Bean Town Times

Paint choices are not always easy to decide on for any DIYer looking to fix up — or completely remodel — a room. Aside from the paint color itself, a paint finish, also known as its sheen, is another deciding factor, as it can change the way a paint color might look due to its reflection of light. 

"Different paint products should be used for different projects around your home, and your local Ace can help you choose the right paint product and sheen, depending on your project," said Annie Hunter, Ace Hardware Paint Expert. 

Katie Reynolds, interior designer and Ace’s design expert from Dallas, Texas, said that while it can be easy to be overwhelmed by all the color choices, its best to begin by learning "how to zero in on the right color."

The first step in homing in on the right color is deciding how you want the room to feel. Blues and greens are calming colors, while reds, oranges, yellows and pinks are more energetic. Deeper, warmer undertones can make a room feel glamorous, but lighter shades give a feel of tranquility. Using neutral colors help set the tone for a cohesive environment, while purple sets a mood fit for royalty. 

After deciding the mood you want to set through the color of paint, pick only three to five paint chips or testers based on the how light or dark you want the shade to be and what finish it has. 

According to Benjamin Moore’s website, a paint's finish (also known as its "sheen" or "gloss") is actually the measure of how much light reflects off a painted surface and ranges on a scale of no shine, flat, to a high shine, or gloss. 

"The most common mistake when it comes to choosing paint is the finish or sheen," Hunter said. "With several different paint finishes to choose from, there are a lot of options. My best advice is to learn the uses and benefits of each finish to determine the right one for your project."

Hunter explained that using a flat finish, or matte, is ideal for ceilings and low-traffic rooms due its absorption of light, creating a non-glare finish, which hides imperfections "incredibly well." An eggshell sheen is recommended for most interior walls, Hunter said. This is due to its low shine, which helps make imperfections less visible.

"Satin or pearl sheen has a small amount of gloss and can be lightly wiped down, which is ideal for high-traffic areas and even some trim. Semi-gloss is a great sheen for frequently cleaned areas and rooms that have excess moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s highly durable and has a higher level of shine. Last, high-gloss sheen should be used for trim and doors, and in some cases may be used either for interior or exterior surfaces. Your local paint expert can help you make the right choice!" Hunter said. 

For exterior paint projects, Hunter said it is best to choose products that will offer the best performance. 

"Exterior paint products are formulated to stand up to the elements, so for any exterior surface, you should choose an exterior product to get the best performance and results," Hunter explained. 

In an Ace Hardware Paint Tip video, Hunter said choosing a color that complements what you can't change and testing a color first to see how it continues to look throughout the day are also great things to keep in mind for exterior paint selection. 

Expert Annie's Suggested Paint Brands

"For a quick makeover, I like to start with a curated color palette like Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines. These 150 timeless colors are hand-selected by Joanna Gaines," Hunter said, highlighting these suggestions if looking to sell your home.  "I’d recommend Silos White MAG040. This is great neutral and clean color...The warm white hues provide a welcoming feeling that helps lead guests through your house. I also recommend Loft MAG095, which is a light silver gray that works well in a living room or a bedroom. It coordinates well with all types of furniture and textures."

Hunter also suggests Clark+Kensington's Illumination CW-C5 for its "perfect neutral colors that will appeal to most buyers. Painting is an easy way to leave a big impact while helping your house look clean and fresh!"

After buying a new home and wanting to make it your own, or welcoming a new family addition, Hunter suggests Benjamin Moore's 50 favorite palette is a tried-and-true choice.

"Buying a new home is so exciting. It’s also a chance to start fresh, take some chances and up your style! Benjamin Moore has its 50 favorite palette for time-tested colors that are all tried-and-true and timeless. These colors will wow your friends and family at the housewarming party and have you feeling cozy for years to come," she said. 

"I also really like Clark+Kensington for the "paint and primer in one" feature, and it applies beautifully with great coverage. This paint is known for beautiful color, high durability and a smooth finish, all at a great value. Clark+Kensington offers 1,200 colors to choose from and a full complement of paint products for walls, ceilings, trim and cabinets that are easy on the budget," Hunter said. 

No matter which brand you prefer, Hunter said it really is a personal choice and Ace Hardware offers customers "so much to choose from."

"At Ace, you can not only find the right paint for your project and your budget, but you’ll also find all of the tools and accessories needed to make your project a success. Our red-vested associates will make sure you get everything you need to paint in one trip – guaranteed, with our Extra Mile Promise," Hunter said.

Looking for great ways to use that leftover paint? Annie Hunter's Leftovers with Annie page offers tons of ideas for DIY decorations, painting looks and so much more. For more tips, expert know-how or to find paint inspirations, visit Ace Hardware's Tips page.  

About Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with more than 5,600 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries. 

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and is known as "the place with the helpful hardware folks." For more information, visit AceHardware.com or Newsroom.AceHardware.com.