Change room size with paint

Change room size with paint! Put that sledge hammer down and drop the crowbar. That's right, sometimes all you need is a brush, roller and the right paint color to give the illusion that the walls have moved. Simple adjustment can bring the greatest results. Here are a few paint tips to get you started.

The photo above shows a large room with ceilings 12 to 13 feet high, to make the area cozier a warm color was applied to make the ceiling appear closer, the walls which were painted in a lighter warm tone appear to have shorten up the walls, also giving the perception they have moved forward.

If your looking to lift your ceiling, using a light color will give the feeling of height. If your feeling a little cramped in your room, try painting a light color on your walls. Light colors will make a small area seem larger. Cooler colors will also create the feeling of space.

The key thing to remember is darker colors will advance and lighter will retract. Walls will seem like they have moved by adding this method. Learn more about these color affects at http://activerain.com/blogsview/502785/a-lesson-in-color-receding-and-moving-towards-colors

Crosshatch Faux Technique

A crosshatch faux technique was used to create this subtle aged look. This technique can be used on the interior and exterior. To accomplish this look, paint is applied wet on wet. I applied a deep warm green and a mid warm green on a lighter cooler green base. The base and top coats were a eggshell finish . No glaze was added to the paint. A 4in. roller was used to distribute the darker green first, then a 3 in. brush was used to apply  the mid tone green using the crosshatch technique. I applied the the mid tone green in a random pattern with the same brush. The cross hatch was softened and the edges of the faux were kept in a irregular pattern. The end result will have a soft mottled appearance.

Note - With the Crosshatch technique you are basically painting X's on the wall and blending the two colors together.
 I moved right along, cutting in top and bottom,
rolling in the opened areas. Try not to let the outer edges of the paint dry. Work a couple of feet at a time and dont add too much paint into your corner. This would create a pie crust look. To avoid this, I make a point of adding paint or glaze several inches from any corner and slowly bringing the paint or glaze to the corner.

 

 The greatest thing about this technique is, it is easily repaired. Go back into the area and follow the above, blend in the area and your finished. If this is your first attempt, choose colors which are various tones of the same color. This will keep you from adding other colors which may make an  unwanted color. For the more experienced colorist, use your imagination.  Enjoy!

Painted Bath Room Cabinets

Painted bath room cabinets can give a whole new life to dated cabinets and save money too.. These cabinets were once bare and the original finish was badly worn, adding new stainless door and draw pulls gives that finishing touch. The espresso satin paint finish complements the contemporary design.
Two matching mirrors take the place of a wall to wall mirror which overwhelmed the area.

If you would like to paint your cabinets please visit the following link... http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/02/paint-kitchen-cabinets_17.html

 This project will take a few days but can be very rewarding. Remember to take your time with each segment from cleaning to the finish coat.

To make your darker painted cabinets pop add a lighter color to the surrounding walls which in this case was a peachy beige. 

We spend a good part our lives in the bath room so why not make it a special place.

Faux Glaze Technigue

       Here is an easy faux glaze technique which has a lot of character and sophistication. In the photos shown the colors used gave this interior a soft distressed look with
out overwhelming the area.
     
       The pattern was achieved with a roller 1/2 in. nap shed resistant. The glaze mixture was very thin.

    Base Color used - Ben Moore # OC-59 Flat, 1 qt.
    Paint for glaze - Ben Moore # 1035 flat, 1 qt.
    Glaze - 1qt. good quality 

        After applying the base coats as needed let dry. At this point start to mix your glaze. I mixed three ounces of paint with six ounces of glaze and then added twelve ounces of water.

      Cutting in is done by taking a twelve inch compound blade and placing it into the corners, then run a mini roller up and into the blade. This-technique could be very messy so to insure a neater application do not over load your rollers.  

      Start your cutting in at the top and then use your larger roller vertically from left to right.
Do not add too much pressure to the roller which may release a lot of glaze. Your passes with the roller should be random and at times running diagonal.

     There is no need for a paint brush to cut in close to the corners, it will look more distressed
using a roller. Leave some of the base color to show threw.

     I recommend practicing the technigue first on a board and not your walls. Once comfortable with the technique your ready, enjoy!

The Ceiling

                                                                

      What would we do without the ceiling? One of the most important structures to keep the elements out of our homes, protecting our lives and possessions is often passed by without so much as a glance.

     Hold off putting another picture on the wall and take a good look at your ceiling. Step out of the box and add some color and bring that ceiling to life. Now, I'm not asking you to paint a ceiling like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel , but recognize that the ceiling is an import part of your decor and incorporating it into your design will enhance the area.

     The photos shown are samples of the options which can emphasize and draw attention to your ceilings. Ceilings can be as individual as you are, designs in countless variety. With some imagination and work you can produce an area which flows in harmony.

   

    So what keeps us from including the ceiling into our decorating plans? One big reason our ceilings have been neglected is fear, fear of the unknown. What color should I use? Where do I start? What are the costs? Who do I hire? Well, here's a few tips to get you started.

    Let’s start with a small step, for those with low ceilings, I suggest applying a color which is a few shades lighter than your walls. This will give the illusion of height to the area and a step out of the common box. This small change has a big impact; I have seen my clients change all their ceilings after one was painted. It is very uplifting!

    Higher ceilings can have darker shades of color to bring the ceiling lower and cozier.

In some of the photo’s there are different levels of faux finishes from basic techniques to more advanced.  Do your homework and try this yourself or hire a professional. In either case you’ll have a ceiling to be proud of.

   What if my project does not turn out well? Remember it’s paint and it can be painted over, which is the beauty of it. But, I highly suggest sample boards of the colors and techniques that will be used before starting. Ask questions, ask for help, this will take a lot of pressure off and you’ll have greater success.

            So, let your ceiling shine and draw attention to such a great focal area in your home.

    Here is a great example of adding a warm color to the ceiling which makes a large room cozier.  In most cases adding color alone will change the area, this is also cost affective, small steps can give big results.

                                      Adding a coffered ceiling is always a show stopper
   Money may be an issue when considering an architectural change, if there's no issue here than
                                                                      go for it!  

        Metallic gold painted crown moldings and faux painted sponge technique adds sophistication.
              This is great idea if there are coffered or tray ceilings in your home.                          

2012 Color of the year!

       If you’re looking for an energizing, sophisticated, dramatic, seductive and warm color for your interior or fashion, I have just the right color. Pantone a world recognized color authority named Tangerine Tango for color of the year 2012.

 

     This beautiful reddish orange color will be used in homes, fashion and of course paint.

Give yourself a dose of energy by adding this color to your wardrobe or painting an accent wall in your home.

     In the photos shown the interior of this home was done entirely with fauxed red orange walls.

I would best describe the technique as a distressed strie. Dragging a brush threw the red orange glaze vertically down the wall and removing some areas with a rag.

Have the warmth of a beautiful sunset every day!

   

First Impressions

                             What was your first impression ? ....Exactly !

  
        Home for sale, not today! In the Real estate market today, you need to look over every single aspect of your home to gain an edge on the other guy. There is a  heated competition of homes for sale in your neighborhood. Sometimes the only thing needed is a fresh coat of paint.
 
       Take a look at your interior and exterior and try to be objective as possible, ask yourself, would I buy this home in it's current state. Ask a friend or relative to give there opinion or even your real estate agent, these people will be honest  and are trained to get your home to sell quickly.
  
       The first thing to look at is your curb appeal, does it look like it needs help? Pressure cleaning, painting the walls or maybe the trim is an easy job for the Do it Yourself-er! It may be in your best interest to hire a professional painter if the job is to big for you to handle.
 
       As your walking up to your front entry door what does it look like?  Make a good first impression with a fresh coat of paint on your front entry door. It will work wonders, it may be the only thing needed to sell your home!

Do's and Don'ts- Paint Rolling

                     

     I have rolled countless walls in the past 20 yrs. and would like to pass onto you some very good advice . Below is a list of do’s and don’ts for the DIY on how to apply paint with a roller to achieve professional results. Now remember I have many years experience and I’m still actively painting which keeps my craft sharp. If you’re a weekend warrior take your time, have patience and you will be very proud of your work.

    Do, purchase quality tools, lint free roller covers, heavy duty roller handle and

adjustable roller pole, heavy drop cloths. Keep the tools clean after use and you will have them a long time. It is worth the investment.  Don’t purchase cheep kits

    Now assuming the walls have been prepped and cut in you’re ready to roll….Oh! Wait a minute, if the paint your using is a flat finish the procedure is fairly easy. If you’re using a sheened paint there is more care involved. Shiny surfaces show all imperfections. I recommend painting one wall at a time.

    Tape off your base, door frames, window frames and chair rail. Bring your roller as close to these taped off areas as possible.This will help reduce marks left from the cut in and or roller when walls are dry.  Ok! You’re on your own, go for it!

    Do, choose a roller nap which goes with the type of wall texture. ½ inch for smooth surfaces and 3/4inch for slightly textured, 1 inch for heavy texture.

 I recommend purchasing a lint free roller cover.

    Do, roll vertically up and down the wall using slight pressure while moving to the left or right for your next pass.  Don’t roll an “N”or “M” at the start of each pass. Do not stop in the middle of the wall. Don’t roll in different directions.

    Do, use a tray to get the most paint if using a gallon. Use a five gallon bucket if using more than a gallon. Don’t waste paint and time.

    Do, start rolling three quarters of the way up the wall. Don’t start at the very top.

Since the roller is filled with paint there will be no room to spread out. There will be a big blotch of paint dripping down your walls.

    Do, apply an even amount of paint to the roller. The best way to do this is to tap the roller into the paint a little at a time while turning the roller to get an even distribution. Don’t submerge the roller into the paint.

    Do, keep your roller wet at all times. Don’t decide to have lunch and leave the roller out of the paint and expect it in good condition when break time is over.

Keep ceiling fans off so it does not dry the paint in the tray or form a skin.

    Do, keep an even pressure while rolling. Don’t push too hard, this will cause the paint to make thick lines on the wall, we call them ropes. Too little pressure will leave an uneven finish. Try not to stop in the middle of the wall.

    Do, apply paint to the roller after each pass to keep the finish uniform. This will also keep a wet edge on your work. After a couple of passes reroll over the area with only the weight of the roller and a dryer roller ( this is the only time a dryer roller is used ) Roll starting at the top and bring it down to the very bottom. This will smooth out any lines which may have been applied. Don’t let roller get dry while rolling on the paint. This is important when applying paint at each pass.

Do, let paint dry completely and most likely a second coat will have to be applied.

Follow all the above for the second coat.

Note – Some companies have a line of washable flat paints. These products have a low sheen to them which needs more finesse when applying. Follow these rules and you’ll have a better chance of success.

 

  

How to - paint touch ups

Time for paint

 

     The holidays are right around the corner, family is coming over and you would like to make a good impression. There are a few areas on your home interior walls that need touching up but you cannot find the matching paint, what do you do? Don’t panic! The following techniques will help achieve professional results.

      Take a deep breath and relax, check to see if there is any of the original paint in your supply room. If you can not find the original paint try the next step. Next  take a small sample of the paint color from the wall to the paint center and have it matched. Take a razor knife and score the sheet rock making a square the size of 2 x 2 inch. After cutting into the wall peal the first layer away from the wall. I recommend picking an inconspicuous area, behind a door is a great place to start. If you have found the paint, mix it well and try a test spot on the wall to see if it blends in. If it bends in your ready to proceed.

Clean area

    Spackle the area where the sample was taken, when dry, sand and wipe clean. Now take your newly matched paint and apply it to the areas as needed for touch ups. I found a 4 inch mini roller with a standard ½ in. nap is great for this application. The mini rollers have become very popular and can be found in most paint supply centers. Also, pick up a roller tray and a small tarp to catch any drips. Pour a little amount of paint into the roller tray and then apply paint to the roller. Try not to add too much paint to the roller.

Spot prime

     If you have any spots that have crayons or magic marker I recommend using Cover Stain Primer in a spray can. Read the instructions first and then apply a small amount to the area. When your primer dries you are ready to paint. Clean the other areas as needed.

     I found the roller technique better than using a brush. The brush tends to make a band aid appearance which is very obvious; your walls will appear to have a bad rash. Using the roller tends to blend the paint in much better. Before starting test a spot of paint and use a blow dryer to see how it blends in. If the spot of paint disappears after it dries then you’re good to go.

Apply paint

     Roll over the area that needs the fresh paint and run the path of the roller a least 12 inches on all sides lightly feathering the outer areas. (In this demonstration I used a light color so you can see what I’m explaining better ) Move your roller vertically up and down the wall. This works great for all paints but sheen paints need a little more finesse.

   If you’re touching up an area which is perpendicular to a window using eggshell, satin, semi-gloss finish it will be very noticeable. By using this technique you will have a better chance of the paint blending in. Another tip: There are shadow areas in all rooms which are next to door frames, windows, hanging pictures and furniture; these are great areas to bring your paint towards to hide the new touch up.

Feather all edges

    When the touch up is very close to an adjoining wall move you’re roller towards the wall corner. We are trying to fool the eye and make the touch ups less obvious. It is very important that the paint match is as close as the original paint. The sheen and color needs to be the same for this to be successful.

Nice and clean

   When I find spots at eye level I roll the paint as high as my arm will go and also as low. By doing this the touch up will be hard to find.  Two coats may be required over a primer. Purchase good grade paint and the results will be very nice.

    Note: If you see spots coming threw your finish work reapply the spot primer and when dry touch up the area again. Enjoy your Holiday's!

Is that the color?

                                                              

      Many times while cutting in a room with a new paint color my customers would ask, is that the color? I kid around with them responding, no, this is your neighbors color and they asked me to try it out on your walls. They said, you would not mind. The look on their face is worth millions. No really, is that the color? They ask again. Yes, it is. What is happening here?

     Any time we are changing a color of a room for example, the walls were originally medium blue changing to yellow. The two colors are now together and the yellow has a greenish look to it. Don’t panic, this is basic color 101. Why is this happening?

     OK, I know most of us are not artist’s and don’t remember color theory, so, if you take a blue  and mix it with yellow you get green. The same goes for blue and red make purple, red and yellow make orange and so on.

    

     This happens when the paint we are applying is a sheen finish such as eggshell, satin, semi - gloss. The reflection picks up the main color in the room, hence changing the color. This affect is temporary; once the entire room is painted the color will look the same as the sample. There’s more….

      Lighting! Choosing colors from a swatch book or fan deck in a room at night the color will not look the same in the daylight. Also, I found that window tint comes in different colors which will greatly change the colors in a room. It is wise to choose a color in the rooms that you would like to have painted in both day and night lighting.

    

     We also suggest large color samples to view in each room which will make your decisions easier. Purchase pints or quarts of paint and paint on construction board. I use a blow dryer to speed up the process and then add another coat of paint. Hang the big samples around your home for a few days and your color choices will narrow down to the best ones.

     Using these large samples enables us to see how color will react in different lighting. We also get the chance to see how it works with the various fabrics in a room.

Remember that a sheen paint finish will pick up colors that are around them. A flat finish would be a better choice if you’re concerned about other colors encroaching.

     Today there are washable flat paints which are not flat; these products have a low sheen to them. Make your samples and see how they will react in your interior, this way there is no surprises. It is worth the extra time to exercise this method.

Halloween mural - scary fun!

Click to enlarge

 

   Halloween has always been one of my favorite days of the year. I decided to have a party, but it had to be one to remember, a party which came from my heart and soul. So, I gathered all my painting tools and artist brushes and lost myself in my ghoulish thoughts for a few days. The actual size of the mural was 8ft x 16ft.

   
   
My family thought I had lost my mind. They could not believe that I was painting this huge mural on our family room wall. Hey! I'm a painter and all I need is a little primer and paint, don't worry!

     As the hours passed my family shaking their heads as they walked by, I continued painting in somewhat of a trance, until it was complete. I stepped back to look at my work and said to myself, I have lost my mind just in time for the party.
      The party turned out to be a big hit. Everyone took pictures standing in front of this fun, haunting backdrop and laughed that I would do such a thing. I did a lot more to my home to keep in the theme but the mural was my favorite.
      

Have a vision for adding something ghoulish for your Halloween party? Don't be afraid, loose yourself. Get into the theme of things. All it takes is a little paint and imagination.

Enjoy your morning coffee...

                                                        

For most of us, one of the first things we do in the morning is to enjoy a delicious cup of hot coffee, made just the way we like it. With each sip, euphoria slips away and we become aware of the day ahead. Can it be possible to have a work day as good as this coffee? Reality sets in and you would be happy if only a few small things were to go wrong. Here’s a story of a not so perfect day.

One morning a painting contractor gave out the work orders for the day to the employees. One of the projects was a simple one, prime and paint the interior walls of this small home. The boss received a call a few hours later saying they needed more primer. Why do you need more primer? The boss asked. The mural on the wall will not cover and we used most of the primer on just that, replied the employee. What! You painted over the mural, you were not asked to do that, said the boss in a frustrated tone.

Well, it was too late. The mural, which was painted by a local artist, was completely covered with primer. The cost to repaint the mural was about even with the cost of the paint project. At first the homeowner flipped out but soon realized that the original artist could reproduce the art work. The home owner and the artist were the winners that day, the artist has several days of work and the homeowner gets her custom mural repainted.  So, let’s take another sip of coffee and reflect on our day, which was not that bad after all.

Just about every day I visit the paint supply center to pick up my paint order and misc. items. I hear all these amazing stories. Contractors, customers and the employees share their tales and experiences, some sad, some funny and some inspiring. Have any stories to share? Add them in the comment box. I look forward to reading them.

How to - Rag technique

click to enlarge

   

How to - Rag technique

     This is one of many ways to use a rag for faux techniques and one that is easy and looks great! For this project you will need a quart of glaze ( water base ) and a quart of Sherwin Williams #6773 latex eggshell finish. The faux walls were base coated with a Sherwin Williams HGTV # 6478 eggshell finish and ragged with SW 6773 also eggshell finish. Tape off all areas not to be painted. If you have a steady hand there is no need for taping the ceiling.

       Mix one part glaze with one part paint. Apply mixture to a damp rag just enough to lightly coat. Apply mixed glaze onto the wall with a brush in a triangular pattern and move the glaze around with your rag. Leave some areas open.
     
       A clean damp rag was used to remove some of the glaze to create open areas and a random pattern.The folds in the rag will leave interesting marks by moving your hand at various levels of a clock. 

     Work the glaze as if you were building a puzzle. No straight lines. When your close to the corners move your glazed rag into the corners sparingly ( Don't fill the corners with excess glaze) Skip spots in corners to keep a random look.

     Note: Apply glaze to your rag at the beginning. Rinse the rag slightly when it gets loaded with glaze. The second rag should be damp and kept clean so you can remove excess glaze and apply pattern. Turn your hand randomly to keep from applying the same pattern.
      
     If this is your first attempt with this technique it would be best if you practiced on a piece of construction board. Enjoy your finished faux walls.
      
    

Pieces of time

Let's face it, without realizing why we do the things we do,
we tend to surround ourselves with great memories, pieces of time that bring us back instantly over and over. Some of us are able to take our possessions to create these moments.


 Leslie R. is very creative and has a great outlook on life, it shows in her decor. The guest bath has a faux rag technique with blue green glazes which mimics sea water. The towel rack has starfish hung on sisal string against the hand towels. The ceramic fish tissue holder adds to the fun. Key West here I come.

We all need a place to escape, relax and have peace. Leslie loves the beach and this room shows it with all the accent pieces. This room has a lot of light, it is airy, colorful and fun. This is for the guests and Leslie wants them to enjoy being there. 

The faux walls were base coated with a Sherwin Williams HGTV # 6478 eggshell finish and ragged with SW 6773 also eggshell finish. I applied the glaze in a triangular pattern and moved the glaze around with a damp rag leaving some base areas open. A clean damp rag was used to remove some of the glaze to create open areas and a random pattern.The folds in the rag will leave interesting marks by moving your hand at various levels of a clock. Work the glaze as if you were building a puzzle. No straight lines.

Note: Apply glaze to your rag at the beginning. Rinse the rag slightly when it gets loaded with glaze.

The second rag should be kept clean so you can remove excess glaze and apply a pattern. Turn your hand randomly to keep from applying the same pattern.

If you would like to create your own escape contact us at arrayofcolorinc@yahoo.com

LOOK UP!!!

      LOOK UP!! What do you see in your own home? Probably a white ceiling, we       call it the forgotten wall. If you would like to add a WOW factor into your living area, try adding       some  color to your ceilings. Step out of the box and try something new. If you have difficulty             deciding on a color, you could use the same color that is on your walls. More and more, clients are      adding color on their ceilings, especially when I offer to repaint them at no charge. Sometimes            they need a little push, it usually takes a week to live with and become comfortable with, but the         results are an overwhelming  success.                                                                                                      

It's amazing !

It's amazing what you can do with paint ! Today you can easily find a multitude of  information, products, and "how to" instructions on various paint techniques. More and more people are turning on their own creativity. They are heading out to there local stores to purchase all the needed supplies. You run home excited to begin your project and share the results with friends and family only to realize the task ahead. You need to move the furniture, put the dining room chairs in another room, take the pictures off the wall, take down the curtains and rods, cover all the floors, and remove the valuables from the curio cabinet. It takes time to create your Picasso.  From my experience, many customers take on this task and become discouraged.  Many of my clients have put themselves in this situation and we finish the projects for them. Don't get discouraged, plan your project, ask for help if you need it, and most of all have FUN.

If you would like professional help contact me by at - arrayofcolorinc@yahoo.com
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