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Answers to your questions from our colour experts, p. 10

Here's a taste of some of the Colour Expert questions and answers to help you with your own colour scheme.

If you would like more colour advice for your project, please ask our Colour Expert for help or come in and see our staff at your local Resene ColorShop or Reseller. Colours are a representation only.

 
 
 
 

Q&A   p. 10

Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.


Q. We are wanting to paint our exterior a deep blue colour. The cladding is Shadowclad. It is one level and we would like some options for rich blue greys and good window paint colours to go with it.

A. You might like to try Resene Avalanche, Resene Biscay, Resene Half New Denim Blue, Resene Rhino or Resene Midnight Express. However these types of colour can attract a lot of heat to the surface and with Shadowclad you get a unique type of problem occurring called 'checking' which looks like small crossed cracks. Resene CoolColours™ can reduce the heat the coating absorbs but checking may still occur.

Window paint colours ideally need to be as white as possible in order to make the main house colour look deeper and more interesting – you might like to try Resene Half Sea Fog, Resene Alabaster or Resene Half Black White.

Resene Avalanche
Resene Avalanche
Resene Biscay
Resene Biscay
Resene Half Denim Blue
Resene Half Denim Blue
Resene Rhino
Resene Rhino
Resene Midnight Express
Resene Midnight Express
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
   
September 2014

Q. I am finding it hard to locate a nice soft biscuit colour for the plaster exterior of our new build. The roof is Ironstone, the doors are cedar and the aluminum joinery is cream. Any suggestions about a nice soft chocolate brown/greige (not too pink or too green or yellow please? Just about everything we try is too pink, too green or too yellow.

A. As you have already found, a nice soft biscuit is unfortunately usually an orange, yellow or pink based brown. You might like to try these options: Resene Eighth Oilskin, Resene Half Stonewashed, Resene Quarter Gargoyle, Resene Malta or Resene Perfect Taupe.

The cream of the powder coated windows and the cedar doors are likely to make you judge some of these colours as pink based - all colour is reactive with other colours - and the other wee bugbear is that the west side of the house may look a lot more yellow toned because of the warm cast of the sun on this facade.

Resene Eighth Oilskin
Resene Eighth Oilskin
Resene Half Stonewashed
Resene Half Stonewashed
Resene Quarter Gargoyle
Resene Quarter Gargoyle
Resene Malta
Resene Malta
Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe
Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe
September 2014

Q. We are building a new house - plaster and Linea. We have chosen our roof colour (Ironsand) and aluminium joinery (Canvas Cloth) but just wondered if you had any suggestions for colours we could use for the plaster and Linea. We wanted ‘earthy’ colours but are unsure what colours would look good with the light aluminium on both the Linea and the plaster. We have been suggested Resene Double Bison Hide for the plaster and Resene Mondo for the Linea but am worried this may make the aluminium joinery stand out too much. Do you have any other suggestions for something just a bit lighter?

A. Resene Double Bison Hide looks quite yellow/green compared to the warm grey/stone of the Canvas Cloth colour and I have concerns that it may be too deep a colour for the plaster - it may void the guarantee for the plaster surface recommended level of colour. The Canvas Cloth powdercoat is not that pale a colour - if you judge it against a sheet of white paper you will see what I mean. You could try using the following colours: Resene Half Truffle, (or lighter) Resene Truffle, Resene Half Cougar, (or lighter) Resene Quarter Cougar, Resene Quarter Craigieburn or Resene Eighth Stonewall. All of these options meet the LRV recommendations for the plaster surfaces plus they merge a bit with the joinery so it doesn't stand out too much. Then the Linea could be just about any colour but you might like to try Resene Quarter Ironsand, Resene Triple Friar Grey or Resene Half Masala.

Resene Double Bison Hide
Resene Double Bison Hide
Resene Mondo
Resene Mondo
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Half Cougar
Resene Half Cougar
Resene Quarter Cougar
Resene Quarter Cougar
Resene Quarter Craigieburn
Resene Quarter Craigieburn
Resene Eighth Stonewall
Resene Eighth Stonewall
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Triple Friar Grey
Resene Triple Friar Grey
Resene Half Masala
Resene Half Masala
 
September 2014

Q. I'm looking for a warm white colour to brighten up our hallway/bathroom/toilet/laundry which is on a cold side of the house with not a lot of light. Also, would you advise skirting to be the same white that we would use on the walls or a different white FROM the walls?

A. If you want to emphasise the warm white wall colour then I suggest you use a different white for woodwork and ceilings. If you use the same warm white colours as the walls you lessen the opportunity to add more light/contrast in these areas plus you 'wipe out' the skirtings, doors etc by hiding them in the wall colour. You could try: Resene Quarter Dutch White and Resene Quarter Bianca, Resene Eighth Spanish White and Resene Alabaster or Resene Bianca and Resene White or Resene Half Villa White and Resene Half Alabaster. If you feel the main colour is too 'white', you could opt for a slightly deeper version of the same colour.

Resene Quarter Dutch White
Resene Quarter Dutch White
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Bianca
Resene Bianca
Resene White
Resene White
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
September 2014

Q. My cupboards are Arctic White embossed melamine, and I have a King Sand Infinity benchtop. I want the backpainted glass and the rest of walls to be white. What shade of white should I use for the glass and the remaining painted area?

A. I would suggest that you don't try to match exactly the Arctic White but choose a slightly off white so that the cabinets show 'whiter' than the walls. Another thing to remember is that there are two types of glass used for splashbacks - standard float glass (looks slightly greenish) and low iron oxide crystal clear glass (totally clear and shows the paint colour true not altered by the colour of the glass) - this is really important as I have seen the glass look minty green over white walls and wondered why it had happened and found out too late that the client wasn't aware that it would happen, the splashback people didn't say anything and the kitchen company thought the client knew and wanted that look.

You could try the following colours: Resene Black White (chalky grey/white), Resene Half Sea Fog (dusty white), Resene Quarter Rice Cake (has a teeny bit of sharp yellow in it) or Resene Quarter Bianca (fleecy off white).

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
September 2014

Q. My son is building a house in Linea. His roof is Ironsand and window framing is Resene White. He wants a silvery grey colour for the walls which obviously will need some brown tinting to tone with the roof. He does not want a dark colour but certainly a contrast.

A. Your son might like to investigate the following colours - they are all grey/beige or grey/stone in hue and one of them may be the ideal one for him – Resene Truffle, Resene Quarter Napa, Resene Cloud, Resene Half Cloudy or Resene Half Foggy Grey. There are lighter versions of Ironsand - Resene Half Ironsand and Resene Quarter Ironsand, which could be used for trim on the house or fences etc.

Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Cloud
Resene Cloud
Resene HalfFoggy Grey
Resene Half Foggy Grey
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
September 2014

Q. I am wanting to paint over wallpaper (good condition) in a hallway. I'd like to go with a really light colour - possibly white but a worried that it'll look too plain and stark. Do you think that something like Pearl Lusta would be safer?

A. There are hundreds of near white colours to choose from - if you have used Resene Pearl Lusta before then you will probably like the classic creamy/yellow tone. If you feel it is a little too coloured for you you might also check out the lighter version of it - Resene Half Pearl Lusta, Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta or even Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta - this colour is the whitest without being too plain or stark.

If the wallpaper is a vinyl coated washable one you will need to use Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer prior to painting to stop that shiny look that happens when acrylic paint and vinyl plasticisers react with each other or the slight feeling of 'tack' - not quite dry feeling - that you often get as well. You will need to apply at least two coats of the topcoat. It should give you a whole new look!

Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
September 2014

Q. I have a Hardiboard home, which is mostly white. Around the deck area, it is currently painted yellow. I need to repaint this year, so if I leave the house as white, what colours do you think would go well for the deck area. I was thinking about some kind of red.

A. If you did favour a red I would suggest you look at soft red oxide based reds not primary bright reds as it may be a very violent look with the white house. Perhaps you could look at the following colours – Resene Forbidden or Resene Tall Poppy. Or for a random but exciting alternative - perhaps a summery green such as Resene Koru, Resene Seagrass or Resene Westwood. These types of colour could look really fresh with the white of the house.

Resene Forbidden
Resene Forbidden
Resene Tall Poppy
Resene Tall Poppy
Resene Koru
Resene Koru
Resene Sea Grass
Resene Sea Grass
Resene Westwood
Resene Westwood
September 2014

Q. Which colours in the white range would be considered warm whites?

A. All colours that are coded Y or B or R or O are considered warmer than those that are coded N or G or B or V. If you look at the lightest tints (Eighth or Quarter) of Resene Spanish White, Resene Pearl Lusta, Resene Dutch White, Resene Solitaire, Resene Albescent White, Resene Biscotti, Resene Fossil or Resene Bianca you will get a good idea of warm whites. They are reactive to other colours that are close to them as well as changes of light - natural as well as artificial - so you may well need to trial colour carefully to see what works in your environment.

Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Dutch White
Resene Quarter Dutch White
Resene Quarter Solitaire
Resene Quarter Solitaire
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Dutch White
Resene Eighth Dutch White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Quarter Biscotti
Resene Quarter Biscotti
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Eighth Fossil
Resene Eighth Fossil
Resene Eighth Biscotti
Resene Eighth Biscotti
     
September 2014

Q. We are painting our walls in Resene Half Blanc to match the couple of walls that are already finished in this colour. We will be painting the kitchen, dining/living area and the stairwell, which flows off the dining/living. Our question is with the colour of the ceiling - we are torn between continuing the same colour as the walls or going more of a pure white. Or a lighter shade of the Resene Blanc we've already used?

A. Resene Half Blanc is such a lovely mushroom white. There are two ways you could go - one much cleaner/whiter -this will make you 'see' the wall colour more definitely and you may notice the mushroom pink tone more - and the lighter tint of the wall colour - this will softly blend together and be less definite a contrast. Try Resene Alabaster (whiter) or Resene Eighth Blanc (tint of the wall colour).

Resene Half Blanc
Resene Half Blanc
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Eighth Blanc
Resene Eighth Blanc
September 2014

Q. I'd like some advice on colours to paint the exterior of my house. It's a 1940s house. I'm not keen on the current yellow colour and would like a light colour with light trims. The current trims are too dark so the paint is not in good condition. For the interior we have used Resene Midwinter Mist for the lounge, Resene Half Tea for a bedroom and Resene Half Dutch White for the hallway.

A. There is a huge range of options that you might choose but based on the colours you have already used inside the house you might look at the following – Resene Tea (main colour) with Resene Quarter Villa White (trim – lightest) and Resene Triple Tea (trim – deepest) or Resene Triple Concrete (main) with Resene Alabaster (trim – lightest) and Resene Concrete (trim – deepest).

Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Dutch White
Resene Half Dutch White
Resene Tea
Resene Tea
Resene Quarter Villa White
Resene Quarter Villa White
Resene Triple Tea
Resene Triple Tea
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Concrete
Resene Concrete
 
September 2014

Q. I'm looking to the paint the exterior of my 1950s two storey Duroc sided house, which has a concrete block basement. The roof is a dark grey. It has wooden window frames all round and French doors at the rear. The house is adjacent to native bush down the left hand side. Can you please advise a suitable colour scheme for this house please?

A. I feel it could be painted a deeper colour so it balances the house better - you might look at Resene Ironsand to see if it would enhance the scheme more. I think you might investigate slightly earthy neutral tones for the house so it sits well in the native bush environment – try Resene Triple Ash (to include the concrete block basement) with a warm colour for the windows and French doors - Resene Half Joanna or Resene Half Stonewall (to include the concrete block basement) with a crisp clean colour for windows and French doors - Resene Half Villa White. The reason I include the concrete block basement in with the main colour is so you 'lose it' and not highlight it as an element worthy of being highlighted or picked out.

Resene Ironsand
Resene Ironsand
Resene Triple Ash
Resene Triple Ash
Resene Half Joanna
Resene Half Joanna
Resene Half Stonewall
Resene Half Stonewall
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Half Villa White
September 2014

Q. We need some advice please on colours for our new home. It is very much a blank canvas at the moment and we are looking forward to modernising it. At the moment our home has dark grey/brown concrete roof tiles, cream weatherboards and a teal trim around the roof. I would like to keep the roof tiles the same colour and put that money to other stuff. We also have a large Pohutukawa in front of the house and I will keep the other plants and trees native this time. The teal is my biggest problem at the moment!

A. The roof is a neutral so there are no problems there - it will go with many colours. Likewise the windows are silvery, which is nice as I have just recently had to find a main colour to go with Jade powder coat windows which was a mission! Perhaps you could look at the following colours to see if they inspire you – Resene Joanna with trim Resene Quarter Gravel, Resene Truffle with trim Resene Merino, Resene Half Tana with trim Resene Friar Grey or Resene Double Barely There with trim Resene Gauntlet. All of my suggestions are quite neutral with easy on the eye trims - not too colourful - but they will look smart as a backdrop to the Pohutukawa and other native shrubs.

Resene Joanna
Resene Joanna
Resene Quarter Gravel
Resene Quarter Gravel
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Merino
Resene Merino
Resene Half Tana
Resene Half Tana
Resene Friar Grey
Resene Friar Grey
Resene Double Barely There
Resene Double Barely There
Resene Gauntlet
Resene Gauntlet
September 2014

Q. This young boy’s bedroom has one window that faces south and opposite that a 3 door built in wardrobe with gloss white doors. We will probably go with some StarWars Wallies when finished. There is a dark blue check in the curtain. I am thinking Resene Outer Space, being a darker blue makes it easier to blend the different shades of blue in accessories, the more royal type blues make it look like there were too many different blues. I have a red, orange and green shelf. I thought blue on four walls would be too dark so maybe some walls need to be white. So I am not sure what blue? Or which walls to paint blue? Or which way the bed should go.

A. I note that there are only two walls (that don't have windows or doors on them) where the deep blue would be seen on in the largest amount. I personally think with all the white doors, windows, skirting boards and ceiling and scotias as well as the lovely new white and coloured shelves and possibly the Star Wars wall art that you think you may feature, that the deep blue would be amazing. You might consider another deep blue which is slightly less black - Resene Midnight Express.

Resene Outer Space
Resene Outer Space
Resene Midnight Express
Resene Midnight Express
September 2014

Q. We have a two story white weatherboard home with a Resene Kaitoke Green roof, deck and balustrade. The colour of the base of our home is Resene Double Wheatfield. We have a concrete block fence that we wish to paint which has vertical timber panels in between the posts. We would like to know what colours to use on the concrete posts and what colour on the timber panels. We are going to use Resene Lumbersider low sheen. Would we use the Resene Double Wheatfield or go darker?

A. Your house sounds as though it is elegant and quite classic and this begs the question do you want your fence to stand out and be noticed with two colours on it? If you would prefer it to be nice but not very attention seeking them I suggest you paint it all one colour and because you already have Resene Double Wheatfield on the house then - by default - that would be what was used on both the posts and the timbers. If you preferred a two colour option then the timbers would be the same white as the main colour of the house. It is all about linking the elements already used to create harmony. The Resene Kaitoke Green could be used but only in a small way – perhaps on the letter box, gate or for the house number?

Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Double Wheatfield
Resene Double Wheatfield
September 2014

Q. I am building a new home, open plan kitchen/living/dining, charcoal/dark brown carpet. A Resene white for most walls, dark oak natural cabinets/white benchtops, cream leather lounge suite, glass table and cream dining chairs. Please suggest accent colour for a wall and accessories.

A. There are so many colours – thousands. The best option is to look at what you have that you are really fond of and then think about the other new things that you may purchase to have in your new house.

New duvet? Or lovely curtains? Existing paintings or prints, cushions, throw rugs, china or coloured glassware - they need to be considered first and then an accent colour may well present itself as the perfect foil for these or you may say to yourself 'I have a lot of blue - I like blue - but perhaps a rich chocolate or a burnt terracotta will add that extra oomph to my new home and balance my blues.'


Q. I'm renovating the kitchen white cabinetry, engineered stone bench (white with grey fleck) splashback, maybe grey can you suggest a colour to paint the kitchen walls - ceiling will be white. Thought of Resene Sea Fog but wondered if it will all look all too whitish.

A. Perhaps if you look to use a metallic grey or charcoal under the glass splash back to add a bit of glamorous deep neutral to catch the eye like Resene Exponent or darker Resene Blast Grey 2 and then slightly deepen your Resene Sea Fog to Resene Double Sea Fog or even Resene House White or Resene Double Black White then that subtle depth would enhance your clean crisp white kitchen cabinetry and ceiling.

Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Exponent
Resene Exponent
Resene Blast Grey 2
Resene Blast Grey 2
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene House White
Resene House White
Resene Double Black White
Resene Double Black White
September 2014

Q. We have just about completed the renovation of what was once a very dark and uninviting home, sadly neglected and set in a glade of kauri trees, which assisted in making the house gloomy. We had faded chocolate threadbare carpet, faded tan and pink walls with the off impromptu flash of colour like in the bathroom with retro lights and foil paper with flamingos on it and most dreadful of all a dark stained sarked ceiling. We have transformed this home by firstly clearing some of the trees outside to invite some light into the house, removed a couple of partition walls in the kitchen dining room to make it more open plan and inside painted the whole house walls and sarked ceiling Resene Bianca, which transformed the place. We have put in a brand new kitchen with a bright green splashback painted Resene Citrus and also a new upstairs bathroom. In the lounge we have a feature wall painted Resene Tweet which we are going to replicate as a feature wall in the garage so when you look through the colour carries through. In between on the stair feature wall which goes up to the upstairs lounge we are tempted to use Resene Pukeko, a bright purple which seems to be a complementary colour to Resene Tweet. My question is are we on the right lines or should we go for a yellow or silver.

A. I am thrilled that your use of colour is so exciting and vibrant. Don't be afraid to use Resene Pukeko - it creates a perfect balance colour to Resene Tweet. Together these two create a relationship of serious rich opulence (Resene Pukeko) with reckless fizz of fresh energy (Resene Tweet) - the only other colour that would add an extra dimension to this palette is Resene Windfall - so this begs the question where would this go and what form would it take? Be brave and continue building your colourful nest.

Resene Bianca
Resene Bianca
Resene Citrus
Resene Citrus
Resene Tweet
Resene Tweet
Resene Pukeko
Resene Pukeko
Resene Windfall
Resene Windfall
September 2014

Q. What colour should I paint my old Queenslander house?

A. I suggest you do the weatherboards and the shingles under the bay windows a lovely soft cool green- Resene Quarter Lemon Grass, the windows and doors and under the soffits in a crisp clean coloured white - Resene Quarter Rice Cake and the guttering facing boards, the barge boards, window hoods, window sills, and gable batten detail in Resene Tapa, and the roof in a traditional red oxide Resene Red Planet and this wee house will look loved and beautiful and charming as she should do.

Resene Quarter Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Tapa
Resene Tapa
Resene Red Planet
Resene Red Planet
September 2014

Q. I am repainting a rental home, including the roof. I am needing a roof colour (neutrals or grey/draker grey). I want to use a warm colour on weatherboards (but not too yellow or brown) and use a simple Resene White or Resene Half Alabaster on all trim, but am struggling to find the roof colour. I'm not sure whether to continue same weatherboard colour on the base of house or not.

A. The roof could be Resene Grey Friars (this is a match to the COLORSTEEL® powdercoat colour which might be convenient if at any time a replacement roof was needed) or lighter versions Resene Half Grey Friars or Resene Quarter Grey Friars. Weatherboards could be Resene White Pointer, Resene Truffle or Resene Triple Sea Fog - these are greyish toned neutrals - definitely not yellow or brown - but warm. These greyish tones are essentially the smart urban hues that are in favour after many years of brown and creamy/yellow tones. You mention the base of the house - I would definitely carry the weatherboard colour down to simplify the scheme and to make the house taller visually. Any of these colours mentioned would look very smart with Resene Half Alabaster.

Resene White
Resene White
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Half Grey Friars
Resene Half Grey Friars
Resene Quarter Grey Friars
Resene Quarter Grey Friars
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
October 2014

Q. I am needing some advice on a white kitchen which will be painted and I am not sure what colour to choose for the cabinetry and the walls but want an all over white look. Should they be the same?

A. Staying with the same colour 'white' for cabinets and walls seems to be a favoured and simple approach to doing up a kitchen. Generally if this is the way you decide to go the walls have less sheen than the cabinets. Cabinets need far more sheen in a paint finish in order to withstand constant cleaning and touching. The difference in sheen level also creates a visually interesting ambiance within the room.

If you are having the kitchen cabinets lacquered then I suggest you ask to see samples of 'whites' that have been recently done - samples are usually kept to show clients - and check out whether you want a wet shiny full gloss finish or a nearly as shiny (but not quite) semi-gloss finish. You may see a 'white' that works for you and then it is just a case of using a low sheen waterborne enamel version of the same colour for the walls. But you are painting yourself and like Resene Rice Cake then perhaps you could use Resene Half Rice Cake or even 'whiter' - Resene Quarter Rice Cake. For 'whiter/cooler' options you might look at Resene Double Alabaster or if you wanted a more 'coloured' white you might look at Resene Eighth Truffle. Kitchen cabinets (and any other painted woodwork) can be painted with Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel (or for full gloss finish Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel) and the walls and ceilings can be painted with Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel.

Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Eighth Truffle
Resene Eighth Truffle
 
October 2014

Q. We have a stucco house with a Permanent Green iron roof. We are looking to paint the house and need help with the colour match. We have looked at light (Resene Silver Chalice, Resene Surrender, Resene Lemon Grass) and dark colours (Resene Stonehenge, Resene Mondo, Resene Gravel) and seem to prefer darker. We are in a beach location but are looking for muddier colours as we are in a leafy garden environment.

A. Are you wanting a grey based colour? The ones you are considering as possibles are not so muddy - more urban/smart. If that is the look you want then I suggest slightly greener or browner greys might suit - sort of driftwood/dry grass/sandy colours. You might like to try Resene Quarter Evolution, Resene Double Truffle, Resene Bison Hide or Resene Half Stonehenge.

If you are testpot trialing these colours it is really important that you don't apply them to the existing painted surfaces as the colour that is there now will alter how you see the Resene testpot and make you think it is wrong. Paint two coats [all of the testpot] onto A2 card (available from Resene) leaving an unpainted border all around the edges. This way the existing wall colour won't influence your eye and make you see the testpot colour wrong. You can move the painted sample onto all of the sides of the house to see how it changes in the light and your focus on the reality of the colour isn't misled about the type of colour it is and its true depth.

Resene Silver Chalice
Resene Silver Chalice
Resene Surrender
Resene Surrender
Resene Lemon Grass
Resene Lemon Grass
Resene Stonehenge
Resene Stonehenge
Resene Mondo
Resene Mondo
Resene Gravel
Resene Gravel
Resene Quarter Evolution
Resene Quarter Evolution
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Bison Hide
Resene Bison Hide
Resene Half Stonehenge
Resene Half Stonehenge
October 2014

Q. I am angsting about changing my house colour - the number of hours I have spent trying to decide!! The exterior is asbestos fibrolite tiles; double storey - house on top of garage, windows are UPVC white joinery and it’s on the lake edge. The deck is timber, glass and grey composite decking. Do you have any thoughts of what would modernise and make this look fantastic?

A. There are so many colour options available to choose from - I can understand how difficult it is.

The soft colours that you have now are the sort of colours I imagine would look lovely given the lake side situation you are in but 'modernise' for you may be completely different. Some colours you might like to try are Resene Half Thorndon Cream with deeper trim Resene Quarter Taupe Grey or Resene Double Truffle with lighter trim Resene Double Rice Cake or Resene Robins Egg Blue with deeper trim Resene Smoky Green or Resene Sandspit Brown with deeper trim Resene Half Regent Grey. Or for a bit of a surprise, try Resene Bluff with a definite trim contrast Resene Miso. The deeper colours might offer you the 'new' look after having a paler main colour.

Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarte Taupe Grey
Resene Quarter Taupe Grey
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Robins Egg Blue
Resene Robins Egg Blue
Resene Smoky Green
Resene Smoky Green
Resene Sandspit Brown
Resene Sandspit Brown
Resene Half Regent Grey
Resene Half Regent Grey
Resene Bluff
Resene Bluff
Resene Miso
Resene Miso
October 2014

Q. We have decided on Resene Drought for family room walls. We need a complementary deep neutral for a feature wall which will work with both our stone wall and brick red curtains. We have a lot of wood, lots of light. The wall is Resene Gravel at present and I am wanting to keep the depth of colour.

A. You might look at the following colours to see if they pick up the warmth from the stone wall and enhance it - Resene Half Fuscous Grey, Resene Identity, Resene Matterhorn, Resene Emperor or Resene Masala. They all work to one extent or the other with the Resene Drought and rich warm wood floors and red curtains.

Resene Drought
Resene Drought
Resene Gravel
Resene Gravel
Resene Half Fuscous Grey
Resene Half Fuscous Grey
Resene Identity
Resene Identity
Resene Matterhorn
Resene Matterhorn
Resene Emperor
Resene Emperor
Resene Masala
Resene Masala
 
October 2014

Q. I have a 1920s bungalow and am doing up the hallway/entrance. I’m thinking of an olive green. I need to paint skirtings/frames as they are quite damaged. Would the green work and if yes what colour would go with the green?

A. If you did decide to use an olive green then I would suggest an earthy/warm neutral for the woodwork. I have included options for both the olive green walls and the lighter woodwork for you to consider – try Resene Forest Green with Resene Thorndon Cream or Resene Rutherford with Resene Double Rice Cake or Resene Feverpitch with Resene Quarter Sisal or Resene Panzano with Resene Quarter Spanish White. The colours listed can be reversed but having the deeper green on the woodwork may look quite 'bossy' whereas on the wall panels it is contained and more effective.

Resene Forest Green
Resene Forest Green
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Rutherford
Resene Rutherford
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Feverpitch
Resene Feverpitch
Resene Quarter Sisal
Resene Quarter Sisal
Resene Panzano
Resene Panzano
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
October 2014

Q. Currently our kitchen/family room walls are painted in Resene Thorndon Cream. Our benchtop is black granite and we have terracotta tiles on the floor. The kitchen is painted a green colour and we are looking at having the doors resprayed using Resene paints to modernise it a bit. Are you able to advise a colour we might use? We also have quite a lot of Rimu in the room.

A. There are several ways you might go in regard a new modern look for the kitchen cabinets - lighter (so that the walls look more 'coloured') with Resene Rice Cake, Resene Half Wheatfield or deeper (so that the wall colour appears 'whiter' by comparison) with Resene Quarter Taupe Grey or warmer (because of the terracotta tiles on the floor) with Resene Half Haystack.

Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Half Wheatfield
Resene Half Wheatfield
Resene Quarte Taupe Grey
Resene Quarter Taupe Grey
Resene Half Haystack
Resene Half Haystack
October 2014

Q. I am putting old cedar on an interior wall and would like suggestions to match a paint colour to it.

A. No paint colour will truly match your cedar timber. I have seen cedar look like two or three levels of hue dependent upon the finish, the age of the wood and how the natural and artificial light reflects off of it and often on the same plank. Have you considered a lighter colour so the cedar is a great feature and draws all the eye attention? The other option is to take the cedar (one plank) to your local Resene ColorShop to see if a sympathetic colour can be found that suits.


Q. I have a wooden fence that is currently painted in a dark green (to match our three other steel fences). I have wanted to paint it a lighter colour for a long time. Our house is 7 years old and it is plastered poly in Resene Doeskin. I have started to paint over the wooden fence in Resene Doeskin to match the house but it looks a bit bright. I am thinking maybe I should do it a silver green. I also have a criss cross pattern of star jasmine on the fence (the fence is 27m long). Can you suggest a colour from Resene that would suit please?

A. You might like to try Resene Innocence, Resene Rolling Stone, Resene Yucca, Resene Blue Smoke or a greyer/green Resene Inside Back.

Resene Doeskin
Resene Doeskin
Resene Innocence
Resene Innocence
Resene Rolling Stone
Resene Rolling Stone
Resene Yucca
Resene Yucca
Resene Blue Smoke
Resene Blue Smoke
Resene Inside Back
Resene Inside Back
October 2014

Q. We are painting the exterior of our house Resene Pravda with Resene Black White trim. We are looking for suggestions for the front door and verandah floor. The house is a traditional villa.

A. If you are using Resene Ironsand on the roof then I would think of lightening that colour to Resene Quarter Ironsand for the verandah floor and the door step also, it is a little lighter and won't attract too much heat so it will be cooler for feet. I would suggest also that the front door and door frames might be the same as the windows - Resene Black White, which, if it is an old style panelled door, may be a kind consideration - the door won't attract too much heat and cause the panels and beading etc to expand and contract and possibly bubble or crack and will stand out nicely against the Resene Pravda creating a smart look. Any other trim detail on the house would also be the Resene Black White - verandah posts/balustrades, under the soffits, roof line barge boards and guttering fascias so that the contrast between main colour and roof colour is crisply defined.

This is a very traditional look for the villa but a contemporary approach to colour as it highlights without adding a definite feature colour.

Resene Pravda
Resene Pravda
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Ironsand
Resene Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
October 2014

Q. Our house is in need of a repaint. We like the colour Resene Rakaia and would like some suggestions for a soft white for the trim and a darker grey colour for the roof. We are not adverse to you suggesting a colour other than the Resene Rakaia.

A. As a soft white to go with Resene Rakaia you might look at Resene Half Sea Fog and there are several options open to you for the roof - Resene Half Grey Friars or deeper Resene Grey Friars or Resene Half Fuscous Grey. Resene Rakaia is a lovely warm grey. On the west face of the house it will show a tendency to mauve as the sun dips down to sunset. Other options instead of Resene Rakaia you might like to consider are: Resene Double Concrete (more pewter in its undertone), Resene French Grey (more violet in its undertone) or Resene Pale Slate (warmer than Resene Rakaia).

Resene Rakaia
Resene Rakaia
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Grey Friars
Resene Half Grey Friars
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Half Fuscous Grey
Resene Half Fuscous Grey
Resene Double Concrete
Resene Double Concrete
Resene French Grey
Resene French Grey
Resene Pale Slate
Resene Pale Slate
October 2014

Q. We have chosen Resene Half Fuscous Grey as our main colour but need another colour to use for doors and window ledges. Any suggestions as we picked Resene Sanguine Brown but think it may be too dark.

A. Well, you have chosen a very smart charcoal for the concrete block and any trim needs to lift it up a notch to stop it looking too serious - there is nothing wrong with Resene Sanguine Brown but a colour with a bit more spirit may feel more empowering. You could try Resene Pioneer Red (a bit brighter than Resene Sanguine Brown), Resene Pohutukawa (a bolder iconic NZ red), Resene Bittersweet (a tasty rich gold - and a bit different!), Resene Koru (a cheeky fresh green to alter the mood completely) or Resene Crisp Green (almost olive green but sharp). You will better appreciate these colours if you are able to see them as large A4 samples at your nearest Resene ColorShop in the Colour Library.

Resene Half Fuscous Grey
Resene Half Fuscous Grey
Resene Sanguine Brown
Resene Sanguine Brown
Resene Pioneer Red
Resene Pioneer Red
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Bittersweet
Resene Bittersweet
Resene Koru
Resene Koru
Resene Crisp Green
Resene Crisp Green
 
October 2014

Q. We are repainting and need some colour advice. We have a COLORSTEEL® red roof and a COLORSTEEL® cream shed.

A. Because of the large shed which is Smooth Cream I think it may be wise to paint the little shed the same colour - Resene Smooth Cream - and use this same colour for the unpainted verandah roof timbers, the verandah posts and rails. That will neatly tie in the large shed colour. For a main colour you might like to try Resene Lemon Grass (soft restful green) or Resene Taupe Grey (dense/earthy stone grey).

For wooden windows and painted doors keep it simple and much lighter than the Smooth Cream colour and the main colour (whichever one you choose). You could try Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Pearl Lusta.

Resene Smooth Cream
Resene Smooth Cream
Resene Lemon Grass
Resene Lemon Grass
Resene Half Grey
Resene Taupe Grey
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Pearl Lusta
October 2014

Q. I am interested in painting a south-west facing lounge red - can you recommend some Resene colours which I should try out by way of testpots?

A. You might like to investigate the following reds - Resene Shiraz, Resene Pohutukawa or Resene I C Red. When you are painting bright colour you may need an extra coat to get the full depth of the red. Make sure you apply the paint in full coats and don't spread it too far.

Resene Shiraz
Resene Shiraz
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene I C Red
Resene I C Red
October 2014

Q. What is a good white that would work as a trim for Resene Baltic Sea - we have done that for our entry way. And what would be a good mid tone grey that would go with Resene Baltic Sea for the rest of the house exterior (weatherboard)?

A. You might like to try using either of these two colours as your 'white' - Resene Black White or Resene Half Sea Fog, and for a mid toned grey for the exterior either of these may suit - Resene Jumbo or Resene Suva Grey. On the exterior of the house I strongly advise taking advantage of Resene CoolColour™ technology modified colour formulas (that is what CC means next to the colour chip name on the colour chart) so that the coating reflects more heat. Resene CoolColour technology won't stop the heat altogether but it will reduce the absorption. Or you could use a lighter grey and possibly look at Resene Mountain Mist or Resene Grey Chateau.

Resene Baltic Sea
Resene Baltic Sea
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Jumbo
Resene Jumbo
Resene Suva Grey
Resene Suva Grey
Resene Mountain Mist
Resene Mountain Mist
Resene Grey Chateau
Resene Grey Chateau
 
October 2014

Q. Could I please get a few suggestions on a colour that would be nice in our office (2.8 x 3m) which is on the side of the house that gets no sun so it's a bit gloomy?

A. If it is a bit gloomy and small the following colours may work for you - Resene Albescent White, Resene Orchid White or Resene Quarter Spanish White. These are all warm/light and if you pop a few red things in the rooms, such as a notice board, office chair or storage boxes it will add a dash of invigorating warmth to make the room seem more appealing.

Resene Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Orchid White
Resene Orchid White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
October 2014

Q. Can you suggest colours that would be nice in a girl's bedroom but are still fairly neutral as we are looking to sell the house in a year's time?

A. You could look at the following colours to see whether or not they might work for you: Resene Bianca - very light off white but looks good with all other colour accessories, Resene Eighth Truffle - soft pale mushroom that looks good with all other colour accessories, Resene Half Secrets - a whisper of light green that is great for a really sunny room or Resene Half Albescent White, a light beige/white - warm but not too yellow.

Resene Bianca
Resene Bianca
Resene Eighth Truffle
Resene Eighth Truffle
Resene Half Secrets
Resene Half Secrets
Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Half Albescent White
October 2014

Q. I am building a new concrete home. What are the new exterior colour combinations that will be popular in the next decade?

A. The rising colour trends indicate slightly greyer or greener stone colours so perhaps you could look at the following colours to see if any of them suit: Resene Triple Sea Fog - used with powder coat colours (roof etc) Thunder Grey and trims in Resene Quarter Masala or Resene Double Truffle - used with powder coat colours (roof etc) Ironsand and trims in Resene Half Gravel or Resene Silver Chalice - used with powder coat colours (roof etc) Smokey and trims in Resene Double Tapa.

Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Quarter Masala
Resene Quarter Masala
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Silver Chalice
Resene Silver Chalice
Resene Double Tapa
Resene Double Tapa
October 2014

Q. I'm getting a very dark brown carpet laid - what wall colour would best suit? I was wondering about Resene Spanish White - what are your thoughts?

A. The idea you have of using Resene Spanish White is a good choice but you might like to use a slightly lighter version - Resene Half Spanish White - this won't look too dense/dark in rooms that don't get good natural light i.e. hallways or small bedrooms facing south and overall will allow you to have any other coloured elements (curtains, duvets, sofas etc) without looking too 'coloured'. Colours tend to look much deeper inside than you would expect them to look because of the close proximity of walls and the shadow lines.

Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Half Spanish White
October 2014

Q. We are redoing a small bathroom with a big window on one wall, a shower bath, all white bath and vanity and silver towel rail. We're overwhelmed with colours. We like colour not pastels and with a small bathroom, we're not sure which way to go. Off whites/brown tones, colour?

A. You might like to try Resene Eighth Drought, Resene Half Fossil, Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe, Resene Quarter Tea or Resene Quarter Villa White. All of these neutrals come as slightly deeper versions also if the ones indicated are too light for you. I know you say no pastels but one that you might consider is this one as it is a lovely colour - Resene Half Secrets.

Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Half Fossil
Resene Half Fossil
Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe
Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Villa White
Resene Quarter Villa White
Resene Half Secrets
Resene Half Secrets
October 2014

Q. I am wanting to change our exterior colour, to make it modern but still fitting with the style of our house. Our current house is white with deep trims.

A. Perhaps for a new look but one that will work well with the era of the house you might look at a slightly stronger colour as a main colour on the weatherboards and repaint many of the dark accents to a crisp white. You might like to try Resene Triple Sea Fog with Resene White for windows, frames etc or Resene Thorndon Cream with Resene Eighth Rice Cake for windows, frames etc or Resene White Pointer - with Resene Alabaster for windows, frames, sills etc. Using more 'white' around the windows will make them seem larger and often against a slightly deeper main colour this is a lovely way to enhance features without using lots of trim colours.

Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene White
Resene White
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Rice Cake
Resene Eighth Rice Cake
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
   
October 2014

Q. Our home is a 1929 arts and craft villa - river stone fire places, dark wood panels and pillars, plaster ceilings (uplit with led strips along picture rails) etc. What colour for the walls in the living area would complement the dark wood of the walls and the dark antique furniture while lightening up the room? A friend suggested Resene Alabaster as a colour, but the complementary colours are a purple based colour and a couple of others. I am thinking of a white for which the complementary colours would be dark brown and dark grey. Your suggestions for the type of white to use and any others gratefully received. We also need a colour for the dining room.

A. It may be that too stark a 'white' may make the dark wood look even darker and you want to lighten the rooms but not necessarily make them feel too cool and austere. When choosing a new paint colour scheme you also need to consider other elements of the room such as curtains ,carpets, rugs and soft furnishings. You might like to try these colours: Resene Eighth Spanish White, Resene Half Bianca, Resene Quarter Albescent White or Resene Half Soapstone.

A word to the wise - they may look more 'coloured' they you imagine them to be and radically different in all of the rooms as the light - both natural and artificial - and any other colours in these spaces - can alter how you see them a lot. Don't feel limited by the complementary colour suggestions on the back of our colour chart - they are an assortment of versatile options that havebeen put together to help people see the flexibility of the colour.

Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Half Soapstone
Resene Half Soapstone
October 2014

Q. We plan to paint two fences and balconies. I don't like the dark red colour of the balcony's original wood. Please provide some colour suggestions.

A. The red/brown clinker brick on the house has had all the trims coloured to co-ordinate even the garage roller doors. Too much of that type of colour plus the lack of colour on the base of the house and the unpainted fences mean that the brick gets a bit bossy and says 'look at me'. The fences can be a deep colour - perhaps a green or a browny green to harmonise with the brick on the house - you might like to try the following colours: Resene Tapa or Resene Stonehenge. The white base of the house could be less stark and perhaps you could consider a light earthy green or brown/green, such as Resene Ash or Resene Thorndon Cream. The balcony trim and painted wooden lower storey could be the same as the fences or deeper than the base of the house - try Resene Double Ash or Resene Double Thorndon Cream or a little deeper Resene Triple Thorndon Cream.

The garage doors could be the same as the fences or deeper. If they were painted to match the base of the house they would disappear but possibly not in a beneficial way. Try Resene Double Tapa or Resene Double Friar Grey.

If you keep in mind the brick colour and 'read' it as a type of red then a type of green or brown/green may be the complementary colour that it needs.

Resene Tapa
Resene Tapa
Resene Stonehenge
Resene Stonehenge
Resene Ash
Resene Ash
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Ash
Resene Double Ash
Resene Double Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Thorndon Cream
Resene Triple Thorndon Cream
Resene Triple Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Tapa
Resene Double Tapa
Resene Double Friar Grey
Resene Double Friar Grey
 
October 2014

Q. I am trying to decide on an exterior paint. We have limewashed external shutters, front door and garage door and am wanting to know what would be a good off-white to go with this? Nothing stark like Resene Alabaster but am looking at Resene Rice Cake or Resene Merino but it is very hard to tell from the colour charts what they will actually look like. We live by the beach so am wanting a casual beachy feel.

A. If you could see an A4 sheet of colour it would make things a lot easier for you and that is how you need to choose possible options. Resene ColorShops have A4 samples of thousands of Resene colours in their instore Colour Library that you can browse through. Once these are seen it is so much easier to isolate options and take testpots to trial. I often tell people to place a sheet of white printer paper between off whites so that you can start to identify their colour undertones - and they all have undertones. You might like to try Resene Double Sea Fog (or lighter Resene Sea Fog), Resene Merino (or lighter Resene Half Merino), Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream (or Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream), Resene Rice Cake or Resene Wan White. After looking at the larger A4 samples at your Resene ColorShop you will probably choose only 1 or 2 to test at your house.

Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Merino
Resene Merino
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Half Merino
Resene Half Merino
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Wan White
Resene Wan White
 
October 2014

Q. I've painted the rest of the house in Resene Half Alabaster, Resene Half Perfect Taupe, Resene White Pointer and Resene Shinto. I've painted the quite dark hallway in Resene White Pointer, but would like to add a feature wall there as I feel it's too boring. Would I be better to paint a wall a light, bright colour as opposed to a brooding colour like Resene El Nino? I need colours that will work with Resene Half Perfect Taupe.

A. What about using wallpaper as a feature wall in the hallway? Preferably one with a very pale background (whitish) and possibly silver or black on it. Or - if your heart longs for a fresh bright colour instead of a moody or boring colour - why not paint up a series of smallish square and oblong boxed art frames in Resene Half Alabaster, Resene Half Perfect Taupe and Resene Shinto and two in Resene Mobster and Resene Java as much smaller 'pops' of colour situated between the other colours. Let your inner Picasso out and be creative!

Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Shinto
Resene Shinto
Resene El Nino
Resene El Nino
Resene Mobster
Resene Mobster
Resene Java
Resene Java
 
October 2014

Q. I'm trying to find a good colour for our hallway: it's a 50s home, so the ceilings aren't particularly high, and the passageway isn't that wide. Other colours in the house are Resene Half Perfect Taupe, Resene Shinto, Resene Double White Pointer and Resene Half Alabaster on ceilings and window joinery. I love the colour Resene Mischka but am wondering if it can be made in half or even quarter strength? Will it become a slightly lighter, 'softer' version of itself (but still true to colour/tone), or will making it half or quarter turn it all pastel and babyish? Can you suggest another grey-blue that is lighter than Resene Mischka if it can't be halved or quartered?

A. Resene Mischka is a beautiful grey with a lot of purple undertone to it so I can understand why you like it. Reducing the formula to a half or quarter may not get you where you want to be - colour wise. In this colour the black tinter and the purple tinter are the most dominant and you may end up with a soft grey - which may be exactly what you want. You could investigate the following colours - Resene Designer White - slightly mauve or Resene Midwinter Mist - slightly silver or Resene Oxygen - slightly bluer.

Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Shinto
Resene Shinto
Resene Double White Pointer
Resene Double White Pointer
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene MischkaResene Mischka Resene Designer White
Resene Designer White
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Oxygen
Resene Oxygen
October 2014

Q. I have painted my villa Resene Half Tea with Resene Alabaster for the window surrounds. I am looking for a grey to paint the balcony floor. What grey would match Resene Half Tea well?

A. Any grey would work as all greys are neutral and flexible but I suggest you investigate the following colours – Resene Chicago, Resene Trojan and Resene Eighth Masala.

Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Chicago
Resene Chicago
Resene Trojan
Resene Trojan
Resene Masala
Resene Eighth Masala
October 2014

Q. I would like to paint our 1.83 metre paling fence and was wondering if you could help me with a colour. Firstly our bricks are a light coffee colour. I would like a darkish softer colour that would show the flowers and greenery well. I favour brownish tones.

A. A darkish softer colour in a brownish tone may suit – try Resene Stonewashed, Resene Quarter Oilskin or Resene Half Oilskin, or Resene Eighth Mondo or Resene Quarter Mondo, or Resene Cloudy or Resene Gargoyle.

Resene Stonewashed
Resene Stonewashed
Resene Half Oilskin
Resene Quarter Oilskin
Resene Half Oilskin
Resene Half Oilskin
Resene Eighth Mondo
Resene Eighth Mondo
Resene Quarter Mondo
Resene Quarter Mondo
Resene Cloudy
Resene Cloudy
Resene Gargoyle
Resene Gargoyle
 
October 2014

Q. I am finding it difficult to decide on exterior colours to tone in with our navy joinery and front door. Can you suggest a good combination/s for the wood exterior please?

A. Your house cladding is cedar which has been stained a cedar type colour so I am presuming you are going to re-stain and not change to a paint finish which would mean lots of extra prep work and added expense. So with that in mind perhaps to give the house a fresh new look you might look at a colour that blends in the roof and joinery a little – try Resene Woodsman tinted to Resene Bleached Cedar or Resene Silvered Grey or alternatively a colour that is a little less gingery/red than it is now – Resene Iroko or a darker tone Resene Bark. Resene Woodsman is available in a solventborne or waterborne option (solventborne option has a smaller colour range).

Resene Woodsman Bleached Cedar
Resene Bleached Cedar
Resene Silvered Grey
Resene Silvered Grey
Resene Iroko
Resene Iroko
Resene Bark
Resene Bark
October 2014

Q. We are having the exterior of our house repainted and putting on a new roof and guttering. We would like some ideas for colour schemes. We have white metal window frames.

A. It is probably wise to look at the roof and guttering first - is it going to be a COLORSTEEL® colour? If so there is a limited range of options. Perhaps a deep grey like Grey Friars or Ironsand or even lighter like your garage door. It is nice to tie in an already existing colour so it 'belongs'. Then perhaps look at some of the light toned neutrals – try Resene Thorndon Cream, Resene Ash, Resene White Pointer, Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Half Cloud or Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe.

Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Ash
Resene Ash
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Half Cloud
Resene Half Cloud
Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe
Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe
October 2014

Q. What would be the best tonal colours (very dark) to match Ironsand? It is a paint finish for weatherboards and ideally it would have a slight brown hue - but not too much so.

A. If you are requiring darker colours then perhaps you could investigate these colours – Resene Stonehenge or Resene Double Stonehenge, or more grey/brown toned colours – Resene Masala or Resene Tundora.

If you are requiring direct reductions of Resene Ironsand then Resene do have Resene Half Ironsand and Resene Quarter Ironsand.

Generally for timber weatherboards lighter colours are preferred to minimise heat buildup so you may need or want to choose lighter colours and/or use a Resene CoolColour™ to help reduce heat buildup.

Resene Stonehenge
Resene Stonehenge
Resene Double Stonehenge
Resene Double Stonehenge
Resene Masala
Resene Masala
Resene Tundora
Resene Tundora
Resene Ironsand
Resene Ironsand
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Quarter Ironsand
 
October 2014

Q. I am doing up a small cottage French style. Can you please advise a light blue colour to use on the bedroom walls? Furniture is white. Maybe a few wallpaper ideas would be helpful as well.

A. I have found a few colours and wallpapers that you might like to investigate – Resene Oxygen (light colour) or Resene Smokescreen (slightly deeper colour). For wallpaper that has similar tones try Bloomsbury House pattern 25414 - small pattern or pattern 25454 - solid colour with slight texture effect. Very charming and French inspired.

Resene Oxygen
Resene Oxygen
Resene Smokescreen
Resene Smokescreen

Bloomsbury House 25414

Bloomsbury House 25454
October 2014

Q. Do you have any ideas re colour to paint the wooden cupboards in my campervan? It has a ceiling of a light brownish/greyish with white trims, multi coloured cream/gold benchtop, mustard fridge and wooden cupboards shelves etc. The flooring is gold/cream tiled look but I will have a mid brown mat to cover this. I would like ideas to paint the wood. I had thought of a nice bright pink but don't want to make it feel any smaller or closed in.

A. As campervans are small, trying to make the spaces seem larger is often difficult. You have a lot of colour in yours already - I do have reservations in regard the bright pink idea that you are keen on... any bright reds, pinks or oranges tend to gobble up space and look a little hectic. What about having the fridge [mustard now] and the kitchen cabinets painted the same colour so the fridge doesn't intrude into the scheme as much? Perhaps you could look at these colours which may inspire you - they are not exciting but are lovely light, fresh and clean – Resene Half Pearl Lusta and Resene Quarter Dutch White.

Then pop out to a shop like Briscoes and check out bright pink mugs, tea towels, cushions and a throw rug on the sofa/sleeper etc to bring in the happy colours in a small way or even some sassy bright fabric to make new little curtains.

Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Dutch White
Resene Quarter Dutch White
October 2014

Q. Our walls are Resene Half Sisal - what colour should we paint skirtings and windows frames?

A. You could paint them Resene Eighth Sisal if you wanted a soft modern and understated look or alternatively Resene Half Rice Cake or even Resene Quarter Wheatfield (or even lighter/whiter versions of these colours) if you wanted a crisp light contrast that emphasised your wall colour more.

Resene Half Sisal
Resene Half Sisal
Resene Eighth Sisal
Resene Eighth Sisal
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Wheatfield
Resene Quarter Wheatfield
October 2014

Q. I have a cream Hardiplank house. The small deck attached to the house has a deep red/burgundy paint, with a railing in natural wood (unstained or oiled). I want to paint over the deck to refresh the paint and change colour. I have gone for grey tones (deck only) I tried Resene Trojan (which was a nice light colour but doesn't seem too good next to cream) and I have tried Resene Scarpa Flow. Maybe I need to also paint the railings instead of leaving them natural? The house does have dark green on the lower panels, but this deck isn't near them. I am stuck for colour ideas.

A. If you favour greys I think you might like some of these as they are a little warmer with an undertone of green which hopefully will sit well with the existing house colours – try Resene Quarter Gravel, Resene Half Chicago and Resene Half Cobblestone. In regard to painting the railings or not - I think I would paint them, to create a whole new look for the deck but it is a very personal choice, and you will need to reconsider the fences as well.

Resene Trojan
Resene Trojan
Resene Scarpa Flow
Resene Scarpa Flow
Resene Quarter Gravel
Resene Quarter Gravel
Resene Half Chicago
Resene Half Chicago
Resene Half Cobblestone
Resene Half Cobblestone
October 2014

Q. We have painted the exterior of our new house in Resene Napa and are wanting to highlight around the garage, portico and alfresco with a darker tonal colour so there is a bit of a contrast. Can you suggest a colour? Our roof is Dune, window frames are white.

A. You might like to try: Resene Triple Napa, Resene Pravda, Resene Stonewall or Resene Stonewashed. They will all create a deeper tonal effect but you may need to consider just how much deeper you might like to go to create the contrast. You could go lighter also to create contrast.

Resene Napa
Resene Napa
Resene Triple Napa
Resene Triple Napa
Resene Pravda
Resene Pravda
Resene Stonewall
Resene Stonewall
Resene Stonewashed
Resene Stonewashed
October 2014

Q. I want to paint our kitchen cupboards black. In the lounge/kitchen area we have off white walls. What colour black do you recommend and should this be in a matt or semi-gloss? Also we are going to paint our cedar garage doors black. What colour black do you recommend for this? The house is a very light grey at the moment. We will carry through with this theme and paint our wooden fence black also to smarten our outdoor area.

A. The kitchen cabinet doors might need to be a semi-gloss enamel so that greasy fingermarks and other dirt doesn't show on a matt surface and drive you crazy cleaning it all of the time. Perhaps you could look at these 'blacks' - slightly warmer/softer Resene Double Foundry and slightly cooler/harder Resene Nero.

Black used on the exterior is very smart but tends to attract a lot of heat. A Resene CoolColour™ can help but it won’t necessarily resolve all heat related issues.

Resene Double Foundry
Resene Double Foundry
Resene Nero
Resene Nero
October 2014

Q. Do you think these colours are okay for a weatherboard state house? Resene Black White on windows/frames/soffits, Resene Masala on window sills/fascia/foundation/doors and frames, Resene Quarter Napa on weatherboards.

A. They all look very nice together. Because your main colour - Resene Quarter Napa is such a lovely soft colour you could use Resene Half Masala for the trims if you wanted to keep the colours muted and sweet.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Masala
Resene Masala
Resene Quarter Napa
Resene Quarter Napa
Resene Half Masala
Resene Half Masala
October 2014

Q. I have chosen Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue for the refurbishment of a small retirement unit. Firstly what is a complementary colour for that and/or what colours would look good with that? I am using bookshelves in the bedroom that are already painted Resene Half Akaroa. What colour would be good to use in that room that would suit both the Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue and the Resene Half Akaroa?

A. It isn't so much a complementary colour that I am about to suggest - more a group of colours to 'befriend' the main Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue colour - Resene Eighth Spanish White could be used instead of pure white for ceilings, all painted woodwork and possibly the walls in the room that has the bookshelves that are painted in Resene Half Akaroa and Resene Periglacial Blue - deeper version of your main colour - could be a feature wall in the lounge or curtains or a duvet in bedrooms or the lounge. Small touches of Resene Heirloom, a warm dusky brown will lift all of the colours, and could be used in a rug, curtains, carpet, cushions or a painted chest of drawers.

Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue
Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue
Resene Half Akaroa
Resene Half Akaroa
Resene Periglacial Blue
Resene Periglacial Blue
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Heirloom
Resene Heirloom
October 2014

Q. My home is painted in Resene Blanc but the bathroom is dark. I am thinking about using a dark colour or a muted blue or red with Resene Blanc trim. Please advise some colours.

A. If the bathroom is dark you may see the Resene Blanc looking a lot more mushroom/mauve beige coloured than in the other rooms in the house so choosing a dark colour will make the room even darker - is this what you want to do? If a dense intimate atmosphere is what you are striving for then you might look at the following red tones colours to see if they would work - Resene Ravishing, Resene Hot Chocolate, Resene Kubrick or Resene Tom Tom. I have found these muted blues that look nice with the Resene Blanc also – Resene Astronaut and Resene Lifesaver.

It would pay you to check out the larger A4 samples in the colour library at the Resene shop and trial your colours using Resene testpots very carefully in the bathroom as they will look quite different within the small dark space, especially offset with white ceramic bathroom vanity, bath, shower etc.

Resene Blanc
Resene Blanc
Resene Ravishing
Resene Ravishing
Resene Hot Chocolate
Resene Hot Chocolate
Resene Kubrick
Resene Kubrick
Resene Tom Tom
Resene Tom Tom
Resene Astronaut
Resene Astronaut
Resene Lifesaver
Resene Lifesaver
 
October 2014

Q. I am thinking of using Resene Rhino on the outside of my new house. What colour would I use with that. It’s mainly weatherboard with a wee bit of Rockcote. I am thinking something that may be equivalent to Resene Eighth Rhino?

A. Some colours you might like to try are: Resene Neutral Bay, Resene El Nino, Resene Tiebreaker or Resene Smokescreen. Please check them out in the local Resene ColorShop where they can be viewed as A4 samples in the colour library to see if one of them may be suitable - seeing larger samples of real colour is tremendously helpful when it comes to making decisions.

Resene Rhino is a soft blue based charcoal so the colours I have suggested slide between grey with a tint of warmed blue, a stony grey/blue, grey/blue with a hint of lilac to blue with a undertone of grey and may be considered to be about a quarter of the depth of colour compared to the Resene Rhino. How they would look depends mainly on how much of the colour is seen and the colours of the doors, roof and powder coated joinery.

Resene Rhino
Resene Rhino
Resene Neutral Bay
Resene Neutral Bay
Resene El Nino
Resene El Nino
Resene Tiebreaker
Resene Tiebreaker
Resene Smokescreen
Resene Smokescreen
October 2014

Q. I am doing a student assignment via a correspondence course. Can you please recommend the sort of colours I should consider for a north facing family home with a moderate amount of natural light?

A. I hope that the colour module is an extensive one that gives you a real understanding of colour and how important it is. The Resene website has absolutely masses of information about colour - combinations of colour - and which colours are used in which areas, what other work or projects are being done. It also has important information about the light reflectance values and seasonal colour preferences.

If the house is primarily north facing, heat and bright light is always a problem with exterior colours in the Southern hemisphere and the direct opposite in the Northern hemisphere. Neutrals are always popular (check out the Resene The Range Whites & Neutrals fandeck) and often window and door joinery is (powder coated metal or painted wooden joinery) lighter in colour. Roof and garage doors and fences are often darker.

Make sure you refer to physical colour charts as that is the best way to judge the colour (rather than off the screen). Choose as if it was your home that was being painted.


Q. We have fallen in love with New Denim Blue, and are painting our 50s weatherboard (and new extension) in that, with Titania trims. However we are unsure what colour to use for the roof - carry on with New Denim Blue or use lighter such as Titania?

A. Having New Denim Blue on the roof as well as on the house may be taking a good thing one step too far. You mention Titania which you are using as a trim colour as a possibility also but my main concern is that the sunlight on a roof of that colour may look quite 'white' or a be a bit glary. You might consider using Resene Bone White - a bit deeper than Titania - or even Resene Gauntlet - a warm mid toned grey. Alternatively - for a dark roof but not New Denim Blue - you could check out Resene Grey Friars.

Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Titania
Resene Titania
Resene Bone White
Resene Bone White
Resene Gauntlet
Resene Gauntlet
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Grey Friars
October 2014

Q. I am redecorating my hallway, it doesn't have much natural light and is very narrow. I have bought a long rug in patterned tomato colour and a white shade. What colours do you suggest for the walls and door trim? I started looking at Resene Rice Cake as a possibility.

A. If you like the look of Resene Rice Cake, which is clean and crisp you might also check out these colours also – Resene Cararra, Resene Half Pearl Lusta or Resene Quarter Spanish White. Of these three Resene Half Pearl Lusta is slightly brighter because it has a little yellow undertone and both the Resene Cararra and Resene Rice Cake have a tiny tint of green and the Resene Quarter Spanish White is mellow and changeable because it has both yellow, brown and green in it. You may need to trial these colours carefully as the hallway may make the colours appear slightly deeper. If you paint an A2 card ($1 from Resene) with two coats of the testpot leaving a unpainted border all around the edge of the card so you focus on the colour you will be able to move it around onto all of the walls to see what it truly looks like.

Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Cararra
Resene Cararra
Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
October 2014

Q. We have a two storey board and batten family sized home, which was stained many years ago by the last owner. The corrugated iron roof is Ironsand and the joinery is bronze. Could you please suggest a colour to paint the timber? We are not too keen on grey which has been recommended, as we would prefer a warmer colour. There is a big surface area to paint... house, garage, outside flat and pool shed.

A. If you are planning to change from stain to paint, make sure you get full prep and paint system advice so you get a good finish. You might like to try the following paint colours that are warm/earthy and would go quite well with the existing roof and window joinery colours – Resene Bison Hide, Resene Triple Tea, Resene Double Akaroa and Resene Napa. If you decide to re-stain instead of paint these colours may suit - Resene Woodsman Equilibrium, Resene Iroko, Resene Limed Gum or Resene Nutmeg.

Resene Bison Hide
Resene Bison Hide
Resene Triple Tea
Resene Triple Tea
Resene Double Akaroa
Resene Double Akaroa
Resene Napa
Resene Napa
Resene Equilibrium
Resene Equilibrium
Resene Iroko
Resene Iroko
Resene Limed Gum
Resene Limed Gum
Resene Woodsman Nutmeg
Resene Nutmeg
October 2014

Q. I'm looking for guidance on interior colours for my A frame bach. It's a very dated design that we're looking to refresh while maintaining a cosy mountain chalet feel. It's small with slanted walls so it's important that we do what we can with colour to make it feel as open and spacious as we can. I had thought to use a white for all the slanted walls, including beams, a neutral for the other walls with brown/grey tones similar to the volcanic rock in the area and accents of navy blue with pops of red. We will keep the existing light grey carpet and are stuck with brown aluminium joinery. We've already bought red curtains and roman blinds and blue checked bedspreads. We are looking for a palette that can be used for new kitchen tiles, a new kitchen and all the interior walls.

A. You could try Resene Half Sea Fog or Resene Quarter Cloudy. New kitchen worktops could be Wilsonart Laminate - colour Starlight Brown (warm browns and silver charcoal like the volcanic rock) and both the cabinet doors and carcasses painted in Resene True Blue with white tiled splash areas. I can envisage a few red coffee mugs or a red metal coffee machine sitting on the benchtop looking really swish. If you use the warm neutral wall colour also for any painted doors, architraves, skirting boards etc (but in a semi-gloss enamel finish) and keep the interior as simple as possible then the accents of red and navy will look really lovely.

Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Quarter Cloudy
Resene Quarter Cloudy
Resene True Blue
Resene True Blue
October 2014

Q. I'm thinking of having a turquoise feature wall in the living room and dining room - what colour should the other three walls be? I want something that would go well with white and brown.

A. Colours look radically different in all spaces and light situations and depending upon which turquoise you choose for the feature wall in the living room and dining room and what other colours you have in curtains, sofas, upholstery etc as well as the white and brown. You might like to try Resene Quarter Truffle, Resene Quarter Cloud, Resene Albescent White, Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Eighth Akaroa.

Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Cloud
Resene Quarter Cloud
Resene Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Eighth Akaroa
Resene Eighth Akaroa
October 2014

Q. Looking for colours to lift our house up from the late 80s/90s trend. Don't want to go grey - dark, we'd like to retain that almost farmhouse feel. Any ideas?

A. For a 'farmhouse' feel have you considered doing a traditional roof colour – Resene Scoria or Resene Rivergum. As a main colour to offset the white powder coated windows, picket fences and verandah posts you might look at these rustic/neutral options – Resene Secrets, Resene Thorndon Cream or Resene Quarter Fossil.

The front door is a lovely warm colour now and if you liked that strong look but wanted something a bit different you might look at Resene Pioneer or Resene Paddock.

Resene Scoria
Resene Scoria
Resene Rivergum
Resene Rivergum
Resene Secrets
Resene Secrets
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream

Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Pioneer Red
Resene Pioneer Red
Resene Paddock
Resene Paddock
 
October 2014

Q. We are renovating the inside of our small beach bach and choosing paint colours for the interior and exterior. I have a couple of testpots I quite like for the exterior weatherboards - Resene Half Regent Grey and Resene Longitude. I was thinking Resene Alabaster or something for the window frames, and I was wondering what you would suggest for the triangle section just below the roof? Would you use Resene Alabaster or go darker than the weatherboards?

A. I think I would be inclined to emphasise the gable as it is now - whiter than the house colour. It helps that you can see what this effect is like now in the existing exterior colours - you don't need to imagine or guess what it will look like, do you? So Resene Alabaster - as per the windows - would be perfect.

You mention two soft grey or blue grey tones so I am just going to throw another few into the pot for you to consider – Resene El Nino (slightly deeper than Resene Longitude) or Resene Half Grey Chateau (just a bit greyer than Resene Half Regent Grey). If you are planning to repaint the roof, you might like to try Resene Half Tuna or Resene Half New Denim Blue.

Resene Half Regent Grey
Resene Half Regent Grey
Resene Longitude
Resene Longitude
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
 
Resene El Nino
Resene El Nino
Resene Half Grey Chateau
Resene Half Grey Chateau
Resene Half Tuna
Resene Half Tuna
Resene Half New Denim Blue
Resene Half New Denim Blue
October 2014

Page 10

Colours are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.

 

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Colours shown on this website are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.   See measurements/conversions for more details on how electronic colour values are achieved.

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