When our local real estate agents meet with home owners considering a move, our number one recommendation for preparing their home for sale is a fresh coat of paint. Whether to freshen up dirty walls or bring a dated home into the 21st century, it offers the highest ROI of all updates. However, nobody likes painting twice –or once(?), so make sure you’re thoughtful about your colour selection.
How to select the perfect colour for your house
When it comes to painting your home, picking the right colour is essential, but it can also be overwhelming. Based on our experience, as real estate agents visiting countless homes, we recognize that the average person shouldn’t be choosing their own colour, and a degree of direction is almost always warranted. The good news is that many paint and decor stores offer affordable colour consultations.
The consultant or designer will ensure you select a colour that works with your furniture and other finishes, while accomplishing your goals, especially if that’s to sell your home for top dollar.
If a consultation isn’t in the cards, there’s a good alternative; many paint stores offer small sample cans. These can help you figure out which colour suits your space best before committing to an entire wall. Here are some tips to help you test paint colours like a pro:
Paint Sample Colours Directly on the Wall
Using standard paint samples is convenient, but it’s not the best approach. The texture and material of the wall differ from the samples, affecting how the paint appears. Always test your paint on the actual wall to see how it really looks.
Test a Large Area
Make sure to test an area that’s at least one square foot in size. Remember, the existing wall colour can influence how your sample appears. Colours may look darker against light walls and lighter against dark walls. Consider painting samples close together and use a piece of white paper to separate them, simulating the colour of baseboard moulding.
Test on Multiple Walls and With Varrying Lighting
Lighting can change the appearance of paint, so it’s crucial to test on at least two walls—one that gets a lot of natural light and one that doesn’t. Observe how the colours look at different times of the day, especially during the time you spend most in that room. This will help ensure the colour is a great fit.
Apply Two Coats of Sample Paint
Two coats of paint are generally needed for the final colour to look its best. Be wary of one-coat claims from cheaper brands; you might find you need three coats to match the quality of two coats from premium brands.
Use a Primer for Vibrant or Bright Colours
If you’re considering vibrant or bright colours like red, burgundy, or navy, start with a primer. It ensures the colour looks vibrant and true to your expectations. Test your samples with the primer as well to see the final effect.
We hope these tips help you find the perfect shade for your home. Testing paints thoroughly can save you from costly and time-consuming mistakes, ensuring your space looks exactly how you envision it.
PRO TIP: If a colour consultation isn’t in the cards, a top Milton real estate agent, or one in your community, will be able to provide insight into the most common colours they’re seeing used when selling a home.
Happy Painting!
