To better assist you in finding the information that you need,
the PQI Press Release Archives has been organized into three
sections; Paint Design and Color Trends, Interior Painting Best
Practices, and Exterior Painting Best Practices. Click on the
desired press release link to view the entire release.
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.
Click
here to join a Rohm and Haas webcast on Changing Design,
Color, and Demographic Trends
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 |
 |
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. |
 |
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! |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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.
 |
Blistering:
Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion
and lifting of the paint from the underlying surface.
|
Possible
Cause
- Painting a warm surface in direct sunlight
- Moisture escaping through the exterior walls
- Exposure of latex paint film to dew, high humidity
or rain shortly after paint has dried, especially
if there was inadequate surface preparation
Solution
- If blisters go down to the substrate, try to
remove the source of moisture.
- If blisters do not go all the way down to the
substrate, remove them by scraping, then sanding;
prime any bare wood and repaint with a quality
exterior paint.
|
 |
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
- Overthinning the paint or spreading it too thin
- Use of a low quality paint that has inadequate
flexibility
- Painting when it is too cold or too warm, the
paint will dry too fast
Solution
- If the paint is tightly adhered to the surface,
lightly feather the edges, prime and paint
- If the cracking is all the way down to the surface,
then the paint should be removed. Old flaking paint
may contain lead, so precautions for lead paint
should be followed.
|
 |
Mildew
Black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth on the surface of paint of
caulk. |
Possible
Cause
- Forms most often on areas that tend to be damp
and without sunlight.
- Use of a low quality paint, with minimal or no
additives to prevent growth
- Painting over a surface where the mildew has
not been removed
- Applying
paint in “too thin”of a
coat.
Solutions
- First test for mildew by applying a few drops
of household bleach to the discolored area, then
rinse; if it disappears it is probably mildew.
- Remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing
with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach,
three parts water), wearing proper safety protection,
including rubber gloves and eye protection. Power
washing is also an option.
- Rinse thoroughly, prime bare surfaces and paint.
|
 |
Wrinkling
A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a “skin.” |
Possible
Cause
- Paint applied too thickly
- Painting a hot surface, painting on a very hot
day, or high humidity levels
- Applying the topcoat to a not completely dried
first coat
- Painting over dirty or waxy surfaces
Solutions
- Scrap or sand the surface to remove wrinkled
paint.
- Repaint with an even coat of top of the line
exterior paint. Make sure the first coat or primer
is completely dry before applying the second or
topcoat.
- Always follow the manufacturers recommended spread
rate.
|
Editor’s
note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
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.
Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
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.
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
Editor’s
note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
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.
Editor’s
note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
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.
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
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%).
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
|
Color Trends 2008
Individual Flavors Influence Paint Color Trends
 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.
“Consumers’ increasing color confidence
and personal style makes any color fashionable
for 2008”, Zimmer says. “From glass-like
blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white
and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive
towards individual self-expression, glamorous living
experiences or an increasing awareness of important
environmental causes.”
Zimmer’s
Top Three Color Palette Choices for 2008:
 “Go
Green”
“ Green may just become the newest “neutral” color.” Used
as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness and social responsibility,
green will be representative of the growing environmental movement. Mid-tone
hues of fern, palm, pine and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear
blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly
living. Sandy tan and adobe brown can be intermingled to complete that earthy
and eco-friendly feel.
While suitable for all areas of the home, these
combinations are an especially good choice for
bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces.
  “Sophisticated
Elegance”
Gaining popularity in 2008, black and white paint
hues will enhance opulent living spaces filled
with accessories, lighting, mirrors and rich
fabrics.
Silver metallics and high sheen finishes along with rich textures benefit from
the sophistication of this striking palette. Zimmer suggests, “For an
unexpected color punch, add cause related hues such as dramatic red or maintain
the room’s classic undertones with subtle pink or taupe.” Dramatic
and sophisticated, black and white is becoming the backdrop of choice for glamorous
spaces.
Master bedroom suites and living rooms are two
of the spaces that can benefit from sophisticated
elegance.
  “Crewel
Colors”
Many consumers continue to strive for simplicity
in their technology-driven overloaded lifestyles
and seek a return to a gentler way of life. The
crewel
color palette reflects consumers returning interest in crafts, home cooking
and family focused activities. Like a rich and color filled needlepoint pattern,
these hues add a soulful and personalized feel to any space. “Handcrafted
items create a sense of stability and security and these warm, creamy rich
colors will do the same in your space,” says Zimmer. Rich cranberry reds,
warm browns, along with pumpkin orange help to create a nurturing and caring
environment. Mix in deep-toned blue and the tapestry is complete.
Crewel colors remain an excellent choice for kitchen
or dining areas and can be warming, like a knitted
afghan, in family spaces.
“No matter which paint hue or palette attracts
your individual attention, consumers continue to
have an increased appreciation for paint quality
and value. After all it’s a personal choice
for a personal space—your home,” Zimmer
says.
Editor’s
note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that
accompany the release.
Click
here to listen to the Color Trends 2008 Podcast
All
Decked Out!
Help Extend the Life of Your Deck with Tips
from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
 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.”
“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
colors onto planter boxes, built-in benches or
even deck trellises,” Zimmer advises.
Remember, when it comes to painting your deck, you have plenty of options to
harmonize or complement your outdoor surroundings.
 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.
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 hi-res downloadable images that
accompany the release.
 Spring
into Exterior Painting
Four Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
SPRING HOUSE, Pa., March 27,
2007 – With warm weather just
around the corner, soon it will be time to begin
those home exterior painting projects. “Whether
you’re contemplating a whole house re-do
or a simple front door color change, spring is
the perfect time to spruce up your home,” offers
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI).
To get picture-perfect, long-lasting results,
Zimmer shares these four basic rules for a successful
and attractive exterior paint job.
 1.
Prepare the surface properly
Anyone who has ever painted knows that there is a natural tendency to start
applying paint as quickly as possible. But even the best quality paints can
fail if they are applied to a dirty or unsound surface.
Before beginning to paint, make sure the surface
is clean and free of chalk and dirt. Use soap and
water with a scrub brush, then rinse or, consider
using a power washer, when may be rented or purchased.
Treat any mildew on the surface with a 1:3 ratio
mixture of household bleach and water. Apply the
mixture and allow it to remain on the surface of
20 minutes. Be sure to wear eye protection.
Remove any loose, flaking or peeling paint by
scraping, sanding or wire brushing. Feather back
rough paint edges by sanding. If you are repainting
a glossy surface, be sure to sand it so that the
new paint will adhere better. And, spot prime any
bare wood.
Finally, brush off any dust or particles left
from the sanding and scraping prior to painting.
 2.
Buy top quality acrylic latex paint
To get a durable paint job, be sure to purchase the highest quality paint.
A top quality acrylic latex paint is an excellent choice for most exterior
applications. These paints have superior adhesion, and will maintain a tight
grip on a properly prepared surface. This helps prevent premature paint failures
like blistering, flaking and peeling.
Another plus with top quality acrylic latex paint
is its flexibility, which enables it to expand
and contract with the surface below when temperatures
rise of fall dramatically. This adds to the life
of the paint job.
 3.
Use the right tools and brushes
To get the best results from your top quality
paint purchase apply it with good quality brushes,
rollers and other applications equipment. They’ll
make the work more effortless and help you apply a thicker, more uniform coat
of paint for a better-looking, longer lasting paint job.
With brushes and rollers, be sure that you have
the right type of applicator for the paint you
are applying. Use synthetic-bristle brushes that
are tightly packed and well-balanced and synthetic-nap
rollers for latex paints.
 4.
Paint in the right weather conditions
Weather conditions play an important role in
both paint application as well as the long-term
performance. Choose the right type of day to
do your exterior
painting. It’s best to paint when the weather is mild but not to hot
and when there is little or no wind. It’s also best to avoid painting
in direct sunshine, since the surface of your house can be 10 or even 20 degrees
hotter than the air temperature, which can cause the paint to dry too quickly.
By painting in moderate weather, you’ll get the best performance from
your paint and your effort.
By
following these four simple steps, you’ll
get a long-lasting and attractive finish and add
value and protection to your home,” Zimmer
says.
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
A
Fresh Coat of Paint Can Help Sell Your Home
Four Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint
Quality Institute
 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.”
An attractive quality paint job imparts the
kind of well-maintained appearance to a home
that gives it a distinct selling advantage. As
a result, when selling your home, repainting
is really more like an investment than an expense.
Whether you choose to hire a paint contractor,
or do it yourself it is crucial to use a high
quality paint. Zimmer offers these tips to help
prepare your home for sale.
 • Use
a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint
A recently applied, high quality acrylic latex paint can last 10 years or more
and translates into many years of freedom from maintenance for prospective
buyers.
• Be conservative when selecting
an exterior color
White and neutral colors are often the safest choices, since they will appeal
to the greatest number of prospective buyers. When painting for a potential
sale, it is often not the time to have the most striking paint scheme in the
neighborhood.
• Include quality surface preparation
in the work
Properly preparing the surface for painting will produce the best appearance,
and add to the life-expectancy of the paint job.
• Finish painting before putting
the home on the market
A completed and attractive paint job will assist with that critical first impression
as potential buyers consider and view your home.
So, if you are thinking
about selling your home, don’t throw
away your paint brush. Picking it up may be
the best thing you can do.
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
Color
Trends 2007
Home Hues that Comfort and Excite
Listen
to the Color Trends Podcast
Spring
House, PA November 20, 2006 – From
spicy color combinations to hues that warm
the soul, 2007 color trends contain palettes
that work independently as a “statement
color” or as a subtle backdrop where
home furnishings and accessories take center
stage.
“ Many of these palettes
will find a home in rooms from coast to coast,” Debbie
Zimmer, color and decorating expert for the Rohm
and Haas Paint Quality Institute and member of
the prestigious Color Marketing Group, an international
organization that helps shape the latest color
trends said. “What I enjoy most about our
palette grouping this year is the homey and nature-like
quality afforded by each.”
Read more trend summary highlights
about color hues appropriate for all areas of
the home or living space.
  Comfort
Colors
Biscuit and wheat neutrals, cocoa brown, pumpkin orange and cinnamon apple
pie, are just a few of the comfort colors that will wrap your room with warmth
and promote a stress-free space. The comfort color palette is an especially
good choice for kitchens and family rooms.
 Back
to Nature
 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
From clean, clear reds and deep plums to the sophistication of black and white,
this color group works both as an accent and as an elegant backdrop for many
living spaces. Polished brass metallics complement this scheme. Dining, living
rooms and especially powder rooms will benefit from this bold and spicy palette.
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.
BACK
TO TOP
Frame
Your World
Glossy Accents Redefine Your Home
 Spring
House, PA November 9, 2006 – Today’s
hot decorating trends include lots of glimmer
and glamour as texture and sheen continue to
make their way into many popular home accessories
as beautifully framed artwork and prints,” according
to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
(PQI).
“And just like your artwork,
your living space is no different,” Debbie
Zimmer, Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
(PQI) color and decorating expert, offers.
“Crown moldings, chair
rails and other specialty trim provide the framework
around your wall space and allow for a visual
break as you move from room to room. By applying
semi-gloss or glossy paint to these features,
you can differentiate one space from another
and add that spark of sophistication or glamour
by simply varying the paint sheen levels,” ” Zimmer
continues
 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.
Today’s glossy finishes
are not only attractive they also provide long-lasting
durability especially in high traffic and often
used areas. For example, when high sheen paint
is applied to doors and trim, handprints and
smudge marks are easy to wipe clean. When used
on ceilings or crown moldings, gloss finishes
provide a reflective surface that enhances lighting.
And, your windows and interior doors will have
a new view just by painting the surrounding trim
with a complementary color and gloss level. Any
room can be quickly updated and refreshed by
merely changing the paint sheen.
Help your walls become a centerpiece
by allowing baseboards, crown moldings and other
trim work to provide the glossy frame that redefines
your home.
Editor’s
note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that
accompany the release.
BACK
TO TOP
 Get
Your Home Ready to Shine and Sparkle
Paint Color and Decorating
Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Season
Spring
House, PA October 4, 2006 – Crisp
nights and shorter days are signals of the
approaching holiday season. In preparation
for seasonal entertaining, now is a great time
to freshen up your living space with simple
and easy painting ideas.
Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm
and Haas Paint Quality Institute, offers suggestions
on how to create a festive atmosphere to each
room of your home.
 Add
a glossy frame
With busy holiday schedules, a homeowner’s time may be limited.
A quick room update can be accomplished by adding color and shine to
trim work and doors. Highlight these areas with semi-gloss or gloss paint
in a complementary hue to the wall color. Glossy finishes add sparkle
and interest and assist in differentiating one space from another. They
also provide the added benefit of durability and long-lasting wear especially
in busy family gathering spaces. Artwork is always improved with the
addition of a beautiful frame and your wall space is no different. Allow
baseboards, crown moldings and other trim work to provide the “frame” around
your room.
Take a color cue from
holiday gift bags
Incorporating several colors into a space is often a stumbling block
for many do-it-yourselfers. By simply perusing the gift bag aisle, you’ll
find exciting and unusual combinations that are often easily transferable
to your space. This tip works especially well when contemplating hues
for tweens and teens.
 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.
Texture, texture, texture
 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.
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
BACK
TO TOP
|
Fall,
a Prime Time for Exterior Painting! Primer and Sealer
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
 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.
 While
primers are generally pigmented, sealers are not.
The role of a sealer is to seal a porous surface
like weathered concrete or stucco so that a finish
coat can develop a uniform sheen or gloss. Sealers
also help protect the finish coat on masonry from
efflorescence which is a white, salt-like residue
and to help seal out moisture.”
No
matter what your painting project this fall might
be, remember to use a primer or sealer in these circumstances:
1.
Painting new wood or any other surface that has
never been painted before.
2. Repainting a surface that is uneven or badly deteriorated.
3. Repainting a surface that has been stripped or is worn down to the original
surface material.
 “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.
Editor’s note: Click
here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany
the release.
BACK
TO TOP
Turn
Your Home into a Prettiest Painted Place!
 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.
This national competition invited designers and decorators to showcase
their best use of paint color and pattern within an interior living space.
“Every
entry truly celebrated the possibilities that paint
color provides to a space,” Debbie Zimmer,
PQI paint color expert and a judge for the contest
said. “From grand entryways to soothing bedrooms,
paint color was an integral part of the design
mix.”
Try
the following painting ideas entered by contestants
of 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. |
|
|
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. |
 |
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.
Editor’s
note: Click here for hi-res
downloadable images that accompany the release.
BACK
TO TOP
|
|
PAINT
COLOR AND DESIGN BASICS -
INEXPENSIVE TIPS TO ENHANCE HOME INTERIORS
 SPRING
HOUSE, PA, June 20, 2006 – The
easiest way to update a home’s interior,
when working within a tight budget, is to apply
a fresh coat of paint.
“Paint color, sheen,
pattern and texture can be combined to create
a number of interesting and individual looks
for the home,” Debbie Zimmer, paint color
and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint
Quality Institute said. “Color is often
the first consideration when redecorating but
to successfully create today’s contemporary
looks it’s helpful to have some understanding
of basic design principles and the role of paint
within a space.”
Five tips to consider before
beginning any room decoration or renovation project:
 |
Monochromatic
color schemes are generally easy to create
and impart a sophisticated feel within a
| | | |
