Paint Colors for Rooms with Little Natural Light

Written by wiesepaint on June 16, 2021. Posted in Residential Painting, Types of Paint.

Paint Colors for Rooms with Little Natural Light Ever had a room that is dark and gloomy with little to no natural light? When a space lacks natural light, it turns dim to dark as the day progresses. Choosing a paint color for these conditions can be quite challenging.

Muted or cool colors can make the already dark room feel uninviting. However, the right paint colors can have a positive effect on the room and make it brighter.

This article takes you through the colors that can lighten up even the dingiest of rooms, a few tips to help brighten your room, the best colors for rooms facing different directions, and much more.

Best Paint Colors for Dark Rooms

In the absence of light, the colors you choose for your room should play up the light from the lamps and overhead light fixtures. Lighter and warmer shades tend to do that and visually expand the dark spaces creating an inviting ambiance.

Here are a few hues that can brighten up any dark corner of your room.

Sherwin-Williams Creamy SW 7012 – SW creamy is a soft, warm cream that looks yellow requires adequate lighting for warmth.
Benjamin Moore Silver Marlin 2139-50 – Silver marlin is a warm gray tinged with green to give the room a crisp look.
Sherwin-Williams Tidewater SW 6477 – Tidewater is a cool bluish green that works well in a darker space, especially the dining room.
BM Navajo White OC 95 – A light creamy white paint color with a yellow base. But the neutral undertones help tone it down.
Sherwin-Williams Charcoal Blue – A dark blue, almost black; Pair it with cool light blue or gray tones for a dark and dramatic flair.
Benjamin Moore Ballet White – Ballet White is a soft and muted cream with a beige-gray undertone almost as close as you can get to greige without going all the way.
Sherwin-Williams Silver Strand SW 7057 – Silver strand is a blend of blue-green-gray that usually leans towards blue more than green.
Benjamin Moore Black Beauty – A warm black with brown undertones; it works well in combination with geometrical lines and pops of other colors.
Benjamin Moore Excalibur Gray – Very much on the lighter side, this is a soft gray with a touch of lilac, giving it a neutral hue. It is a pretty relaxing color for the bedroom.

Tips to Brighten a Dark Room

First, no matter what color you choose, identify why your room is dark and rectify if possible. Check if you can bring natural light or at least amp up the available light.

Tips to Brighten a Dark Room Here are few tips to make the room brighter beyond the paint color.

If there’s no natural light or even artificial light, no paint color can save you. So, ensure that you have enough light to work with.
Lighter paint colors like crisp whites, creams, and pale grays reflect the room’s natural light better than any other color.
Even with good lighting and paint color, you need the right furnishings to make the space inviting.
Do not shy from dark colors. The right color can add personality even if the room appears darker.
A glossy paint finish reflects the maximum light, but it may not look good on the walls, especially if it has any flaws. Hence better to stick with matte and eggshell finishes.
Paint the ceiling in white. White ceilings reflect more light, and the room looks brighter.
A bold and saturated trim can add a pop of color and enhance the wall color without compromising the light.

Good Paint Colors for a Living Room with Little Natural Light

A living room with little to no sunlight is problematic for two reasons. Firstly, it gets scorching during summers, and most importantly, it is always dark.

White paint colors tend to reflect the most light than any other color in the spectrum. However, muted and cool colors can make the room look drab and uninviting. Lighter and warmer shades tend to play with the available light and create a welcoming environment.

Good Paint Colors for a Living Room with Little Natural Light - Color Chart Here are a few room colors for a living room with little natural light:

Pale Yellow: Pale yellow walls mimic the natural light to give a summery feel without overpowering the room.
Lavender: Lavander is quite versatile, especially in dark rooms. It has a wide range of hues, from pale barely-there colors to dark shades. Pair a lavender with bold purples and blues for a playful look.
Chocolate Brown: Chocolate brown is a warm and welcoming shade that gives a spacious look to the room. However, you may want to balance it with pale carpeting, white woodwork, or patterned fabrics.
Gray: Gray is the new neutral when it comes to paint colors. Choose a lighter hue and balance it out with bright accents.
Powder Blue: Powder blue can brighten any dark and gloomy corner of your room, especially when paired with white details or dark wood furnishing.
Warm Orange: Orange has the ability to glow and reflect any light from lamps, candles, sunlight, or otherwise.
Pink: While not an often-used color, pale pink shades like pale rose and seashell can brighten up a dark room. Avoid darker shades like watermelon and fuchsia as they can overwhelm the space.
Ochre: Ochre being closer to gold works wonders for dimly lit rooms. You can see it in more traditional settings with a white mantel, molding, and trim.
Lime Green: Though blindingly brighter, lime green can work wonders in your bedroom or powder room. However, for a living room, it works better as an accent wall.

Never hurry when choosing a paint color. Have the paint swatches on the walls for a few days and check in every light before committing to it.

Best White Paint for Rooms with Low Light

Whites can act as a mirror and reflect the light. However, the hue depends on the direction of your room. For this reason, skip bright white and go for a darker shade of white. In a room with low light, it will still be white without looking somber.

Here a few famous whites that suit any wall:

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak – A soft white paint with taupe undertones; The pale color works well when you have greenery outside your windows.
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray – A very light gray with green undertones; However, it needs to be paired with enough accessories to make the room look good.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – A blue-tinged bright and clean white; it has a cool undertone to combat the warmth of a south-facing room.
Benjamin Moore Paper White – A gray-tinged white; Rather than an antiseptic look, it has enough warmth to maintain a crisp elegance.
Benjamin Moore White Dove – A grayed-out white color; It is also used in trim and a favorite for north-facing rooms.
Sherwin-Williams White Duck – A white neutral paint with cream and greige undertones; It is quite a popular option for exterior walls.

How Sunlight Affects Colors

Sunlight influences how paint colors look on walls. The reason being, as the sun makes its way across the sky, the amount of natural light streaming into your rooms also changes. When the angle of the sun changes, your paint color also changes. The same also happens with changing seasons.

Best Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms do not get any direct sunlight. The light in these rooms is soft, cool with a blue undertone. To compensate for the lack of warmth, you need to incorporate warmer colors to balance it out.

A warm white or off-white with a cream undertone that reflects light works for the walls. In the same way, bold colors also show up clearly than the muted colors. On the other hand, lighter colors tend to look subdued.

Best Paint Colors for South-Facing Rooms

South-facing rooms have light pouring in when the sun is at the highest point in the sky. Hence it tends to be bright throughout the day with warm and golden light. These rooms take any color; lighter colors glow, while darker colors tend to brighten the room.

However, you may want to have some cooler hues like whites with neutral undertones or even the coolest of the white with just a touch of warmth for a proper balance.

Best Paint Colors for East-Facing Rooms

East-facing rooms receive light in varying intensities throughout the day. Since the sun rises in the east, these rooms get the early morning bright warm-hued light but cool later in the evening.

Any color will look in the morning, but you need something with warm undertones for additional warmth in the afternoon. In the lighter category, you can go for a neutral shade like beige. On the other hand, reds, yellows, and oranges also glow with the available natural light.

Best Paint Colors for West-Facing Rooms

West-facing rooms tend to get more evening light than in the morning. Since the sun sets in the west, these rooms get indirect neutral light in the morning and a warm golden glow in the evening. The morning light can create shadow and make the paint look dull.

You may want to balance the difference in the lights with a neutral white or a cooler shade in blue or green.

Conclusion

The key to choosing a paint color is to balance the warm and cool tones in the room. An excellent way of doing that is to add contrast to your rooms. Furthermore, it also adds visual interest to an otherwise dark room.

Generally, powder rooms, hallways, or basements lack natural light and are darker than other parts of your home. No matter where you paint, the presence of light or absence can influence the paint color.

Lacking natural light, ensure that you have adequate artificial lighting. Apart from the overhead light and the skylight, add a few floor lamps for good measure. You can also fake more light by adding mirror accents to your room.

Here at Wiese Painting, we are experienced with painting all colors, be it your apartment, home, or office. We guarantee that any hard-to-paint color or surface is tackled with professionalism and tricks that have been acquired through years of painting. You will love the look of your freshly-painted home, so contact us today for your free quote!

Apartment Painting

Written by wiesepaint on April 16, 2021. Posted in Apartment Painting, Interior Painting, Painting Cost, Types of Paint.

Apartment Painting - Painting Wall Red Painting is a sure-shot way to give your apartment an instant facelift. It hides flaws and revives dirty walls and changes the look of the entire area. Whenever we think about painting an apartment or a room, the first thing which comes to our mind is the cost related to it and various other relevant factors.

Therefore, this article brings you everything you need to know about painting an apartment, cost, DIY cost, and everything in between.

Is Painting Your Apartment Worth It?

Painting is always the cheapest way to refresh your apartment. In the case of a rental, it may not be particularly so. In most circumstances, you can go ahead and paint unless your lease forbids you otherwise. But is it worth painting?

It probably isn’t if you are staying for less than a year or so. But in the case of a long-term lease, you can consider painting. But are you allowed?

You may also want to check with your landowner firsthand. As long as the end result is pleasing, you shouldn’t face any problems. If not, you may have to repaint in the old colors before vacating.

Average Cost to Paint an Apartment

In general, it should cost you around $1000 – $3000 for an average-sized apartment.

In the case of a one-bedroom apartment without much detailing and a 10’ ceiling, the average cost would be $1,000 – $2,000. For a larger apartment with intricate details, it would cost you around $2,500 – $3,500. This estimate includes the labor costs and painting materials.

The cost may differ significantly based on the location; in a high-income area, the painters will inevitably charge you more. And of course, the cost of the materials plays a huge part in the price.

The pricing may also depend on other factors:

Size
Complexity
Prep work

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Room?

Painters charge $350 – $850 for an average size room, depending on the work involved. The average cost to paint a room measuring 10 x 12 square feet is $350-$850, while it is $200 – $600 for a 10 x 10 sq ft room. And for a 12 x 12 sq ft room, it costs $400 – $900.

The cost for each major room is as follows:

Living Room – For a 330 square-foot living room, your painter may charge you anywhere from $600 – $2000.
Master Bedroom – The cost to paint a master bedroom is $650 – $1,400, not including the primer.
Bathroom – Painting cost for a bathroom ranges between $150 – $400.
Kitchen – Average cost to paint a kitchen is $150 – $250.

The above-mentioned painting costs are just average and will change depending on the coverage area and the floor space.

Labor Costs

Average labor costs for a painter range anywhere between $180 and $650 to paint a room. This figure may be:

Hourly – is a more outdated approach for pricing but currently used for smaller projects. But most painters charge $20-$50 per hour if they go by hourly rates.
Cost per Square Foot of Coverage – is a quick and easy method of pricing, but it requires a detailed floor plan or blueprint. Going by this approach, painters charge $3-$7 per square foot.
Cost per Square Foot of Floor Space – is mostly used in bidding projects since it is more accurate. The labor cost is approximately $1 – $3 per square foot.

Labor cost makes up to 70% to 85% of the total cost of the project. Of the three, the hourly is more unpredictable since it is pretty challenging to estimate the time painter may take.

Cost to Paint a 700 Sq Ft Apartment

The average cost to paint a 700 sq ft apartment with an 8′ ceiling ranges between $500 – $3500. The cost doesn’t include repairs and also windows and doors. The price may change depending on the color of the paint as well since darker colors or different colors need more coats than the standard two coats.

Cost to Paint a 2 Bedroom Apartment

The cost to paint a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,000 and $3,000. The more complex the painting, the costlier it would be.

The project includes your kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathroom, hallway, etc.

Cost to Paint Accent Walls

Accent walls cost more than a regular wall due to their complexity and textured nature. The texture also adds more surface area.

A single accent wall can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 to paint. Decorative murals or paintings can cost $35 – $150, depending on the difficulty and intricate nature. The materials and the labor are included in the cost to paint.

Cost to Hire a Painter

A professional painter can charge you anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour. The charge can go from $75- $100 per hour in areas with a high cost of living.

If they charge per square foot, it would be $2 – $6. On the whole, you can expect to pay from $200 to $500 per day.

The painters’ total cost includes

Supplies (including paint) 15%
Labor 85%

Time Taken to Paint a 2 Bedroom Apartment

A 2 bedroom apartment takes 3-4 days to paint with a team of 2-3 people. The time taken to paint a room depends on the following:

Prep Work – Interior painting starts with appropriate prep work, including covering or moving furniture, laying drop cloths, tape off certain areas, etc., which takes 30-60 minutes.
Size of the Room – The size more or less determines how quickly the work is done. An average room measures 432 sq ft, and it takes approximately 4-6 hours from prep work to clean up.
Painting Technique – Even though spraying is the fastest method, a combination of brush and roller is used for interior painting.
Number of Coats – The standard number of coats is two coats unless it is a darker color. It takes 45 minutes to apply the first coat and less than 30 minutes to apply the second coat.
Final Touches – The cleaning up and the touching up work will take another hour.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Room Yourself?

Cost of Apartment Painting Painting a room yourself is cheaper than when done by a professional. The DIY cost to paint a room(10’x12′) is $125, which is the cost of the supplies.

You may also want to consider:

Room size
Colors
Paint quality
Cost of the paint
Ceiling height

Whose Responsibility is it to Paint: Landlord or Renter?

The landlord has the responsibility to paint the apartment he is renting out. The renter can paint or renovate the apartment only if he/she has express permission from the landlord.

Having said that, he isn’t required to paint his property between tenants.

How Frequently Should You Paint a Rental Apartment?

Painting a rental property is at the owner’s discretion. At the same time, most owners prefer to paint their apartment every 3-5 years and try to coincide with a turnover.

As long as the property looks safe and sound, there is no reason to paint apart from a few touchups.

Tips to Reduce Apartment Painting Cost

The cost to paint an apartment is often too high and vary depending on:

Labor Costs
Cost of painting supplies

The cost of the supplies is not much as the labor costs which is the huge chunk of the final remuneration. By controlling it, you can reduce the painting cost:

Get Multiple bids

Contact multiple contractors and get more than one estimate from different painting businesses around you. While the cheapest may not be the best, it can give you an idea about the cost of hiring painters in your area.

Ensure that the estimate includes hours spent, brands, etc.

Have everything in writing via a contract

You must have everything that has been decided between you and the painter in writing, including the payment terms, the scope of work, painting supplies, timeline, etc.

Do some of the prep work by yourself.

If possible, do a portion of the prep work like moving furniture, sanding, cleaning, caulking, etc., to help reduce the labor cost.

Moreover, if possible, buy paint supplies at a discounted rate. But ensure that you keep your painter in the loop. You do not want to end up buying the wrong products.

Repaint frequently

The longer the duration between paint jobs, the more issues you are likely to run into. The hours spent on surface preparation are sure to result in extra costs.

Do not change the color.

Retaining the existing colors lets you get away with one coat of paint instead of two. Also, you may want to avoid darker colors since they need more coats to obtain an even surface.

Reduce the scope of the job

Skip ceiling and inside of cabinets as long as they are in good condition. Limiting the scope of the home improvement project helps save money on labor and paint.

Types of Paint for Apartment Painting

For an apartment, you’ll need a flat or eggshell finish for the walls. Flat paints help hide the scuff marks and conceal the blemishes. As for the ceiling, flat paints are the best choice. In the case of doors and windows, a semi-gloss finish works great.

Coming to the paint, you’ll want a water-based latex paint that’s easily washable. Get paint samples from home improvement stores and consult with your contractor before making a decision.

Standard Apartment Paint Color

Crisp white paint has been the standard paint color for a long time. However, you can opt for the below colors for a trendy look:

Dark Blue
Sage
Earthy Ochre
Silver
Light Grey (with White Trim)
Super White
Green
Beige
Sky Blue
Purple
Blue-Green (Turquoise)
Coffee

Best Paint for a Rental Apartment

As long as it is your home, you are free to experiment with bold colors, clashing or not. But it is safer to stick with neutrals and subdued color when it comes to rental properties.

Gray
Tan
Cream
Dark Neutral

Dark colors are better suited for rooms other than the living room since not many renters prefer the ambiance of the room. Grays (and their many hues) are a more trendy choice. They do not show dirt and age.

Apartment Paint Ideas

Painting an apartment comes with a whole new set of challenges, quite different from that of your home. Here are a few paint ideas that work well with any apartment:

Create an accent wall. Accent walls bring fun and color into an apartment that is otherwise stark and dull.
Use bright colors in combination with subdued shades for better light reflectivity.
Better use of lighting, natural and artificial, can enliven your room. Mirrors and other furnishings with reflective materials work well for this purpose.
When in doubt, go for a monochromatic look.
A smaller apartment will benefit from a lighter shade as it can open up the room.
The ceiling color should be several shades lighter than the walls; this gives an illusion of high ceilings.

Rules for Painting Apartments

Rules for Painting Apartments - Dos & Don'ts Be it a rental property or an apartment, painting is by far the easiest method to jazz up your home. Here are a few rules to abide by:

In the case of a rental property, you must talk with your landlord before painting. Ensure that you discuss the colors with him.
Go with lighter colors since darker shades, especially pinks and reds, are difficult to cover.
Choose the type of paint with care. With an apartment, the chances are that there are more flaws to hide or correct. Flat paint works the best for uneven walls. On the other hand, it is difficult to wash and accumulates dirt much more than glossier paint.
Cover everything that is not painted! Place drop cloths on the floor or carpet. This makes cleanup much more manageable.
It is also recommended you use painter’s tape to get that straight-edge look on trim and adjoining ceilings and walls.

Conclusion

The interior painting cost of an apartment is never cheap and requires a pretty penny. If the budget is your problem, you could paint the apartment yourself and cut down the project costs; though easy on the cost, it is a pretty big project that requires a lot of work.

However, DIY is not a good option if you are a beginner. In case you are in a rental, it is always better to hire a painter. You do not want to lose your security deposit over a lousy paint job.

Remember, the cost to paint an apartment largely depends on the region and even on the zip code to an extent. So, ensure that you get estimates from multiple interior painters and choose the one who works the best on your budget.

Here at Wiese Painting, we are experienced with painting all colors, be it your apartment, home, or office. We guarantee that any hard-to-paint color or surface is tackled with professionalism and tricks that have been acquired through years of painting. You will love the look of your freshly painted home, so contact us today for your free quote!

What Is the Hardest Color to Paint a Wall?

Written by wiesepaint on April 13, 2021. Posted in Interior Painting, Types of Paint.

Hardest Color to Paint a Wall - Someone Painting a Wall Dark Gray Painting walls is a common way to update your home, make rooms feel fresh, and change the aesthetic without significant renovations are a few best ways you can change the look of your home/office. Everyone is capable of painting their own room with the right tips. You might be asking yourself, what is the hardest color to paint a wall to be sure that you choose a color that you will be successful with.

Don’t worry because, in this blog, we will share all of the difficult-to-paint colors with you and offer some tips on how to choose the right color.

When you decide that you no longer want white walls, there are many options for you. There is no reason that a painting contractor cannot help you achieve the look you want, even with a tricky color. Some colors are more difficult to paint, but nothing is impossible.

Top 4 Hardest Colors to Paint a Wall

Taupe

Taupe is a popular color for walls, but it can be one of the most difficult. The reason that taupe is often hard to use is that it is closely related to the color white. There are many taupe shades, which do not coordinate together which means that you have to find the right shade of taupe in design elements and accessories.

Red

There are many reasons that red is difficult. One is that there are different shades of red, and some are overpowering in rooms, like the shades that make the perfect lipstick color. Also, reds that have too much brown in them look dull. Reds with undertones of blue are just too bright.

Blue

While blues are some of the most popular shades to paint walls, they are also one of the most difficult. Bright blues can overpower a room. Subtle blues are underwhelming when looking at paint swatches but look better when on walls.

Gray

There are many different shades of gray. Some grays have hints of silver or pewter that create a metallic sheen on painted walls. Other grays have hints of blue or undertones that can affect the accessories that look good. Gray can work, but make sure that you consider furnishings and décor when looking at swatches.

People Also Ask:

What is the Most Calming Color to Paint a Room?

There are nine colors that are calming colors to paint a room. The colors are blue, green, violet, pink, tan, gray, yellow, white, and a mixture of any of the previously mentioned.

What Colors Cause Anxiety?

Colors are often used as a way to describe emotions. In a recent NBC News article, a study on color and anxiety was recently explored. The research suggests that colors used to describe anxiety, like gray, are often the same colors that cause anxiety. You can learn more about the science behind color and the association of moods from this research.

What Colors Are Most Attractive to Guys?

Men see things differently than women. This much is evidenced through some studies and is backed by science. When it comes to finding a color that is going to be attractive to a man, the two most common are black and red.

Tips for Choosing the Right Color

Choosing a color to paint the walls of a room in your home can be challenging. You might find that you struggle to find a color you feel you want around for a while. You might wonder what color is going to stay trendy for the most extended period. Many people find that neutrals are best for most of the walls with pops of color, as illustrated by Better Homes and Gardens in this article.

Here are the top five tips for you to choose the right color for your home:

Choose colors that are livable by picking a base color to paint all of the walls, neutral trim colors that can easily be maintained, and accent walls that feature a pop of color.

When picking up color samples, first choose your favorites. Then select the colors that are close to your favorite and those that are shades darker and lighter. The lighting in your home could change colors’ appearance of colors and make it difficult for you to enjoy the color you picked. Make sure that you always check samples at home. Always consider the tone that you want to set for your room

For example, choose light and soothing colors if you want the room to have a calming effect, choose bright colors if you want the room to make you feel energized, and stick with your favorite colors that make you happy in the rooms where you spend the most time.

Finding inspiration can be tough, but utilizing your favorite items in your home can be helpful. Think about your favorite things, and then look at them to get inspiration from their colors.

Remember that you are choosing colors in your home for yourself. Do not allow others to influence your decision because, in the end, their opinion does not matter. If someone else hates the color of a room that you love, that is their loss.

Here at Wiese Painting, we are experienced with painting all colors. We guarantee that any hard-to-paint color is tackled with professionalism and tricks that have been acquired through years of painting. So don’t waste your time asking the hardest color to paint a wall; you can have any color you desire. You will love the look of your freshly painted walls, so contact us today for your free quote!

Be sure to check out these other timely articles:

Types of Paint

Written by wiesepaint on March 3, 2021. Posted in Types of Paint.

Types of Paint - Array of Paint Colors and Color Chart Different types of paint have been around for many ages. The oldest archeological evidence of paint was found in Blombos Cave in South Africa. They found an ochre mixture dated 100,000 years and a grinding tool dated 70,000 years old in the caves.

Painting enhances the look of any home. But not just any paint; the right type of paint with an appropriate sheen can work wonders. It has a significant effect on the character and the design aesthetic of the room. As such, many factors play an essential role in the choice of paint and color.

This guide brings you everything you need to know about the different types of paints, finish, how to choose the right kind for your wall, and many more.

Different Types of Paints

Based on the base, paints can be of three types:

Oil-based
Water-based
Latex-based

Types of Paint – Oil-Based Paint

Otherwise called solvent-based paints, oil-based paints have solvents as the base. The presence of solvents makes for odor and fumes; they are also hazardous to work with.

Oil paints are a great choice if you look for more resilient and durable paints with a creamy finish. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also stand the test of time without showing any signs of damage, wear, and tear.

They have better adhesion and surface penetration than other paints. Their stain-resistant properties make it suitable for metals, bleeding woods, and surfaces that get stained easily.

Oil-based paints are used for areas such as trims because they can withstand abuse and stay vibrant for a long time. But they tend to take a longer drying time. However, considering the advantages, the wait is worth it.

Other than that, oil paints also require specially designed brushes and rollers. Cleaning is also not easy since water doesn’t cut it. You need to use turpentine or paint thinner.

Advantages

Brushstrokes fill themselves to create a smooth finish.
Durable
Attractive gloss
Good for rooms with high humidity

Disadvantages

They release VOCs, which are harmful to the atmosphere.
Difficult to wash
They can separate quickly.
The application is messy.

Types of Paint – Water-Based Paint

Water-based paints have water as the base and hence do not emit any odor and obnoxious fumes. This makes it ideal for interior painting. They also dry quickly between coats making it easier to get a lot done in one day.

Though not stain-resistant, they can be cleaned easily with a little soap and water, unlike oil-based paints. Moreover, the shine, richness, resilience, and durability are also missing here.

Water-based paints go smoothly on all surfaces except for those which have oil paints. In this case, you might want to use sandpaper to rough them up, eliminate the shine and then paint.

You might want to look into a couple of new entries, waterborne enamel or waterborne alkyds. Both of them behave much like oil-based paint but without toxic fumes. They also level easily and have a smooth finish.

Advantages

No/low VOC
Easy cleanup
Dries quickly
No mildew growth
No need for pretreatment
Elastic finish, resistant to cracks
Color doesn’t fade

Disadvantages

Each finish is not as vivid or rich.
Not long-wearing
Can peel off from the walls when damp
Expensive

Types of Paint – Latex-Based Paint

Though interchangeably confused with water-based paints, latex-based paints have a better shine (buildable). It is also non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The order doesn’t stay as long; however, adequate ventilation is required.

They are easy to apply and don’t make as much a mess. Latex paints also do not trap moisture but expand and shrink with the temperature changes; hence need lesser drying time as well;

Having said that, the same paint cannot be used in both interior and exterior. You need specially designed paints, particularly for the exterior. Paint formulated for interiors cannot hold up outdoors.

Advantages

It doesn’t peel or crack.
Prevents the formation of mold and mildew
Dries fast (but only superficially)
Easy to clean with water and soap
Nonflammable
Less color fading and no yellowing

Disadvantages

Needs primer for a smooth finish
Steel and wood need more primer.
Shrinkage
Curing time takes weeks; hence can damage easily.
Sensitive to temperature change

Differences in Water-Based, Oil-Based, and Latex Paints

The choice of paint plays an integral part in elevating the look and bringing a fresh appeal. But not all paints work the same; here are the differences between the different types of paint:

Durability: Oil paint is the most durable of them all, followed by latex and finally water-based paint.

Drying Time: Water-based paint dries quickly while oil-based paint takes at least 24 hours, and latex is much closer to water in terms of drying.

Finish: Oil-based paints have the best finishes of them all, with latex closely following. They have a high gloss and shine with vibrant colors. Water-based paint needs a bit of maneuvering to get a smooth finish and don’t have the qualities of oil paints.

Ease of Work: Water and latex paints are easy to work and clean with, but oil-based paints are particularly messy. They need turpentine or paint thinner.

Types of Paint Finishes

Paint finish refers to the amount of light reflected by the painted surface. Paints with a sheen reflect light while the others absorb light. And as such, it can be of two broad categories.

Flat or matte finish has no sheen hence absorbs light.
Semi-gloss and gloss paint reflects light giving them a brilliant shine.

There are five different types of paint finishes.

Flat/Matte: Matte finish reflects the least amount of light but provides the most coverage, even concealing nail holes and such. However, they are least reliable and hence apt for areas that do not have much traffic like your dining room and those that aren’t touched much like your walls and ceilings.
Eggshell: One of the most popular finishes with a lustrous shine and slightly better than matte paint. They have better durability but not as much when compared to a glossy finish. They are best used in low traffic areas like your living room, entryway, etc.
Satin: The most common of all finishes, the satin has a velvety sheen and is easier to clean. They are good for high traffic areas such as family room, kitchen, bathroom, playroom, etc.
Semi-gloss: Quite shiny and reflective, the semi-gloss paints are durable and used in rooms that are high in humidity, such as bathrooms, or receive much more wear and tear than other rooms like your kids’ rooms.
High-gloss: Shiniest of the bunch, the high gloss paints are tough, waterproof, and washable. They are used for doors, cabinets, trims, etc. However, the prep work is essential for this finish since it shows the imperfections clearly.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Paint Finish

Helpful Tips When Choosing a Paint Finish At first sight, the finish looks like more of design consideration, but in truth, the right paint sheen can brighten and increase the appeal of the room.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the correct finish:

Traffic: Consider the traffic in your room before choosing the finish. For rooms with heavy foot traffic or accelerated wear and tear, you’d want to look into semi-gloss or even satin paint. They are durable and can last long. However, calmer or isolated rooms can get away with eggshells or even flat paint.

Sheen: In case your room has plenty of natural light that you want to reduce the glare, go for a matter. However, for a darker room, you’d want semi-gloss paint to reflect the light and brighten the room.

Blemishes: A flat paint can hide imperfections better than any other finishes. On the other hand, a glossy finish can highlight the surface defects. So, if your walls are not smooth, you may want to go with a flat or a matte.

Right Types of Paint for All Materials

Depending on your project, you may have to paint on various surfaces. And not all paints work the same for every material.

Make it a point to prep the surface with a primer unless mentioned otherwise. Here a quick update on the different applications:

Brick: High-quality latex paint
Concrete: Prep using a primer specially formulated for concrete and continue with a latex primer
Ceramic / Porcelain Tiles: An acrylic primer followed by acrylic paint for interiors
Concrete Block: Start with a sealer and continue with high-quality acrylic latex primer and then acrylic latex paint.
Fiber-Cement Siding: Exterior paint.
Fabric: Water-based paint
Fiberglass Doors (Exterior): An acrylic latex primer and finally, the exterior-grade latex paint
Countertops: Primer formulated for non-porous surface and acrylic latex enamel
Metal: Paint formulated for metal
Plastic: Exterior grade acrylic enamel
Vinyl Shutters: Latex-based paint
Wicker: exterior-grade acrylic latex paint
Wood: Two coats of stain-blocking primer followed by latex-based paint

Best Types of Paint for Interior Walls

The condition in every room of your home isn’t the same. The humidity in the bathroom would not be present in the bedroom; The spill and stains in the kitchen warrant durable paint, while the living room needs something more elegant.

Every paint comes with a different set of properties and functionalities. Here is a paint guide to help you choose the right type of paint.

Kitchen Walls: Kitchen walls are prone to stains; hence a latex enamel with satin or eggshell finish is preferred. You can also go for semi-gloss if you are worried about maintenance.
Bathroom Walls: The bathroom is high in humidity and moisture. So, it helps to have latex enamel paint with a glossy finish.
Ceilings: Ceilings reflect the necessary light in the room. A flat white latex-based paint gives the illusion of space, making the room appear larger. Avoid gloss paint for ceilings as they provide a space limiting illusion.
Trim, Cabinets, Windows, and Doors: Oil-based paints like alkyd or acrylic latex suit the wooden surface as they give a smooth finish. Even though the oil paint gives out fumes, the payoff and also long-lasting are worth it.
Living Rooms, Dining rooms, and Bedroom Walls: An acrylic latex-based paint with either a flat or an eggshell finish work best with the living room and bedroom.

Best Paint for Interior Painting

The paint you use for your interior should give a rich finish with buttery smooth walls and easy to clean.

As such, here are the best paints in the market:

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere – Goes on buttery smooth with a silky and creamy finish.
Glidden Essentials Interior Paint – Best budget paint with excellent coverage and low VOCs
Backdrop Standard Finish Interior Paint – Premium water-based paint with acrylic resin works well with all the walls delivering a low-sheen, semi-matte finish.

Best Type of Paint for Trim

Painting Trim - what works best Even though trims occupy a small part, it serves a decorative purpose and calls attention to itself. Hence the paint that you use should highlight the details. Apart from the visual aspect, they are also high-impact areas; The types of paint you use for trim should be able to withstand the bumps and nicks.

Oil-based paint with its thick consistency fills in all the cracks and blemishes in the trim. Since it has a longer drying time, it settles properly and dries into a uniform layer.
Also, keep in mind that the choice of paint varies depending on the location. So, you might want to get interior or exterior paint accordingly.
Satin, gloss, semi-gloss, and high gloss work well for trim. However, semi-gloss paint seems to be the industry standard. It is smoother than satin and also hides imperfections better.
White is the most common and versatile color for trims. However, you can also use neutrals for subtle elegance and bold color for a visual impact.

Important Qualities to Look for in Exterior Paint

Exterior paints not only give a fresh look to your home but also protects it from external elements. It withstands the barrage of rains, icy winters, scorching summers without cracking, peeling, or fading.

Here are some pointers you may want to consider before buying exterior paint.

Durability: With regards to exterior paint, you get what you pay. Expensive paints have good additives, better pigments, and above all, they come with a good warranty of at least 15 years.
Drying Time: The drying period depends on the type of paint you use. You would have to wait until the first coat is completely dry before painting the second coat. Though latex-based paints dry within a couple of hours, they need at least 4-6 hours of curing time before a second coat is applied. However, you need at least 24 hours for oil-based paint to cure before you paint the second coat, even though it dries within 6-8 hours.
Low VOCs – Since the 1950s, The United States had regulated the emission of VOCs from the oi-based paints. Oil-based paint emits toxic fumes, which might cause headaches and nausea. So, you may want to buy one that is low-VOC or No-VOC.
Long-Lasting Color: Your exterior paint will be subjected to direct sunlight and UV radiation which wreak havoc on the color. Good quality paint will have pigments that don’t fade over time. The fading also depends on the color; Darker colors are likely to fade away quickly than their lighter counterparts. For darker shades, choose a paint with titanium dioxide as an ingredient.
Weather Resistant: A good exterior paint should handle the extremities of weather and resist it for years to come. The acrylic-based latex paint can repel rain without becoming brittle, crack or peel. While most paints will have some amount of acrylic, you may want one advertised as all acrylic to reap its benefits.
Climate Compatibility: Buy a paint that suits the climate in your region. For example, if you live in desert regions like New Mexico, you may want to buy UV-resistant paint, while in Louisiana, paints need additives to prevent mold and mildew.
Surface Suitability: The paint you use for the exterior should be compatible with the surface you are painting on. With your siding already painted in latex, go for latex since oil can melt the latex and cause the paint to peel.

Best Type of Paint Suitable for Exterior

Acrylic and oil-based paints are the most suitable of them all since they are both durable and long-lasting. Acrylic works well on sidings (such as wood, aluminum, fiber cement, etc.), plaster, stucco, drywall, etc.

Oil-based paint has long been the choice for exterior walls due to its shine and enduring nature. However, with the development of acrylic-based latex paints, they have become the favorite of painters, DIYers, and pros alike.

Paint Colors that Boost Home Value

A new coat of paint gives the prospective buyers a good impression and a sense of satisfaction that it is well taken care of. The right paint color makes your home more attractive and helps it sell faster for more value.

A new paint job in colors such as grays, whites, neutrals, and light pastels such as soft muted pink, sage green, works well for your home in times of sale.

Tips for Picking Paint Colors

Painting your home in the right color is only half the job. The most important part is to choose a suitable paint color.

Warm and Cold Color Chart Here are a few insider tips to choosing the right color:

Choose paint based on the lighting.
Start your painting experiment from a small nook.
Choose the color based on the finish.
Play with neutral paint colors.
Get outdoors for ideas.
Consider the undertones to find the right paint color.
Find inspiration in artworks.
Choose different types of paint and finishes.
Sample the colors before painting.
Use a color consultant.

Conclusion

There are different types of paints and paint finishes; their application varies greatly depending on the surface and temperature.

Oil-based paints are glossy that hides imperfections but are not suitable for interiors due to their emission of VOCs. On the other hand, water-based is quite popular since they are environmentally friendly. They pretty much anywhere.

Coming to sheens, matte paint has gone on thickly and fills in all the cracks but is not durable. But gloss finishes like semi-gloss and high gloss are durable, easy to clean, and also reflective.

Not all paints work the best in every room. You need to use the right finish based on the lighting, humidity, and traffic.

While the types of paint are often considered to be a design element, it is far from the truth. It provides protection to the surfaces, increases durability, and also easy maintenance. And that is where Wiese Painting Contractors can help. With over 65 years of experience in residential and commercial painting services, we are confident that you’ll love our work. Contact us for your free quote today!

Other timely articles you may find helpful:

What Is the Best Color to Paint an Office for Productivity?

Written by wiesepaint on November 9, 2020. Posted in Commercial Painting, Types of Paint.

What is the best color to paint an office for productivity Office environments can be dull and very drab. Several factors impact the ambiance and atmosphere inside an office space. Size, layout, and lighting are very important.

All of these factors have a direct impact on productivity levels in your office. But, the color of your interior office space also impacts productivity.

Maybe even slightly more than the rest.

So, it’s essential to know which colors you can use in your office to enhance productivity. Luckily, there are several options available.

When choosing the color of your office, always consult with a professional painting company.

At Wiese Painting Contractors, we have years of experience in the painting industry. Enabling us to give you expert advice on the best color to increase productivity in your office space.

Continue reading to find out more about choosing the right color for an office space.

What is the best color to paint an office for productivity?

There are several colors you can use to increase productivity in an office. Light and bold colors are commonly associated with focus and energy.

So, you can expect a lot of creative energy to arise from any color that invokes productivity. The business industry is also essential.

For example, a fashion office may benefit from using a firey color like red. Whereas a law firm may go with green.

Both colors are great for increasing productivity in an office.

But, green is more subtle and calming, which is perfect for a law office. Red is more passionate and physical, which is great for fashion designers.

That’s just a simple example you can use to see how color impacts our mental state. Color and its impact on human psychology have long been recognized.

Here is an article by Scott Brown Painting you can read to learn more.

Increasing productivity in your office

There are a few primary colors that increase office productivity like no other. The best part about it, you can combine them with secondary colors to create a truly unique office space.

Here are the best colors to increase productivity in your office:

Red
Yellow
Blue
Green
Orange Purple

Look at this article by cdisspaces to see some of the best colors for increased office productivity.

Our painting technicians at Wiese Painting Contractors have a real passion for helping clients. We’ll walk with you through all of the steps involved with painting your office a new color.

If you’re unsure about which color is right for your space. Our team will give you expert advice on how to do so.

Let Wiese Painting help you!

Our team at Wiese painting is standing by to help you improve the overall energy in your office. Give us a call today or fill out the contact form on our website to get started.

What Is the Best Paint for Outside Walls?

Written by wiesepaint on August 10, 2020. Posted in Residential Painting, Exterior Painting, Types of Paint.

What is the best paint for outside walls

When it comes to painting outside walls, several factors impact the longevity of the coating. Thus, it’s essential to consider the type of pain used to color your outside walls because choosing the wrong formula will lead to a paint job that doesn’t last at all, which is why you need to become informed about the best paints to use for outside walls.

What impacts the results of the painting job?

Heat, excessive moisture, lousy weather, and the process of natural material decay are just some of the variables which impact the results of your outside wall painting job. Whether you plan to paint your external walls yourself or hire someone, you need to know how to choose the right paint.
Continue reading below to find out more about what paint is the best for outside walls.

What is the best paint for outside walls

It’s essential to choose the best paint for outside walls because, aside from longevity, it will also play a massive role in how easy the entire process is. When selecting paint for your external walls, you want to consider the finishing material used on your home’s exterior.

Certain finishing materials allow the paint to adhere to its surface easier than others. For example, using oil-based paint on a very slippery or slick surface is never a good idea.

Here are some of the best paint brands to use for specific types of outside walls:

⦁ Oil Paint Over Trim- Valspar Stormcoat Flat Neutral Base Exterior Paint
⦁ Porch Floors- BEHR Premium Low-Luster Interior/Exterior Porch Paint
⦁ Fiber-Cement Siding or Wood- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint
⦁ Stucco or Brick- Valspar Duramax Flat Masonry and Stucco Paint

These are our top recommendations; however, there are plenty of other paint choices out there for you to select from. Before you can make a final decision about which paint to use for your outside walls, you need to understand all of the different variables that play a role in making that decision.

Maintaining great looking outside walls

One of the primary factors to consider before buying paint for your outside walls is how durable it will be. Price is a huge factor when discussing paint longevity and durability as the higher-priced paints typically contain premium ingredients that last longer than cheap ones.

Oil-based paints take longer to dry than latex paints; most latex paints dry within a few hours, while oil-based paints can take anywhere from 6-8 hours to dry thoroughly. Cheap paints have lower quality pigments, while high-quality paints have longer-lasting dyes.

For ultimate weather resistance, try to use a paint that is high in acrylic material. Paints labeled “all acrylic or 100% acrylic” are the best choices for painting outside walls.

Understanding what is the best paint for outside walls

Use all of the tips and information we’ve listed in this article to find the best paint to use on your outside walls in no time. Before making your final decision, ask yourself these two simple questions: “What is the climate like in my surrounding environment?” and “How long do I want my new paint coating to last?” By answering these questions, you’ll make the right decision about which paint is right for you in no time. Contact Wiese Painting for any commercial or residential painting needs today.
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What Paint Color for Your House Sells Best?

Written by wiesepaint on July 20, 2020. Posted in Residential Painting, Exterior Painting, Interior Painting, Types of Paint.

Some of the best colors to paint your home if you want to make it sell faster are Yellow, Gray, Off-white, and white. If you’re thinking about selling your home anytime soon, chances are you’re also trying to find innovative ways to increase its curb appeal before listing it on the market. Well, the good news is that there is one very simple and straightforward way to improve the perceived value of your home while also attracting buyers through design. Paint can be used as a tool to boost your home’s curb appeal, which could result in it selling fast than anticipated, which is more good news for you.

However, before deciding on what color to paint your home, you need to know what colors will poise your property to sell the best as not all colors are known to attract buyer interest. If you want to find out more about how you can use paint to increase the odds of your property selling, continue reading below as we’re going to provide you with a detailed guide.

Choosing a color that will make your home sell quickly

As we mentioned before, not all colors are great if you are trying to make your home more appealing to buyers. To understand why this is, you must first understand a few basic rules of psychology as everything that affects our senses, better known as “sensory inputs” impact the decision we make, even buying a house. You want to choose a color that will excite the buyer and make them more interested in seeing what the interior space has to offer.

There are specific colors that activate these exact feelings within the human brain, and by using them to create a beautiful exterior aesthetic for your property, you will have buyers knocking down your door to take a tour in no time.

Take a look below to see some of the best colors to paint your house if you want to make it sell fast.

Best Colors to Paint Your Home to Make it Sell Fast

⦁ White– white is a very inviting yet simple color that is very clean and attractive

⦁ Off-White– off-white is subtle, yet it provides just enough contrast for areas like your trim and shudders

⦁ Gray– gray is a beautiful color because it is considered neutral, yet it’s dark enough to provide natural contrast that can be very appealing

⦁ Yellow– yellow is known to evoke feelings of youth and optimism which makes it a powerful color for home exteriors

⦁ Light Blue– light blue can add energy and excitement to your home which makes it a great color choice

⦁ Putty– putty is a color directly in between the white and gray spectrum that is warm yet not overbearing

These are some of the best colors to paint your home if you want to make it sell faster.

Closing the Deal

After deciding what color you’re to paint your home from the list above or any other colors you come across, you’ll want to list your home on the market and maybe do a bit of word-of-mouth promotion to get interested buyers going.
By choosing the right color for your home’s exterior, you can substantially increase the odds of it flying right off the market once listed. All that’s left is for you to close the deal and reap the rewards of your hard work.

Now you know what color house sells best

Now, you know all of the best colors to paint your home if you’re interested in making it sell quicker. Before choosing what color you’re going to go with, ask yourself, “What feeling and emotions does this color invoke in me?” and “How well does this color blend in with the other elements and houses in my neighborhood?” Based on your answers to those questions, you will be able to choose the perfect exterior home color.
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Should Entire House Be Painted the Same Color?

Written by wiesepaint on July 20, 2020. Posted in Residential Painting, Exterior Painting, Interior Painting, Types of Paint.

Painting a wall with a roller, at a house with the same color. When it comes to choosing the right color for your home, making a decision about whether you should paint it all one color or use different shades and tones to create a unique expression can be challenging. Many people struggle with whether they should paint their entire house one color or use several colors to create an exciting color scheme.
Well, the answer to that dilemma is more complicated than you might expect as everyone’s home and interior space uses different angles, perspectives, and designs. If you’re someone who is trying to revamp the look of their home but don’t know what colors to go with, you’ve come to the right place.

Continue reading to find out more about how you should approach choosing the right color scheme for your home.

Should I paint my entire home one color?

As a general rule of thumb, you should never paint your entire home one singular color. That isn’t to say that you can’t use the same color in some capacity throughout your entire home; however, it shouldn’t be the primary wall color in every room. If you want to use the same color throughout your home, try implementing different shades of the same color or placing it in different significant areas around your home instead of making it the centerpiece.

By implementing different shades of the same color or only adding it to individual sections in every space of your home, you can achieve what is known as color continuity. Color continuity gives your interior space a uniform look that is smooth and seamless while also being very elegant.

If you do decide to paint your entire home with one color or variant shades of a particular color, make sure you add in different colors that help accent your primary color choice. Using one color can also help “connect” various areas of your home so that the entire job is fluid, giving your interior space enhanced energy flow for improved mental health and feeling.

Color impacts psychology on a considerable level. By taking the time to plan your interior or even exterior color scheme carefully, you can create a unique appeal to your property that can’t be found anywhere else.

Using color to create the perfect look for your home

Use defining elements such as stained wood, textured molding, artwork, decorations, and more that will bring out the true intensity of the primary color you choose for your interior space. This will help add definition and depth to your space that will increase the perceived space and overall layout of your rooms.
Color can be played with in a fun and youthful fashion, or you can take a more severe approach; the choice is all up to you.

Just remember to use colors and patterns that have correlative value to one another.

Now you can decide if you should paint your entire house the same color

Throughout this write-up, we’ve covered all of the most critical facts you need to know about using the same color for your entire home. Before choosing what color you’re going to paint your house, ask yourself, “How does this color make me feel?” “Do I see myself keeping this color for a long time?” Depending on your answers to those questions, you can make an educated decision about how to approach your next interior paint job.
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What is the best paint for outside walls
How much does commercial painting cost?
Best time to paint house exterior
How Often To Paint House Exterior?
What color house sells best?
Do tile floors need to be sealed?