SPRING HOME & GARDEN - April 2005

Color is what it's all about

Kelly Becker
Section Editor

When it comes to the use of color on our interior walls, is our part of southwest Colorado up to speed or behind the times? Are we still safely sticking with bright white, off white, mellow white, gray white and every other name of white? According to Bob Romero co-owner of Rufe’s Paint Store, the Durango area is not behind the times at all. "The bright colors are definitely here," he says. "Greens, reds, blues, yellows. And eggplant is really big here." No whites? Romero says that yes, white is still used, but mostly for some ceiling treatments and most especially for trim to "crisp up" the brighter or deeper wall colors.

When asked if television decorating and remodeling shows might account for the much increased use of color Romero says, "Oh, definitely. People watch these shows and something gives them an idea so they come to us for our opinion on whether the idea will work for their home." Television has "influenced color and decorating in general." He was also quick to point out the fantastic new painting techniques that are sweeping in popularity. Crackling, which has been around for awhile, is still very popular but with some new color twists available. Other eye-catching techniques include metallics and creating a rusted look with the Modern Masters® Metal Effects Rust. Romero says metallics are "hot" while the rusted look is a rich look that can be used on any surface from paper, to painted surfaces to actual metal. Another painting technique that is probably ranked the highest in popularity is the "Venetian plaster" look. The technique uses only one product but it is taken through three different steps. It even requires that the trowel be stainless steel so as not to create any black marks. The products for these new techniques are all VOC (volatile compliant components) to be in accordance with environmentally safe guidelines.

There are actually both ends of the spectrum as far as popular looks, according to Romero. There is the wood that is beaten up to look old for a rustic theme and then there is the high-tech look. Both seem to be getting equal billing with interior decors.

This is an example of the Modern Masters Metal Effects Rust. Sample courtesy of Rufe's Paint Store.

The deeper or more vibrant colors require a deeper base paint for the colorants to be put in. In the can these bases appear more in the range of a taupe than white and yes, deeper colors will cost slightly more than whites and light colors because more pigment is required. Romero says, "The whole key to decorating now is to not be afraid, especially of color." He also says that if a person really does want to go with a true, rich red, don’t let fear step in there either. "With reds you must go deep," he says. Red cannot be "toned down" because toning down red paint makes it go pink. Don’t ask to have it "lightened." If it is lightened, it will turn pink when applied to the wall. In the can it will seem lighter than when it dries, but it is a disaster to lighten a rich red. (In fact, paint can dry from 16% to 20% darker than it looks in the can.)

Bottom line – go with deep or vibrant colors and/or try some of the new and exciting techniques! Enjoy. After all, it is your space.•