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Editor's note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
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Wood One reason for its durability is the excellent adhesion of 100% acrylic latex paint. By getting abetter "grip" on wood -- especially if it is primed beforehand – the paint resistspeeling and flaking. And since acrylic is also very elastic, the paint can stretch or shrink with the wood without suffering damage. |
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Aluminum Siding Special additives in top quality paint offer another advantage when painting aluminum siding: They help the paint go on thick and uniform, with good "leveling". That's a technical way of saying that the paint will tend to duplicate the original appearance of the aluminum siding, be it smooth or textured. Vinyl Siding "Because vinyl siding has such a slick surface, you must use a paint with good adhesion to be sure it grabs onto the siding," says Zimmer. "You also need a paint that is flexible enough to 'move' with the panels when temperature changes cause them to expand and contract. Top quality paint satisfies both criteria." Some top quality 100% acrylic latex paints are even made with reflective pigments that protect vinyl siding from the sun's UV rays, which forestalls fading. And, as with aluminum siding, the good leveling quality of top quality paint will mimic the smooth or textured profile of the vinyl panels. |
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Masonry Top quality 100% acrylic latex paints also have superior alkali resistance. Fresh masonry, in particular, is often so alkaline that it can "burn" some paints, changing the color and even deteriorating the paint film. By using a quality acrylic sealer and applying a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, you can avoid these problems. On aged masonry, top quality 100% acrylic latex paints offer still another advantage: resistance to efflorescence, a white, crusty powder that can ruin the appearance of any paint job. So, whatever type of exterior you have on your home, don't sweat your paint selection. By choosing 100% acrylic latex paint, you'll get some great benefits that will protect your home and keep it looking freshly-painted for years to come. |
For more information, visit the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com or its blog at blog.paintquality.com.
Editor's note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Best Paint Offers the Best Return on Investment
Economics Favor the Highest Quality Paint
April 2011
Philadelphia PA -- Philadelphia--In times of economic stress, we all look for ways to cut back on expenses. But if you’re thinking about having a contractor apply a cheap paint to the exterior of your home, you may want to reconsider. A careful analysis shows that in the long run, it’s actually less expensive to apply the very best quality paint, despite its higher initial cost.
Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute, explains: “Most of the cost of exterior painting goes for labor, not for paint. Paying somewhat more for top quality paint won’t greatly increase the overall cost of the job, but the better performance you get will greatly extend its life.” 
In fact, field tests at the Paint Quality Institute show that while ordinary exterior paint lasts about four years, top quality 100% acrylic latex paint can last 10 years or more when applied to a properly prepared surface, resulting in a lower cost per year of service. That explains how you can save money by spending more for better paint.
To make the point clearer, Zimmer offers an example for an average-size, single story home: Labor cost for painting would typically be about $2,500, regardless of the type of paint that is applied. About 20 gallons of paint would be needed for a two-coat paint job.
If an ordinary paint were used, costing $25 a gallon, the cost for the 20 gallons of paint would be $500. Add in $2,500 for labor, and the total cost of the job would be $3,000. Assuming, as the field tests show, that the job will last 4 years, the cost per year of service would be $750.
Now assume that top quality100% acrylic latex paint was used instead of ordinary exterior paint. At a cost of perhaps $50 a gallon, the cost for 20 gallons of paint would be $1,000. The labor would again be $2,500, and the total cost of the job would be $3,500, just a little higher than before. But, since this paint job is likely to last 10 years or more, the cost per year of service would be only $350, less than half the yearly cost of the “economy” paint job.
Zimmer says that even this example may not tell the whole story. If your house needs repair work or extensive surface preparation prior to painting, the labor component could be much higher, producing an even greater return on an investment in top quality paint.
“Plus, professional painters might charge higher rates in your area, further skewing the math in favor of the highest quality, longest-lasting paint,” she says.
Bottom line: By spending more up front for top quality paint, you can stretch the life of your paint job and end up saving a lot of money. As a bonus, you’ll avoid the hassle and inconvenience of repainting again after only a few years.
To learn more about exterior painting, visit the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com, or its blog at blog.paintquality.com.
Editor's note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
"Tap" Into Expert Paint Color Advice With The Paint Quality Institute's (SM) new iPhone ® App
March 2011
Philadelphia PA -- Philadelphia—Red, blue, yellow or green? Paint color is one of the most profound and
powerful ways to shape our surroundings. It can be used to quickly change the appearance of a
room, to brighten spirits or turn a plain area into a warm and welcoming space. Debbie Zimmer,
PQI's paint and color expert states, "Our new Color Décor app can help create an impressive
transformation of a single room or your entire home. Homeowners will enjoy the beautiful
images that provide decorating inspiration."
Color Decor will help you understand the basics of color - and, maybe more importantly, it can help you make the right choices when painting. This exciting app includes many room visuals and easy to read information as well an overview of decorating with color.
With a simple free download, this app is sure to become your favorite at-home color expert! For quick and simple access, visit www.paintquality.com and click on Color Decor app.
For more information on paint color and affordable remodeling with paint, visit www.paintquality.com.
Editor's note: Click here to view screenshots that accompany the release.
Psychology Of Color Is Helpful In Choosing Interior Paint Schemes
February 2011
Philadelphia PA -- Skillful interior decorating is largely an artistic endeavor, but there’s some science involved also, and none more important than the psychology of color.
“Color psychology can help you choose paint colors that create the right mood in a room, affecting not just your own feelings, but those of everyone who enters it,” according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “In fact, paint color is so powerful that it can influence our state of mind, and even our physiology,” she says.
“The ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and many other peoples used color to heal. In doing so, they often favored the blues and greens found in nature, colors that have an emotional association with peace, harmony, and tranquility. In these trying economic times, paint colors in these same hues can help calm our nerves at home,” says Zimmer.
Blue, which often ranks at the top of surveys exploring “favorite” colors, has been shown to slow pulse rate and lower body temperature. The implications for interior painting: blue is a terrific color choice for bedrooms, but less so for dining rooms, according to Zimmer. Green, also one of the most popular colors, is a little more versatile. While it, too, has a soothing effect, it also represents renewal, youth, and vigor. Says Zimmer: “Because it is calming, green paint is a good color choice for bedrooms, and since it’s the color of many appetizing fruits and vegetables, it can work in dining rooms, too.” There’s no equivocation with red. It bespeaks energy and excitement, actually raising the blood pressure and making the heart beat faster. Because it is associated with desire and passion, it’s a perfect paint color for dining rooms and adult bedrooms, says Zimmer, but wrong for children’s rooms. Yet, ironically, pink – a very light tint of red – is one of the most calming colors, and is a fine choice for a baby’s room, she says. Yellow is a great interior paint color. Like sunshine, it imparts happiness, hope, and optimism. Studies have shown that the brain actually releases more seratonin when the eye takes in yellow – creating positive psychological vibes. According to Zimmer, yellow can even stir our creative juices. What better color to use in a master bath or dinette to get your day off on the right foot? Orange is a happy color, too. More attention-getting than yellow, orange has an energy and warmth about it. Muddy shades are useful in many parts of the home, but vivid tones may appear raw and flamboyant. Zimmer’s advice: “Orange is clearly not the color of calm, so it’s best to bypass it when painting a bedroom or any other area where you want to relax.” Purple is a tricky paint color wherever it’s used, but it’s the overwhelming favorite of adolescent girls, according to Zimmer. She suggests that you reserve use of this color for your daughter’s room to create a win-win situation: “Odds are, she’ll love it, and you can take comfort in purple’s proven ability to stimulate brain activity,” she says. No discussion of paint color would be complete without mentioning the “non-colors”, black (the absence of light, and thus, color) and white (the confluence of all the colors in the spectrum). According to Zimmer, black is a great accent color indoors or out, imparting elegance, formality, and sophistication to a paint color scheme. But don’t get carried away with it, she cautions. Too much black can be depressing. White, on the other hand, conveys peace, simplicity, and spaciousness. It can provide a crisp finish to almost any paint job by adding sharp contrast to the wall color. Used throughout a room, it can give the illusion that the space is bigger than its physical dimensions. “Color psychology should play a role when selecting an interior paint scheme, but it’s only one factor to consider,” says Zimmer. “Personal color preference should be given at least as much weight. “No one will spend more time in your home than you will,” says Zimmer, “so choose colors that you love, and you won’t go wrong.”
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For more information on paint color and affordable remodeling with paint, visit www.paintquality.com.
Editor's note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Interior Painting is like Money in the Bank
January 2011
Philadelphia PA -- Trying to decide whether to do some home remodeling this year or leave your money in the bank? You can do both if you remodel with paint.
"The cost of do-it-yourself interior painting is so low, it's almost like remodeling without touching your bank account," says Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute.
The key, of course, is investing some sweat equity.
"While a professional painter might charge up to $500 or more to paint a room, if you're willing to provide the labor, you can complete the job for a small fraction of that amount," says Zimmer.
Looked at another way, do-it-yourself interior painting is a great way to "earn" money. Since painting a room is usually a two-day proposition, if a contractor-applied paint job costs $500 in your area, you're essentially paying yourself $250 a day to paint!
Absent the labor cost, do-it-yourself interior painting is downright thrifty. Your only outlay is for paint, application equipment like brushes and rollers, and some miscellaneous expenses for things like tape and a drop-cloth. Total cost? "Less than $100 a room," says Zimmer. That's little more than pocket-change in today's remodeling world.
Whether you've decided to do your own interior painting to save money or simply to have a hand in beautifying your home, Zimmer offers some tips:
Zimmer also recommends using only high quality brushes and rollers. "These will help you apply the paint more evenly to get professional-looking results, even if this is your first time painting," she says. When applying latex paints, be sure to use brushes and rollers with synthetic bristles and covers. According to Zimmer, the brushes will maintain the proper stiffness and the rollers will maintain their shape even when exposed to a lot of water. Lastly, Zimmer recommends that do-it-yourselfers buy only top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paints, which she describes as "the do-it-yourselfer's best friend". "If you're going to spend time and effort doing your own interior painting, you want the job to last, and that's where these paints really pay off," she says. "Top quality 100% acrylic latex paints are extremely durable, plus they resist fading, so your paint job will look great for years to come." So if you think you're up to the job, put yourself to work doing your own interior painting. You'll be rewarded not just with the money you save, but also with the satisfaction of a job well done.
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For more tips on saving time and money when doing interior painting, Zimmer suggests that you invest a few minutes checking out the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com.
Editor's note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Affordable Remodeling Drives Paint Color Direction
October 2010
Philadelphia PA -- Individual style, mixed with budget-conscious decorating, will drive 2011 paint color trends, according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.
“There’s no escaping the state of the economy, even for homeowners who want to beautify their homes,” says Zimmer. “Rather than diving into large-scale renovation projects, in the coming year, consumers will search for inexpensive ways to freshen and update their homes. Many will conclude that painting is the perfect solution.”
By incorporating a few new paint colors, either as accent walls or throughout a room, consumers will be able to enhance their living spaces economically with paint, she says.
Zimmer shares three likely color directions for 2011:
Back to Basics “Well Worn” Hues “Since most blues tend to be calming colors, this hue helps to create a perfect retreat from many of life's stresses,” says Zimmer. “As a secondary or complementary hue, yellow or yellow-green adds a bit of ‘spunk’ when used in family spaces,” she says. Well Worn Hues is useful for any room in the house. Shimmer and Shine Dining rooms and master bed and bath spaces are the perfect areas for this sophisticated choice. Coupled with the “high shine” trend, gold will return as both an in-demand paint hue and as a key metallic choice. Zimmer concludes, “Paint color is a homeowner’s best decorating tool. You can change the appearance, the perception of size and even the perception of temperature, through the simple use of paint color.”
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For more tips on saving time and money when doing interior painting, Zimmer suggests that you invest a few minutes checking out the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
How to Repaint a Room in a Weekend: 10 Tips to Save You Time (and Money)
September 2010
Philadelphia - Recent surveys reveal that consumers will be doing a lot of remodeling this year. But with the sluggish economy, many are opting for do-it-yourself projects to squeeze the most out of their budgets. One of the most common undertakings: interior painting. “Nearly everyone agrees that some jobs – like reroofing or electrical work – are best left to the pros, but most people think they can do their own painting,” says Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute. “And, generally speaking, they’re right.”
According to Zimmer, many people regard painting as a weekend project. As such, they want to see the fruits of their labor by Sunday night. “That’s a realistic goal, but to achieve it, you have to plan out the job and be well-organized,” she says.
If your organizational skills leave something to be desired, Zimmer offers some suggestions:
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For more tips on saving time and money when doing interior painting, Zimmer suggests that you invest a few minutes checking out the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
back to top
Painting Key Features of Home Exterior an Affordable Remodeling Option
July 2010
Philadelphia - Painting the exterior of a home can be a time-consuming and expensive proposition. But if you are budget-minded -- and who isn’t these days -- don’t despair. “A little ingenuity can go a long way towards giving your home a beautiful facelift, without breaking the bank,” says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality Institute.
According to Zimmer, most of the time and cost of repainting is spent on the walls. Yet, on most homes, the walls are basically a canvas against which the more interesting architectural elements are showcased: the doors, shutters, accents, and trim. That is where the eye goes when looking at a home. It also is where you may want to invest your precious remodeling dollars. . . assuming that your whole house isn’t screaming for a paint job.
To make the most of your efforts, take time to think through your home beautification project. Zimmer suggests that you walk around your neighborhood, see which color combinations you like on homes similar to yours, and note how others have used color to highlight their home’s best features.
“Then, look at your own home from the curb or across the street. Identify the elements that are most interesting – maybe you have an unusual front door or entryway, or maybe some of the ‘fretwork’ or trim is especially ornate. Painting those areas will provide the most bang for your buck in terms of aesthetics,” says Zimmer.
Next, says Zimmer, make a visit to your local paint retailer or decorating center and select color cards that resemble the hues you liked on your neighbors’ homes, or that you find especially appealing. When you get the cards home, envision those paint colors on your home’s special features. 
To draw more attention to certain architectural elements, you might want to paint them in a bold color or one that contrasts with your walls. On the other hand, painting your doors, accents and trim in a tint or shade that is muted or complementary to your walls may giveyour home a more subtle, dignified look. Either way, a fresh coat of paint on just a few areas will add plenty of style for a modest investment.
Even if you are painting only a few of your home’s exterior features, you should still follow four basic rules to get the best results, according to Zimmer:
Rule #1: Take Time to Properly Prepare the Surface. Before doing any painting, make sure it is free of dirt and “chalk”. Since you won’t be painting the whole house, you can simply scrub the surfaces by hand using plain soap and water, then rinse thoroughly. Next, remove any loose, flaking or peeling paint by scraping, sanding or wire-brushing. Finally, brush off the dust and get ready to paint.
Today’s challenging economy demands that homeowners be smart and resourceful when it comes to remodeling. If you want to give your home a fresh new look without blowing your budget, think about doing selective painting of your home’s special features. It’s a great way to go. |
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Five Easy, Inexpensive Paint Projects
to Quickly Beautify Your Home
June 2010
Philadelphia -When time and money are in short supply, it’s hard to think about big remodeling projects. But with a little imagination and a small outlay for top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, you can quickly make big changes in the appearance of your home’s interior or exterior. Here are five ways to economically remodel with paint.
Whatever interior or exterior home painting project you undertake, use a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint. These paints have superior “hiding” capability when painting over dark colors, they are stain-and mildew-resistant, many function as both primer and paint, and best of all they offer tremendous durability, so your paint job will continue to look great for years to come.
Idea #1
Paint just an accent wall. Instead of painting an entire room, consider painting just one wall in a different color. A so-called accent wall can add visual interest to any space and create an opportunity to introduce another hue into your color scheme.
Idea #2
Paint the area above (or below) a chair rail. If your home is blessed with chair rails, think about repainting just the wall area above or below the rail. The natural break created by the trim provides a convenient boundary for the new paint color.
Idea #3
Paint just the interior windows and trim. Another option is to stick with your wall color, but paint your windows, molding, and trim. This can produce dramatic change in almost any room, but especially in those where the walls are painted in a neutral color like beige or off-white.
Idea #4
Paint the front door. Ask any realtor and he or she will tell you that the front entrance is what creates the first impression about a home. By adding a fresh coat of paint to the door, you can ensure that first impression will be favorable. (Note to those who are selling a home: Repainting the front door may be the best investment you ever make.)
Idea #5
Paint just a few exterior architectural details. Even if you don’t have to paint your home exterior for maintenance reasons, you might want to consider painting a few architectural details for appearance sake. Shutters are one possibility. But if you are lucky enough to own a house with some ornamental fretwork, flaunt it by painting the trim in a strong color that contrasts with the color of your exterior walls.
One Home Remodeling Project You Can Afford To Do Now
May 2010
Philadelphia - If you’re like most of us, the “Great Recession” has probably had a major impact on both your spending habits and your lifestyle. You might be doing more of your shopping at discount stores, vacationing nearby (if you’re vacationing at all), and postponing plans to improve your home.
When it comes to home remodeling, however, you may not want to throw in the towel entirely. According to Debbie Zimmer at the Paint Quality Institute, there’s one project that’s still affordable for nearly everyone: interior painting. What’s more, it is one of the very few home improvements that can be done successfully even by those with little or no experience.
Zimmer shares, “When you consider the low cost coupled with the simplicity of repainting, and the dramatic difference that a fresh coat of paint can make in the appearance -- and enjoyment -- of any room, rather than postpone remodeling, you just may want to put this project at the top of your to-do list!”
Dollars and Sense
The economics of interior painting are hard to beat, especially when compared to other remodeling options. Let’s say your kitchen or bath is in need of an overhaul. You can spend $20,000, $30,000, or even more to entirely redo the space, or you can give the room a totally new look and feel for a small fraction of that amount by simply repainting.
Here’s the lowdown on cost: A gallon of the highest quality interior latex paint will cover approximately 400 square feet of wall space (about enough to repaint a typical 12’ by 15’ room that has a window or two). Add in the cost of some high quality rollers and brushes, and the entire makeover could be completed for less than $100, well within the most modest budget.
If you wanted to splurge, you could do an even more exciting makeover and still keep the cost in the $100-range. For example, you could purchase a second color of paint to apply to just one of your walls for added punch or drama. Or, you could choose to paint your windows and trim in a contrasting or complementary color to give your room a completely new appearance.
After giving it some thought, you might find that a fresh coat of paint is all that’s needed to get the new look you were seeking when you first considered redoing the room.
Sweat Equity
Of course, this type of rock bottom remodeling does assume that you’ll spend a little sweat equity on the project. The good news is that successful interior painting is a skill quickly learned and long remembered.
If you choose to move forward with repainting, take time to properly prepare the walls and other surfaces before picking up a brush or roller. This will help ensure that the new paint adheres well and that the finished job will be smooth, uniform, and long-lasting. 
Thoroughly clean the surfaces by scrubbing them with a sponge and mild household detergent solution to remove accumulated dust, dirt and grime. Stubborn stains, like oil or grease, can be cleaned with a solution of equal parts ammonia and water; a bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water) is effective in removing mildew. (Note: Do not mix ammonia and bleach together, as they may produce noxious fumes.) After rinsing off the cleaning solutions, allow the surfaces to dry completely.
If your walls are like most, they may need some minor repairs before painting. You can quickly remedy cracks or seams in wallboard or plaster with caulk, drywall compound, or spackling paste. If you use caulk, choose a top quality water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic variety that can be painted; paint will not adhere to silicone caulk.
Assuming that you are also painting the windows or trim, inspect the surfaces for cracked, chipped or peeling paint. Should you find any, use a scraper to remove as much loose or peeling paint as possible, then sand the edges to a smooth finish. If any bare wood is exposed, spot-prime with an acrylic latex interior primer. Large holes in plaster or wallboard can also be easily repaired. For detailed instructions, visit one of the leading websites on paints and painting such as www.paintquality.com.
Prime Investment
If you purchase a top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paint, you probably won’t need to spend time applying a primer to your walls. That’s because many of these paints act as both primer and paint.
However, in some circumstances, it may still be advisable to invest in a specialty primer as a first coat.
Specially formulated stain-blocking primers are made to protect the new coat of paint from “bleed through” of staining matter such as embedded dirt, grease, ink or crayon marks, rust, or smoke residue. If your walls are messy or marred even after cleaning them, you might want to consider applying this type of primer as a fail-safe before you paint.
Another specialty primer that is useful in special circumstances is a “vapor barrier” primer. These undercoats are often applied in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas that tend to be damp and humid. Their purpose is to minimize the passage of moisture through the walls to help prevent the failure of your exterior paint. Vapor barrier primers also help maintain a comfortable level of indoor humidity in colder months.
Remember that all latex coatings – primers or paints -- are much lower in odor than oil-based finishes, making them far more pleasant to work with and to live with indoors. Plus, they are much kinder to the environment.
Blue-chip Paint
While interior painting allows you to scrimp on your remodeling budget, one place you don’t want to scrimp is on the quality of paint you use, according to the Paint Quality Institute. True, the best quality paints will cost a few dollars more per gallon, but they’ll typically provide many more years of superior performance.
Compared to ordinary paints, top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paints are much easier to work with. They go on easier, resist spattering, and tend not to show brush marks.
These paints also have better “hiding” characteristics, which is especially important when painting over a darker color. That capability, and the single-coat paint-and-primer performance you’ll get with these paints will save you the time, work, and money that would otherwise be needed to apply a second coat.
Top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paints also are tougher and more durable than ordinary paints, which you’ll appreciate in high traffic locations or in any location where there are little ones around. These paints resist fading, yellowing, and staining, and even if they do get spotted or stained, discoloration can often be washed off without damaging the finish.
(Paint) Investment Advisors
If you’re ready to take the affordable remodeling plunge by doing your own interior painting, you’re not alone. More and more people are doing it. And if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or roller before, take heart: Help is close at hand.
For expert advice, start by visiting www.paintquality.com, the official website of the Paint Quality Institute. Spending a short time on the website will help to educate and inspire you to undertake the one remodeling project almost everyone can afford: beautifying your home with interior painting.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Break out the Brushes!
Great Exteriors Start With Great Painting Tips
April 2010
Philadelphia - After a long cold winter, many homeowners are beginning to think about their home’s exterior appearance. Decks, doors, and siding may benefit from a fresh coat of paint to update their appearance and protect the surface. And, no matter what material is on the exterior of your home, a dash of color provides added punch and protection!
According to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality Institute(SM), it doesn’t matter if your home is a traditional colonial, a classic cottage or contemporary ranch style, a brightly painted front door will welcome both family and friends. Zimmer suggests, “This year, why not go from drab to dramatic, simply by sprucing up your entranceway. Try paint colors in cherry red, bright yellow or spectacular black to highlight and define the front door.” In addition, while painting, don’t forget the window shutters. Shutters can be painted the same hue as your door or can be an exciting complementary color. “Set against a neutral palette home, a splash of color on your doors and shutters will certainly make a statement,” offers Zimmer.
Another exterior area that can benefit from a dose of color is your outdoor entertainment spot, whether porch, patio or deck. Incorporate a multi-hued palette instead of the more commonly used monochromatic scheme. This bold use of color can enhance and improve your home’s overall curb appeal.
And don’t forget those railings, light posts and mailbox. A fresh coat of paint on these exterior surfaces will not only improve your home’s overall appearance but offer protection as well.
No matter where you might paint this spring, remember to follow these simple but important steps:
- Prepare and clean the surface prior to painting
- Purchase a top quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint
- Use quality paint brushes and rollers
- Paint in the appropriate weather conditions
Finally, download the new “Paint Remedy” app, a free and easy-to-use handy tool which provides homeowners with handy tips that allows both do-it-yourselfers and professional painters to indentify and correct old paint problems before picking up a brush or roller.
For detailed information on exterior paints and painting, visit www.paintquality.com, where a great paint job begins.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
“Tap” Into Expert Painting Advice With
The Paint Quality Institute’sSM new iPhone ® App
February 2010
Philadelphia - Not sure what types of paint problems you might be facing this spring? The new “Paint Remedy” iPhone application is a free and easy-to-use handy tool that allows both do-it-yourselfers and professional painters to indentify and correct old paint problems before picking up a brush or roller. Debbie Zimmer, PQI’s paint and color expert states, “By simply gliding across the images or scrolling through the paint problem list, homeowners can instantly learn what steps to take to ensure a long-lasting quality paint job, both inside and out.”
Paint Remedy Allows You To:
- See actual images of paint or surface problems
- Identify both interior and exterior paint problems, with a simple image view.
- Learn how to solve and prevent paint or surface problems from reoccurring
With a simple download, this app is sure to become your favorite at-home paint expert! For quick and simple access, visit www.paintquality.com and click on “Paint Remedy” app.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
It's A Brand New Year! Make it Look Like One,
With Fresh Ideas from the Paint Quality InstituteSM
January 2010
Philadelphia - Black or taupe, wine or white? “Transforming your home from ‘last year’ to ‘New Year’ with a new paint color is one of the most inexpensive and easiest ways to achieve quick design impact,” said Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality Institute. “A gallon of paint and the right painting tools are all that stand between a space that’s ‘drab and dreary’ and one that’s ‘bright and cheery.’ Or, if subtle is more your style, some of the newest neutral tones can add lots of comfort and flair.”
Whatever color best suits your unique personality, Debbie adds, remember that a fresh coat of wall paint is a wonderful backdrop for furnishings or fabrics -- if not the room statement wholly on its own. Zimmer shares, “And unlike many other types of home improvement projects, painting can be completed year-round, with minimal cost and minimal time.”
So, Debbie emphasizes, this weekend is the perfect time to start the year right—dramatically renewing your space, from the kitchen to living area, from bedroom to bath, with a fresh new hue for 2010!
Five Quick Tips from the Paint Quality Institute:
- Not much time? Paint an interior accent wall with a dramatic new color.
- Look up and say “Goodbye” to boring ceilings.
- Who made the rule that all trim must be white? Break the rule, and create a classic monochromatic feel by painting baseboards and moldings the same hue as the walls, but with a higher sheen.
- Ready to wall-mount that new flat panel for the playoffs? Take a moment and add some bold color to the wall behind it. Your view of the games will be “picture-perfect” when it’s framed with the right color.
- Who’s got paint leftover? Put it to work, and delight your overlooked closet or pantry with the “pizzazz” of a new paint job.
To read more on 2010 paint color trends and tips, visit www.paintquality.com, where a great paint job begins.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Color Trends 2010
It’s All About Time
September 2009
Philadelphia, PA - Color trends for 2010 take inspiration from a variety of social and economic influences. In addition, living space personalization continues to act as a driver for color change with accent walls or niche areas appropriate for small doses of high impact, bold color while using more subtle hues on broad wall areas.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality InstituteSM states, “More and more homeowners are taking on the task of simple home projects to save money and improve their current space. Conversely, others are sprucing up in preparation for placing their home on the market.”
Regardless of the purpose, a fresh coat of paint remains one of the most economical ways to accomplish all three. No matter what paint color is used, homeowners continue to strive for comfortable, tranquil home environments.
Good Morning
Zimmer shares, “While over-the-top renovations aren’t the norm today, handy homeowners are tackling small manageable home improvements, such as the addition of a morning kitchen to a bedroom or home office.”
With consumers continued desire to create both warm and functional spaces the Good Morning palette consists of hues that are fresh, clean and comfortable.
Color Recommendations
Honey-like hues such as tan or pale gold
Coral
Yellow
Mineral Grey
Good Night
“The inspiration for the Good Night palette comes from above—the ceiling”, offers Zimmer. Why sleep beneath a lackluster white canopy? Wrap any space with constant color by painting the ceiling in a tint, tone or shade of the wall color or add a softer touch by paring pastel hues. She continues, “From pastels to deep-tones, Good Night hues, as you might expect, are especially useful in bedrooms and baths or to “warm-up” a family space.”
Color Recommendations
Pastel hues, particularly pale blue or shell pink for ceilings
Midnight blue
Eggplant
Wine
Good Bye
Home staging continues to grow in popularity as property owners look for home sale assistance. Zimmer states, “The Good Bye palette reflects an assortment of simplistic hues that work across a variety of spaces creating a welcoming first impression and suitable backdrop for any living area.”
Whether you’re saying good-bye to one home or hello to another, this classic palette is suitable for all areas and is an especially good choice for foyers, kitchens and family living spaces.
Color Recommendations
Khaki pared with crisp white
Mid-toned Blues
Off-White
Bisque
Black
Zimmer concludes, “No matter which hue attracts attention this year, consumers continue to have an increased appreciation for paint quality and value.” And, why not? It remains a personal choice for a personal space—it’s about time.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Helpful Painting Steps for First-Time Home Buyers
Tips from the Paint Quality InstituteSM
August 2009
Philadelphia, PA - Prior experience is essential when tackling many home improvement projects. But not so with interior painting. Even first-time painters can get super results when painting their newly purchased house, condo or apartment...and have a lot of fun in the process. Whether personalizing an entire new living space or updating one room at a time, paint is the do-it-yourselfer's best decorating tool.
Like building a wardrobe, selecting a paint palette for your living space is a great form of personal expression. But be aware that the shade of paint you see on a color card - or even in the paint can - may look a lot different when applied to an entire room. To avoid surprises, follow these handy tips:
Don’t make your final color selection in the store; instead, take color cards home so you can see them right in the space that will be painted.
- Evaluate the paint colors in daylight and under artificial light
at night. Colors can change quite dramatically in different lighting conditions.
- Remember that colors tend to intensify when applied to a large area. To compensate, it is often wise to choose a lighter value of a color, rather than a darker one.
- When you go to purchase your paint, the counterperson will likely ask which “gloss level” you’d prefer. Paints come in a variety of sheen or gloss levels ranging from “high gloss” (the shiniest) to “flat” (virtually no shine). Those with higher gloss reflect more light, so they can make a room look brighter. On the other hand, higher gloss paints also tend to highlight surface imperfections, so if your walls and other surfaces are not in the best of shape, a flat paint might be the better option.
- Color and sheen aside, the most important decision you’ll make in the paint store is the quality of paint you purchase. Top quality paints provide superior adhesion, offer better stain resistance, and resist yellowing. They also are tougher and more durable than ordinary paints, so they’ll keep a paint job looking great for a longer period of time. Bottom line: Don’t skimp on quality.
Before you le ave the paint store, make sure that you have the right tools and brushes to do the job. Here again, quality counts — high quality brushes and rollers apply the paint more smoothly and evenly than economy-grade equipment. In addition, quality tools apply a heavier coat of paint that will help hide the color below, be more durable, and stand up better to cleaning and scrubbing.
- Once you bring your purchases home, you’ll be tempted to start painting right away, but most walls and woodwork need to be cleaned first to help the paint adhere better. You can remove dust, dirt and grime with a simple detergent and water solution, after which you should rinse the surface clean and allow it to dry. If nail holes are present, they can be plugged with filling compound. Small cracks can be filled with a quality acrylic latex caulk.
- Applying paint to interior walls is as simple as “framing” them by painting the outside edges with a brush, then filling in the center with your roller. An effective way to do this is to roll on the paint in a large “W” or “M” pattern, then fill it in, working in various directions.
- When you’re done painting, protect your investment in the brushes and rollers by cleaning and storing them properly.
- Always take safety precautions while painting. That means, among other things, not climbing a ladder any higher than the third rung from the top, making sure all stepstools are sturdy and locked into position before use, and wearing the proper eye and skin protection while preparing the surface and painting.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Answers to All Your Painting Questions are Just a Click Away
Paintquality.com - Where a Great Paint Job Begins
July 2009
Philadelphia, PA - When is it too cold or hot to paint? Can I paint my vinyl siding and what about staining my deck? If I paint my dining room blue, what color should I paint my kitchen? How do I eliminate mildew? What are the latest in color trends and design? Before you pick up a paintbrush, visit the Paint Quality Institute’s newly designed website - www.paintquality.com. This comprehensive site is full of information that can assist homeowners as well as seasoned professional painters.
The Paint Quality Institute’s paint and color expert, Debbie Zimmer states, “Paint is the most economical way to transform an interior space or to protect the exterior of a home. First-time do-it-yourself homebuyers will find our information straightforward and easy to understand, while professional painters who have a wealth of experience, will stay on the cutting edge of technology and trends.”
A few of the site enhancements include:
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Easy navigation - find what you’re looking for faster, including solutions to common paint problems. |
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The addition of PQI’s “Brush Strokes Blog” - share your painting experience and learn from others. |
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Monthly on-line color and design newsletters -- paint information direct to you. |
Zimmer offers, “If you have the know-how and learn the tips for obtaining a great finish, painting is the fastest, easiest way to create a big impact in home environments. With the redesign of paintquality.com, that information is only a click away.”
Low Cost Options for High Style Improvements
Paint and Color Tips from the Paint Quality Institute
April 2009
Philadelphia, PA–As the summer season approaches, decks are the entertaining space of choice for many homeowners. However, before you pull out that table and umbrella, think about re-energizing this space with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Debbie Zimmer, color and paint expert with the Paint Quality Institute says, “Not only will you enhance this often-used exterior “room”, but you will also protect the actual wood surface and by protecting the surface, your deck will last longer.”
Zimmer adds, “While browns and grey continue to be favorite color selections when painting or staining a deck, homeowners are increasingly choosing combinations that suit their home or decorating style.” If you’re not quite ready to add multiple hues to the entire space, add a punch of color by incorporating complementary or bold and bright colors onto railings, planter boxes, built-in benches or even deck trellises.
Remember, when it comes to painting your deck, you have plenty of option s to harmonize or complement your outdoor surroundings.
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1. A coat of semi-transparent stain can be a great way to spruce up a wooden deck. It lets you add some color to the wood without hiding its grain or texture. |
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2. If viewing the wood grain is not a high priority, an opaque deck stain can be a better choice. These products, which can be oil based or latex, are more like paints in their pigmentation and so typically hold up longer than a semi transparent stain. |
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3. Of course, if you don’t want to show either the grain or the texture of the wood, a quality porch and deck paint or enamel may be the way to go. It will last longer than any type of stain although you may need to use a primer for best results. |
Editor’s note: Click here for a zipped filed containing hi-res images that accompany the release.
Spruce Up this Spring
A Primer on Exterior Painting
Philadelphia, PA–Many homeowners are planning spring improvement projects and often at the top of the list is exterior painting. Debbie Zimmer with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute states, “To achieve picture perfect results from your exterior paint job, follow these four simple and economical steps.”
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1. Prepare the Surface. Before you begin painting, make sure the surface is clean and sound. Even the best quality paints will fail if they are applied to a poorly prepared surface. First, remove any mildew with a solution of one part bleach to three parts water then rinse with clean water. Wear eye and skin protection, and protect nearby plantings. Next, make sure the surface is free of any loose, flaking or peeling paint. This may require scraping and sanding. Also, sand any glossy areas to dull them. Power wash the entire surface to remove dirt and chalk, rinse with clean water. Finally, prime any bare areas with a top quality exterior primer. |
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2. Use the Right Tools and Brushes. Good quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly. They also apply the paint more heavily and smoothly, which helps with long-term durability. Choose brushes that are well balanced, and have tightly packed bristles that are tapered up to the center of the brush. |
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3. Paint in the Right Weather Conditions. Ideally, you should paint when the temperature is between 60-85 degrees F, and when there is little or no wind. Avoid painting in direct sunshine, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly and even to blister. In addition, if the temperature is predicted to drop below the paint manufacturer’s recommendation for minimum application temperature in the next day or two, you might want to consider postponing your project. |
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4. Use the Right Paint for the Job. Choose a paint that is designed for the job you’re doing. In most cases, a 100% acrylic latex paint will be the best choice. These paints adhere better, are more flexible, and last longer than ordinary paints. Using a lower quality paint just to save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you used a top quality product. |
One very important thing to remember is never to use an interior paint for an exterior job. Manufacturers formulate paints for use either inside or out. Paints contain specific ingredients that all play a role in the durability and final appearance. These ingredients include pigments, binders, additives and the carrier or liquid portion. The pigments provide the whiteness, darkness and color to the paint or other coating. In addition, they impart the opacity and hiding power required. Pigments are dry powders (not dyes); liquid colorants used in the stores contain pigment powders dispersed in a liquid. The binder is the component that “binds”, or ties together the particles of pigment, hopefully in a tough, durable film. The binder also provides the adhesion of the film, and influences almost all paint properties. Generally, the binder alone dries to a clear, glossy usually colorless film. Additives are low-level ingredients included in the paint formulation, and put in the product in the factory, not point of sale additives that are purchased in the paint store, home center or other outlets. These affect certain properties such as thickness of the paint, mildew resistance and bubble breaking. The liquid proportion is water and affects how heavily the paint will tend to apply, and how thick the paint film will be when it dries. This is an important aspect of the overall quality of the product. How thick the dry film is will affect many of the paints durability and appearance properties including:
Finally, it is important to apply the paint at its recommended spread rate; and not to thin the paint with additional liquid because this reduces the solids content and can compromise quality and performance. So, when tackling your next exterior paint project, follow these steps and you’ll achieve that long-lasting and attractive paint job you planned. |
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Handy Solutions for Common Interior Paint Problems
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Philadelphia, PA, January 21, 2009 –With the holiday season a memory and warmer weather still months away, now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up. Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute states, “A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom.”
However, she suggests, “Before opening that first can of paint, make sure your walls are clean and sound and that includes checking for previous paint problems. Good surface preparation coupled with top quality paint, brushes and rollers will help to insure a long-lasting and beautiful finish.”
Zimmer continues, “The final paint job will absolutely be enhanced by beginning with a clean, sound surface and correcting any previous problems.” Here are a few common ones to look for.
Foaming or Cratering: |
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Possible Cause:
Solution: |
Mildew: |
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Possible Cause:
Solution:
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Brush and Roller Marks from Poor Paint Flow and Leveling |
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Possible Cause:
Solution:
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Finally, Zimmer acknowledges that many homeowners are apprehensive when it comes to choosing color. “Before purchasing paint or hiring a professional painter, visit www.paintquality.com to view the new 2009 PQI color trend information.”
Four Easy Paint Steps to Add Color and Sparkle to Homes this Holiday Season 
Enter the ‘Spruce Up Your Home’ Paint Contest
Philadelphia, PA, November 6, 2008 – Many homeowners plan to spend the upcoming holiday season at home. They will open their doors to celebrate with family and friends. Homeowners can gain big, easy returns with interior paint by adding a colorful touch to their living space with a minimal time investment of one or two weekends.
“By simply painting those dull and out-of-date walls, homes will shine this holiday season. Interior painting remains one of the easy ways to inexpensively update your home,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says.
| Interior Painting Tips | |
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1. Prepare the Surface Good preparation requires the surface be clean and sound. Check for handprints, greasy fingerprints, as well as dirt and scuff marks. Lightly sand glossy spots so the new paint will adhere properly. |
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2. Pick the Correct Tools For latex paint application, purchase synthetic materials because they will hold their shape and maintain the proper stiffness when used with water-based paints. The general rules for naps are the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap; the rougher the surface, the longer the nap. |
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3. Decide on the Appropriate Paint Sheen and Color Sheen is another factor. Higher sheen paints tend to offer a bit more durability than flat paints and are appropriate in areas that get a lot of use. Satin or low lustre finishes tend to impart more warmth and depth to a room than a flat paint. The ceiling is a great place to use higher sheen paint for additional lighting reflection. |
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4. Purchase Quality Paints Always purchase top quality acrylic latex interior paint. A quality latex paint will go on smoothly and allows easy soap and water clean up for long lasting beauty. |
Visit www.paintquality.com to enter the “Spruce Up Your Home” competition. One Grand Prize winner will receive a package valued at more than $20,000, including an exterior home paint job and $8,000 home improvement gift card. Eight first place winners will receive a new paint exterior for their home. In addition to Zimmer, the judging panel includes Doug Wilson, author/designer and host of TLC’s Moving Up and Trading Spaces; Brian Schenk, corporate partnerships manager, Arbor Day Foundation; Liz Robinson, executive director, Energy Coordinating Agency; and Katie Hunt, director of sustainability for Rohm and Haas.
For contest details and additional budget-friendly tips on painting, visit www.paintquality.com, where a great paint job begins.
COLOR TRENDS 2009
Authentic and Traditional Paint Hues Refresh and Excite the Senses
Color style for 2009 draws inspiration from both nature and nurture. With increasing numbers of homeowners remaining in place, many are searching for options to refresh and reinvigorate their living spaces. By the simple change of paint color, any room is a reinvention candidate.
Debbie Zimmer from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says, “Key drivers for 2009 color choice include aspirations to create a comfortable, tranquil home environment coupled with a return to authentic and sustainable materials. In contrast, lively color use and bold patterns will find their place as an alternative to more sedate living areas.”
Zimmer shares the 2009 paint hue directions along with potential rooms for incorporation and decorative effects reflective of each.
“Menswear”
Like a warm argyle or paisley sweater, consumers increased yearning for artisanship, authentic materials and design motivates “Menswear”. Menswear allows for a more traditional use of hues than recently seen such as navy blue, leather-like brown and rich grey.
Texture-like finishes and decorative techniques are also important to this palette. Incorporating herringbone and argyle paint patterns provides a focal point in living and family rooms.
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 Grey, Navy Blue, Brown and Black  Argyle, Herringbone, Pinstripes |
“Weather or Not”
Our eco-consciousness continues to expand and “Weather or Not!” glances upward for inspiration. This palette takes a cue from the continually changing skies, provides the homeowner with colors represented by sunrise or sunset resulting in a shift from the more expected botanical hues.
While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good choice for bathrooms, bedrooms and family living spaces.
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“What's
in Bloom?”
Consumers increased desire for healthy and sustainable locally grown fruits and vegetables provides fresh inspiration for “What’s in Bloom?”. Another twist on the “green” movement, this palette is inspired by fresh hues including citrus green, mango and lemon yellow.
Not just a one season offering, “What’s in Bloom” also derives inspiration from fresh fall produce such as pumpkin orange and apple red.
“What’s in Bloom” is ripe for use in a child’s bedroom, playroom
and kitchens. Use in closets and pantry areas to provide an unanticipated pop of color.
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 Citrus Green, Mango, Apple Red, Lemon Yellow, Pumpkin Orange  Black as an accent color on trim or doors provides an interesting and unexpected frame for the What’s in Bloom color palette. |
Low
Cost, High Impact
Paint, Your New Best Friend
Spring House, Pa., July, 2008 - Nothing creates more immediate impact than a fresh coat of paint and in these challenging times, paint is overwhelmingly one of the best low cost options when infusing style in a living space.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute states, “By simply changing your wall, ceiling or trim color, rooms can go from boring to bright in just a matter of hours. Not many home improvement products can provide as much punch for the dollar.”
For a low cost, high impact style change, pull out the brushes and rollers and reinvigorate your home, one room at a time.
Zimmer’s Top Five Tips for A Quick and Inexpensive Style Change:
• A simple change of hue in any space refreshes and revitalizes
while adding a sense of updated style.
• Large polka dots or other geometric patterns add instant
impact to a child’s bedroom or play area.
• Not ready for a whole room redo? Change the trim or door color and the entire space will feel new.
• Highlight that new flat screen television by “framing” it with paint. Before hanging it on the wall, paint a rectangle large enough so a six-inch, colorful “frame” is exposed once the TV is in place.
• Create interest in a dining room by painting the
ceiling with a glossy finish. Light from the chandelier will
have
extra sparkle.
Family
Fun Weekend Painting Projects
Save Gas and Improve Your Home
With
escalating gasoline prices, many families are searching for
local weekend activities. Why not consider painting as that
family weekend project? With a gallon or two of paint, you
can easily transform your space in just a day or two. And,
if you think you can’t do much with young children,
think again.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says painting is a great way to get the whole family involved in making a house a home.
Painting is a great way to easily change and update the look of your home,” Zimmer offers. “What’s especially nice is that it is truly something the whole family can do together.”
One
of the best ways to get children involved in painting projects
is to help them create a whole new look for their bedrooms
or play areas. Children of all ages can be involved in choosing
a paint color. The first step is a visit to the home center
or paint store to check out the color card display.
“The paint chip display is a fun place for children to explore how colors work together, so they are actually learning while they are having fun looking at the rainbow of choices,” Zimmer says. When it is time to do the job, children of all ages can help with the painting.
When you are considering painting, don’t forget to look beyond the walls. Furniture can also be updated and dramatically changed in just a few hours. Beds, dressers, and tables are only a few of the pieces that might benefit from a quick change.
This weekend be creative, gather your family and hold a painting party. Not only will you quickly update your home, you’ll also have fun and save gas.
Hot Hues for Unconventional
Spaces
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute
Spring
House, Pa, Wednesday, June 26, 2008 – Look
inside your favorite shoes or that newly purchased handbag
and take note of the unexpected dash of colors and patterns.
“Fashion designers are adding a punch of color in some of the most unlikely places. From pink to purple to citrus green, color sizzle is showing up in the most unlikely spaces and this color punch can be easily incorporated into home decorating as well,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says.
“While you may be color shy when painting a family living space, take a cue from the design and decorating community and add an unexpected hue to an unconventional space such as a drab closet, a lackluster hallway or even a kitchen pantry. These and similar spaces are prime areas to create unexpected finishes by adding a bold paint color or design pattern. So, add a little color and be amazed at your own unconventional painted spot.
| Zimmer’s Five Color Punch and Design Tips | |
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Choose a bright, high gloss hue for an enclosed closet area. Not only will the color brighten your morning, but also the glossy finish will reflect light. |
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Incorporate large geometric patterns such as circles or stars in a child’s bedroom closet. First, paint the entire closet space with a top quality paint and use store purchased or handmade stencils to add fun pattern color. It just might help with clothes cleanup! |
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For a touch of luxury, paint a foyer or linen closet with a gold or silver metallic finish and surprise guests each time they open the door. |
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Rev up your pantry with red! Not only will this vibrant hue add pizzazz to a typically mundane space, it may also spark your appetite. |
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Sheen stripe your hallway with a combination of flat and glossy paints in the same bright hue. For a new take on this decorative technique, run thick stripes horizontally for a fresh and updated look. |
Common
Paint Problems and Handy Solutions
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Paint
is a valuable ally that can help protect and rejuvenate your
homes exterior. “The spring or early summer is an opportune
time to look for signs of early paint failure, offers Debbie
Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality Institute”.
Some paint problems may be caused by using a low quality
paint, not preparing the surface properly or painting when
it’s too hot or cold.
No matter what the cause, now is the perfect time to check
those painted outside areas, identify any potential problems,
and make valuable corrections before your minor paint problem
becomes a larger issue.
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Blistering: Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint from the underlying surface. |
Possible Cause
Solution
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Cracking
and Flaking The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, leading to complete failure of the paint. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later flaking of paint occurs. |
Possible Cause
Solution
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Mildew Black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth on the surface of paint of caulk. |
Possible Cause
Solutions
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Wrinkling A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a “skin.” |
Possible Cause
Solutions
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Set Sail this Summer with Nautical Paint Hues
Crisp blues, bright whites, a dash of red. With summer just around the corner, there is no better way to celebrate summers arrival than to create a sea-faring environment in your living space. Through the simple use of paint hues, a single room or your entire home can become a harbor for family and friends. Incorporate these easy paint ideas and treat your family to a day at the beach without ever leaving the driveway.
Traditional navy blue coupled with crisp white evokes a living space reminiscent of a beach vacation. Using blue and white, paint wide nautical stripes and finish with a band of red around the ceiling. Update furniture with a new coat of white paint and decorate with seashells and sailboats.
Create a soothing ocean getaway in your bedroom or bath by incorporating sandy tans, sea glass greens and aqua blues. For a child’s room, use beach towels and surfboards as summer color inspiration.
Not ready for an entire room makeover? Transform a foyer into a welcoming reception area by simply painting an accent wall in a hot weather hue complementary to your current color scheme. Sunny yellow, lime green or crisp blue are the perfect paint colors to create a vacation entranceway.
By incorporating summer-like paint hues, your living space may just become your favorite vacation location as well.
Boost Your Home’s
Curb Appeal with Paint
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., March 6, 2008 -
Are you planning to spruce up your home’s exterior
this spring? Or, are you considering placing your home
on the market? No matter
what the reason, a fresh coat of paint can immediately
revive the overall appearance of your largest investment,
your home.
“When it comes to exterior painting, many people choose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house. However, choosing a new color scheme can be exciting and provide a new and updated look. Refreshing your home with a new paint job is one of the most cost effective projects a home owner can invest in that adds value,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, says.
Choosing a new color scheme might seem daunting at first but Zimmer offers some suggestions that will help you through the color selection process.
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1.
Consider the architecture of the home Some architectural styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four and even five color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to tow or tree colors. Usually this includes a main body color and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors. |
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2.
Note the material of construction. If your home is made of wood, brick, masonry or aluminum siding you can paint it virtually any color. However if it has vinyl siding, it might be best to paint it a similar hue to the original, although newer paints on the market have been formulated to allow for a wider choice on this surface. |
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3.
Take into account fixed colors Consider the colors on and near the house that either cannot, or will not, be painted. This includes the roof color, and wood, masonry, or stone that will be left unpainted. |
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4.
Consider the surroundings Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door. You would not want a color that is exactly the same as that on your neighbor’s home, and conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either. Also, be sure to take into account any plantings that are in your yard or landscaping. |
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5. Check
for restrictions. Some historical districts, newer developments and townhome or condominium communities have restrictions on what paint colors or color combinations may be used. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to find out about these limitations before choosing and applying your new hues. |
Color Expert with the
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Offers Three Tips that Draw Eco-Friendly Inspiration from
Nature
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., February 13, 2008 -
Today’s
versatile palettes of blues, greens, and browns, encompass
colors inspired by the earth, sea and sky along with metallics
and brights to add “pop” and excitement. Steadily
gaining popularity in recent years, homeowners are taking
this trend a step further by extending it to the type of
paint they choose.
“Environmentally
friendly low-VOC paints are popular for a variety of reasons,
most notably because they lack odor. This allows consumers
to put recently painted room back into use almost immediately
after being painted,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color
expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says. “Another
added benefit according to health and environmental authorities
is that low-VOC paints are not considered hazardous waste,
so consumers can take pride in knowing that they are not
harming the environment when disposing of any leftover paints.
With the spring painting season just around the corner,
Zimmer offers three fresh ideas to help bring the outdoors
inside.
Accent
on Nature
Just as in nature, nothing looks more refreshing than a muted landscape punctuated
with an unexpected burst of color. For inspiration, look to your backyard.
A ripe tomato still on the vine, a bright yellow sunflower swaying in the breeze,
even a blazing sunset, can offer inspiration for an eye-catching color scheme.
True
Blue
Blue, in all its tints and hues, has long been a favorite.
In previous seasons’ trends,
it has mostly been confined to the bedroom and bath. But since blue is so prevalent
in nature, it is now one of the important colors in home décor. The
latest clear, true blues are being used through the house, both as an accent
color and as a color scheme anchor.
Blue’s popularity is extending to other colors as well, particularly
with the emerging popularity of blue-based greens. The most modern greens take
their inspiration from moss, pine and the lush vegetation of the rainforest.
Down
to Earth
Deep, dark chocolate brown, a popular color in recent season, will continue
to factor into the earth tone palette. However, lighter tints such as beige,
tan and other desert-toned hues offer a fresher take on the trend. They are
an especially good choice for those that are color-shy and ideally suited to
pair with a bright-colored accent wall or metallic trim.
Put Your Walls
on a Diet!
Illusions of Space from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., January 4, 2008 - Did you know that
paint color can actually alter the dimensions of a room?
Well, it can’t literally do that. But it can alter
how the dimensions are perceived, which is the next best
thing. Debbie Zimmer, PQI’s paint and color expert,
states, “By taking a cue from fashion, one’s
living space can be viewed as larger or smaller, taller
or shorter.”
A light-colored paint will make a small room appear bigger, for instance. And darker shades will make a large room seem much more intimate. These types of paint-induced optical illusions can be used with excellent results in almost any space.
Zimmer offers several simple tips
to “adjust” your
own living area:
1.
Raise or Lower the Ceiling
If a ceiling feels too low, bright white can “raise” your perception of its height. By taking a cue from clothing designers, adventuresome homeowners can paint their walls with vertical stripes to enhance the sense of height.
On the other hand, dramatic high ceilings may cause a living
space to feel cavernous. Add a mid-tone to deep hue on the
ceiling to visually lower the height. Another alternative
is to paint horizontal stripes on the walls.
2. Shrink or Expand Rooms
Just
as a dark monochromatic outfit can visually “slim” an
appearance, a monochromatic paint scheme can do the same
in a large space. Choosing darker shade for the walls will
reign in a large room and create a cozy and intimate space.
And, as mentioned earlier, a light-colored paint will make
a small room appear bigger.
Is your room too narrow and long? Just widen it by painting the shorter walls a deeper color than the longer walls. If color alone isn’t enough to change the perceived dimensions, use color combinations to create visual breaks. Divide your wall space horizontally with a chair rail and paint the upper and lower portions different hues.
3.
Don’t Forget the Sheen
For both visual and practical reasons, selecting the right sheen of paint is just as important as the actual color. Glossier finishes lend greater warmth and depth to surfaces than do flat paints. For example, a room with white gloss paint on the ceiling will seem larger than a room whose ceiling is painted with a white flat paint.
For additional tips on choosing hues that can impact room dimensions, visit www.paintquality.com, where every great paint job begins.
Consumers
Self-Rating of Painting Skill or Knowledge
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., September 18, 2007 - In a recent telephone
survey conducted by the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute,
consumers shared their personal painting experiences and
attitudes for this common do-it-yourself home improvement
project. Debbie Zimmer, PQI’s paint and color expert
believes homeowners continued desire for home personalization
through color is evident in the recent results. “Based
on questions we receive via our website, www.paintquality.com,
we believe color incorporation and quality paint products
are increasingly important and this survey quantifies that
assumption.”
The most
cited reason respondents shared for undertaking an interior
paint job is to create a “fresh look” (52%)
or to use a fashionable color (28%). Paint quality and color
choice were the two most important reasons for choosing a
particular brand and more than half of those contemplating
a paint job search for information about these two features. 
Sources
of paint information include paint manufacturer’s brochures
(62%), in store point-of-sale displays (36%) followed by
advice from friends and family. Zimmer adds, “Paint
related websites are growing in popularity as an often-used
information source.”
Finally, while many consumers search for the most up to
date information on paint and color, a pocket of consumers
consider themselves expert or at least very confident in
their painting skill and knowledge (14%).
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SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., August 13, 2007 – Fashion
runways have long been the inspirational source
for home furnishings and decorating color choices.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with The
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute shares
2008 trendy paint palettes.
“Go
Green”
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., May 22, 2007 –“As
the summer season approaches, decks are the living
and entertaining space of choice for many homeowners.
However, before homeowners pull out that table
and umbrella, they should consider re-energizing
this space with a fresh coat of paint or stain,” Debbie
Zimmer, color and paint expert with the Rohm
and Haas Paint Quality Institute says. “Not
only will this step enhance this often-used exterior “room”,
but it can also protect the actual wood surface
allowing the deck last longer.” 
1.
A coat of semi-transparent stain can be a great
way to spruce up a wooden deck. It lets you add
some color to the wood without hiding its grain
or texture. 
2.
If viewing the wood grain is not a high priority,
an opaque deck stain can be a better choice. These
products, which can be oil based or latex, are
more like paints in their pigmentation and so typically
hold up longer than a semi transparent stain.
2.
Buy top quality acrylic latex paint
3.
Use the right tools and brushes
4.
Paint in the right weather conditions
Spring
House, PA February 8, 2007 – “If
you are contemplating selling your home, consider
sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint before
putting up the “For Sale” sign,
Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute explains. “This relatively
inexpensive investment can enhance your home’s
curb appeal to prospective buyers.” 
Use
a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint
Comfort
Colors
Yellows
and blues, leaf-like greens, along with organic
browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add
translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating
varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent
color, add rust or copper-like metallics into
the scheme. Bedrooms and bathrooms are perfect
places to incorporate the back to nature hues
or in rooms where an accent wall is employed. 
Stark
Contrast
A
homeowner’s time may be limited so a quick
room update can be accomplished by adding color
and shine to no more than the trim and doors.
Highlight these areas with semi-gloss or gloss
paint in a complementary hue to the wall color. 
Add
a glossy frame
Look
up and celebrate your ceilings
This
holiday season let your ceilings and chandeliers
sparkle. Add shine and sophistication to dining
spaces by painting these often bland areas
with a high sheen product. If you are not quite
ready to change your entire ceiling add a stencil
pattern in a glossy hue for a touch of high
style. 
Take
a cue from this season’s fashion runway
and integrate texture into your space for added
interest and appeal. “When working with
a monochromatic or single color scheme, wall
texture will provide depth and warmth”,
states Zimmer. The addition of bead board,
paintable wall coverings or glazing over an
already painted surface will provide subtle
interest and a three dimensional appearance. 
SPRING
HOUSE, PA, September 5, 2006 – Fall’s
sun-filled days and clear, cool nights set the
stage for great outdoor painting conditions. But
before you brush on that first coat of paint, review
these tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute. “Primers and sealers help to improve
the appearance, performance and longevity of a
finished paint job, however, the necessity of using
either a primer or sealer varies from job to job
and surface to surface,” offers PQI’s
spokesperson Debbie Zimmer.
“Primers
perform several valuable functions”, states
Zimmer. “They help the topcoat adhere better
to the surface that’s being painted. They do
this by making the surface more uniform and accepting
for the top coat, so that when the paint is applied,
it can get a better “grip” than it would
on a bare surface.” In addition, primers help
give the finished paint job a more uniform appearance
in terms of color and sheen, thereby making it more
attractive. This is especially true when the surface
being painted is porous or uneven. Finally, some
primers help prevent stains from coming through the
paint from the surface below. 
“Just
like paints, primers and sealers perform best when
the surface is properly prepared. Regardless of the
application, the surface to be primed or sealed should
always be clean and free of dirt, loose or flaking
paint and other contaminants before the primer or
sealer is applied,” Zimmer advises.
SPRING
HOUSE, PA, July 13, 2006 – Hoping
to change the look of your living spaces? It’s
easy to do with just a simple change of paint
color and decorative painting techniques. Just
take a cue from the winners of the Rohm and Haas
Paint Quality Institutes recent competition, The
Prettiest Painted Rooms in America. |
1. Plain walls receive an instant lift through the addition of varying directions of beadboard and wainscoting. This media room provides a tranquil and inviting atmosphere with cool paint shades of turquoise and subtle green. |
 |
2. A hand painted mural sets the tone for gracious living in this two story entrance. While hand painting a mural may not be for everyone, the use of easy-to-do stencils can replicate wall coverings or a favorite scene |
 |
3. A tone-on-tone strie technique provides this room with an every changing appearance. The walls of this living room where first painted with a cantaloupe colored paint. A slightly deeper hued glaze coat was then applied and, working from top to bottom, a clean, dry brush was “dragged” through the colored glaze. |
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4. A young boy’s bedroom receives a real color punch by incorporating bold paint stripes. The lampshade provided the inspiration for both color and pattern. Use painters tape and a level to achieve this striking effect at home. |
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5. This soulful space is a wonderful place to relax at the end of a busy day. Painted in the palest blue and punctuated with chocolate brown furnishings, this bedroom color combination is easy to duplicate in any home. |
“Whether you are decorating one room or hoping to reinvent your entire interior space, the addition of color via beautifully painted walls, ceilings and trim is both inexpensive and simple to complete,” Zimmer said.
Remember, whatever look you hope to achieve, use a top quality interior paint for the best long-term appearance and performance. For regular painting tips and color trend information, sign up for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute do-it-yourself newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com.
Remember, whatever look you hope to achieve, use a top quality interior paint for the best long-term appearance and performance. For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute do-it-yourself newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .
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SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., June 7, 2006 – The
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI),
the educational arm of the global specialty
materials company Rohm and Haas, announces
the winners of its “Prettiest Painted
Rooms in America” competition. The panel
of judges selected Penny Drue Baird, a New
York City-based interior designer, as the Grand
Prize winner, along with four Runners-up. The
competition invited professional designers
to submit images of work they had completed
within the last three years. Entries were judged
on the creativity employed in the use of paint
and color and the overall design of the room.
The competition ran from February 9 to May
1, 2006. The
Winning Entries Baird divides her time between New York City and Paris. Her work has appeared in leading magazines and show houses and she has been quoted in more than 100 publications in the United States and abroad. She has a Ph.D in psychology and is the mother of four boys and two stepsons. Grady Cooley, (Runner-up), painted a botanical theme on the walls of a spec house to replicate an 18th century wallcovering. He has clients in the United States and Europe, worked in the fashion industry before entering the world of interior design and has designed a number of the hottest restaurants in Southern California. Cooley divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles. Justine Cushing, (Runner-up), painted the walls of her own small Manhattan apartment with a cantaloupe strié glaze that changes character with the changing light throughout the day. Her work has appeared in Vogue, House & Garden and House Beautiful and she studied at the Foxcroft School in Middlebury, Va., and Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Mass. Karen Harris, (Runner-up), created a room for a seven-year-old boy with an abstract rainbow theme. Harris, an Allied Member, ASID, is president of eff.ess Studios, LLC, a firm specializing in residential and interior product design, presently based in Akron, Ohio. She has a B.S. in architecture from the University of Virginia. Keita L. Turner, (Runner-up), designed her award-winning room for the Fall 2005 ESSENCE Showhouse in Harlem. It featured soothing blue punctuated by rich chocolates and vibrant fuchsias. Turner is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her work has been showcased in print, film, TV and in the African American Design Archive at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating
expert with PQI and a competition judges said, “This
competition has attracted talented designers
from across the country. The numerous submissions
showcased a diverse range of work that was fascinating
to see. Choosing the winners was a challenging
process for the judges who were amazed to see
such a variety of submissions.”
The Grand Prize winner has
a choice of either a “Deluxe New York City
Weekend for Two” or a “South Beach
Extravaganza for Two.” Runners-up receive
a Howard Miller clock. |
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One
Grand Prize Winner and Four Runners-up Selected;
Designers Nationwide Participate
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“With outdoor living spaces gaining in
popularity, many homeowners are incorporating
color on decks, patios, and outdoor furniture
as well,” Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and
Haas Paint Quality Institute, explains. “Given
today’s vast selection of hues, there’s
no reason these entertaining areas can’t
be a showstopper.”
Today’s outdoor spaces are often viewed
as an extension of the homes interior and are
designed to be inviting, relaxing and personal.
By incorporating a dash of color, these exterior
rooms will be a favorite gathering spot, long
after the sun goes down. |
Spring
House, PA, May 2, 2006
|
 Spring
House, PA, March 24, 2006 – As
warmer weather arrives in many parts of the country,
homeowners are beginning to take stock of their
exterior painting needs.
“Paint serves two important purposes: To help protect your home’s exterior surface and to decorate or personalize your outdoor spaces,” Debbie Zimmer says, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, “and Spring is the perfect time to begin this process of protection and decoration.” Zimmer offers simple suggestions for an attractive and long-lasting paint job whether the paint project involves a whole house repaint or a simple front door color change.
• Always use the right tools and brushes. Good quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly. • Weather plays an important role during exterior painting so plan to paint when the temperature is between 60° and 85° F, and when there is little or no wind. |
• To lessen the anxiety and uncertainty of choosing a new paint color, start by considering the architectural style of your home. Some styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four- and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to two or three colors. Usually this includes a main body color, and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors.
• Consider the surroundings. Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door. • Finally, choose a quality paint that is designed for the job you’re doing. Using a lower quality paint just to save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you used a top quality product. By following these simple painting tips and suggestions, your home will sparkle this spring. For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .
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Get
Ready For Spring Exterior Painting
Five Simple Tips for
Hiring a Professional Painter
Spring House, PA, February 21 – Thinking of hiring a professional painter to spruce up your home’s exterior?
“Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to begin selecting a reputable contractor who will perform a quality exterior paint job”, states Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
One of the best ways to find a reliable contractor is to check with friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you have a few contractor candidates in mind, Zimmer offers the following steps to assist with choosing the right professional for your painting project.
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1. Personally meet each contractor and obtain written estimates from at least three painting professionals based on the specified work to be completed. In addition, check references and verify their insurance coverage. |
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2. Specify the work and proposed painting process. To make a fair comparison, make sure each contractor submits a written bid based on the same materials, surface preparation, number of coats of primer and paint, and each type of surface that will be painted. Make sure these quotes include when the work will start and expected completion date as well as the crew size. Inquire about how your planting and landscaping materials will be protected during the project. |
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3. Warranty protection. Reliable contractors will back up their work. Discuss the warranty in detail; does it cover both labor and materials? How long is the warranty and what is the procedure to resolve problems? These are important questions that should be addressed prior to the start of the project and included in the written bid. |
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4. Presentation and responsiveness. Is the contractor responsive, punctual and businesslike when returning phone calls or arriving for an appointment? Is the submitted estimate complete showing the breakdown of material and labor costs as well as payment terms? |
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5. Paint quality. Will the contractor select and use premier quality paint? A quality acrylic latex paint may cost more initially, but will save money in the long run because of its long lasting durability. |
For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .
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Color
Psychology - The Impact of Paint Color In Your Living
Space
Spring
House, January 19, 2006 – The words "paint" and "personality" aren't
often used together, but they certainly could be. “Studies
show that paint and room color can have an effect on
the body and mind”, states Debbie Zimmer, color
and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint
Quality Institute. “By understanding the impact
of color, consumers can better incorporate the hues
that help create the desired living space mood and
setting that best suits their family and personal lifestyle.”
When repainting a room, here are some
simple guidelines you should know about the hues you
might use:
 |
• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room. |
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• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms. |
 |
• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways. |
 |
• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet. |
 |
• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools. |
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• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas. |
COLOR TRENDS
2006 - Style for your Walls!
Spring House, PA December 5, 2005 – Fashion may be fickle, but it has nothing on the ever-changing world of home décor. “While many of last year’s color trends are still enjoying popularity, homeowners are already interested in the latest paint color palettes, and new ways to use them,” states Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
Exotic
Enhancements
“Perhaps the most talked about trend for 2006 is the use of travel-inspired
colors to decorate the home”, offers Zimmer. “Some consumers
are starting to suffer from “bright- color fatigue,” and now
favor richer,
deeper
hues that evoke thoughts of far-off destinations.” This palette takes
inspiration from the rich jewel-tones of Oriental rugs, or the vivid sights of
a Moroccan market. Key colors include rich red-purples, deep browns and
dark yellows, as well as ebony and ivory accents. This dramatic trend works
especially well in family or dining rooms, and adds a feeling of warmth and excitement.
Skintone Neutrals
The
exotic color trend finds its balance in another palette, Skin tone Neutrals,
which includes a wide spectrum of flesh-toned hues.
Zimmer
adds, “These latest neutrals take their inspiration from the cosmetics
counter in both color and purpose.” Just as a powder or liquid
cosmetic can be used to enhance the skin, or serve as a backdrop for
brighter colors, so, too, do the new skin tone paint colors.
Applied on their own, these hues appear particularly fresh when used
in an open floor plan.
But they also serve as an ideal backdrop for any room where a bolder
accent wall is employed.
Mi
neral,
Spirits!
For a consumer who would like to add color to his or her home, but isn’t
quite ready for the vivid hues of the Exotic Enhancements
palette,
then Mineral, Spirits! hues may be the best choice. Drawing inspiration
from lush forest landscapes, these earth tones have more “pop” and
are a bit brighter than in previous years.
Dusty shades of blue and lavender, as well as rosy browns, echo colors
found in nature. Because of their softness, and their welcoming appearance,
they are especially good choices for use in the kitchen and bath.
Soulful Serenity
While the spa-inspired trend of 2005 continues to be a hit with homeowners
looking to create relaxing retreats in their own homes, the color schemes
are now moving beyond
the
traditional blue and white. Zimmer adds the following suggestion, “For
those who would like to try something new for their bedroom or bathroom
sanctuary, consider using true pastels, such as soft pink, pale yellow
and misty lavender. These tints offer a fresh twist on the spa
concept, while still encouraging a relaxing atmosphere.” And
since the Serenity color schemes are more diverse, they can even be expanded
into family or sitting rooms.
Also on the Horizon …
2006
paint trends extend beyond colors and hues. Zimmer
forecasts a growing interest in incorporating texture
into an interior paint job. “This trend
can take many forms, through textured paints and 3-D
appliqués, or in more complex ways such as raised
techniques using bas-reliefs.”
Another trend is rethinking the ceiling as a canvas for color and decorating inspiration. This fifth wall is no longer just the domain for flat white paint.
Today’s savvy homeowners are bringing them to life with color, decorative techniques and imaginative color schemes.
Finally, the use of higher sheen paints in unconventional areas, such as ceilings and walls, and the incorporation of metallic paint accents to add an unexpected bit of gleam to a room will continue to be popular with those homeowners looking to personalize and enhance their living space. “Paint color is a homeowner’s best decorating tool.” You can change the appearance, the perception of size and even the emotional temperature, through the simple inclusion of exciting palettes and quality paint,” concludes Zimmer.
