Despite their similar appearance, not all paints are created equal. Different formulations yield characteristics that impact both the application of the paint and how it performs over time. Whether you’re hiring a professional or tackling your next paint project on your own, it is important to know what properties to look for and what they can do for your space.
“Generally, there are two main reasons to paint– to beautify and to protect,” said Carl Minchew, Benjamin Moore VP Color Innovation & Design. “Since 1883, Benjamin Moore has been committed to offering a full line of products and color choices to meet the needs of every project by developing the most innovative, best-performing residential and commercial coatings and the most respected colors and color tools available in today’s market.”
Minchew highlights three key factors to consider in every paint decision:
Color. Adding to or changing the color of a room is an easy and cost-effective way to transform the space. But making the right selection requires a bit more than choosing a name you like. Start by thinking about the mood or atmosphere you would like to create in the room. Consider the furniture, carpets and other features that are already there. Think about whether you want the paint to provide a backdrop for those features or a bold counterpoint. Once you have selected a few colors that might achieve the look you want, assess them in the room to see how the different hues work together. And, most important, always be sure to test your color choices using color samples in the actual space to ensure you are delighted with the appearance throughout the day in all lighting conditions.
Characteristics. Beyond beautiful color, premium paints offer many functional qualities that are part of the premium paint experience. These qualities include durability, washability, hide, stain and fade resistance and more. “Benjamin Moore’s unwavering dedication to developing the highest-quality coatings for more than one hundred years has made our products the paint of choice for more than 80% of interior designers in the United States,” said Minchew.
Gloss and Sheen. Gloss and sheen levels are classified by the specular reflection of light of the surface of the paint. Specular reflectance is independent of color but the same color can appear quite different in different sheens. The condition of the surface is important too—higher glosses and sheens will tend to accentuate imperfections, so choose a lower sheen to mask them. “Benjamin Moore’s commitment to research and innovation for more than one hundred years has led to a number of industry firsts including the first eggshell interior finish in 1972 and the first pearl interior finish in 1988,” said Minchew.
For more information, contact us or stop by Colorize today.
