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Painter To Painter |
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Secrets of Color Confidence
Homeowners are relying more on their painting contractors for advice about paint color schemes. We asked Jackie Jordan, Director of Color Marketing at the Sherwin-Williams Company, to share her expertise on a number of color issues that impact the residential repaint contractor.
First of all, why are colors so hard to pick for some people?
Most people are overwhelmed by the sheer number of colors and how to even begin the color selection process. They also have a difficult time visualizing what the whole room will look like based on the small color chip they bring home from the store. They fear they will make a mistake and have to live with it, or even worse, that their friends and neighbors see their mistake. To help them in the decision-making process, you can paint samples on their wall. Even better, provide a large sample on illustration board that you can then keep and use for multiple clients.
What do you find are the most common questions and concerns that homeowners have about paint colors?
Two of the most common questions are: How do I start the process of selecting a color? How do I transition from one room to the next if I want to change my color? One of the biggest concerns is picking a color that is too dark or too bright or will have an undesired undertone or cast.
Once I’m on the jobsite, what is the first thing I should look for when helping my customers choose their colors?
First, look for colors that will not change such as roof and stone on the exterior, or carpet color and kitchen cabinets on an interior. This can immediately guide you in directing your customer to a certain color family. Also look for opportunities for adding colors to highlight architectural details or help define a space. Look for areas to accent such as the wall inside the built-in bookshelf or even the inside of a kitchen cabinet or pantry, a very popular trend these days.
Where else can I find color ideas?
Look for inspiration from the landscape and the neighborhood – the colors of the plants surrounding the house as well as the geographic location. The type of building materials used on a home can guide you as well. Look at the colors of the brick and stone and find ways to accentuate these details by using a complementary color scheme.
There are endless opportunities to add color to a home, depending on architectural style, of course. Front doors are usually the first place a homeowner will add a new color but don’t forget about shutters, porches and fences, decorative brackets and window trim.
Should there be any connection between interior and exterior color schemes?
That is a great question and the answer is that it’s really a matter of personal preference. For those with a historic home who want to keep to the authenticity of that time period, there will be a definite connection between interior and exterior. Many people enjoy bringing the colors of the landscape to the interior for a sense of continuity while others consider the interior a place where there are no limitations for color exploration.
With so many colors to choose from, how do I know if certain colors will look good together on the house?
If you’re not a color expert, you can find coordinating colors at your Sherwin-Williams store on the idea cards that showcase pre-selected color schemes. Cards from our Preservation Palette collection, for instance, provide accurate historical reference along with collections of colors that work well together. A monochromatic color scheme is one of the easiest to accomplish. Use one color strip to provide body trim and accent. Make sure there is enough contrast between the colors by alternating to every other color on the strip. Or, if you are looking for a very subtle scheme, use the color right above or below.
Is there any way I can use my computer to help customers try actual paint colors before they make a decision?
Your computer can be one of your greatest assets to assist you and your customer in the color selection process. By having your laptop ready to go, you can access our online Color Visualizer and apply color to both interior and exterior scenes by simply dragging and dropping in the color on various elements such as walls and trim. Each color in our entire palette has a set of coordinating colors to assist in this process. Your customer can also visit the website (sherwin-williams.com) at their convenience as well.
How important is it to choose the correct type of paint and sheen?
Selecting the correct type of paint and sheen is one of the most important aspects of a successful color change and overall paint project. To prevent fading or failure, you want the most durable products for exterior, especially when using darker colors and accent colors. Sheen is very important on interior surfaces as it can affect the color. Lower gloss/sheen products help hide imperfections while higher glosses can accentuate flaws or texture.
Which paint products will give me the best results?
There are many options to consider, depending on what, where and when you are painting. Duration Exterior Coating with our advanced exterior formulation features PermaLast® technology for the most durable, longest-lasting exterior coating available for resisting peeling and blistering.
Resilience, our newest product with MoistureGuard™ Technology, provides resistance to moisture 50 percent faster so you can paint later in the day with less concern about dew or impending rain. VinylSafe® Technology allows you to paint darker colors on vinyl siding without worrying about warping or buckling.
For interiors, Duration Home will provide not only the most washable and stain resistant surface, but is also low in VOCs and comes in all of our colors so you don’t have to sacrifice performance and durability for color.
Any other thoughts?
When assisting your customer in the color selection process, remember that your color confidence level will enhance your credibility and your chances of closing that sale. Use the Sherwin-Williams tools to your advantage. Build your confidence with our online tools for homeowners and professionals. Take our Color 101 course found under color ideas and tools on the homeowner page to enhance your color knowledge.
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