Painting Tips

Choosing to Paint

The number one recommendation of the interior design trade when asked “what is the most cost effective way to update a room?” – the answer is “to Paint”. Not only is paint the least expensive solution, but it is a relatively easy process that you can choose to do on your own. Without always having the help of an interior designer to walk you through the process, there can be so many decisions the process can become overwhelming.

Choosing the Right Paint

The Canvas team researched the paint market world-wide to gain a better understanding of the products available, what was missing and where improvements could be made. From the tinting process and the quality of the paint and from the color choices to finishes offered, there are a number of differences. The Canvas Home Basics line was developed based on the overall best paints world-wide and with a focus on providing paint that meets and exceeds all environmental standards.

The US market is dominated by white based paint that is tinted at a discount store or Do It Yourself retailer, while the European market offers a wide range of pre-tinted paints. The inconsistency of the color tinting process and color matching helped us choose to create a pre-tinted paint line that is factory tinted to achieve the most consistent color every time. This also eliminates the waiting for paint to be tinted. The factory tinting process also allows Canvas to offer a wide variety of products and finishes that coordinate across the color palette with color match consistency every time.

All markets offer a wide variety of quality in latex paint products. The reduction of quality is through the change in paint formula, with an increase in water and the use of low quality vinyl resins. The lower the quality of paint the less coverage you get, the less durable it is, the more paint is required and a more inconsistent wall finish is the result. The Canvas Home Basics Paint line is created with a strong formula of high quality acrylic resins and has the added benefits of Ceramic Bead Technology that take the paint quality to a new level in finish and durability.

The US paint market offers an abundance of color choices and the number continues to grow. Other markets around the world focus on more classic colors that withstand the test of time. The neutral palette, while constantly being updated with slight color variances, is the number one choice wall color. The Canvas Home Basics Paint Line is offered in the Canvas Naturals tm palette, which is a hand selected group of focused colors that were inspired by global style. As in all areas, there is a need for trend, individuality and a pop of color. This can be captured in accent furniture pieces, artistic items, soft accents and other home décor pieces that are easy to change and adapt as the trends and your personal style change.

The decision of wall finish is also widely debated world-wide. A matte finish is the choice of designers and the choice of consumers in the European markets because it is the best at hiding flaws in walls and reflecting the least imperfections while bringing a rich color into any environment. The US market has been educated that the glossier the finish the more durable a choice. As paint formulas and capabilities have changed over the years, the education of paint finish options has not followed through to the consumer. The Canvas Home Basics Interior Wall Paint is offered in a matte finish, which meets the standards of a designer finish and consumer durability. Canvas Home Basics Furniture, Cabinet and Trim Paint is offered in a gloss finish that frames the matte finish wall paint, levels beautifully and allows for a very durable finish on the highest use areas.

Manufacturing paint under the strictest environmental requirements was very important to us. The requirements set by Southern California are the strictest in the United States and therefore the baseline for our paint line. The goal is to offer paint products with the lowest Volatile Organic Compounds (the solvents that escape from the surface of the paint film into the atmosphere and create smog). Lower VOC products are better for the environment.

The Canvas Home Basics Paint Line is cutting edge in formula, style and quality. We call that Designer Quality. With its ability to offer a pre-tinted formula that crosses product lines and paint solutions, it is a paint you can rely on.

Choosing Your Wall Color

Choosing a paint color can be the toughest decision with so many options and so many opinions on which color to choose. The Canvas Corp team wanted to take the fear out of making a paint color decision and to put together a program that would allow you to create the perfect home canvas for your home environment. Through our research we found that the most effective color palette for both the interior design trade and the home owner was that of a neutral color palette.

The Canvas Home Basics Color Palette is a simple system of colors that can easily be mixed and matched for the perfect selection every time, even across paint finishes. We begin with two distinct neutral palettes, Canvas Naturals One and Canvas Naturals Two. Canvas Naturals One with its moss undertones and depth of color and Canvas Naturals Two with its more golden tones and very fresh appeal. The line also contains Naturals White, still the number one color option in the market.

A neutral palette creates the perfect canvas for every home. This canvas creates the perfect base for adding one’s individual taste as style. Today’s decorating is not about looking like someone or copying a designer’s style it is a reflection of you and it should change and grow as you do.

The first step in choosing your color is to embrace the environment and to understand what you want from the environment, the mood, the scope, the balance and the base for which it will be used. If you are trying to make a small space look larger you should choose a light to medium neutral and either use the same or an lighter neutral on the ceiling. This will make the ceiling appear to be taller and the neutral color on the walls will seem to expand the room. If you would like to add some richness in color, try your trim in a shade or two darker allowing it to stand out as a beautiful accent in the home. A darker neutral can however create a terrific effect in a bathroom or small den. There are many theories on ceilings and color. Traditionally ceilings are painted white or off white, but in today’s decorating we are seeing ceilings painted the same as the walls or a shade lighter creating a very updated and warm effect. To make a larger room cozier, choose a deeper neutral shade and accent with a lighter trim.

Once you have determined the effect you want the room to have you can then choose your colors. Here are some simple rules to follow when choosing a neutral. You should first consider the major items already in the room such as flooring, furniture and wood work. These finishes dramatically affect your color choice.

Shopping List

One of the secrets to a professional paint job is the quality of paint sundries used. There are so many inexpensive products on the market and the quality has diminished along with the price. As an artist would choose to work with quality paints, canvases and brushes, so should you treat your home interior. Quality products will give you the professional job you hope to achieve and the satisfaction of accomplishment. It is important when choosing your paint roller cover and brushes that you choose the correct material for the paint and the surface and also that the material and bristles do not break off or shed causing imperfections in the paint process. The Canvas Home Basics Line of Sundries was created with the “Let’s make it like the used to.” It was important that the sundries parallel the quality of the paint and together provide what is needed for a professional job.

Quality paint brushes can be quite expensive so once you have finished a paint job take care of your paint tools. Clean brushes from a latex paint brush with luke-warm water and Canvas Home Basics natural brush cleaner and store in a clean plastic bag or the sleeve provided.

• CHB Wall Paint
• CHB Trim Paint
• CHB Wall Filler
• CHB 9” Paint Roller
• CHB 9” Paint Roller Cover
• CHB 4” Paint Roller (for corners and smaller areas)
• CHB 4” Paint Roller Cover
• CHB Flat Brush (for larger trim areas)
• CHB Angel/Sash Brush (for windows and smaller trim areas)

• CHB Detail Brushes
• CHB Starter Paint Set (paint tray, liner, opener, stirrer and small drop cloth)
• Drop Cloth(s)
• Low stick tape
• Brown paper or plastic to cover areas not to be painted
• Ladder
• Painting clothes/Apron
• Goggles

How To Prepare The Surface

Step 1: If there is wall paper on the surface of the wall then you need to strip that off before painting. Use wall paper stripper to remove the old wall paper and have a scraper handy to scrape it off the wall. Once this is done you will need to sand the wall to smooth out any left over dried glue remnants from the previous wall paper. If there is any damage to wall this is the time to make repairs.

Hint: remove all décor items such as window treatments, artwork, photos, etc. Also remove cabinet hardware, switch plate covers and any other removable permanent items of the living space.

Step 2: Any cracks or holes in the surface should be filled. Begin with the coordinating Canvas Home Basics Wall Filler for ease in filling small holes and cracks. For projects that require dry wall repair we suggest you follow standard repair directions. Make sure before you paint that all the filler is dried. Keep filler around for a quick filling of holes or movement of a picture.

Step 3: Prepare the surface of the wall to make sure all paint flakes or dust is removed. A good way to do this is to take a piece of sand paper and wrap it a round a block of wood – sand the surface of the wall

Step 4: Calk around Windows and Molding - check around windows and door moldings to make sure the calking is still intact. Remove and calking that is cracking and re-calk these areas before painting.

Step 5: We recommend you then clean the wall with a mild non-sudsing soap.. This step ensures the best possible application of the paint. Walls should be allowed to completely dry before applying primer.

Step 6: Remove furniture from room or cover with drop clothes and furniture covers. Cover all floor space with plastic or coated canvas. Canvas covers are ideally suited to protect your belonging from the paint.

Step 7: Mask all areas you do not wish to be painted taking time to make sure the tape lines are straight and clean this is important to attain a professional look. For larger areas, cover with plastic or brown paper to ensure that they are not exposed to the paint.

Painting

Step 1: Apply a coat of Canvas Home Basics Primer

Step 2: For best results we recommend testing a small area in the room. You can utilize one of our CHB Sample and Touch Up Paints or test paint from our gallon can. This will ensure you are happy with your choice and its depth of color.

Step 3: Stir pre-mixed paint. Canvas Home Basics Paint is specially formulated to bind color throughout can but this will ensure the best results.

Step 4: Begin with paint wall. We recommend the use of a 9” paint roller for consistent coverage of larger areas. One coat of paint should be required for most paint surfaces. If coverage of very dark colors or heavy texture is required a second coat may be necessary. Canvas Home Basics Premixed Paints are factory mixed allowing us to have very consistent color match. If one coat is not enough and more is required you have no fear of color match issues.

Hint: If paint process is interrupted, store paint rollers and brushes in a sealed plastic bag as well as paint in tray if possible, this will keep paint fresh for a 24-48 hour time frame depending on weather.

Step 5: After wall color has completely dried, carefully remove tape and all maskings

Step 6: Mask off wall or other areas surrounding trim, cabinets or other room details.

Step 7: Carefully paint Cabinets and trim with Canvas Home Basics Furniture, Cabinet and Trim Paint. For small areas, utilize one of our Fine Interior Detail Brushes to ensure that every surface is painted. For best results we recommend a seven day cure time before any heavy usage of trim and cabinets.

Hint: Paint brushes are designed to be used on the flat side and not on the edges for best results

Step 8: After paint is completely dry, carefully remove tape and all maskings

Hint: Review all other permanent items in your living space including switch plate covers, radiators, speakers, vents, etc. Paint each item Canvas Home Basics Furniture, Cabinet and Trim Paint regardless of finish or material and the end result will be permanent items that blend perfectly into the space. Keep in mind that some items may require a longer cure time than others, please test carefully for best results.

Step 9: Clean Up – for all latex based products simple soap and water clean up is recommended. To protect brushes replace their protective sleeve after they have dried.

Hint: For disposal of paint see paint can for instructions, do not pour down the drain or in any public water environment.

Step 10: Enjoy your beautiful new home canvas. Now you can begin the process of creating you own individual décor style.

Hint: Attach card board box to the bottom of the paint can so that it does not drip on the floor or form a ring of paint at the bottom of the can and floor. Just move the box around with you as you paint instead of the paint can itself.

Individual Decor

Every home is an expression of those who live there. Today you have the option to hire an interior designer, interior decorator to help bring the individual out or you can embark on the journey alone. Today’s interior designers and interior decorators offer a wide variety of services and are much more available than interior designers in the past. The Interior Design trade is one of the top growing careers giving your more opportunity to find a designer that aligns with your style. It is important when hiring a designer or decorator to understand upfront the services offered and the costing. Every design firm runs their business a bit differently, so it is important to check with each one you interview. Designers and decorators get paid on their ideas, creativity and hands on assistance in the process. It is important to establish your needs up front to ensure that the relationship is a win win for both parties. The most important trait of an interior designer or decorator is to listen and understand what your goals are for your living space so that they can help you achieve those goals.

If you choose to decorate your own home, there are so many options for ideas and guidance on the market today. Enjoy the journey and the finished result.

Paint Words To Know

MILD SOAP – a non-sudsing cleanser designed to wash all wall surfaces for the best paint results, walls should be completely dry before painting.

PRIMER – A primer is designed to prepare the surface of the wall that is eventually going to be painted. These primers are designed to provide the surface of the wall with a smooth and clean surface by which finish paints can adhere evenly. Primers essentially seal the wall surfaces and instead of having to apply 3-4 coats of expensive paint you can opt to use 1-2 coats of relatively inexpensive primer before applying 1-2 coats of the paint. Primers extend the life of the paint.

FINISH BASES – Finished paints come in two forms. Water Based (referred to as Latex) and Oil Based (referred to as Alkyd).

LATEX - a non-flammable and non-toxic paint and ventilation is not required when painting, as with solvent based paints. This fast drying, water based product allows for easy clean up from hard surfaces and is non-harmful to skin. Regardless of its properties, carpet, furniture and other valuable and permanent pieces of the space should be covered for protection. Latex is an excellent quality paint and finishes the wall beautifully.

ACRYLIC – a polymer resin used to carry the paint color. The more acrylic in a paint formula the higher quality. Today’s top quality paints offer a high percentage of acrylic teamed with new technology such as Ceramic Bead to enhance even further the properties of the paint.

CERAMIC BEAD TECHNOLOGY – placement of the tiniest of ceramic beads into the high viscosity of acrylic paint – this allows a matte finish paint to be washable and velvety smooth.

PRE-MIXED PAINT – factory addition of paint tint and mixing of paint ingredients for a ready to go paint.

MATTE/EGGSHELL PAINT FINISH – with its non-reflecting property, this paint finish helps hide surface bumps and other imperfections. Matte finished paints are the choice of most designers and decorators and are the number one consumer paint choice in Europe. The US market has been educated that Matte Finish paints are not durable and will not withstand normal wear and tear. Today’s matte finish paints are deifying that traditional way of thinking.

SEMI GLOSS PAINTS - are a popular finish by many designers and homeowners for trims and detail work as well as in very high traffic areas.

GLOSS PAINTS – the more durable of the paint finishes, this is the chosen finish for trim, cabinets and furniture.

DIAMONDHARD™ TECHNOLOGY – a proprietary technology that allows a latex/acrylic product to perform as well as industrial oil based products on the market. The final result is a very durable, well leveling paint that has a beautiful smooth finish. It also can be used to paint on any surface.

CHB WALL PUTTY - standard wall putty or wall filler is sold in white and requires a number of steps to complete the process, finishing with a new coat of paint. Our Canvas Home Basics Wall Putty is a special formula created as a gel substance that will fill small holes and cracks that is tinted in the same color as our paint line cutting out the many steps and allowing the fear of hanging pictures, moving pictures and quick changes to be diminished.