PAINTS | PAINTING GUIDE FOR YOUR HOUSE

House Painting is a very important stage in the Construction of a House, as it is one of the 'finishing' stages. A good painting job will give a neat and finished look to the house and at the same time protect for a long time. It is better to plan beforehand, for the House Painting, as it can save time and money and produce results that are lasting and rewarding.
Normally in a House, you require paint to protect the three basic elements - walls, metal and wooden surfaces, because wall surfaces chip and crack, metals rust and corrode, while wooden furniture and doors get warped and scratched. Paints have specific properties that prevent, or at least delay this as they form a protective layer around the substrate, keeping it relatively safe.


Each of these elements will need painting every few years, because with time, their beauty and strength decreases. Naturally, since walls are different from metals, which in turn are different from wood, each surface requires a different type of paint. Today, different paints have been developed, specific to each category.

The important thing is to organise and prepare before starting the work. Here are some guidelines that will help you:
PLANNING:
  • Identify the areas to be painted- (exterior and interior walls, ceilings, doors, windows), including, metal grills, wooden furniture etc. Evaluate and take stock of all the requirements.
  • Learn about paints, primers, thinners- Painting involves a system comprising of at least two components, a paint and a primer, and sometimes a third, a thinner. Primers are available in both water and solvent based versions.To get the desired results, you must use the recommended primer and the appropriate Thinner. With water-based paints, water is the thinning agent. For solvent-based paints, you need to use the recommended thinner.
  • Get to know the right procedure - To prepare surfaces for painting  and to get the best, most durable finish.
  • Plan the disposal of your house for painting - So that there is enough free space at a time to cycle the three stages of Painting namely-Surface preparation, priming, painting and intervening drying time.
  • Avoid painting in humid climate or rainy season- because in these conditions paint takes longer time to dry and the film does not cure properly. 
  • So when planning for painting, you should know something about paints. You can learn about all this in my other post, Architect Explains Paints.
REPAIR WORK
  • See if any repair is needed before painting- For e.g. If there is any leakage in any of the walls then the leakage should be treated at the source. Any Plastering, repairing and waterproofing should be done before painting. Read more in the post, Common painting defects and remedies.
SELECTING THE RIGHT PAINT: After you have carefully planned your painting process, it is very important to select the right brand and right shade.
  • Selecting the right paint brand and the right shade- Today most paint companies have tools to help you choose the right colour, shade and visualise your house with the shades that you have selected. You can also refer the post on Architect helps in choosing the right Colour.
  • Estimate the quantity of paint - that you will require with the help of the tools available at the Paint store.
  • Locate a store nearest to you - You can then confirm the availability of the brand and shade that you have decided to use, because you may have to rush to get more paint as usually you will need more than the estimated amount of paint.
SELECTING THE RIGHT PAINTER: Selecting a right painter is very important for the final look of your home. A good painter can add that extra edge to the look of your home.
  • Consult friends for references - Friends who have carried out painting exercise recently can give you reference of good painters. Otherwise you can also ask the dealer nearest to you to suggest some painters.
  • Finalize a painter only after looking at his work - Visit 2-3 places where he has painted, ask the house owners about the painter's credibility.
  • Discuss the rates with the painter - Don't be too tempted to go with painters who quote a price that is much lower than the average market price. They may be tempted to use inferior/duplicate paints and you will never know until later.

BUYING FOR PAINTING: If you are buying the paint and appointing a painter only for the labour, then it will work out cheaper for you and you can be assured of using good quality paint. However, it is quite a headache to run around in search of the right paint but if you have the patience then go for it. Here are some tips for buying:
  • Test a small swatch of paint on the wall - Once you have made up your mind on a product and shade, go to the selected dealer and before buying the product, insist on testing for finish and shade.
  • Avoid mixing paints yourself - This may cause a patchy and an inconsistent finish. If, at all you mix paints, add a stainer before diluting.
  • Buy paint from an authorized paint store - and one which can supply additional quantity of the shade that you have selected, if required.
  • Buy only good quality primers, thinners - for a neat finish.
  • Buy economical bulk packs - For e.g. If you need 5Lt of Paint, buy a 4 Lt pack and a 1Lt pack, instead of five 1 Lt packs.
SELECTING THE RIGHT BRUSH AND ROLLERS: In case you are planning on doing the painting yourself, then you need to choose the right brushes and rollers. Choosing a right brush is always very important to get the kind of finish one is expecting.
  • Brushes - Brushing is the oldest method of application having versatility under unlimited variable conditions and situations. It is still the best method to paint large complex objects. Brushing helps to assist in the penetration of the paint.
  • Look at the bristles of the brush - Best quality brushes are made of hog bristles. The important features of these bristles are that they taper from the roof to the tip where it is split into two or more fine strands known as flag, which enables a high degree of finish. (In cheaper brushes a proportion of other animal hair or vegetable fibers are used).
  • Brushes made of nylon bristles -These are superior to pure bristles in their resistance to wear, but are smooth and non-absorbent. Hence they carry less paint which has a tendency to run off from the brush.
  • Select a brush of suitable size- Using a small brush on a large area makes it difficult to apply an even coating and slows down the rate of working; while using a large brush on a narrow area makes accurate "cutting in" impossible.
  • Rollers - Hand rolling is done mainly for decorative and maintenance painting and of particular value on broad plain surfaces. The covering material for the roller may be a plastic sponge. When equipped with a long handle extension, roller may be used for painting  areas which are otherwise inaccessible.
PAINTING PROCESS: A paint job is basically a 3-stage process, punctuated by drying time after each stage :
  • Surface Preparation -  which is different for new and unpainted surfaces and previously painted surfaces.
  • Priming - this stage is mainly protective in nature and critical for the enduring performance of paint systems.
  • Paint Application - the final stage when the finishing coats are applied.
1. SURFACE PREPARATION: The surface preparation is different for different surfaces as explained below:
  • Interior wall painted for the first time - Allow it to mature for a period of at least 3 months (preferably 6 months) after application of a coat of lime-wash to ensure thorough drying of plaster. Then remove loose particles or flakes and ensure that the surface is free from dust, dirt, grease etc., by using appropriate sandpaper.
  • Repainting of wall -If the previous coating was of lime-wash or powdered distemper, scrape it off thoroughly. If it was oil-based paint and is in good condition, remove the gloss by sanding.
  • Painting of wood- Ensure that the surface is free from all loose dust and sand it along the grains with Emery Paper.
  • Painting metal - Metal surfaces must be dry and free from rust, grease, oil, etc before painting.
2.  PRIMING:
  • First primer coat - It is applied to provide adhesion between the paint film and the surface. It smoothens the surface, makes it less absorbent and increases the spreading capacity of the paint. Different primers are available for walls, wood, metals, etc.
  • Application of putty - This is done to fill minor cracks and surface imperfections. But major cracks and dents must be first repaired with a cement-sand mix or Plaster of Paris. Drying time for putty is 5-6 hours.
  • Second primer coat - This is applied to sandwich putty between two primer coats, since painting directly on putty leads to a patchy appearance.
3.  FINISHED COAT:
  • Two coats are generally recommended- Generally 2 coats must be applied to get the desired finish and colour. Each coat must be completely dry before the next one is applied. Drying times for different paints vary due to their composition. For some of the paints, it is recommended to sand down the first coat before applying the second one.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN DURING PAINTING:
  • Stir and strain the paints - thoroughly before application. The paint should also be thinned properly (as per instructions given on paint container) to ensure adequate application viscosity.
  • When spraying paint, mask the surfaces around the area to be painted- Mask the surfaces with sheets of paper or plastic to protect them.
  • Ensure the painting area is well ventilated - and free from foreign particles and dust.
  • Cover all your furniture and valuables with cloth - To guard against any possible damage due to spillage of paint.
  • Keep children away from paints - as they are highly inflammable and volatile.
  • Avoid smoking- while painting is going on.
  • Protect skin from paint and solvents - In case of any spillage on the skin, wash with warm soap water. If the paint still does not go then remove it with the solvent used for thinning the paint. After this apply a good body lotion in the affected area.
  • Do not hurry up the painting process - because the first paint coat should be dried properly before applying the 2nd coat. Allow enough drying time before applying a new coat.
  • Protect the window glass - To guarantee a neat edge around window panes, protect the glass with a paint-sheild or apply masking tape before painting. Remove it before the final coat is dry to avoid peeling a layer of paint. Always allow the paint to overlap slightly on the glass to prevent moisture from seeping into the joint between putty and glass.

PAINTS | ARCHITECT EXPLAINS

Paint is used to protect (Eg. covering of metal to retard corrosion, and the painting of a house to help protect it from nature's elements), preserve, decorate (by adding color), or add functionality to an object or  surface by covering it with a pigmented coating. 

Paint can be made or purchased in many colors—and in many different types, such as watercolor or synthetic. Paint is typically stored, sold, and applied as a liquid, but most types dry into a solid.

COMPOSITION OF PAINT:

Physically, paint is a mixture of four important elements: Pigments, Additives, Binders and Solvents
  • Pigments render color and opacity to the paint.
  • Additives endow the paint with special properties such as resistance to fungus, rust etc.
  • Binders hold the paint together and also bind it to the surface being painted, thus promoting durability.
  • Solvents give a paint its flowing property, enabling brushing/rolling on a surface. 

Depending on the solvent used, paints can be categorized as:
  • Water-based (where water is the solvent), e.g. plastic emulsions and distempers or 
  • Oil-based (where Thinner, a petroleum by-product is the solvent) e.g. enamels and wood finishes.


APPLICATION OF PAINTS:

Paint can be applied as a solid, a gaseous suspension or as a liquid. Techniques vary depending on the practical or artistic results desired.
  • Solid Paint - By "powder coating" an object. Solid Paint is usually used in industrial and automotive applications wherein, the paint is applied as a very fine powder, then baked at high temperature. This melts the powder and causes it to adhere (stick) to the surface.
  • Gaseous Paint - By "spray painting" an object. The paint is atomized by the force of compressed air or by high pressure compression of the paint itself, which results in the paint being turned into small droplets which travel to the article which is to be painted. Paint application by spray is the most popular method because of the following advantages:
  •  Liquid Paint - is applied by direct application using brushes, paint rollers, blades, other instruments, or body parts as in fingerpainting, where the paint is applied by hand. Paint may also be applied by flipping the paint, dripping, or by dipping an object in paint.

TYPES OF PAINTS USED IN BUILDINGS:
For painting your home, there are basically 5 types of paints to consider.
  1. Exterior Paints,
  2. Interior Paints,
  3. Metal Paints,
  4. Wood Finishes and
  5. Special Application Paints.
1. EXTERIOR PAINTS:
  • Cement Paints - Cement paints are an economical exterior wall finish that assure effective  medium range protection against the weather. It is resistant to fungus and algae and protects the buildings from varying outside weather conditions. It is water based paints and easy to apply. They are available in a range of standard colours, in matt finish and are adequately fade-resistant. A good application of cement  paint after proper surface preparation, can stretch your  repainting cycle to 5 years.
  • Exterior Emulsions - Emulsions also known as 'Plastic paints', have water as a base along with a fine dispersion of acrylic and vinyl resins which on drying, make them exceptionally hard wearing, tough and durable. Special  additives make them exceptionally resistant to algae, fungus and atmospheric erosion. And they are available in colours of every hue and are fade resistant for years. They are an ideal choice for exteriors as they create a tough, enduring coating that can last for 4-5 years.
  • Textured Plasters - Also emulsion based exterior finishing coats, Textured Plasters provide even stronger protection than Emulsions, besides unusual visual appeal. Their thick surface can be designer-patterned by sponging, stippling or patterned rollers. Washable over and over, their attractive colours and patterns combine beauty with heavy duty protection.
2. INTERIOR PAINTS:
  • Distempers - The traditional economy paints, they can produce a perfectly satisfactory finish at reasonable cost, given proper application and workmanship. However, their lifecycle is shorter. Dry Distempers (which come in powder form) and Oil Bound / Synthetic Distempers are not washable. Acrylic Distempers, being partly based on acrylic resins, produce greater smoothness and washability. Properly maintained, they keep their good looks for 3 to 4 years.
  • Interior Emulsions (Plastic Paints) - These are based on a fine dispersion of resin in a solvent, which on drying, creates a remarkably tough, adherent, durable coating. Special additives in emulsions give them an incomparably smooth finish, in beautiful shades that last for years. Other special properties keep them free from fungus and algae. As they are resistant to water and chemicals, washing makes them smile again. They come in three categories namely:
  • Silk Emulsions (Premium Acrylic Emulsions) -  with silky smoothness and a luxurious silk-like finish. Their very high acrylic resin content enhances durability, and creates reflectance and smoothness of such a high order that dust cannot settle on it. A ‘silk’ wall looks fresh many years later.

  • Regular Emulsions - produce a smooth eggshell finish, in an equally wide choice of colours, and have almost the same durability as Silk. Combining Silk and Regular Emulsions judiciously could give your painting project just the right balance between great looks and economy.
  • Economy Emulsions - offer the basic strengths of emulsion paint but, at economy prices. They are still a generation ahead of Distempers on durability, washability, fade-resistance and smoothness.
3. METAL PAINTS ( ENAMELS):

Doors and windows, metal grills and furniture have a common type of paint for coating them, namely the Enamel paint.These are not water based paints but oil-based paints.
  • Synthetic Enamels - are alkyd resin based formulations that work equally well on wood, metal and even walls. Besides a brilliant and smooth finish, they also provide very good protection against atmospheric corrosion, including rusting.
  • Premium Enamels - are extremely tough, provide long protection and mirror-like finish. They withstand extreme climatic changes and can be used both inside and outside.
  • General Purpose Enamels - are also tough, provide a durable and pleasing, though less glossy finish. They are not recommended for exterior surfaces. Two coats of a general purpose enamel give good long term protection for hardworking surfaces where durability and economy are chiefly wanted.
4. WOOD FINISHES:
  • Poly-urethane (PU) - are the modern alternative to old-fashioned varnishes. These are synthetic, and provide an extremely tough, transparent protective coating which allow the beauty of the wood grains to show through. But unlike varnishes, they are to easy to maintain and stand up to rigorous wear and tear, heat and liquid and stains. Available in both matt and glossy finishes, they  can be used on a wide variety of wooden surfaces including furniture and cane.


5. SPECIAL APPLICATION PAINTS
  • Flat Oil Paint for Bathrooms and Kitchens - Flat Oil Paint is recommended over emulsion based wall paint to correct staining and flaking, especially in damp and greasy areas like Bathrooms and Kitchens. The advantage is that they can be wiped down with a damp cloth to keep them clean. Condensation of moisture, fumes, grease stains, etc. cause paint breakdown, flaking and mould infection.
  • Anti-termite protection for wood - It is absolutely essential to pre-treat all wooden surfaces with a transparent Melamine coating, brushed onto bare wood to guard against termites, wood borers, etc. Its greatest advantage is that it allows subsequent overpainting with paints, synthetic finishes and polishes.
  • Bituminous Paint for water tanks - Concrete and galvanised iron water tanks are susceptible to algae and fungus attack, besides corrosion. Non-toxic Bituminous paint will keep the inside of the water tank free of algae, fungus and corrosion.
  • Aluminium Paint - The reflective silver-like lustre of Aluminium paint serves as an external protection for the Water tanks as well as reduces internal temperatures. Aluminium Paint can also be used effectively to increase the life of gas-holders in kitchens.
TYPES OF FINISHES:

When Surface Coatings (Top coat of Paint) dry, they produce films with varying degree of sheen. The range extends from Flat or Matt finishes which have no sheen, through increasing degree of Luster to high gloss finishes. Based on the reflectance level of the dried film of paint we can classify the finish in the following four categories:
  • Matt: It is the kind of finish, which has the lowest level of gloss. When the gloss on a panel painted with a Matt finish paint is measured in a glossometer at 60-degree angle, the reading is less than 5.
  • Satin or Egg-shell: This finish has silk like gloss, explains the name Satin finish. When the gloss on a panel painted with a Satin finish paint is measured in a glossometer at 60-degree angle, the reading is 6-20.
  • Semi-gloss: This finish has more gloss than a satin finish. When the gloss on a panel painted with a Semi-Gloss finish paint is measured in a glossometer at 60-degree angle, the reading is 21-70.
  • Glossy: This is the finish with highest level of gloss. When the gloss on a panel painted with a Gloss finish paint is measured in a glossometer at 60-degree angle, the reading is more than 70.
STORAGE OF PAINTS:
  • It is difficult to reseal the paint container and store the paint for a long period of time. It should be stored upside down, for a good seal. Storage should be in a cool dry place, protected from freezing.
  • Interior/exterior house paints tend to separate when stored, the heavier components settling to the bottom. Therefore, it should be mixed before use, with a flat wooden stick or a paint mixing accessory.


DISPOSAL:
  • Liquid Paint - Proper disposal of left over paint is a challenge. To dispose of paint, one method is to dry it, either by leaving the lid off until it solidifies or by pouring it into a disposable drying device. Once dry, the paint may be discarded with normal trash.
  • Wet-oil based Paint - should be treated as hazardous waste, and disposed of according to local regulations.
  • Recycling Paint- Sometimes it can be recycled: Old paint may be usable for a primer coat or an intermediate coat, and paints of similar chemistry can be mixed to make a larger amount of a uniform colour.

PAINTS | EFFECTS OF COLOURS IN INTERIORS

Colors and emotions are closely linked. Colours have the ability to invoke in us a variety of moods.  Colors can make us feel happy or sad, and they can make us feel hungry or relaxed. Although not everybody will have the same feelings, seeing a certain colour, the psychological effects are shared by the majority. That’s why it’s important to understand the psychological effects colors might have on an average person as well as the fundamentals of color theory and the meanings of colors.


EFFECTS OF COLOURS: 

BLUE: Blue is the one colour which is universally associated with tranquility, peace and contentment, probably because it is the colour of the sky and water. However, if used indiscriminately, it can produce strong feelings of melancholia and uneasiness and can be quite depressing.

Blue in Interiors: Shades of blue can be used for a restful or a bold effect. Pale blue has a calming effect and gives space to a room and can be used for larger areas. A darker blue will draw things closer and also add depth. Blue teams up smartly with browns and whites. So next to a wooden bookshelf, it builds up a striking corner.

RED: Red is the most dramatic- it  represents power, vitality and zest. Red is warm, welcoming and enlightens our mood the moment we look at it. It ignites passion and desire and creates excitement and enthusiasm for life.  It is highly energizing too. But excessive red can cause aggression and violence.

Red in Interiors: Red enlivens interior spaces by creating excitement, warmth and elegance. Therefore, it is used in those areas where one needs excitement like bars. It is not  often used in sleeping areas because of its energizing quality. Too much red can distract so it should be used with care in family rooms. However a splash of red on the wall or th fireplace or a rug creates a dramatic effect.

WHITE: White symbolizes purity. It’s an elegant colour and looks good when combined with other colours. There is nothing that reflects natural light better than white. There are innumerable shades of white and is the safest to use when you are confused about the choice of colours.

White in Interiors: Snow-white walls and cabinets make a room sparkle. Wood and metal contrast with white and it highlights furnishings. In a stark white room, you can splash any colours of your choice on the curtains and linen and create the colour against a neutral background. White is the best option for ceilings since the light reflects and brightens the room.

YELLOW: It is a powerful colour, both light in value and extremely intense in its purest form. It evokes a sense of energy and excitement and it stimulates the brain and nurtures clarity of mind. Yellow is also a happy color probably because it is associated with  the Sun.   However, too bright a yellow can induce restlessness.

Yellow in Interiors: Hence it is recommended for all rooms where brain power is used such as Sudy room, Office etc. This colour is however not recommended for rooms where sunlight enters directly to the room. Yellow combined with greens provides the natural freshness and with red gives gaiety and richness. It also gives a lift to black and white. It merges effortlessly with pastels, warms to red, and makes wood glow. Rich golds are elegant and used for traditional settings while darker yellows are quieter and cut glare. Dark yellow teams up best with white and contrasts well with green, blue, and brown.

VIOLET : Violet creates the impression of richness and reverence. Its paler tints are romantic, fragile and quite feminine But too much of it can cause instability and uneasiness.

Violet in interiors: It was quite popular in the Victorian era and now, as pure colours are becoming popular, beautiful violet is a certain choice in Interiors.

GREEN: As green is symbolic of nature, it generates calm and inner peace in the house. Green is a colour which helps us to adjust to new environments and situations. It also augments intelligence.

Green in Interiors: Therefore, Green is good for a study room as it rejuvenates ideas. Green is the most common choice of the designers and is often used as a dominant room colour. Green goes with every other colour and makes it a natural neutral and the perfect background for any other colour of your choice. Use a bluish green to cool off a room that is too bright or warm  and use a yellow that leans towards green in a cold room. Whatever you choose, you will get summertime warmth in winter and grassy coolness in summer.

PINK: Pink is delicate and soft and reflects joy, happiness and pure feelings essential for a happy life.

Pink in Interiors: Since Pink suggests gaiety, it can be used in a party room. Pink blends wonderfully with grays, browns and sharp blues. Because pink is essentially a pastel, it should be used with a stronger colour to highlight its pleasant tone.

BROWN: Earthy and comfortable, brown ranges from the palest of cream-beiges to the deepest of chocolate brown.

Brown in Interiors: Wood furniture, doors, windows provide the brown in a room. Because any brown tone is essentially warm, cool colours should be used as accents.

GREY: Grey is cool and contemporary. Pale grey pushes walls away to create space.

Grey In Interiors: Varying in range from a light to medium value, grey is an elegant neutral shade for all furnishings. For stark contrasts, set off grey against bright tones, whites and blacks. To get a blended background, warm grey with blue, brown, or yellow depending on your colour choice.

ORANGE : Orange colour inspires spirituality as it represents transcendence and an otherworldly aspect of life. No wonder spiritual people wear saffron robes. It also has the ability to stimulate appetite, enhance communication, positive feelings, cheerfulness and interaction. But too much can cause restlessness.

Orange in Interiors: It is amazingly versatile, emitting great energy in its purest form. As an earth tone, it evokes warmth, comfort and reassurance in Interiors. Nowadays, the lighter orange, popularly known as peach is common in use as it gives a cool effect.

NEUTRALS : Using neutrals does not mean not using colour. Any low intensity color that is used as a background for other accent colours  features, furniture and objects in a space can be classified as neutrals.

Neutrals in interiors: Neutrals are practical and by changing accessories and fabrics the look of space can be dramatically altered against the same neutral background.

PASTELS : Pastels are simply lighter tints of any hue, white added to red yields pink and light pink is a pastel. There is not any particular definition for a pastel colour but when colours become so light that they almost seem to be white, they are pastels.

Pastels in Interiors: The pastels are becoming more and more popular as they create the most sober and elegant look.

So ultimately, all colours do have positive as well as negative effects on your mood and the effect strongly depends on how you use the colours (colour contrast and harmony), the combination (colour groups), the purpose of the room, the type of people who're going to use the area, etc.


EFFECTS OF COLOUR GROUPS:

Some colour groups make you want to get out of your chair, others make you want to nestle down and read. Some colour schemes are articulate and must be listened to. Others are very quiet. Some colours indicate that you have travelled or are well read. Yet others create a desire for closeness, intimacy and love. Following are some of the most typical responses to various colour groups.
A room done up in nurturing neutrals
NURTURING COLOURS:

These colours create a sense of peace and well being. They foster quiet conversation with family and friends and can dispel loneliness. Throughout time, mankind has found a sense of peace and tranquility when in touch with "Mother Earth". It follows that colours which impart a sense of warmth and serenity come directly from the Earth. In addition to the earth colours in the neutral group are colours associated with the Sea such as sand, shell, coral, pearl, stone, seaweed. Green is a colour which helps us to adjust to new environments and situations. It will always be found among the 'nurturing neutrals'. The Blues represented here will range from winter sky to stream to midnight. The neutrals are somewhat like the furniture while other palettes are more like accents or accessories.

HEALING COLOURS:

This palette includes the colours which are very refreshing and rejuvenating. Like nurturing colours  'healing colours' are colours taken from nature. So naturally the first group of colours in this palette are the Greens. Because they have the power to help us adjust to new environments, skillful designers use lots of plants and other forms of green . Healing greens may be warm or cool , but not muddy or mysterious like those in the intellectual palette. Healing palettes also take inspirations from warm, earth tones. These palettes usually contains contrast as well as a clarity of color that is inspiring. They include a range of lights and darks but will never be muddy.
An example of a room done up in intellectual colours.
INTELLECTUAL COLOURS:


These are the sharp, witty and unique colours which convey a message that the owner has travelled, is well read and has something to say. These colours will command respect without being overbearing. This palette has a earthy, warm base. Grey is a colour which promotes creativity and will often be found in  an intellectual palette. These greys will be warm and gentle. Some tones of blue suggest communication and trust, so it will naturally be found in the intellectual palette. Navy blues will often find their way in this palette, but its effect is warm and never cold and fragile. Red also appears in this intellectual palette, but the shades will be earthy, complicated burgundy and cranberry.

ROMANTIC COLOURS:

Red is the colour of sex and lust and is the reason that it is the chosen symbolic colour for Valentine's Day. In interior design  however, a less intense, softer tone of red is far more conducive to romance than the pure hue. Often referred as Pinks, these colours vary from cool to warm and from light to dark. Pinks have an interesting quality that seems to halt the body's ability to stay angry. Purple is another colour which is definitively romantic because of it's passionate, unpredictable and quixotic characteristics. Paler, less intense tones of Orange such as apricot and peach that suggest purity and innocence are often included in the romantic palette.
An example of a room done up in playful colours.
PLAYFUL COLOURS:

These colours are exciting and used to provide a fun atmosphere. These playful, whimsical palettes create their own kind of music, like the sounds of children playing. There are highs and lows, lights and darks and always movement and activity. Used in active spaces within the home, a 'playful' palette can add energy and vitality. But if overdone, this type of palette becomes irritating and stressful. The foundation of this palette is White. This could be anywhere from vanilla ice cream to snow drift to winter moon. Then comes the bubble gum pink, buttercup, wintergreen, all the berry colours and crayon colours. Many of these colours will be cool, and even in lighter tones there will be brightness and clarity. The bottom line in creating this type of palette is that the colours should suggest a sense of freedom, play and downright fun.

Also read about:

PAINTS | HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOUR

When choosing colours for your House, make the decision yourself instead of trusting someone else. Since there are hundreds of options in paint colours, it may seem like a difficult task. But just as you coordinate colours everyday in what you wear, you can choose colours of your choice for your rooms with a little help from here:

Develop an overall paint scheme

You can start by collecting paint tips when planning a room, but hold off making the final choices until you've developed an overall colour scheme for the rooms by finalising the colours of the fabrics, rugs, curtains etc.

Study the Colors: 


You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Choose a style (formal or casual) and a theme for your room (such as Country, English garden, modern):

With the style and theme in mind, decide on a fabric that has 3 or more colors.Use your fabric in at least three places in the room as upholstery, pillows, curtains, etc. Use the background color from the fabric as a wall color. Pick a mid-toned color from the fabric for flooring and large furniture pieces. Use the brightest colors from the fabric for accessories and accents like picture mats, and decorative pillows. Use coordinating fabrics in other scales (larger or smaller) as accent fabrics on chairs, pillows, cording, and tablecloths. Divide color use to approximately 60% of the room in the background (lightest) color, 30% in the mid-tone color, and 10% in the brightest, accent colors.

Coordinate Samples: 

When you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet and tile samples constantly. So be sure to take everything with you wherever you go since you never know when you might see something that you want to . No tellng where you might see something wonderful.

For the Trims: 

Generally a shade of white or off-white is used for the mouldings, doors, and windows. However, for a different look you could consider the palest shade of the color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, you can try lighter walls and dark tones or bright colour for trim.

The Paint Finish

Consider which paint finish might be best for your project. Matt or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light.

Test paint:

When you think that you've really chosen your perfect color, buy a test paint to do a test patch. Paint a 12-48" square on a board or directly on your wall. Look at it during the day, morning, evening, and night. How does it look with with the room's flooring, wallcoverings, and fabric choices? If it isn't right, get another paint and try again. It's better to test three colors at once to save time. You'll undoubtedly find the right color.
For the most accurate color representation, view paint samples vertically up against the wall. If you do this, you'll see how the colors will look when they're applied to your space.

Be aware of Color Contamination

Once you've painted your test sample up on the wall, observe whether the color you're testing might be adversly affected by other colors in a room. For example, if your room is currently painted pink, or there are pink curtains in the room and your test patch is beige, it is likely that the pink will reflect onto the beige, changing the color.  Test the color in a room with the same exposure to sunlight or find a room that is neutral.

Allow the paint to dry:

Wet paint color often looks different from dry paint. Don't panic when you first see the paint applied to the wall. Let it dry, then check it with your other samples (fabric, tiles, carpet) to decide if it looks right. Paint can also look out of place in an empty room. Bring in a few room elements (a chair, painting, or window treatment) to see how it all works together.

Always have some extra white paint:


Use it to lighten some paint that's too dark. Or use it to dilute your wall color by 3/4 for use on the ceiling. Just make sure to use the same kind of paint (flat latex for example), mix thoroughly, and make enough of the new color to finish the project. It will be impossible to mix up more later.

Give it time:

Getting used to a new room color might take a few days. A new bold color may seem overwhelming at first. Put some furniture, flooring, and fabric in the room. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to see that your new color harmonizes with other room elements.

Also read about:

Featured Post

VAASTU SHASTRA GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNING A HOUSE

VAASTU SHASTRA FOR INTERIORS OF A HOUSE :  Vaastu Shastra lays down guidelines on the 'design of the Interior of a House'  so th...