As a follow up to a recent blog I posted, "#1 Task People Fear - Choosing A Paint Color," I thought I would share with you some information that was recently discussed at a Benjamin Moore seminar I attended.

 

1. Latex paint takes 2-3 weeks to "cure" and reach optimum hardness.
2. You don't want air blowing directly on paint as it dries - creates craters.
3. Oil paint cracks and yellows as it ages.
4. Latex paint has better color retention, non-yellowing, low odor/VOC, blister resistant.
5. High gloss shows defects,  flat paint hides imperfections.
6. Matte and Flat have better washability and scrubability.
7. Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after applications.  

The source of these toxins is the variety of volatile organic compounds (VOC) which until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.  

 

Most paint manufactures now produce one or more non-VOC paints.

• Sherwin Williams - Harmony line
• Benjamin More - Aura, Natura, & Pristine EcoSpec
• Mythic Paints

 

 

A: There are a number of factors that influence how the paint color will look in a room. 

• Location - apply the paint on foam core boards and place them in different locations within the room. View them at different times of the day/night.
• Natural sunlight affects color a great deal. Strong southern light is far different than diffused northern light. Surrounding colors also play a part. Windows and the landscape will affect how the paint color looks as well.
• Is the room exposed to the changing colors of the different seasons - the glare of  the snow, the green of spring and summer or the burnt oranges of fall? Is it open to the blackness of night?
• Finally, the lighting in the room will affect how a color looks.

Check all of these factors before jumping in and using the same paint color. They may have such an effect that you would prefer a new color to go with your new home.