Archive for the 'Tips for Better Value' Category

Published by Linda H Bassert on 30 Jul 2015

Why “Ceiling White” is rarely a good choice for Ceilings

Too often, painters suggest that ceilings just be painted “Ceiling White”.  While this may be in the best interest of the painter, it rarely is in the best interest of the client.  It saves the painter a few seconds if they can come into a paint store, and just have a can shaken, without having to have it tinted.  But “Ceiling White” is typically a blue gray white, with the potentially of feeling very cold.  Unless you are painting a room in a blue-gray hue, it is not the best choice.

At Benjamin Moore, every color can be created in the Waterborne Ceiling paint, Benjamin Moore’s ultra-flat choice for ceilings.  The flattest paint Benjamin Moore makes, it hides the most imperfections.

If you have fair skin, and like white ceilings, consider Atrium White, or AF-10 gardenia. These are whites with a drop of red in them, giving a rosy light in which every fair skinned person will look very healthy.

If you prefer warm yellow-based wall colors, consider Simply White or AF-20 mascarpone for the ceiling.  Both have a drop of yellow in them, but still appear white.  Mascarpone is a little creamier than Simply White.  The next creamier color after AF-10 mascarpone is AF-30 deep in thought.

If you want to soften the ceiling but do not want a yellow light or pink light reflected from the ceiling, AF-15 steam is a white with one drop of brown in it, and gives a softened warm ceiling without being yellow.  Need it just a little less white or browner?  Try AF-45 Collector’s Item.

The same principle can be applied to other brands of paint.  But if your trim color is creamier and not white, you may need even more contrast on the ceiling.

Higher contrast colors which are a perceived color other than white also work well in ceilings, and can make a ceiling feel higher, much like the night sky.  We know that dark canopy of stars above us at night is far away.  In the same way, a deeper value of paint color on the ceiling can make a ceiling soar, as long as there is also sufficient light in a room.  More contrast on a ceiling can add warmth to a space, and increase the impact of crown moulding.

Don’t underestimate the importance of ceiling color.  The blue-gray cast of a basic “ceiling white” can make almost any wall color – other than blue-gray- duller and even muddy under low light conditions.

Published by Linda H Bassert on 30 Jul 2015

Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly Paint

Benjamin Moore just released information of interest to any family coping with allergies or asthma.  Here is a copy of the release.  Natura can be mixed in three finishes, flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss, and in all of Benjamin Moore’s color collections but one (the Color Stories collection can only be mixed in Aura.).

Natura® Receives asthma & allergy friendly Certification

Natura paint, asthma and allergy friendly

Natura paint, asthma and allergy friendly

Benjamin Moore’s first paint to earn the certification.

Asthma and allergies affect more than 370 million people worldwide, 70 million of whom are in the United States alone. In 2006, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the leading national nonprofit organization that services those with asthma and allergies, collaborated with Allergy Standards Limited, an international physician-led certification company, to establish a scientific program to vet and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.*

The asthma & allergy friendlyTM Certification Program independently tests and identities consumer products that are more suitable for those living with asthma and allergies.  Natura earned the certification with low odor, zero emissions and zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).**

For more information about the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, please visit www.aafa.org/certified.

*U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2013 Statistical Updates; World Health Organization, Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.

** Zero VOC according to EPA Method 24. No VOC emissions detected according to CDPH/EHLB/standard method v1.1. 2010.

The CERTIFIED ASTHMA & ALLERGY FRIENDLY Mark is a Registered Certification Mark of the ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA and ALLERGY STANDARDS LTD.

 

Published by Linda H Bassert on 07 Jul 2014

Buyer Beware

23266215It’s important to select your paint colors in the brand of paint which the painter is going to be using.  As a color consultant, I always ask the client which brand of paint they will be using and we select from those colors.

But it’s also important to know that your painting contractor will not change the grade or brand of paint from what you have planned.

I do hear stories of painting contractors coming into Benjamin Moore locations with paint colors specified by me or by another color consultant, and changing the grade of paint specified to a less expensive paint.

I hear stories of painting contractors not listening when they are told that the Color Stories colors cannot be made in any paint besides Aura, wanting the store to “match it” in another paint (which will not look the same).

I also know of clients who have reported back to me that their color didn’t look quite the same, and when I ask if they have the cans of leftover paint, invariably the painter did not leave any cans behind.  This is a red flag.

Some clients work with painting contractors who bid the labor only, and they buy the paint.  This ensures that the grade of paint they want will be used.  But it’s certainly more convenient to have the painter pick up the paint, if you are certain it will be the paint you are paying for.22079252

If you don’t have a long term relationship with your painter, it’s always good to make it clear that you want the leftover paint cans left behind, and that you expect the paint to be in the grade you and your color consultant have selected.  Or check with your local store for the preferred brand of paint and find out which painters they know and trust enough to refer.

If the cost of what you selected turns out to be more than you wanted to pay, check back with your color consultant to see where it would be best to make changes to the grade of paint or the number of colors.