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Thursday, August 21, 2014 Special pullout section 4 Pages HOME, LAWN & GARDEN If you think choosing the co- lours for your paint project is the easy part, think again. Most people spend hours at the paint desk debating shades. The fol- lowing tips will make sure you pick the right colours for your project every time: Check your closet. When in doubt look at clothes you wear. Your wardrobe can easily infl u- ence your home décor--paint colours included. If your cloth- ing choices are usually neutrals, you may be a fan of tan or gray for your home. If blues, greens and teals are your taste, these hues will translate well to walls and if you prefer vibrant attire, opt for bold reds, yellows and oranges for an energetic effect. Use a colour wheel. As paint sets the overarching mood for a room, it's key to learn colour relationships. By studying co- lour wheels- which are eas- ily accessible online- you'll see how shades complement each other. Matching hues that are close on the wheel will result in a calm atmosphere while pair- ing shades that are farther apart will add drama. Plan the fi nale. When pe- rusing paints, it's important to choose the right fi nish. For kitchens and bathrooms, a semi- gloss sheen is best as it's durable, easy to clean and withstands moisture. For dining and living rooms and other lower-traffi c spots, opt for an eggshell sheen. The low-luster fi nish has a mod- erate durability and is ideal for more relaxed rooms. Customize for your per- sonality. Do you have a specifi c paint colour in mind that you can't fi nd? Ask a paint store as- sociate to mix a custom paint to create the look you desire. Using the store's colour reader allows you to create an exclusive shade. Plan your tools. Selecting paint shades take time, and so does paint preparation. One vi- tal tool, for example, is the right painting tape. The management at popular brand, Painter's Mate Green, tells us that a good, high quality tape will prevent paint bleed, making your new colour, and the project, pop. Painting is a great way to update the back- drop of a room and addition- al tips are available online at PaintersMateGreen.com. --www.newscanada.com How to choose the best colour for your paint job