Home Improvement and Repairs - Choosing the Right Paint

Painting is a great way to spruce up an otherwise tired house: it's quick; it's easy and it's relatively inexpensive. According to the experts at the Rohm & Haas Paint Institute, there are several things to consider when painting a room in your home:

Color.
The color you choose for a room can have a significant affect on the way it makes you feel. Red, for instance, is full of energy. Too much red can actually raise your blood pressure, heartbeat and energy levels. Maybe that's why it so commonly instills a sense of intimacy and passion in the bedroom. It's also good for dining areas since it is known to increase the appetite - something to remember the next time you go out to eat!

Some other colors to consider are:
Orange: Great for living an family rooms since it is evokes a warm friendly feel.
Yellow: Grabs attention in an inviting sort of way, making it perfect for dark foyers and hallways

Blue: gives off a calm, tranquil feel, making it the perfect choice for a bedroom
Green -- is calming and relaxing; a good choice for kitchens, bedrooms, and family living areas

Quality.
Most experts agree: choose the best quality paint that you can afford. It can have a dramatic affect on how well your final project looks and how long it lasts. Quality paints adhere better, are more stain resistant, and tend to fade a lot more slowly than cheaper brands.

Sheens.
The gloss you choose can drastically affect the way your room will ultimately look after it's painted. High gloss paint is known to retract light, which can make a smaller room look and feel larger. It does, however, show surface imperfections more.

Flat paints are better suited to older homes which may sport wall cracks and worn wall surfaces. While flat paints may help hide a lot of wall problems, they are much harder to clean and should be avoided in high traffic areas.

Semi-Gloss paints, on the other hand, are highly washable and easy to care for. They are great for rooms with a lot of kid traffic. They can appear a bit shiny, however, causing glares in brightly lit rooms.

Eggshell and Satin finishes are usually the most expensive, but they are also the most versatile, offering a soft finish with good wash durability.

When choosing the right paint for your particular room, it is always important to think about what you want it to look like, as well as who will be using the room. If it's a quiet hideaway for yourself, a flat paint might be fine, but if you're planning to repaint a busy family room you may want to opt for the more durable satin finish.