One very important thing to remember is never to use an interior paint for an exterior job.  Manufacturers formulate paints for use either inside or out. Paints contain specific ingredients that all play a role in the durability and final appearance.  These ingredients include pigments, binders, additives and the carrier or liquid portion. 

The pigments provide the whiteness, darkness and color to the paint or other coating.  In addition, they impart the opacity and hiding power required.  Pigments are dry powders (not dyes); liquid colorants used in the stores contain pigment powders dispersed in a liquid.

The binder is the component that “binds”, or ties together the particles of pigment, hopefully in a tough, durable film.   The binder also provides the adhesion of the film, and influences almost all paint properties.  Generally, the binder alone dries to a clear, glossy usually colorless film. 

Additives are low-level ingredients included in the paint formulation, and put in the product in the factory, not point of sale additives that are purchased in the paint store, home center or other outlets.  These affect certain properties such as thickness of the paint, mildew resistance and bubble breaking.

The liquid proportion is water and affects how heavily the paint will tend to apply, and how thick the paint film will be when it dries.  This is an important aspect of the overall quality of the product.

How thick the dry film is will affect many of the paints durability and appearance properties including:

•  crack resistance
•  hiding
•  sheen uniformity
•  ease of touch-up
•  mildew resistance

Finally, it is important to apply the paint at its recommended spread rate; and not to thin the paint with additional liquid because this reduces the solids content and can compromise quality and performance. 

So, when tackling your next exterior paint project, follow these steps and you’ll achieve that long-lasting and attractive paint job you planned.

Dusty purple, deep blue, bronze metallics and rosy red

Large, dramatic geometric patterns incorporating metallic finishes

Click here for the Spanish 2008 Color Trends Press Release Color Trends 2008 Individual Flavors Influence Paint Color Trends SPRING HOUSE, Pa., August 13, 2007 – Fashion runways have long been the inspirational source for home furnishings and decorating color choices. Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute shares 2008 trendy paint palettes. “Consumers’ increasing color confidence and personal style makes any color fashionable for 2008”, Zimmer says. “From glass-like blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences or an increasing awareness of important environmental causes.” Zimmer’s Top Three Color Palette Choices for 2008: “Go Green” “ Green may just become the newest “neutral” color.” Used as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness and social responsibility, green will be representative of the growing environmental movement. Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Sandy tan and adobe brown can be intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel. While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces. “Sophisticated Elegance” Gaining popularity in 2008, black and white paint hues will enhance opulent living spaces filled with accessories, lighting, mirrors and rich fabrics. Silver metallics and high sheen finishes along with rich textures benefit from the sophistication of this striking palette. Zimmer suggests, “For an unexpected color punch, add cause related hues such as dramatic red or maintain the room’s classic undertones with subtle pink or taupe.” Dramatic and sophisticated, black and white is becoming the backdrop of choice for glamorous spaces. Master bedroom suites and living rooms are two of the spaces that can benefit from sophisticated elegance.   “Crewel Colors” Many consumers continue to strive for simplicity in their technology-driven overloaded lifestyles and seek a return to a gentler way of life. The crewel color palette reflects consumers returning interest in crafts, home cooking and family focused activities. Like a rich and color filled needlepoint pattern, these hues add a soulful and personalized feel to any space. “Handcrafted items create a sense of stability and security and these warm, creamy rich colors will do the same in your space,” says Zimmer. Rich cranberry reds, warm browns, along with pumpkin orange help to create a nurturing and caring environment. Mix in deep-toned blue and the tapestry is complete. Crewel colors remain an excellent choice for kitchen or dining areas and can be warming, like a knitted afghan, in family spaces. “No matter which paint hue or palette attracts your individual attention, consumers continue to have an increased appreciation for paint quality and value. After all it’s a personal choice for a personal space—your home,” Zimmer says. Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release. Click here to listen to the Color Trends 2008 Podcast All Decked Out! Help Extend the Life of Your Deck with Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute SPRING HOUSE, Pa., May 22, 2007 –“As the summer season approaches, decks are the living and entertaining space of choice for many homeowners. However, before homeowners pull out that table and umbrella, they should consider re-energizing this space with a fresh coat of paint or stain,” Debbie Zimmer, color and paint expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says. “Not only will this step enhance this often-used exterior “room”, but it can also protect the actual wood surface allowing the deck last longer.” “While browns and grey continue to be favorite color selections when painting or staining a deck, homeowners are increasingly choosing combinations that suit their home or decorating style. If you’re not quite ready to add multiple hues to the entire space, add a punch of color by incorporating complementary colors onto planter boxes, built-in benches or even deck trellises,” Zimmer advises. Remember, when it comes to painting your deck, you have plenty of options to harmonize or complement your outdoor surroundings. 1. A coat of semi-transparent stain can be a great way to spruce up a wooden deck. It lets you add some color to the wood without hiding its grain or texture.   2. If viewing the wood grain is not a high priority, an opaque deck stain can be a better choice. These products, which can be oil based or latex, are more like paints in their pigmentation and so typically hold up longer than a semi transparent stain.   3. Of course, if you don’t want to show either the grain or the texture of the wood, a quality porch and deck paint or enamel may be the way to go. It will last longer than any type of stain although you may need to use a primer for best results. Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release. Spring into Exterior Painting Four Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute SPRING HOUSE, Pa., March 27, 2007 – With warm weather just around the corner, soon it will be time to begin those home exterior painting projects. “Whether you’re contemplating a whole house re-do or a simple front door color change, spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home,” offers Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI). To get picture-perfect, long-lasting results, Zimmer shares these four basic rules for a successful and attractive exterior paint job. 1. Prepare the surface properly Anyone who has ever painted knows that there is a natural tendency to start applying paint as quickly as possible. But even the best quality paints can fail if they are applied to a dirty or unsound surface. Before beginning to paint, make sure the surface is clean and free of chalk and dirt. Use soap and water with a scrub brush, then rinse or, consider using a power washer, when may be rented or purchased. Treat any mildew on the surface with a 1:3 ratio mixture of household bleach and water. Apply the mixture and allow it to remain on the surface of 20 minutes. Be sure to wear eye protection. Remove any loose, flaking or peeling paint by scraping, sanding or wire brushing. Feather back rough paint edges by sanding. If you are repainting a glossy surface, be sure to sand it so that the new paint will adhere better. And, spot prime any bare wood. Finally, brush off any dust or particles left from the sanding and scraping prior to painting. 2. Buy top quality acrylic latex paint To get a durable paint job, be sure to purchase the highest quality paint. A top quality acrylic latex paint is an excellent choice for most exterior applications. These paints have superior adhesion, and will maintain a tight grip on a properly prepared surface. This helps prevent premature paint failures like blistering, flaking and peeling. Another plus with top quality acrylic latex paint is its flexibility, which enables it to expand and contract with the surface below when temperatures rise of fall dramatically. This adds to the life of the paint job. 3. Use the right tools and brushes To get the best results from your top quality paint purchase apply it with good quality brushes, rollers and other applications equipment. They’ll make the work more effortless and help you apply a thicker, more uniform coat of paint for a better-looking, longer lasting paint job. With brushes and rollers, be sure that you have the right type of applicator for the paint you are applying. Use synthetic-bristle brushes that are tightly packed and well-balanced and synthetic-nap rollers for latex paints. 4. Paint in the right weather conditions Weather conditions play an important role in both paint application as well as the long-term performance. Choose the right type of day to do your exterior painting. It’s best to paint when the weather is mild but not to hot and when there is little or no wind. It’s also best to avoid painting in direct sunshine, since the surface of your house can be 10 or even 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature, which can cause the paint to dry too quickly. By painting in moderate weather, you’ll get the best performance from your paint and your effort. By following these four simple steps, you’ll get a long-lasting and attractive finish and add value and protection to your home,” Zimmer says. Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release. A Fresh Coat of Paint Can Help Sell Your Home Four Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute Spring House, PA February 8, 2007 – “If you are contemplating selling your home, consider sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint before putting up the “For Sale” sign, Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains. “This relatively inexpensive investment can enhance your home’s curb appeal to prospective buyers.” An attractive quality paint job imparts the kind of well-maintained appearance to a home that gives it a distinct selling advantage. As a result, when selling your home, repainting is really more like an investment than an expense. Whether you choose to hire a paint contractor, or do it yourself it is crucial to use a high quality paint. Zimmer offers these tips to help prepare your home for sale. • Use a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint A recently applied, high quality acrylic latex paint can last 10 years or more and translates into many years of freedom from maintenance for prospective buyers. • Be conservative when selecting an exterior color White and neutral colors are often the safest choices, since they will appeal to the greatest number of prospective buyers. When painting for a potential sale, it is often not the time to have the most striking paint scheme in the neighborhood. • Include quality surface preparation in the work Properly preparing the surface for painting will produce the best appearance, and add to the life-expectancy of the paint job. • Finish painting before putting the home on the market A completed and attractive paint job will assist with that critical first impression as potential buyers consider and view your home. So, if you are thinking about selling your home, don’t throw away your paint brush. Picking it up may be the best thing you can do. Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.   Color Trends 2007 Home Hues that Comfort and Excite Listen to the Color Trends Podcast Spring House, PA November 20, 2006 – From spicy color combinations to hues that warm the soul, 2007 color trends contain palettes that work independently as a “statement color” or as a subtle backdrop where home furnishings and accessories take center stage. “ Many of these palettes will find a home in rooms from coast to coast,” Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute and member of the prestigious Color Marketing Group, an international organization that helps shape the latest color trends said. “What I enjoy most about our palette grouping this year is the homey and nature-like quality afforded by each.” Read more trend summary highlights about color hues appropriate for all areas of the home or living space. Comfort Colors Biscuit and wheat neutrals, cocoa brown, pumpkin orange and cinnamon apple pie, are just a few of the comfort colors that will wrap your room with warmth and promote a stress-free space. The comfort color palette is an especially good choice for kitchens and family rooms.   Back to Nature Yellows and blues, leaf-like greens, along with organic browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent color, add rust or copper-like metallics into the scheme. Bedrooms and bathrooms are perfect places to incorporate the back to nature hues or in rooms where an accent wall is employed.   Stark Contrast From clean, clear reds and deep plums to the sophistication of black and white, this color group works both as an accent and as an elegant backdrop for many living spaces. Polished brass metallics complement this scheme. Dining, living rooms and especially powder rooms will benefit from this bold and spicy palette.   Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.   BACK TO TOP   Frame Your World Glossy Accents Redefine Your Home Spring House, PA November 9, 2006 – Today’s hot decorating trends include lots of glimmer and glamour as texture and sheen continue to make their way into many popular home accessories as beautifully framed artwork and prints,” according to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI). “And just like your artwork, your living space is no different,” Debbie Zimmer, Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI) color and decorating expert, offers. “Crown moldings, chair rails and other specialty trim provide the framework around your wall space and allow for a visual break as you move from room to room. By applying semi-gloss or glossy paint to these features, you can differentiate one space from another and add that spark of sophistication or glamour by simply varying the paint sheen levels,” ” Zimmer continues A homeowner’s time may be limited so a quick room update can be accomplished by adding color and shine to no more than the trim and doors. Highlight these areas with semi-gloss or gloss paint in a complementary hue to the wall color. Today’s glossy finishes are not only attractive they also provide long-lasting durability especially in high traffic and often used areas. For example, when high sheen paint is applied to doors and trim, handprints and smudge marks are easy to wipe clean. When used on ceilings or crown moldings, gloss finishes provide a reflective surface that enhances lighting. And, your windows and interior doors will have a new view just by painting the surrounding trim with a complementary color and gloss level. Any room can be quickly updated and refreshed by merely changing the paint sheen. Help your walls become a centerpiece by allowing baseboards, crown moldings and other trim work to provide the glossy frame that redefines your home.   Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release. BACK TO TOP Get Your Home Ready to Shine and Sparkle Paint Color and Decorating Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Season Spring House, PA October 4, 2006 – Crisp nights and shorter days are signals of the approaching holiday season. In preparation for seasonal entertaining, now is a great time to freshen up your living space with simple and easy painting ideas. Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, offers suggestions on how to create a festive atmosphere to each room of your home. Add a glossy frame With busy holiday schedules, a homeowner’s time may be limited. A quick room update can be accomplished by adding color and shine to trim work and doors. Highlight these areas with semi-gloss or gloss paint in a complementary hue to the wall color. Glossy finishes add sparkle and interest and assist in differentiating one space from another. They also provide the added benefit of durability and long-lasting wear especially in busy family gathering spaces. Artwork is always improved with the addition of a beautiful frame and your wall space is no different. Allow baseboards, crown moldings and other trim work to provide the “frame” around your room. Take a color cue from holiday gift bags Incorporating several colors into a space is often a stumbling block for many do-it-yourselfers. By simply perusing the gift bag aisle, you’ll find exciting and unusual combinations that are often easily transferable to your space. This tip works especially well when contemplating hues for tweens and teens. Look up and celebrate your ceilings This holiday season let your ceilings and chandeliers sparkle. Add shine and sophistication to dining spaces by painting these often bland areas with a high sheen product. If you are not quite ready to change your entire ceiling add a stencil pattern in a glossy hue for a touch of high style. Texture, texture, texture Take a cue from this season’s fashion runway and integrate texture into your space for added interest and appeal. “When working with a monochromatic or single color scheme, wall texture will provide depth and warmth”, states Zimmer. The addition of bead board, paintable wall coverings or glazing over an already painted surface will provide subtle interest and a three dimensional appearance.     Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release. BACK TO TOP

Fall, a Prime Time for Exterior Painting! Primer and Sealer Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

SPRING HOUSE, PA, September 5, 2006 – Fall’s sun-filled days and clear, cool nights set the stage for great outdoor painting conditions. But before you brush on that first coat of paint, review these tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. “Primers and sealers help to improve the appearance, performance and longevity of a finished paint job, however, the necessity of using either a primer or sealer varies from job to job and surface to surface,” offers PQI’s spokesperson Debbie Zimmer.

“Primers perform several valuable functions”, states Zimmer. “They help the topcoat adhere better to the surface that’s being painted. They do this by making the surface more uniform and accepting for the top coat, so that when the paint is applied, it can get a better “grip” than it would on a bare surface.” In addition, primers help give the finished paint job a more uniform appearance in terms of color and sheen, thereby making it more attractive. This is especially true when the surface being painted is porous or uneven. Finally, some primers help prevent stains from coming through the paint from the surface below.

While primers are generally pigmented, sealers are not. The role of a sealer is to seal a porous surface like weathered concrete or stucco so that a finish coat can develop a uniform sheen or gloss. Sealers also help protect the finish coat on masonry from efflorescence which is a white, salt-like residue and to help seal out moisture.”

No matter what your painting project this fall might be, remember to use a primer or sealer in these circumstances:

1. Painting new wood or any other surface that has never been painted before.
2. Repainting a surface that is uneven or badly deteriorated.
3. Repainting a surface that has been stripped or is worn down to the original surface material.

“Just like paints, primers and sealers perform best when the surface is properly prepared. Regardless of the application, the surface to be primed or sealed should always be clean and free of dirt, loose or flaking paint and other contaminants before the primer or sealer is applied,” Zimmer advises.

Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.

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Turn Your Home into a Prettiest Painted Place!

SPRING HOUSE, PA, July 13, 2006 – Hoping to change the look of your living spaces? It’s easy to do with just a simple change of paint color and decorative painting techniques. Just take a cue from the winners of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institutes recent competition, The Prettiest Painted Rooms in America.

This national competition invited designers and decorators to showcase their best use of paint color and pattern within an interior living space.

“Every entry truly celebrated the possibilities that paint color provides to a space,” Debbie Zimmer, PQI paint color expert and a judge for the contest said. “From grand entryways to soothing bedrooms, paint color was an integral part of the design mix.”

Try the following painting ideas entered by contestants of The Prettiest Painted Rooms in America:

	1. Plain walls receive an instant lift through the addition of varying directions of beadboard and wainscoting. This media room provides a tranquil and inviting atmosphere with cool paint shades of turquoise and subtle green.
	2. A hand painted mural sets the tone for gracious living in this two story entrance. While hand painting a mural may not be for everyone, the use of easy-to-do stencils can replicate wall coverings or a favorite scene
	3. A tone-on-tone strie technique provides this room with an every changing appearance. The walls of this living room where first painted with a cantaloupe colored paint. A slightly deeper hued glaze coat was then applied and, working from top to bottom, a clean, dry brush was “dragged” through the colored glaze.
	4. A young boy’s bedroom receives a real color punch by incorporating bold paint stripes. The lampshade provided the inspiration for both color and pattern. Use painters tape and a level to achieve this striking effect at home.
	5. This soulful space is a wonderful place to relax at the end of a busy day. Painted in the palest blue and punctuated with chocolate brown furnishings, this bedroom color combination is easy to duplicate in any home.

“Whether you are decorating one room or hoping to reinvent your entire interior space, the addition of color via beautifully painted walls, ceilings and trim is both inexpensive and simple to complete,” Zimmer said.

Remember, whatever look you hope to achieve, use a top quality interior paint for the best long-term appearance and performance. For regular painting tips and color trend information, sign up for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute do-it-yourself newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com.

Editor’s note: Click here for hi-res downloadable images that accompany the release.

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PAINT COLOR AND DESIGN BASICS - INEXPENSIVE TIPS TO ENHANCE HOME INTERIORS SPRING HOUSE, PA, June 20, 2006 – The easiest way to update a home’s interior, when working within a tight budget, is to apply a fresh coat of paint. “Paint color, sheen, pattern and texture can be combined to create a number of interesting and individual looks for the home,” Debbie Zimmer, paint color and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute said. “Color is often the first consideration when redecorating but to successfully create today’s contemporary looks it’s helpful to have some understanding of basic design principles and the role of paint within a space.” Five tips to consider before beginning any room decoration or renovation project: Monochromatic color schemes are generally easy to create and impart a sophisticated feel within a space. A monochromatic palette consists of different tints or shades of the same color. Contrast can be a powerful element. Often, when two contrasting colors are used, one appears warm and the other cool. Contrasting colors do not have to be bold; they can be soft and subtle. Take your cue from the room--bold in the living or family room and a softer contrast in the bedroom. Color can visually change the perception of a room’s size. Light, cool colors can make the space appear larger while darker, warm colors often make it seem smaller and more intimate. Pattern can also affect the way a space is perceived. For example, a room can be heightened by painting vertical stripes on the walls. Texture is an important element of design that can add interest and style in any room. Use decorative techniques such as sheen striping or stippling which provides a variegated appearance and gives depth to the surface. Remember, whatever look you hope to achieve, use a top quality interior paint for the best long-term appearance and performance. For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute do-it-yourself newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com . Editor’s note: Visit http://www.paintquality.com/press/june2006_images.html for downloadable images that accompany the release. BACK TO TOP ROHM AND HAAS PAINT QUALITY INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS “PRETTIEST PAINTED ROOMS IN AMERICA” COMPETITION

One Grand Prize Winner and Four Runners-up Selected; Designers Nationwide Participate SPRING HOUSE, Pa., June 7, 2006 – The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI), the educational arm of the global specialty materials company Rohm and Haas, announces the winners of its “Prettiest Painted Rooms in America” competition. The panel of judges selected Penny Drue Baird, a New York City-based interior designer, as the Grand Prize winner, along with four Runners-up. The competition invited professional designers to submit images of work they had completed within the last three years. Entries were judged on the creativity employed in the use of paint and color and the overall design of the room. The competition ran from February 9 to May 1, 2006. “ It was an honor to be selected especially by such an illustrious panel of judges,” said Baird. “I think most people underestimate the value of paint. It’s important to show the public the great variety of things you can do with paint and how it helps to show rooms to their best advantage.” The Winning Entries Penny Drue Baird, (Grand Prize winner), designed a media room that originally consisted of plain white walls. Her painting techniques and variety of color enhanced the total design of the room and was unanimously chosen by the judges. Baird used wainscoting and beadboard applied in varying directions and painted them in shades of turquoise and pale green. This created a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Baird divides her time between New York City and Paris. Her work has appeared in leading magazines and show houses and she has been quoted in more than 100 publications in the United States and abroad. She has a Ph.D in psychology and is the mother of four boys and two stepsons. Grady Cooley, (Runner-up), painted a botanical theme on the walls of a spec house to replicate an 18th century wallcovering. He has clients in the United States and Europe, worked in the fashion industry before entering the world of interior design and has designed a number of the hottest restaurants in Southern California. Cooley divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles. Justine Cushing, (Runner-up), painted the walls of her own small Manhattan apartment with a cantaloupe strié glaze that changes character with the changing light throughout the day. Her work has appeared in Vogue, House & Garden and House Beautiful and she studied at the Foxcroft School in Middlebury, Va., and Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Mass. Karen Harris, (Runner-up), created a room for a seven-year-old boy with an abstract rainbow theme. Harris, an Allied Member, ASID, is president of eff.ess Studios, LLC, a firm specializing in residential and interior product design, presently based in Akron, Ohio. She has a B.S. in architecture from the University of Virginia. Keita L. Turner, (Runner-up), designed her award-winning room for the Fall 2005 ESSENCE Showhouse in Harlem. It featured soothing blue punctuated by rich chocolates and vibrant fuchsias. Turner is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her work has been showcased in print, film, TV and in the African American Design Archive at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with PQI and a competition judges said, “This competition has attracted talented designers from across the country. The numerous submissions showcased a diverse range of work that was fascinating to see. Choosing the winners was a challenging process for the judges who were amazed to see such a variety of submissions.” Click here to view all winning photos. The prestigious panel of judges included the following: • Scott Agelloff, Dean of the New York School of Interior Design • Mario Buatta, legendary designer known as “The Prince of Chintz” • Clodagh, internationally renowned designer, a proponent of green design • Elaine Griffin, designer and contributor to O at Home • Louis Gropp, former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, House & Garden and Elle Décor magazines • Michael Payne, interior designer and host of HGTV’s “Designing for the Sexes” • Debbie Zimmer, PQI decorating and color expert The Grand Prize winner has a choice of either a “Deluxe New York City Weekend for Two” or a “South Beach Extravaganza for Two.” Runners-up receive a Howard Miller clock. Editor’s note: Visit http://www.paintquality.com/pressroom/ppra/winning_photos.html for downloadable images that accompany the release. BACK TO TOP

Dress Your Outdoor Living Space with Fashionable Paint Hues

Spring House, PA, May 2, 2006 – Paint color selection is often a prime consideration when painting the exterior of a home. Dressing outdoor havens with hues that complement a homes exterior color palette can add flair to upcoming outdoor celebrations including neighborhood barbeques, family gatherings and graduations right around the corner. “With outdoor living spaces gaining in popularity, many homeowners are incorporating color on decks, patios, and outdoor furniture as well,” Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, explains. “Given today’s vast selection of hues, there’s no reason these entertaining areas can’t be a showstopper.” Zimmer offers the following easy and quick ideas to add outdoor style and color: • Paint wooden furniture with vibrant hues such as bright yellow, sky blue or candy apple red. • Give garden and deck planters a facelift by painting them a bold or contrasting color. Try the unexpected when contemplating a deck color scheme. The simple incorporation of two-tone railings and multiple colored deck benches can revitalize that exterior living space. • For added inspiration, “borrow” colors that appear in nature or take a cue from contemporary patio furniture and colorful umbrellas.               Today’s outdoor spaces are often viewed as an extension of the homes interior and are designed to be inviting, relaxing and personal. By incorporating a dash of color, these exterior rooms will be a favorite gathering spot, long after the sun goes down. For regular painting tips and color trend information, sign up for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com. Editor’s note: Visit http://www.paintquality.com/press/april2006_images.htm for downloadable images that accompany the release. BACK TO TOP

Spring into Exterior Painting! Add sparkle with a new coat of paint!

Spring House, PA, March 24, 2006 – As warmer weather arrives in many parts of the country, homeowners are beginning to take stock of their exterior painting needs. “Paint serves two important purposes: To help protect your home’s exterior surface and to decorate or personalize your outdoor spaces,” Debbie Zimmer says, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, “and Spring is the perfect time to begin this process of protection and decoration.” Zimmer offers simple suggestions for an attractive and long-lasting paint job whether the paint project involves a whole house repaint or a simple front door color change. The Paint Job • Make sure the surface is clean and sound before you begin painting. Even the best quality paints will fail if they are applied to a poorly prepared surface. • Always use the right tools and brushes. Good quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly. • Weather plays an important role during exterior painting so plan to paint when the temperature is between 60° and 85° F, and when there is little or no wind.

Choosing an Exterior Paint Color “Many people choose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house, but choosing a new color scheme can be fun and exciting – and can give your home a fresh and updated look,” Zimmer says • To lessen the anxiety and uncertainty of choosing a new paint color, start by considering the architectural style of your home. Some styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four- and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to two or three colors. Usually this includes a main body color, and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors. • In addition, take into account fixed colors. Consider the colors on and near the house that will not be painted such as, roofs, wood, masonry, or stone. • Consider the surroundings. Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door. • Finally, choose a quality paint that is designed for the job you’re doing. Using a lower quality paint just to save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you used a top quality product. By following these simple painting tips and suggestions, your home will sparkle this spring. For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com . Editor’s note: Visit http://www.paintquality.com/press/march2006_images.htm for downloadable images that accompany the release. BACK TO TOP

Get Ready For Spring Exterior Painting
Five Simple Tips for Hiring a Professional Painter

Spring House, PA, February 21 – Thinking of hiring a professional painter to spruce up your home’s exterior?

“Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to begin selecting a reputable contractor who will perform a quality exterior paint job”, states Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

One of the best ways to find a reliable contractor is to check with friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you have a few contractor candidates in mind, Zimmer offers the following steps to assist with choosing the right professional for your painting project.

	1. Personally meet each contractor and obtain written estimates from at least three painting professionals based on the specified work to be completed. In addition, check references and verify their insurance coverage.
	2. Specify the work and proposed painting process. To make a fair comparison, make sure each contractor submits a written bid based on the same materials, surface preparation, number of coats of primer and paint, and each type of surface that will be painted. Make sure these quotes include when the work will start and expected completion date as well as the crew size. Inquire about how your planting and landscaping materials will be protected during the project.
	3. Warranty protection. Reliable contractors will back up their work. Discuss the warranty in detail; does it cover both labor and materials? How long is the warranty and what is the procedure to resolve problems? These are important questions that should be addressed prior to the start of the project and included in the written bid.
	4. Presentation and responsiveness. Is the contractor responsive, punctual and businesslike when returning phone calls or arriving for an appointment? Is the submitted estimate complete showing the breakdown of material and labor costs as well as payment terms?
	5. Paint quality. Will the contractor select and use premier quality paint? A quality acrylic latex paint may cost more initially, but will save money in the long run because of its long lasting durability.

For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .

Editor’s note: Visit http://www.paintquality.com/press/feb2006_images.htm for downloadable images that accompany release.

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THE ROHM AND HAAS PAINT QUALITY INSTITUTESM LAUNCHES “PRETTIEST PAINTED ROOMS IN AMERICA” COMPETITION Nationwide Competition for Design Professionals; Top-Drawer Panel of Judges and Prizes SPRING HOUSE, Pa., Feb. 9, 2006 – The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institutesm proudly announced the launch of its “Prettiest Painted Rooms in America” competition open to interior designers and decorators nationwide. This follows the institute’s highly successful “Prettiest Painted Places in America” competitions. Professional designers are invited to submit images of work they have completed within the last three years by May 1, 2006. Entries will be judged on the creativity employed in the use of paint and color and the overall design of the room. The quality of the photos submitted will also be influential. There will be one grand-prize winner and four runner-up prizes will also be awarded. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI) is an educational arm of Rohm and Haas, a global specialty materials company with annual sales revenue of approximately US$8 billion. Rohm and Haas formed PQI in 1989 with a charter of independence and objectivity and the goal of educating consumers, contractors and retailers on the advantages of using the highest quality paints. Today, headquartered in Spring House, Pa., and with testing facilities in 14 countries worldwide, PQI also delivers information on cutting-edge trends such as color, decorative techniques and innovative new ways to use paint through many mediums, including its Web site, www.paintquality.com. Says Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institutesm, “This competition will serve as a terrific forum for industry professionals to showcase their work and compete on the ‘paint and decorating playing field,’ so to speak. This is a first-rate competition that will garner entrants nationwide. It is going to be a truly exciting event.” Competition winners will be chosen by a prestigious panel of judges that include the following members: • Scott Ageloff, Dean of the New York School of Interior Design • Mario Buatta, legendary designer • Clodagh, internationally renowned designer • Elaine Griffin, designer and contributor to O at Home • Louis Gropp, former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, House & Garden and Elle Décor magazines • Michael Payne, interior designer and host of HGTV’s “Designing for the Sexes” • Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institutesm All winning entries will be posted on the Paint Quality Institute Web site and published in the Paint Quality Institute DIY Newsletter. The grand-prize winner will choose from the following prizes: • Deluxe New York City Weekend for Two, including airfare, stay at the world-famous Waldorf=Astoria, dinner at Asiate in the Mandarin Oriental, New York, lunch at Tavern on the Green, Broadway tickets and a meeting with a top New York City designer. or • South Beach Extravaganza for Two, including airfare, stay at The Bentley Beach Hotel, a deluxe spa treatment, dinner at Prime One Twelve, a $1,000 Bal Harbour Shops Gift Card and a tour of the Miami Design District. Runners-up will receive a Howard Miller clock valued at $1,400. Entry forms are available by visiting www.paintquality.com , calling 212-308-8880, ext. 116, or e-mailing prettiestpaintedrooms@lhammond.com. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institutesm, based in Spring House, Pa., was formed by the Rohm and Haas Company, a worldwide producer of specialty materials, in 1989 with a charter of independence and objectivity to educate consumers on the advantages of using high quality paint, as well as to inspire them with information on innovative ways to use paint and decorating and color trends. Please be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute Web site at www.paintquality.com. CONTACT: Heather Battaglia / Susan Zevon LOU HAMMOND & ASSOCIATES 212-891-0218 / 0230 heatherl@lhammond.com Visit: www.louhammond.com

Download Competition Logo Press Contacts: Heather Battaglia / Susan Zevon LOU HAMMOND & ASSOCIATES 212-891-0218 / 0230 heatherl@lhammond.com

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Color Psychology - The Impact of Paint Color In Your Living Space

Spring House, January 19, 2006 – The words "paint" and "personality" aren't often used together, but they certainly could be. “Studies show that paint and room color can have an effect on the body and mind”, states Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. “By understanding the impact of color, consumers can better incorporate the hues that help create the desired living space mood and setting that best suits their family and personal lifestyle.”

When repainting a room, here are some simple guidelines you should know about the hues you might use:

	• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.
	• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.
	• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.
	• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.
	• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.
	• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.

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COLOR TRENDS 2006 - Style for your Walls!

Spring House, PA December 5, 2005 – Fashion may be fickle, but it has nothing on the ever-changing world of home décor.  “While many of last year’s color trends are still enjoying popularity, homeowners are already interested in the latest paint color palettes, and new ways to use them,” states Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Exotic Enhancements
“Perhaps the most talked about trend for 2006 is the use of travel-inspired colors to decorate the home”, offers Zimmer.  “Some consumers are starting to suffer from “bright-  color fatigue,” and now favor richer, deeper hues that evoke thoughts of far-off destinations.”  This palette takes inspiration from the rich jewel-tones of Oriental rugs, or the vivid sights of a Moroccan market.  Key colors include rich red-purples, deep browns and dark yellows, as well as ebony and ivory accents.  This dramatic trend works especially well in family or dining rooms, and adds a feeling of warmth and excitement.



Skintone Neutrals
The exotic color trend finds its balance in another palette, Skin tone Neutrals, which includes a wide spectrum of flesh-toned hues.Zimmer adds, “These latest neutrals take their inspiration from the cosmetics counter in both color and purpose.”  Just as a powder or liquid cosmetic can be used to enhance the skin, or serve as a backdrop for brighter colors, so, too, do the new skin tone paint colors.

Applied on their own, these hues appear particularly fresh when used in an open floor plan.
 
But they also serve as an ideal backdrop for any room where a bolder accent wall is employed.

Mineral, Spirits!
For a consumer who would like to add color to his or her home, but isn’t quite ready for the vivid hues of the Exotic Enhancementspalette, then Mineral, Spirits! hues may be the best choice.  Drawing inspiration from lush forest landscapes, these earth tones have more “pop” and are a bit brighter than in previous years.

Dusty shades of blue and lavender, as well as rosy browns, echo colors found in nature. Because of their softness, and their welcoming appearance, they are especially good choices for use in the kitchen and bath.

Soulful Serenity
While the spa-inspired trend of 2005 continues to be a hit with homeowners looking to create relaxing retreats in their own homes, the color schemes are now moving beyondthe traditional blue and white.  Zimmer adds the following suggestion, “For those who would like to try something new for their bedroom or bathroom sanctuary, consider using true pastels, such as soft pink, pale yellow and misty lavender.  These tints offer a fresh twist on the spa concept, while still encouraging a relaxing atmosphere.”  And since the Serenity color schemes are more diverse, they can even be expanded into family or sitting rooms.

Also on the Horizon …
2006 paint trends extend beyond colors and hues.  Zimmer forecasts a growing interest in incorporating texture into an interior paint job.  “This trend can take many forms, through textured paints and 3-D appliqués, or in more complex ways such as raised techniques using bas-reliefs.”

Another trend is rethinking the ceiling as a canvas for color and decorating inspiration. This fifth wall is no longer just the domain for flat white paint.

Today’s savvy homeowners are bringing them to life with color, decorative techniques and imaginative color schemes.

Finally, the use of higher sheen paints in unconventional areas, such as ceilings and walls, and the incorporation of metallic paint accents to add an unexpected bit of gleam to a room will continue to be popular with those homeowners looking to personalize and enhance their living space.  “Paint color is a homeowner’s best decorating tool.”  You can change the appearance, the perception of size and even the emotional temperature, through the simple inclusion of exciting palettes and quality paint,” concludes Zimmer.

Editor’s note: Visit http://www.paintquality.com/press/trends2006_images.htm for downloadable images that accompany release.

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Fashionable Fall Paint Colors

Spring House, PA October 5, 2005 – Fall is a great time to incorporate new paint color into your home. Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to change the mood and ambience of any living space.

“As cooler weather arrives, through the simple use of paint, homeowners can warm up their living space with fall's most popular and high impact hues,” according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert from Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. “Whether you favor traditional styling or lean more towards contemporary furnishings, fall’s deeper and bolder paint palette can help set the tone for a warm and seasonal home. The season’s fashionable fall colors include those that reflect the changing autumn scenery,” explains Zimmer.

Fall’s Natural Color Palette

Browns From taupe to deep chocolate, browns are a terrific choice to cozy up a space. Brown not only provides richness to a room, but is a perfect contemporary backdrop when mixed with aqua blue or purple. For another dramatic room treatment, try brown on a ceiling, mixed with neutral side walls. When choosing brown, think hot chocolate, rich coffee beans or a favorite tweed jacket.
Purples Purple has long been considered a fickle color; in one season and out the next. Today’s purple palette is regal and can provide drama within a living space. Not quite ready for an entire purple room? Use purple on one wall or within a niche area for high impact color and excitement. Combine purple with earthy green for a harmonious blend with the outside environment.
Oranges Orange continues to grow in popularity and has changed its personality over time. No longer bright and playful, this season’s orange is more organic in tone and depth. Pumpkin and ginger hues offer a solid setting when teamed with metallics, black accents or trim.
Reds No season is complete without brilliant reds! Cranberry, crimson and claret are wonderful festive hues which provide punch to dining rooms, kitchens and foyers. Coupled with gold or mustard, this harmonious combination provides excitement and flair for both fall and the upcoming holiday season.

For additional information on paint, painting, and color selection, visit our How to Paint section on our website www.paintquality.com – where a great paint job begins!

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FIVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR
INCORPORATING PAINT AND COLOR IN YOUR HOME

PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA, August 22, 2005 – The quickly approaching school year is an exciting time for students, whether it’s a youngster entering kindergarten or a teen nearing graduation. According to Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, incorporating these simple painting tips can both save time and help bring school day activities into the home.

Zimmer states, “To help the shift from laid-back summer days to the school years busy pace, utilize the following paint decorating tips to help add excitement and organization to your student’s back-to-school transition.”

1.	Add Color to Your Heavy Traffic Area: Paint the walls in the area of your home that serves as storage for school bags, back packs, musical instruments or sports equipment. Use a satin or semi-gloss high quality paint for maximum durability.
2.	Add Pizzazz to Your School Communication Space: Colorful painted baskets are a great way to keep track of papers, homework assignments or other materials that come from school. Let the children chose their favorite colors.
3.	Rethink That Study Spot: By simply repainting the furniture or changing the wall color, your student may actually spend more time in his or her personalized study space.
4.	Show Your School Spirit: Need a new color idea for your tween or teen bedroom? Why not incorporate their school colors into the decorating scheme! Simply paint the walls with their school hues and stencil the mascot name in a prominent area.
5.	Create an Art Wall: The refrigerator shouldn’t be the only space to hang artwork that arrives home from class! Select a hallway or room wall to showcase those special paintings, drawings or other projects that your student completes. Paint your “museum” wall a light color and add several color blocked areas which will act as the framework for your artist.

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Turn Your Home into a Vacation Memory with the Simple Use of Paint and Color

Spring House, Pa, July 13, 2005 – Just returned from a favorite vacation spot with colorful memories and dreams of your next holiday? According to Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute you can re-create that carefree and relaxed atmosphere within your full-time living space. “Whether you had a calypso beach getaway or spent time in a mountain resort, through the simple use of paint you can continue that vacation feel long after the trip is complete,” states Zimmer. “While vacation and second home purchases are increasing at record pace, you can make your primary home feel like a year-round vacation spot.”

By changing the paint color you can begin to transform any room in your home, whether a bedroom retreat or a bustling family room, into a vacation memory. By simply incorporating hues representative of your favorite getaway spot into your homes living spaces, you can extend your vacation from a week or two to all year long!

Zimmer offers the following suggestions. “Integrate clear blues, light pinks, sandy tans and pale yellows into a bathroom, bedroom or foyer area, colors reminiscent of a seashore holiday. Or, paint family or living room walls the deep hues often found in a mountain retreat such as rich raisin, deep plum or chocolate brown. Place your favorite photos, seashells or other collectables into the space to highlight and continue your vacation theme.”

In addition to the hue ideas, for more fun, why not:

1.	Pick a colorful beach towel or surf board design as your inspiration for a wall mural in a child’s bedroom or playroom, either directly over the bed or on a feature wall.
2.	Use stencils to create a border of seashells and seahorses in a bath to reinforce your beach theme.
3.	Create a sailboat-like retreat by incorporating soothing white and crisp blue hues in your bedroom.
4.	Pick a deep-tone paint hue for one wall within your den, living or family room and decorate with pictures from your mountain vacation.

And remember, if you decide to take a vacation next year to a different venue, it may provide another opportunity to bring that location home, simply through paint and color.

For additional information on paint, painting, and color selection, visit our How to Paint section on our website www.paintquality.com, where a great paint job begins!

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JUNE 05

Paint, Tools, Techniques Oh My! - Helpful Tips for First-Time Painters from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

Spring House, Pa, June 8, 2005 – First-time do-it-yourself painters need not fear because with the right combination of top quality paint, appropriate paint tools, and simple ‘how to’ guidance they can achieve professional results.

“ Visit any paint store or home center on a Saturday afternoon and you’re likely to see people huddled around the color displays,” according to Deborah Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Painting a living space to enhance the aesthetics or highlight a certain architectural feature no longer has to intimidate the novice painter. Follow these helpful tips:

Choosing color
• Take color cards home to view them in the space that will be painted. When possible get actual samples and paint a few small test areas in the space to evaluate the ‘true shade’ and to see how varying degrees of light and darkness affect the color.
• Choose a lighter color, rather than a darker one because colors tend to intensify when applied to a large area.

Gloss Factor
• Paints come in a variety of sheen or gloss levels ranging from “high gloss” (the shiniest) to “flat” (virtually no shine). Those with higher gloss reflect more light, so they can make a room look brighter while higher gloss paints also tend to highlight surface imperfections.

Paint Brushes
• Purchase good quality brushes and rollers that apply paint more smoothly and evenly because the right tools and brushes can make or break a paint job.

Applying Paint
• Applying paint to interior walls by “framing” the outside edges by applying the paint with a brush, then filling in the center with your roller. An effective way to do this is to roll on the paint in a large “W” or “M” pattern, following by filling it in, and working in various directions.

Remember the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute recommends that persons buy top quality paints that provide superior adhesion, offer better stain resistance, and resist yellowing for a professional finish that lasts for a longer period of time.

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APRIL 2005

Eight Spring Tips to Help Liven-up the Exterior of Your Home Using Color
Courtesy of the Rohm and Haas Company Paint Quality Institute

Spring House, Pa, April 20, 2005 - After a long cold winter, many homeowners are thinking about the exterior appearance of their homes. Decks, doors, and siding may benefit from a fresh coat of paint for an updated look and to protect the surface. A bold use of color can enhance and improve a home’s overall curb appeal.

“Paint is an inexpensive way to liven-up the exterior of a home and earn multiple complimentary glances from passer-bys, particularly since spring tends to be the season of choice for persons to either sell or purchase a home, according to Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. “Even if homeowners are planning on staying in their homes, paint can help boost value.”

Follow these helpful tips to maximize paint results.

Pre-Paint Preparation

	1. Prepare and clean the surface prior to painting 2. Purchase a top quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint 3. Use quality paint brushes and rollers 4. Always paint in the appropriate weather conditions

Let the Painting Begin

1. Reinvent the entryway with a brightly painted front door
    that will welcome both family and friends. Try paint colors in cherry
    red, bright yellow or spectacular black to highlight and define the
    front door.

2. Paint the window shutters in the same hue as your door or use
    an exciting complementary color.

3. Change the feel of the outdoor entertainment spot, whether
    porch, patio or deck. Incorporate a multi-hued palette instead
    of the more commonly used monochromatic scheme.

4. Remember to include railings, light posts and mailboxes in the overall
    curb appeal improvement plan.

For detailed information on exterior paints and painting, visit www.paintquality.com, where a great paint job begins.

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March 2005

How to Make Newly Built Home Interiors
Go from White to Wow!

Spring House, Pa, March 23 – “Interior painting is the number one do-it-yourself project because it allows the homeowner to inexpensively alter the look or mood of a room to enhance the space,” according to Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating consultant with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. “Many new homes have tall spaces and the simple application of interesting paint colors can make these open areas warmer and more welcoming."

Follow these Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute tips for your next interior painting project.

1. Prepare the Surface
Good preparation requires the surface be clean and sound. Check for handprints, greasy fingerprints, as well as dirt and scuff marks. Lightly sand glossy spots so the new paint will adhere properly.

2. Pick the Correct Tools
For latex paint application, purchase synthetic materials because they will hold their shape and maintain the proper stiffness when used with water-based paints. The general rules for naps are the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap; the rougher the surface, the longer the nap.

3. Decide on the Appropriate Paint Sheen and Color
If you’re unsure of which color to use, purchase small quantities of a few you like and try them out in the room you will be painting. View the color in both daylight and at night because the color may appear different based on the lighting within the space.

Sheen is another factor. Higher sheen paints tend to offer a bit more durability than flat paints and are appropriate in areas that get a lot of use. Satin or low lustre finishes tend to impart more warmth and depth to a room than a flat paint. The ceiling is a great place to use higher sheen paint for additional lighting reflection.

4. Purchase Quality Paints
Always purchase top quality acrylic latex interior paint. A quality latex paint will go on smoothly and offers soap and water clean-up and long lasting beauty.

Additional tips on interior painting, color selection and sheen use can be found at www.paintquality.com.

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February, 2005

Color Trends 2005
What The Best Dressed Walls Will Be Wearing

PHILADELPHIA, February 14 – What do chocolate brown, bright blue, and melon all have in common? Each is a color that will be gaining in popularity during 2005. As part of our annual color forecast, the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute is excited to share paint palette trends that will enliven your living space, both inside and out.

Incorporating these exciting and unexpected hues will certainly keep your home and individual living spaces on the cutting edge of design and color options.

Caribbean Brights
Color rich with a tropical flair will increase in use. Perhaps because of costal second home popularity, vibrant and exciting colors such as ocean blue, mango, twilight purple and sunny yellow make for a fun and beach-like palette. Useful in bedrooms, sunrooms, kitchens and any area where warmth is required, this palette is sure to provide a bit of Caribbean punch!

Incorporate this palette into your backyard or garden setting. Wooden chairs, trellises and other garden focal points can benefit from this exciting splash of color.

The New Whites
As consumers look for soulful spots within their living space, soft whites will allow for restful and serene contemplation. Not stark but warmed, the new whites can provide the peaceful backdrop that allows for end of the day de-stressing. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and even quiet baths, this palette can refresh even the most tired space. Use white in a high sheen finish and add additional light reflectance and ambiance.

Deeptone Hues
This hearty palette began to develop a following in 2004 with interest in warming and inviting family spaces. Continuing in 2005, rich reds, chocolate and sable browns, deep greens and blues can be used either sparingly on one wall surface or in combination above or below a chair rail and to visually lower a high ceiling, often seen in new home construction. A dynamic palette, these colors create excitement and provide drama to powder rooms, family rooms and foyers. For a cabin-like atmosphere to a sophisticated living space, this group will make a statement.

Shine On
Brushed metallic surfaces are replacing those shiny brass finishes used in the past. Soft pewter, mellow copper and brushed nickel are the perfect complement to today’s kitchen appliances and bath accessories. Whether used to highlight a niche, alcove or single wall, today’s softer metallics will be a showcase selection.

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January, 2005

Welcome the New Year with Color Choices
that Sooth Your Home’s Soul

PHILADELPHIA, January 6 – As we welcome 2005, what better time to take stock of the importance of family, friends and home life. Thoughtful consideration of our living space is certainly one way to welcome and renew relationships.

"Adding appropriate color’s or hues can provide the perfect backdrop on which to build area’s that warm the home’s soul,” Debbie Zimmer, decorative painting consultant for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, said.

Incorporating soothing color combinations into a design scheme can impact on not only, the look of a space but also, the feel. To create a space that allows for quiet contemplation and personal reflection, Zimmer offers the following color combination suggestions:

• Soft Yellow and White
Add your own sunshine during winter’s darkest days. By treating your walls to pale yellow, your room’s thermometer will rise. Just by adding a touch of this welcoming color, your space will invite you to sit and relax. Not sure if an all-yellow room is for you? Include simply painting one wall in this happy hue and white on the other three. Add a dash of gloss white to the ceiling and enjoy the increased reflectance and warmth in your space.

• Breezy Blue and Pale Pink
This combination can set the tone for complete relaxation. Stretch out on your favorite sofa and enjoy the palest of pink on your ceiling. With a watery blue color on the wall surface, your room will have a spa-like feel, a perfect escape from a hectic day. “Enhance this palette with bright white trim and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation!,” Zimmer said.

Remember the simple use of paint can provide aesthetically pleasing and practical effects within the overall space. By incorporating soothing color combinations, your living area can become a haven for rest and relaxation. Calming your space with color may be your easiest New Year’s resolution to keep!

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November, 2004

Wrap Your Walls in Luxury -
Glossy Paint Adds Sophistication and Elegance
Just In Time For the Holiday Season

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 4, 2004 – The hottest trend in home decorating is sheen and shimmer according to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI). Satin and silk-like decorating is growing in popularity from pillows to bed linens to luxurious textiles. And, as a perfect backdrop for these rich home accessories, try a new paint finish for your walls and ceilings.

Glossy paints are the perfect choices to add sparkle and shine to living spaces and they provide the added benefit of a durable finish,” offers Debbie Zimmer, decorative painting consultant for the Rohm and Haas PQI. “Today’s glossier finishes add a subtle sophistication to any room and compliment current shimmery paint trends.”

Here are four paint enhancements that add pizzazz to any living space:

	•	Not quite ready to make all your walls glow? Then combine both flat and glossy paint in the same area. For example, paint three walls in your favorite flat hue and the fourth or accent wall in the same color, but in a glossy finish for a light reflecting enhancement created by this simple and easy-to-do change.
	•	Accent your chandelier and dinner candles by painting a dining room ceiling with a glossy finish.
	•	The area beneath a chair rail can be enhanced with glossy paint to complement tile, marble, or wood flooring.
	•	Finally, make your narrow hallway visually expand by painting with a high-sheen paint.

Whether you are transforming your space into one of sophistication and luxury, or into a serene and subdued setting, the simple use of paint sheen can make your space sparkle.

To help identify the top quality paint that’s best for your home, ask for advice at your local paint or hardware store, or at a decorating center. And to understand why top quality paint outperforms ordinary paint, visit www.paintquality.com.

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October, 2004

“Return” Still High, Even With Rising Cost of Paint
QUALITY HOUSE-PAINT REMAINS A SMART INVESTMENT

Philadelphia, PA, October 8, 2004 – When it comes to investments, most people think of stocks, bonds or real estate. But one of the best investments a homeowner can make is to choose a top quality exterior paint for his or her home.

Even though the rising cost of petrochemicals has made paint a little more expensive of late, painting with a top quality acrylic latex exterior coating can still save the homeowner hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the form of long-term home maintenance costs.

Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, offer’s advice on why quality paint offer’s a significant “return”.

Longer Lifespan
“Top quality latex paints made with 100 percent acrylic binder last at least twice as long as ordinary housepaint: up to 10 years or more, versus a lifespan of only three or four years with ordinary exterior paint,” states Zimmer.

The cost of the longer-lasting coating? Only $8 to $10 more per gallon. And since it takes only about 20 gallons to apply two coats of paint on an average size house, the added cost of a top-quality product is just $160 to $200.

More to the point, the great majority of the cost of repainting, typically more than 90 percent, goes for labor, according to Zimmer. As a result, it’s important to paint with a coating that lasts as long as possible.

In the final analysis, top quality acrylic latex paint should be on your “buy” list as a way of protecting your biggest investment – your home. To help identify the top quality paint that’s best for your home, ask for advice at your local paint or hardware store, or at a decorating center. And to understand why top quality paint outperforms ordinary exterior paint, visit www.paintquality.com.

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September, 2004

Cost-saving Fall/Winter Weatherproofing Tips
Provided by The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

Philadelphia, PA, September 22, 2004 – The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute has affordable and simple weatherproofing applications for caulks and sealants that can save consumers considerable time on making costly repairs and money resulting from normal weather-related damage over time.

Caulks and sealants are valuable allies that help protect the home from costly moisture damage, energy-draining drafts, and they give projects a quality finish. Here are some ways consumers can begin preparing their homes from the harsh effects of the winter months quickly approaching or complete a project with a clean finished look.

Areas to consider for exterior sealing:

Areas to consider for interior caulking:
around crown molding, chair rails and baseboards; around door and window frames; in mirrored corners (gaps where two pieces of molding come together at an angle) in small wall cracks

“No matter what the application, caulk is certainly a handy product to use as you prepare your home for fall and winter weather,” Deborah Zimmer, of The Rohm and Haas Paint Institute, explains.

Visit www.paintquality.com for more inexpensive and simple painting and caulking ideas for home projects.

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August, 2004

Philadelphia, PA, August 30, 2004 – Today's student desks can be both playful and practical! From whimsical locker style shapes to classic student desk styles, up-to-the-minute work stations for students are available to coordinate with any style of decor and eagerly please both parents and children. “Regardless of the student desk style that is selected, painted touches can be added to the area in order to stylishly and functionally customize your child's study space”, states Debbie Zimmer, Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Computer workstations are available in a variety of fabrications for students, often combining wood with metal for sleek and contemporary looks. Plain wood desk tops and keyboard pull outs can be painted to coordinate with a child's bedroom color scheme. A great idea for a family project, consider involving your older student in the painting process! Metal and wood shelving as well as bookcases, are practical study area accessories that also can be painted in colors that mimic the desk or echo other bedroom furnishings such as bedside tables, chest of drawers and headboards/footboards. Consider spray painting inexpensive mesh pencil holders and wastebaskets to further personalize and accentuate the modern edge contained within this study space vignette.

“Providing ample storage and organization, large wall systems can incorporate side cabinets, adjustable shelving and large, open style hutches to accommodate more than one students school necessities”, says Zimmer. Often available in natural wood as well as white or a solid colored finish, these oversized units can make study time practical and accessible to multiple members within a family. An attractive way to customize this multi-family member space is with the use of painted baskets that neatly fit into any of the open shelving areas. Consider color coding each basket according to each sibling who utilizes the study space. Or, spray paint the baskets using the most predominant colors that are contained in the room's color scheme.

Traditional desk, hutch and bookcase combinations are classic study option favorites that compliment any style of decor. Rather than painting any of the large pieces contained in this trio, why not add pizzazz by painting accessory items that can be attractively displayed within any of the pieces? Zimmer suggests, “Paint ordinary clipboards, plain desktop organizers and stackable nesting containers to lend a fresh, updated look to the traditional study area. Or, add a dash of unexpected color to the base of a table lamp, the metal trim on a wall clock, or the wooden trim belonging to a cork board!”

Regardless of its fabrication, virtually any style desk or desk related accessory is a possible candidate for paint! Allow your students to brainstorm with you to compile a welcoming study space where each child looks forward to spending time every day!

For more painting tips and information on various projects, visit www.paintquality.com.

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Philadelphia, PA, August 2, 2004 – Consumers often think that when painting, color selection is the most difficult part of the job. Well, don’t forget about that sheen level. It can add a powerful decorative punch to any room and provide an extra measure of durability for those busy family spaces. However, selection of the ideal sheen for the paint need not be a daunting process! Determining the optimum sheen level requires only a review of both function and aesthetics within the project space.

Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute states, “As far as sheen level goes, the higher the gloss level, the easier the surface is to keep clean”. “From a practical standpoint, paint enthusiasts have long enjoyed the selection of high gloss paints which benefit’s any area that requires frequent washing and is subject to a high amount of foot traffic”, continues Zimmer. “In addition, these paints produce the toughest and most stain resistant finishes. A wonderful way to highlight a bold color scheme within a child's bedroom, playroom or bath space; consider implementing a whimsical theme using a combination of high gloss colors”. Cheerful primary colors that sport wavy freehand stripes or oversized polka dots are just two examples of classic youthful motifs that can form the basis for a treasured space that provides endless hours of fun for a child.

For those do-it-yourselfers who require a paint sheen that will mask surface imperfections, flat paints offer an ideal non-reflective surface quality. Better suited for lower use areas of the home or new construction, flat paints greatly assist with making a surface appear smooth and uniform. Explore the possibility of implementing a color scheme that utilizes flat paints to highlight a historic home's focal point wall surrounding a vintage fireplace that is being lovingly restored. Or, consider the application of flat paints using warm, earthy colored hues to highlight interior pillars or columns that reside in a formal entrance way belonging to a Tuscan styled home.

A combination of two distinctively different paint sheens (i.e. flat partnered with high gloss) can also be utilized to produce dramatic effects within a designated interior space. “In areas where aesthetic concerns have priority over functional considerations, monochromatic sheen stripes, color blocks or other geometrical designs can be painted using one hue and two differing intensities”, adds Zimmer. “When the identical hue and two different sheens have been utilized within the same design, the end result produces an exciting customized pattern that uniquely personalizes a space”.

Regardless of whether the primary emphasis is hiding flaws or enhancing architectural features, careful consideration of both beauty and function will help to ensure the most successful choice of paint sheen for the impending project.

Fore more painting tips and information on sheen level, visit www.paintquality.com.

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July, 2004

Philadelphia, PA, July 6, 2004 – From the country chateau to the metropolitan dwelling, remodeling trends allow for personalization while adding character and charm.

"Consumers continue to invest significantly in home improvements, with special attention paid to creating warm and comfortable personal areas", states Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

In addition to concern for home improvements adding value to their existing homes, homeowners are also dramatically interested in transforming their homes into comfortable and functional living spaces. Kitchens continue to expand and bathrooms progress with obtaining more luxurious elements; both remaining highly desirable and popular remodeling projects. However, home improvement industry experts are reporting a surge in specific remodeling trend themes. Current remodeling projects are witnessing a dramatic emphasis on creating specialty areas to fit individual family member needs. Attractive, high quality materials are the method of choice and high on the priority list for today's savvy consumers.

Comfort colors representing earthy, natural hues are at the forefront of helping to beautify home remodel projects. Today's quality paint products provide a budget-friendly way to implement the hottest color choices as well as customize the remodeled space. Rich neutral colors are available in many more than the 'expected' warm brown tones. Contemporary neutral hues also reflect baked reds, smoky blue/grays, washed golds, muted greens and a large array of unexpected variations of exciting colors, including a full range of whites.

Quality paint products ensure maximum adhesion and attachment to surfaces, as well as greater durability to ensure a long-lasting remodeled project. Factory-finished aluminum finishes add an attractive, glossy finish to projects that have entry doors, columns and railings; whereas vinyl and pvc material products are newer available choices for remodel projects that entail exterior decking, walkways, lattice and fences. Polyester, fiberglass and synthetic stone materials lend practicality and embellish exterior living space remodels that have benches, balustrades and railings.

"As homeowners continue to place an intense emphasis on finding comfort within their home structure, home improvements and remodels will continue to surge", states Zimmer. The implementation of quality paint products are a financially responsible way to bring fashionable customization and long lasting results to any remodeled area. For more painting tips and general paint information, visit www.paintquality.com.

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May, 2004

Philadelphia, PA, May 12, 2004 – The marriage of these three key concepts can 'make or break' the way a home is perceived by visitors when entering your front door. Whether preparing an existing home for sale or anticipating the purchase of a home in the near future, explore the advantages that thoughtfully considered paint applications can provide with regard to re-energizing a home's entrance.

“With today's emphasis on everything 'natural', shrubs, foliage and flowers assist with the creation of harmonious transitioning from the outdoors to inside the home,” states Debbie Zimmer, decorative painting expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. “Colorfully painted hanging flower baskets in an identical color scheme can be used to stylishly mimic or contrast with the home's exterior paint color,” said Zimmer. Generously group the hanging baskets around the entire perimeter of a covered porch in order to lend fresh fragrance, an abundance of color and interesting texture beginning with the outdoor area and continuing onward to the entrance of the home's interior. The same concept may easily be applied to a deck that wraps around the home. Simply attach window boxes to the perimeter of the deck railing. Carry the natural theme inside the front entrance by greeting visitors with festively painted planters. (Dried or silk flowers and plants offer a practical alternative for homeowners lacking the time or inclination to maintain living flowers and plants.) Consider painting the planters using a color palette that reflects the wall covering colors that permeate the front entrance.

Nature’s colors can also reflect strong hues. “If your home lacks an abundance of natural light, why not take advantage of one of today's popular bold hues, creating a dramatic front entrance focal point that guests will not soon forget,” suggests Zimmer. Rich forest green, bronze gold and deep marine blue are a few of today’s hottest bold, earthy choices. Two oversized, painted planters that sport generously overflowing greenery can be placed on either side of an entrance door, representing a harmonious natural focal point that graciously transitions the outdoors to indoors for family and guests entering the home.

This visual perception of the natural world offers a serene environment that any homeowner would welcome at the end of a hectic day. Zimmer offers the following suggestions, “Consider the many ways that nature's beauty can be incorporated within the framework of your existing home, to seamlessly assimilate the exterior with the interior. And, with the addition of colorful painted details, homeowners can enhance and uniquely personalize any entrance to the home.”

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April, 2004

Philadelphia, PA, Tuesday, April 27, 2004 – Whether for entertaining, grilling, reading or just hanging out, decks and patios are the living space of choice for the summer months.

Deck details make a difference! Re-energize an existing deck with custom features as simple or elaborate as your imagination and finances allow.

Take planters, for example. Perky painted planters using this season’s hottest tropical hues lend bold charm to a deck fashioned from any material, including wood, brick pavers or concrete. Select one hue from you planter’s color palette and fill the container generously with overflowing blooms of color that mimic the hue that is identical to your planter. For greater impact, consider creating one or more groupings, or vignettes, of planters that include different sizes and shapes. Paint and pattern inexpensively and creatively unifies the entire grouping!

For a more intricate twist, consider the introduction of a newly purchased or recently refurbished gate. It will do wonders in terms of updating your deck or patio, and reflect “up-to-the-minute” design. Depending upon the exterior appearance of your home, explore the possibility of installing a custom gate that complements the features of your home’s architectural style. Select the appropriate motif, then leverage the existing exterior paint scheme by choosing a paint for the gate that matches the existing door, window and trim colors. Or, if you want to be bold, choose a paint color for the gate that vividly contrasts with the current deck space to create a vibrant and eye-catching focal point that makes your exterior living space uniquely personal!

Consider mixing and matching textures in your exterior summer space as well. For example, a homeowner may decide to combine stone-colored poured concrete asymmetrical pavers with sand-colored, rectangular brick-colored pavers to produce a unique flooring pattern. You can customize things further by painting the concrete with a quality paint. The paint lends a distressed, weathered-with-age flavor to the flooring, and the entire surface become stylishly and harmoniously unified.

Be sure to consult with a paint professional to discover the proper paint primers, sealers and procedures that will result in the most attractive and long-lasting result for your project. Wood, metal and synthetic deck materials can all be attractively painted, then combined with interesting flooring patterns and fabrications to produce dynamic deck styles that enhance both the color scheme and architectural style of the entire house.

To find additional information about deck improvements, please go to:

http://www.paintquality.com/library/diy_marketing
/apr04decks/0404_deckingout.html

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March, 2004

Philadelphia, PA, March 22, 2004 – Shimmery, softer pastels stylish teamed with contemporary, metallic neutrals are popular home remodeling trends for 2004.

Painting enthusiasts should consider marrying natural shades like wheat with a glistening shade of copper, not only showing contrast but also allowing greater flexibility for coordinating furnishings and other design elements within the space.

“Neutrals and metallics allow you to inexpensively update the look of your room without having to completely remodel, ” said Debbie Zimmer, decorative painting consultant for Rohm and Haas Company’s Paint Quality Institute. “Stylishly muted pewter, chrome and stainless steel home interiors can be fashionably paired with gentler greys, offbeat whites and dramatic black to produce fashion forward results.”

However, the option to combine natural colors is still an attractive one. “Don’t lose sight of the refreshing life of the season!  Ethereal blues, combined with natures most refreshing greens, work for both interior and exterior applications,” says Zimmer.

For instance, celestial blue and crisp kelly green can be effectively and easily partnered with earthy brown and snowflake white to highlight a family room peppered with natural light, helping to integrate the two spaces  “In addition to the natural exterior surroundings, the application of painted color to furnishings, wall coverings, flooring and decorative accessories creates flow and harmonization within those rooms,” said Zimmer.

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Contemporary garages provide a wealth of multi functional opportunities for family living space. The days of the garage used merely to house vehicles, seasonal decorations, and tools have made way for designs that attractively maximize storage and free up places for family members to pursue hobbies and play areas.

How can you create a garage design that works for you and your family? According to Debbie Zimmer, Decorative Painting Consultant for the Paint Quality Institute, the process of creating an effective garage design begins with a thoughtful plan—with paint and color as key to the customization of your space.

“Today's garages accommodate the distinctive desires of each individual homeowner. ‘Bump out’ areas on the side of a garage may be designed to incorporate storage and work areas, and are increasingly popular options found in newly designed and remodeled homes,” says Zimmer. However, focus on the garage is not limited to strictly new home design, as a growing number of home owners are expanding their existing garage space by one or more garage bays.

Once you’ve constructed the space, what’s the best way to customize to meet your family’s needs?

Storage:

Shelving and cabinets represent different alternatives used for maximizing space. Plywood, slat board or specially designed organizing systems can be painted and used to hang tools or store equipment.

One of the keys to customizing storage space to be effective and meet your own taste and needs is color. “Paint and color provide simple tools that assist homeowners with achieving the unique goals for their customized garage, “ says Zimmer. “Cabinetry can be customized with an attractive paint color scheme and utilized to delineate specific items.”

After selecting a color pallette, a variety of options can be implemented. Upper cabinets may be painted using one color and lower cabinets painted with a contrasting color within that palette. Introduce a third color from the desired scheme into the mix by using it to highlight cabinet drawer fronts. A fourth color can be implemented by applying color to cabinet pulls, or painting the interior back wall of the cabinet (which is highly visible when the cabinet is opened).

Also, the use of color inside of cabinet drawers using different hues within the color scheme is not only attractive but help to organize smaller, hard to find items. Painting each shelf back a rainbow of interesting colors produces a whimsical backdrop for a garage with completely white wall coverings. Inexpensive wall hooks can be easily painted and used to efficiently store garden tools or sporting equipment.

Painting the Garage

Consider the home's exterior paint colors, selecting complementary colors to achieve integration between your homes interior and exterior paints. Painting interior walls of each garage bay a different color, unique color offers an ideal method of distinguishing one garage bay from the next.

For more of an understated appearance, select a monochromatic garage color scheme. Choose one specific hue that is neutral in color and paint the walls of each garage bay using a distinctively different intensity of the identical neutral shade.

Lighting:

Suitable lighting is essential in garages of all sizes, particularly those that are used for hobby space. Zimmer says, “Consider using a cheerful palette of primary colors. For example, sunflower yellow highlighted with crisp ocean blue within a child's hobby space reflects an ideal color partnership and can enhance natural lighting. Adding a touch of mustards and warm golden tones to the inside of window frames provides a subtle touch of sunshine to even the dreariest of garage spaces.”

Light fixtures constructed from a wide variety of materials can be primed and painted to reflect the "hottest" surfaces, ranging from progressive stainless steel looks to weathered copper finishes. Lackluster light fixtures can be painted to reflect contemporary metal and stone finishes that are especially popular in today's lighting markets.

Handpainted freeform border designs can be applied around the perimeter of a garage and does not require special skill. For artistic homeowners, a handpainted mural becomes an instant focal point wall and can be used to highlight a treasured vintage vehicle within the garage space. Stylish ceiling fans are available in fashionable colors and several styles of decor in order to provide additional light and efficient air circulation, with decorate fan blades and hardware to coordinate and help unify the entire garage area.

Debbie Zimmer says home design and remodeling experts do not anticipate the size or appeal of the garage to diminish any time in the foreseeable future. “Experts continue to focus on devising innovative design ideas in order to enhance new and existing garage space,” continues Zimmer. “In maximizing space in both new and remodeled garage designs, color and paint provide powerfully aesthetic and practical results.”

For more information on paints and painting, visit the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com.

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