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Color, light, and sheen Choices in Painting: Why They Matter and How to Simplify the Process

devonwallace2

Updated: Feb 5, 2023


Choosing the right colors and sheen for a painting project is an essential part of the process that can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a space. Not only do colors evoke emotions and convey a message, but the sheen of a paint finish also plays a role in the durability and appearance of the paint. Understanding lighting and the different sheen options available can help you make informed decisions when it comes to your painting project.


Here's what you need to know about the value of color choices and how to simplify the process:


Understanding the Impact of Colors: Different colors can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, red can convey passion and excitement, while blue is often associated with calmness and serenity. Understanding the emotional impact of colors is crucial in determining the tone and mood you want to convey in your space.


A reference chart with colors and thier moods


Harmonizing Colors: When choosing colors, it's important to create a harmonious color palette. This means selecting colors that work well together and complement each other. One way to do this is to use a color wheel, which shows the relationships between different colors.


Color palette inspired by the rocky mountains


Experimenting with Color Swatches: Another way to simplify the process of selecting colors is to experiment with color swatches. This allows you to see how different colors look together and helps you to make more informed decisions.


A color Swatch from Sherwin-williams


Understanding Sheen: Sheen refers to the amount of gloss or shine in a paint finish. Different sheens have different levels of durability, resistance to wear and tear, and reflectiveness. The most common sheen options include: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.


  1. Flat: Flat sheen has no reflective quality, making it ideal for hiding imperfections on surfaces like walls and ceilings.

  2. Satin/eg-shell: Satin/eg-shell sheen is more reflective and is a good choice for high-traffic areas like bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens.

  3. Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss sheen is highly reflective and is best for surfaces that need to be cleaned frequently, such as trim and doors.

  4. High Gloss: High gloss sheen is the most reflective option and is best for surfaces that require frequent cleaning and touch-ups, such as cabinetry, front door, windows, and garage door.


The different levels of sheen


Understanding Lighting: Lighting can greatly impact the appearance of paint colors and sheen. For example, colors may appear darker or lighter depending on the amount of natural or artificial light in a room. It's important to consider the lighting in a space when selecting colors and sheen, as this can help ensure that the final result is what you expect.



Same color with different light (evergreen fog sw9130)


Keeping It Simple: Finally, it's important to remember that sometimes less is more. Opting for a simple color palette with just a few colors can be just as effective as using many


Selecting the right colors and sheen for a painting project is a crucial aspect of the process. By understanding the emotional impact of colors, harmonizing your palette, considering the lighting in a space, experimenting with color swatches, and understanding the different sheen options available, you can simplify the process and create a painting project that truly captures the mood and message you want to convey.


Investing in a professional paint job can be daunting but it brings significant value to your home or business. A well-executed paint job not only enhances the visual appeal of your space, but it can also increase the overall value of your property. A professional paint job can provide a fresh and modern look, which can make your space feel brand new. A professional paint job can help create a warm, inviting, and visually appealing space that you or your clients will enjoy for a long time. In short, a professional paint job is an investment that will deliver long-term benefits and a positive return on investment.


Before & after Munchkin Manor: Check out the impact the color change made. We chose colors that are welcoming, craft ceativity, and inspire the imagination!

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