reds, and dark blues should be used in good lighting.
To schedule an estimate or appointment, please contact me at Ed.crandall@protectpainters.com or at 612-922-4300.
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