frequently asked Architectural questions
The Colour Visualizer allows you to play around with complementary and analogous colour schemes. It allows you to see how these combinations will look in your home.
New generation paints have excellent washability characteristics. This means you can wipe them with mild detergent and water to remove stains, without affecting the colour or the finish of the paint. Most beverage, food and dirt stains, and some chemical patches can be removed in this manner. Washability characteristics differ from paint to paint, so check the technical features to understand what performance you can expect.
Water-based finishes are usually odour free. Choose a low odour paint for best results. Do keep windows and doors open while painting. However, a slight smell may linger for a few days if you’re using a solvent based paint.
The colours you choose will depend on your personal tastes and preferences. Colours are intricately linked with mood, and can elevate or depress your spirits. For rooms that require rest and repose, opt for cooler colours from the blue, green and lavender families. Pastels will work very well in such spaces, while dark colours may be overwhelming and depressing. For rooms that are about energy and vitality, such as living rooms, family rooms or home offices, try warm colours from the red, orange and yellow families. Mild warm shades such as peach and lemon yellow create happy atmospheres. Of course, vibrant colours must be used carefully; try to restrict them to feature walls or décor accents such as furnishings or art. For smaller, darker spaces, use light colours to liven them up and create an illusion of space. Using neutral colours also helps you play off your prized objects.
The most effective way to measure moisture within a substrate is to use a moisture meter. This is usually carried out by professionals such as Berger Technical Inspectors. You can request for a visit from them to examine the substrate and propose the best painting systems based your requirements.
Whether matt, silk, low-sheen, semi-gloss or glossy, sheens can dramatically change how a colour looks. Gloss can add depth to colour, and is also very reflective, which not only changes perception of the colour but will also reveal surface imperfections. The glossier the finish, the more light bounces off the walls. Flat finishes on the other hand reflect the least amount of light, and conceal more, making them the best choice for imperfect walls. For normal walls without too much of undulations low-sheen or silk finishes can give a rich a luxurious feel and texture.
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are substances within paint that give off harmful emissions. These emissions continue long after the paint has dried. They have a strong odour, and cause a variety of health problems such as headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies. They are also linked to cancer. Select a Low VOC finish so that your family and your children are not exposed to harm.