What to Ask at the Paint Counter to Get the Right Finish and Colour

March 18, 2025

How to Ask for the Perfect Paint Colour and Finish Without Guesswork

You walk into the hardware store, ready to tackle that long-overdue painting project. The excitement is real! But the moment you stand in front of the paint counter, staring at the endless wall of colours and finishes, the doubt creeps in. What if you pick the wrong shade? Is matte better than satin? Panic sets in. Sound familiar?

Let’s take the stress out of choosing the right paint. With a few key questions, you’ll walk away with the perfect colour and finish like a pro!

What’s the Best Finish for My Space?

Paint finish matters just as much as colour. It affects durability, sheen, and how well it hides or highlights imperfections. A quick rundown of finishes:

Flat or Matte: Great for hiding imperfections but not the most durable. Perfect for low-traffic areas like ceilings and adult bedrooms.
Satin: A little sheen, a lot more durable. Ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and hallways.
Semi-Gloss: Bright and easy to clean. Works well for trims, doors, and bathrooms.
Gloss: The shiniest of them all, great for highlighting details but will show any bumps or marks on the surface.

At the paint counter, describe your space and how much wear and tear it’ll see. A good expert will steer you in the right direction.

How Does Lighting Affect the Colour?

Lighting can trick the eye. A shade that looks perfect in-store might appear entirely different at home. Natural light, cool LEDs, or warm bulbs change how colour looks.

Ask for a sample pot! Testing on your walls at different times of the day will save you from a costly mistake. No one wants to repaint an entire wall because the soft grey they loved turned out to be an unexpected shade of purple.

What Type of Paint Works Best?

The wrong type of paint can give you streaky walls or peeling patches. Not fun! Different surfaces need different paints:

Walls: Look for washable, scuff-resistant formulas for high-traffic areas.
Ceilings: Low sheen or flat to hide imperfections.
Timber and Trims: Enamel or acrylic-based paints provide durability.
Bathroom and Kitchen: Moisture-resistant and mould-fighting properties are must-haves.

Do I Need a Primer?

A fresh coat of paint is only as good as what’s underneath. Certain surfaces—bare wood, metal, or walls with strong colours—need a primer. If you're covering dark walls with a lighter shade, a primer stops the old colour from peeking through.

Don’t shy away from asking at the counter if a primer is necessary. Skipping this step could mean more coats and more work!

How Much Paint Should I Buy?

Running out of paint halfway through is every DIYer’s nightmare. Yet, buying too much is just as frustrating. The staff at the paint counter can help you calculate the right amount based on wall measurements.

Need a rough guide? One litre usually covers about 12 square metres, but keep in mind that textured walls, dark colours, and absorbent surfaces may need more.

Is There a Safe or Low-VOC Option?

If you’re sensitive to strong smells or painting in a space with kids or pets, ask about low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) options. These paints have fewer chemicals and won’t leave you with a lingering headache.

The Secret Weapon: Expert Advice

Need help matching a colour? Wondering if your chosen shade pairs well with your décor? That’s exactly what the team at Strathalbyn H Hardware is here for!

Bring in samples, photos, or even a piece of fabric you're trying to match. The more details you give, the easier it is to find the perfect paint.

Final Thought

Picking paint should be fun, not overwhelming. Armed with the right questions, you'll walk away with exactly what you need—no guesswork, no regrets. Ready to get painting? Pop into Strathalbyn H Hardware and let’s turn that vision into reality! 🎨

Happy painting!
Candeece