Published in the Idaho Press-Tribune August 29, 2009

Exterior paint color is always a touchy subject for a painting contractor. Some contractors have no eye for color whatsoever, they are there only to do the job. Others might have an opinion, but it really doesn't matter to them one way or the other. Then there are those like me (at least I think there are others out there like me!) who have a tendency to take every color selection to heart.

You see, when someone picks a color that is really not complimentary to the home, neighborhood, architecture, etc., it is hard for me. I know that no matter how good a job I do painting their home, if the color doesn't look good, the paint job doesn't look good. No one will say "Oh Wow! Who did your house?" if the color isn't right.

There are three different types of clients. There are those who know exactly what colors they want, those who have an idea of color but want a little direction, and those who don't have an opinion and simply want me to choose their colors.

Of course it is easiest for me if the client has done their homework and knows exactly what they want. The hardest is when someone wants me to make all the decisions. Personal taste plays too big a role in this decision and I believe your home should reflect your taste, not mine. Of course I will give my opinion and give direction, but ultimately the decision should be yours.

The first step when people aren't sure about their colors (and to be safe, even when they are) is to order a quart of paint mixed in the colors you are considering. Actually applying the paint to sections of your home is the only way to truly see what the results will look like. This will tell you if the color compliments your brick, stucco, shingles, etc., and you are planning on painting your house anyway, so it doesn't matter if you have a hodge podge of color going on for a while.

Using a simple disposable brush and painting a section that is at least a foot long will give you a better idea than those little sample squares that paint colors come in. Always order the sample quart in the same sheen as what you anticipate using when you actually paint the house. Different sheen paints (flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc.) make colors look different.

Colors tend to wash out on the exterior of homes, always appearing to be much lighter than what you had thought you were picking. I often tell clients to find the shade they want for their exterior, then go a shade darker to order their sample. This tends to help even out the sunlight effect on the color.

Also, always paint several sections of each color you are contemplating on every side of your home. Then make sure you look at it several times during the day to see how it changes with the passing of the day. (If you are trying several samples that are similar, make sure you keep track of which one is which.)

Doing your homework will save both of us a lot of hassle and extra work. I want your home to look great when it is done, while still reflecting your personal taste. And the only call I want to get from your neighbors is saying, "Oh wow! Can you do mine next?"