Seasonal paint chores provide a cost-effective design payoff
Whatever type you use, prep well and start with a primer, writes Vicky Sanderson.
Sad to say goodbye to summer? Try distracting yourself with a small project that will bring you pleasure after the season slips away.
Consider painting, one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a space or decor. Fall's lower temperatures and humidity make perfect conditions for the task, which can often still be done outdoors — preferably on a warm, still day in a well-ventilated space, like a carport.
Many stylists use spray paint to quickly give second life to furniture and accessories. If you haven't used it in a while, you may be impressed by how sophisticated formulas have become.
Behr (behr.ca) recently released a line of fast-drying paint/primer colours that quickly cover new and previously coated surfaces. It works indoors or out — on wood, metal, plastic, cast stone and wicker. Corrosion resistant and rust inhibitive, it's also got good sag resistance, which makes for a smoother, more consistent finish. The collection includes 18 of the brand's most popular colours. Sheen is glossy, but black and white are available in flat.
Here's a tip: On the very few occasions I've had to spray indoors, I've opened all windows, worn a mask, shielded adjoining areas from overspray and turned on a fan with an air-cleaning function. Afterward, I leave the room for as long as I can. It's a good excuse to go out for dinner.
Prep is minimal with Fusion Mineral Paint (fusionmineralpaint.com), a non-toxic, lead-free formula that's virtually odourless and free of VOCs, ammonia and formaldehyde. It's easy to apply to multiple surfaces, and has a built-in topcoat that doesn't need waxing. Waterproof and with good coverage, it's suitable for outdoor pieces used in the fall.
Fusion colours have long been favourites of DIYers and designers. Most recently, a capsule collection brings together 11 dreamy pinks, greens, greys, and blues. Rose Pink, for example, is elegant without being cloying. Hazelwood is a deep grey just tinged with violet, while Paisley is a strong, pure blue that its makers say reveals its depth of colour when paired with a cool neutral grey.
New shades are in addition to a classic collection, nine metallics, and a very fun kit of non-toxic paints for kids. Additives are available to produce weathered, crackled or pearly textures. For further ease, there's an “extender” that gives a longer open time that minimizes the look of brush strokes.
If interior painting is on the to-do list, you'll have lots of inspiration as paint companies begin to line up to announce a “colour of the year.”
Just out of the gate is Cool Current from Sico by PPG Paints (ppgpaints.com). Representing healing and regrowth, this relaxed grey has an organic green undertone that's a calming colour response to pandemic uncertainty.
For those who love colour, they offer a saturated but soothing plum called Royal Velour that like the other tones they call out — Bombay Red and Blue Ridge — work nicely either paired with grey or layered in their own family.
Speaking of keeping it simple, Benjamin Moore ( benjaminmoore.com) recently launched an online paint store that sells its interior and exterior paint, colour samples, swatches, tools and accessories. Orders can be picked up within three hours at participating retailers — currently more than 450 retail stores in Canada. Product can also be shipped; costs and delivery schedules vary depending on location and order details. There are no minimum or maximum orders.
Whatever paint you use — indoors or out — do take time to thoroughly clean and dry the surface being painted, let paint dry properly between coats, and — for dramatic colour changes and to get truer colour — start with a primer. All three will get you better paint bang for your buck.