Interior Paint Choices

Brands and Grades

If you have a favorite paint brand or grade of paint, let the Territory Manager know. We have a standard brand and grade of paint that is included in our quotes, and we have open accounts at the major paint stores which allows us to adjust your quote up or down to accommodate using your favorite brand.  If you have already purchased the paint, we will credit you what our standard paint cost would have been.  Be aware that this will likely be less than you paid for the paint.  Our prices include paint, and in most cases, it is to your advantage to let us buy the paint rather than credit you for paint you have purchased.

As far as paint grades go, using a premium grade of paint is almost always worth the few extra dollars it adds to your cost.  Premium-grade paints generally create a better ‘hide’, which means you are less likely to need an extra coat.  In addition, premium-grade paints are typically more durable than lower-grade paints. If you wish to use flat paints, this extra durability is especially important in order to get the ability for the paint to withstand the scrubbing it may take to clean soil from its surface.

For more on the differences between paint grades, please see our Ask the Painter article, “Paint is Paint, Right?”

Sheen Choices

Sheen choice, i.e. flat, satin, or semi-gloss, etc., is largely a personal decision; however there are several reasons to choose one sheen over another.  There are also ‘old school’ considerations that no longer apply due to advances in paint chemistry.  For a more in-depth discussion of paint sheen choices, please see our Ask the Painter article titled, “Which Sheen is Right for Me?”

Specialty Paints

Does the look you’re after involve a sand-textured, suede, or other specialty paint?  Do you wish to have your painting done with low V.O.C. green paints?   If so, be sure to let the Estimator know as specialty paints may require extra preparation, an additional coat, or a materials upgrade.  Please see our Ask the Painter article, “Going Green” for additional information.

Color Selections

Current Colors on Repaint Projects

If you want to repaint using a color that has already been painted in your home, it is important to know what that color is. Holding a color fan up to a wall to match colors is almost impossible to do.  Some builders leave a sticker with paint information on the back of a cabinet door somewhere, or they may give buyers paperwork with the colors used.  Having paint from a touch-up kit left by the builder, or leftover paint from other prior work is another way to discern existing colors.

Light Versus Dark Colors

While it is not required to know exact colors at the time of getting an estimate, it is important to have a sense of how light or dark the colors may be. This is so the Estimator can determine whether one coat or two coats will be required to hide the old color.

Number of Colors

How many colors will be used comes into play on your estimate in as much as there is a nominal color-change charge.  This is a per-color charge as opposed to a per-room charge.  This color-charge charge is about compensating for the time it takes to clean brushes, rollers, buckets, screens, etc. when switching colors. In addition, there is more leftover paint when multiple colors are used.  Here is an example: The average 12 x 12 room takes 1.5 gallons to cover the walls and ceilings with one coat.  If five such rooms are being painted the same color, 7.5 gallons of paint are needed, so we buy eight gallons and have a half gallon left for touch-ups.  If six different colors are required, we need to buy ten gallons of paint and there will be five half-gallons left over.

Help with Color Choices

Let us know if you are wrestling with a decision regarding colors. We may have sample boards or color sheets of the colors you are considering, and will be happy to bring them along to our meeting.  Seeing a larger sample of a color away, from the others on a color strip, can make it look completely different to you.  And, if you would like to consult with a professional designer, let us know and we will be happy to give you some referrals.  If your job is large enough, we will even pick up the designer’s fee.