GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED
Helpful hints
Here are some tips that could make your effort successful.
Start small: Paint a wall or a small room, like a powder room.
Do it yourself: To save the expense of a painting contractor, do the small wall or room yourself. If you don't like the color, you'll be able to change it inexpensively.
The truth about paint chips: A tiny square of color looks confusing when held up to a huge wall in an all-white room. Instead, buy a test vial of paint, if available. Paint a good-size swatch directly on the wall or on a piece of poster board to protect the existing color. Stare at the color for 30 seconds, then close your eyes and use your imagination to visualize the rest of the room in that color.
Where to test: Position large paint samples near doors, windows and built-in furnishings, such as cabinets. Also test the paint on a wall near a large piece of furniture.
Think about light: Look at your paint samples in the room over a 24-hour period to see how daylight and nighttime illumination affect the colors.
Don't pull the plug too soon: When painting a bright color on the walls of a room, stick with the selected color until the room is done.
Avoid institutional colors: Prison gray, cafeteria green and high school hallway off-white will not create the cozy look you desire.
On brands: You can choose colors from a variety of manufacturers; you don't have to stick with one company. But if you hire a painting contractor, make sure the professional uses the brand you request.
Reselling? If you know you'll be putting your home on the market in the next year, think about colors a little more conservatively.
Sacramento Bee