How to fix a color mistake

What to do when you chose a color you hate.

It's never too late to change your mind.

You've chosen a color you think you'll love forever and now that it's on the wall you can't stand the sight of it. Or you let your child pick their room color and now they won't go in their room? After almost 10 years of experience helping people see their vision, sometimes what you think you will love can quickly turn to hate.

Here are some tips from a professional painter to get it right

Tip #1 - Samples

You've chosen your new wall color and you're pretty sure you'll love it. Best way to be sure is with a sample. A small sample in a discreet place can help you be positive about your paint choices.

Tip #2 - Choose 3 color to sample

The best way to be sure about your color choice is to choose 3 colors in the similar palette of color when you're doing samples. It can help you decide if that's color you really want, or you just want it to stay an accent.

"If you could say it in words, there'd be no reason to paint" -Edward Hopper

Tip #3 - Help children pick colors

It can be fun to paint the kid's room, but you want to always help pick out the color. I know it can be hard when hearts are set on black or neon green. Neutrals or lighter colors can be better and easier to maintain. As always, a satin sheen is recommended for all interior walls for easy cleaning.

Tip #4 - Admit your wrong

You've come to the conclusion that you've chosen a color you can't stand. It's there mocking you. What can you do? Tell your painter how you feel. If you're not sure about the color, they may be able to find a way to make it into your vision when you chose the color.

Tip #5 - Repainting

You've decided there's no salvaging the color. It must be repainted. When I have encountered a customer that has chosen a color they just aren't happy with we always strive to come to an agreement to find something that will make them happy. Most professional painters will repaint a room for the cost of paint material and a lower cost of labor depending on far along they are. To avoid a full room repaint (not that it doesn't happen) I will paint some of a wall and summon the customer to verify they agree and like the color. I would suggest you check on the progress to verify colors before it goes too far.

Always be honest

As a professional painter these are the best tips to avoid a costly mistake when painting in your home. Use samples of 3 colors to be sure about your color choices. Try to keep children's bedroom colors to lighter and neutral colors and be honest with your paint pro when you decide it's not the color for your home. It's cheaper to repaint a wall instead of the whole room.