Paint Quality Institute

We're Moving!

2010-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just a quick and final note to let you know that our blog is moving to http://blog.paintquality.com.

Visit us at our new and improved home!

Thanks,
Debbie

5 Insider’s Painting Tips to Sell Your Home

2010-07-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

We're often asked for paint tips to help home sales. Read the recent article posted on www.calfinder.com or click or paste the link! www.calfinder.com/blog/painting/5-painting-tips

Here's a preview of great tips!

From www.calfinder.com

Everybody knows that selling your home is tough, especially in a market like this. But what most people don’t know is that there are easy, inexpensive tricks to set your home above the rest—and those tricks involve paint.

Recent Posting on CalFinder.com, "5 Insider’s Painting Tips to Sell Your Home"

2010-07-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

The folks at Calfinder.com recently posted an article, "5 Insider’s Painting Tips to Sell Your Home". Take a read and let us know if you have other tips to share!

You can access the article at: http://www.calfinder.com/blog/painting/5-painting-tips/.

Thanks,
Debbie

12 REASONS WHY TOP QUALITY PAINT IS WORTH THE MONEY

2010-07-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

If you’re tempted to save a few dollars by trading down to a lower quality interior paint, it’s important to know what you’re giving up in the process. Here are 12 reasons top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paints are worth the money:

1. Better adhesion. The superior “binder” in these paints helps them grip any surface.
2. Better hiding capability. Top quality paints can often conceal the color below in just a single coat, saving the time and money needed to apply a second coat of paint.
3. Better spatter resistance. These paints are less likely to throw off flecks of paint while you’re applying them.
4. Better flow and leveling. Top quality paints go on evenly; brush and roller marks tend to flow out and become unnoticeable.
5. Better touch-up. If you have to touch up your paint job at a later date, it won’t be noticeable when using a top quality paint.
6. Better stain resistance. These paints tend to keep dirt and grime from sinking in, making for easy cleaning.
7. Better scrub resistance. Even if you have to scrub hard to remove a stubborn stain, top quality paint is tough enough to take the scrubbing without damaging the surface of the paint.
8. Better burnish resistance. Lower quality paints get shiny when they’re scrubbed; top quality paints have less of a tendency to do so.
9. Better block resistance. Ever notice how it’s hard to open a window after it’s been painted? Top quality paints are less susceptible to sticking.
10. Better print resistance. Windowsills and other face-up surfaces can be imprinted when objects are placed on them. When painting horizontal surfaces, use of a top quality paint in an eggshell (rather than a glossier) sheen will minimize this problem.
11. Better mildew resistance. If you don’t like mildew, don’t compromise on paint quality.
12. Better fade resistance. You’ll probably sweat bullets choosing just the right paint color. Make sure your color lasts by using a fade-resistant top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paint.

TIPS ON COLOR SELECTION FOR AFFORDABLE INTERIOR PAINTING

2010-07-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

With money tight and household expenses rising, there’s a natural tendency to put your remodeling plans on hold. But even if your budget is limited, there’s one home remodeling project that is still affordable, and fun, too: interior painting.
The do-it-yourself cost of repainting a room is typically well under $100, about the same as taking a family of four to the movies. Unlike a night at the movies, however, the enjoyment of a freshly painted room will last for years.
Start by visiting your local paint retailer, asking to see the color display. The fun begins by looking through the color cards and envisioning what your room will look like with an entirely new color scheme.
If you’re the decisive type, you might quickly spot the perfect color for the room you’re repainting. For everyone else, it’s usually best to take a few color cards home to view in the space you want to paint. Once there, you should follow a few time-tested rules.
First, when evaluating color options, conceal all the colors on the card except for the one you are considering. By isolating the color, you’ll get a better idea of how the room will look in a particular hue.
Second, evaluate the color both in daylight and at night when all the light is artificial. You may be surprised how different a color can look when lighting conditions change. (Paint colors usually look darker at night, in shadow, and on cloudy days.)
Third, consider when you most often use the room. If you are painting a breakfast area, be sure you like the way the color looks in morning light; but if you’re painting a bedroom, it’s more important that the color be pleasing under artificial light.
Fourth, be aware that color tends to be more intense on a large area than a small one. A color that looks just right on a color card may be too dark or too bold when applied to your walls. For safety’s sake, move down one degree of intensity on the card and choose a slightly lighter tint or shade.
Finally, if you are still not certain of your choice of color, buy a small quantity of paint and apply a couple of large swatches to the walls. Live with the color for a day or two. You’ll soon know if you missed the mark or nailed it.
One final tip: Regardless of the color you choose, use top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paint for all of your projects. This advanced type of paint goes on evenly, typically “hides” the color below in just a single coat, has very little odor, and is very durable. By using it, your beautiful new paint job will last for years.

ARE YOU THE STRIPE TYPE?

2010-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

If you’re seeking a new look for your interior walls, think about turning to stripes. Applying your paint in panels can produce a variety of effects and even solve some nagging problems with your room dimensions.

When striping with paint, most folks gravitate to vertical striping, often in different tones of the same color. So-called “tone-on-tone” striping is one way to imbue a room with subtle elegance. For added visual interest, some do-it-yourselfers use different paint sheens on the different tones – alternating flat and satin paint, for example, or even flat and semi-gloss.

Vertical striping, by the way, has the same effect in a room as pinstriped clothing has on a silhouette – it will elongate the wall, making the ceiling appear higher. Horizontal striping does the opposite, creating the illusion that a room is wider than its actual dimensions.

Very thin stripes of paint fool the eye in a different way, adding texture to a wall. The thinner the stripes, the more convincing the effect.
Most do-it-yourselfers think only in terms of repeating stripes. But if you’re confident of your color sense and want to generate more visual interest in your walls, you might consider painting non-repeating stripes, possibly in very different colors. With this approach, you’re essentially outside the rulebook, yet one or two wide swaths of horizontal or vertical color can make a bold and dramatic statement in the right setting, particularly in a modern or contemporary home.

Let us know if you decide to "stripe"!

FIVE QUICK (AND INEXPENSIVE) HOME PAINTING PROJECTS

2010-06-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

When time and money are in short supply, it’s hard to think about big remodeling projects. But think about this: 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.
Below are five economical paint remodeling ideas from the experts at the Paint Quality Institute. If you were to put your mind to it, you could probably come up with many more.

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 rooms 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.

Regardless of the nature of your interior or exterior home painting project, you should always use a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint. These paints offer a wide range of benefits, from superior “hiding” capability when painting over dark colors, to stain- and mildew-resistance, and best of all. . .tremendous durability. By using a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, you can be sure that your paint job will continue to look great for years to come!

What’s your creative idea to quickly and inexpensively remodel with paint?

2010-06-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

SLOW ECONOMY FUELING INTEREST IN DIY PAINTING

The economic malaise is having a profound effect on the trend toward home improvement self-sufficiency. In a recent survey on doityourself.com, 44% of the respondents said that because of the economy, they are now “more likely” to try home improvement projects on their own. A second survey reveals that painting may be a major beneficiary of the trend.

We recently surveyed “dormant painters”, defined as those who have not painted for at least 10 years. When asked how they would get the work done if they decided to do interior painting, a total of 59% said that they would either do the job themselves (40%) or share the work with a family member or friend (19%).

The trend held for exterior painting also. More than a third of the respondents (34%) to the PQI survey indicated a willingness to tackle outside painting; 23% said they would do the job themselves, while an additional 11% said they would do the painting working alongside a family member or friend.

Are you seeing the same? Are you completing more projects as a do-it-yourselfer?

Why Consumers Repaint Their Home Interiors

2010-05-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why people do interior painting? The Paint Quality Institute recently asked that question of hundreds of consumers. We found that the number one reason is the desire for color change. Here is the complete list of responses:

Ready for a color change 56%
Desire to refresh dingy walls 21%
Painting was part of a larger remodeling project 14%
Upcoming special event 1%
Other 7%

What's your reason?

2010-04-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, in your paint and color information search, you've had a chance to visit our You Tube channel and join our Facebook fan page. If not, check out the links below. And, let us know your thoughts on both and share what other information you might be interested in reading or learning more about.
Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/paintquality

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Paint-Quality-Institute/100701228517?ref=mf

“Tap” Into Expert Painting Advice

2010-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not sure what types of paint problems you might be facing this spring? The new “Paint Remedy” iPhone(R) 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. 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.

Are You a "Dormant Painter"?

2009-12-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

How many of you haven't picked up a paint brush in more than 10 years? If you can raise your hand to that question, you join many others that we identified in a recent survey.

Here are the top five types of "dormant painters". Which one are you?

• Time Pressed DIYers (39%)
• Non-Painters (24%)
• Do It For Me (DIFM) (18%)
• Inexperienced Color Challenged (12%)
• Special Event Painters (8%)

If you would like more specific information, just send me a note. Or, post if you fall into one of our segments and share your thoughts!

Color and Inspirational Videos

2009-10-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

As the weather begins to cool, I think many folks will be contemplating an indoor project or two! We've posted a number of videos to spark your imagination or to provide handy tips.

Let me know your thoughts and where and when your next project will happen.
Thanks,
Debbie

http://www.paintquality.com/homeowners/paint-design/videos.html

Color Trends 2010

2009-09-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Regardless of the purpose, a fresh coat of paint remains one of the most economical ways to accomplish all three as homeowners continue to strive for comfortable, tranquil home environments. 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.

Let us know your thoughts!

Good Morning
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. 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. 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. 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

Painting Tips, Especially for First-Timers!

2009-09-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Color "Moods" part 2!

2009-08-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a bit of information on "cool" colors.

"Cool Hues"

Blue, green, and violet Blues, greens, violets and their intermediates are considered cool colors because of their references to pastoral landscapes and ocean vistas. When we look at these colors they elicit feelings of peace, tranquility and relaxation.

Blue
Soothing blue is an ideal bedroom color choice for adults and children. But that same blue that lulls us to sleep also suppresses our appetites, possibly because there are very few naturally blue foods. Put blue to bed, but try and keep it out of the dining room.

Green
As the dominant color in nature, we are at home with green anywhere in the house. Light greens work well in baths and living rooms; mid-range greens are a great accent for kitchens and dining rooms. The calming effect of green makes it popular in hospitals, schools and work environments.

Violet
Despite the favorable response violet elicits in children, many adults dislike purples, with rosier shades of violet being somewhat more appealing. Children's bedrooms and play areas may be good places to experiment with this color family.

Color "Moods"

2009-08-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt there is a psychology of color. Color impacts our mood, our appetite, our energy level. For this entry, I thought I would share information on "color mood". We'll look at hues that tend to "warm a space" and later look at colors that provide a cooler appearance.

"Warm Hues"

Colors in the red, orange and yellow families are referred to as "warm" colors since they evoke images associated with heat, like fire or sunshine. As a result they make us feel warm in a psychological sense.

Red: This powerful color increases blood pressure and heart rate. It often produces feelings of intimacy, energy, and passion. It also stimulates the appetite and is often used in restaurants and is an excellent choice for dining rooms in the home.

Orange: Like red, orange warms a room but in a less dramatic and passionate way. The mood and attitude of orange is more friendly than fiery; more welcoming than seductive. Orange works well in living rooms and family rooms and is also a good choice for children's bedrooms.

Yellow: Yellow grabs attention and catches the eye like no other color, hence the use of yellow highlighters in offices. In poorly lit foyers and hallways, yellow shows the way. In their bedrooms, elderly people report that yellow lifts their mood. But bright yellow can be too strong and may actually cause anxiety in infants, young children and the elderly.

Let me know if you have "changed" the mood in your space by painting with any of the featured hues!

Selecting a Paint Palette

2009-07-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

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 steps:
Don’t make your final color selection in the store; instead, take color cards or actual paint samples 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.
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.

Paint's Impact on Room Size

2009-06-08T12:46:00.001-07:00

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. By taking a cue from fashion, your 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.

Getting Your Deck Ready For Summer

2009-06-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

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. 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.

From a color standpoint, browns and grey continue to be favorite color selections when painting or staining a deck and many 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 options to harmonize or complement your outdoor surroundings.