We all know instinctively what colours we like and which we don’t. This should make choosing paint for your home easy, shouldn’t it? In fact, it is difficult to choose the right colour unless you recognize the subtle presence of undertone, the colour underlying the colour. What?!? Most colours are made up of combinations; for example, green is a mixture of blue and yellow. This mixture of colours creates the undertone. The amount of each colour in the mixture can significantly after the final colour. In our ‘green’ example (above) the presence of more yellow than blu in the mixture creates a warmer, yellow, undertone, while more blue produces a cooler, blue, undertone.
Here’s a smattering of interesting info that may be of help with your next painting project!
Colour…
Primary Colours: colours that cannot be made from mixing other colours.
Complentary Colours: colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel.
Contrasting Colours: colours that are separated by at least three others on the colour wheel.
Tints: colours that are made by mixing white into the pigment.
Shades: colours that are made by mixing black into the pigment.
Advancing colours: colours that visually come toward you in a room.
Receding colours: colours that visually move away from you in a room.
Paint…
Paint finishes; flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss, also have an impact on the final colour (though much less so than undertone). Keep in mind that when it comes to paint finish, colour is not the only consideration – wear and scrubbability of the finish are very important factors. A flat finish is generally reserved for low traffic areas like ceilings, satin finish has enhanced scrubbability for higher traffic areas; hallways and children’s bedrooms, semi-gloss (the most scrubbable finish) is ideal for doors & trim and bathrooms.
Some Do’s and Don’ts…
DO consider undertones when choosing wall colour. If you love green but want a subtle effect, pick a white or grey with a green undertone. Also make note of the colour undertones of your home furnishings and flooring when choosing wall colour. DO learn to identify colour tone; easiest if you first note the warmth or coolness of a colour. A warm blue will likely contain some red, while a cool blue will contain some green. DO be prepared to make mistakes. To find the right colour, complete with the right undertone, you may have to invest some time and effort in testing several sample colours. DON’T emphasize an unwanted undertone by pairing it with its complement. If the maple cabinets in the kitchen seem too pink, green (the complement of red) on the walls will intensify the pink effect. DON’T forget that neutrals have undertones. To determine the undertone in a grey paint (it could have a green or blue undertone) compare the paint chip to a ‘true’ grey chip (a true grey is a mixture of black and white only).