Off the Wall

Edition 21: 22 July 2010

What to look out for when using dark paint colours

Recently, we received an email request for a urgent painting quote.  Our client had attached the plans for her new house.  She was settling on the property a fortnight later but was not able to arrange access.  Therefore, we had to price off the plans.

We worked off the plans and provided our client an estimate.  (Without being able to sight the condition of the surfaces, we are unable to provide a quote.)

Our client wanted the master bedroom to be painted black: ceiling, walls and trims.  All the surfaces had to be wipeable, which means a minimum low sheen finish.  

We explained to our client that dark colours, such as black will highlight all imperfections on the surfaces.  The sheen level, albeit, low sheen, will also contribute to accentuating the imperfections.  Our client insisted on a low sheen finish everywhere because she:

• Didn't want any surfaces to mark easily; and,
• Would be installing a chandelier on the bedroom ceiling and wanted the lights to bounce off a shiny ceiling surface.

The house was only five years old and had been painted throughout in white.  The surfaces looked fine ... in white.   However, once the first coat of tinted undercoat went on, we noted that the ceiling was bow shaped and existing imperfections in the gib became obvious. 

We communicated this to our client who wished to proceed.  The carpet had been dyed and the moving date had been set.  There was no turning back.

One coat of tinted undercoat and three topcoats of paint later, the room is very dark but the imperfections remain. 

Why are we sharing this story with you?  Black and any dark colours can add drama to a room.  However, it does mark easily.  Unless you do not mind the marks, use a minimum low sheen finish.  But before painting occurs, it pays to skim coat the surfaces to a level five finish.  Otherwise, unfortunately, any imperfections will show.

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Next edition

The next edition of Off the Wall will be published on 16 September 2010.  Until then, ask us a painting related question.  Give yourself the opportunity to WIN enough paint to recoat the walls within an average sized room.

About Wall Treats

Wall Treats is the 2009 Master Painter of the Year.  We go the extra mile to ensure all our clients receive a blue chip service. 

We are registered Master Painters who promise you a stress-free and enjoyable painting experience. 

Many of our clients have either introduced us to others or invited us back because of the peace of mind we provide them.

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Off the Wall is a two-monthly newsletter that Wall Treats puts together. 

Off the Wall aims to share information about painting and home and décor. 

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Regards,

Daniel and Ashley