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Answers to your questions from our colour experts, p. 129

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. 129

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


Q. I am looking for a paint colour witch, when painted on natural timber, will show as burnt timber

A. Paint won’t really achieve this look but a stain might – try Resene Waterborne Woodsman Charred Black.

Swatch
Resene Charred Black

August 2023


Q. We are building a new house. It will be brick and painted Linea weatherboard. We have chosen the following Midland Brick Euro Grande in Blanco, roof in Gerrard Corona shake satin, in Grey Friars with matching gutters, downpipes and garage door. The aluminium Joinery will be either Canvas or Titania.

We want to paint the weatherboard in green with a greyed down tone, so not an earthy yellow green. We like the following Resene greens but cannot decide which! In no particular order... Resene Tom Thumb, Resene Half Rivergum, Resene Xanadu, Resene Gondwana, Resene Gecko and Resene Thor. I have read that in outdoor light, colours will look lighter, is that true?

A. I suggest Resene Titania for the windows as this will pair nicely with the other colours and might be easier to work with for the interior.

For the green I suggest Resene Gondwana – it looks lovely with the Grey Friars and bricks.

Please check with your builder if there are any LRV (light reflection value) restrictions – some Linea weatherboards do have restrictions on the use of darker colours – if so, there are paint options which help – such as Resene CoolColour paint with helps reflect more heat.

For the front door I don’t recommend introducing another colour – to keep the scheme clean and smart – I suggest Resene Grey Friars (which matches COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars) or Resene Titania to match the windows.

August 2023


Q. Could you let me know if Resene Quarter Merino is a warm or cool white? I'm reading conflicting info. I'm looking to warm up a cool basement bedroom but am not keen on yellow tones.

A. Resene Merino is considered to be warmer in tone than the grey/whites such as black white or a green white such as Resene Rice Cake – but it is not as warm as a cream such as Resene Pearl Lusta, if that makes sense.

Resene Quarter Merino still has a bit of warmth, but the lighter variants are less creamy, so therefore can appear a bit cooler – depending on light and what you layer the room with.

I definitely think Resene Quarter Merino and Resene Half Merino are worth trying and consider warming the basement bedroom with lots of texture in warmer neutrals, or adding pops of warmer accents such as terracotta beiges.

August 2023


Q. We're working on our new son's bedroom and need advice choosing the paint colours. The window frame is in Ghost Grey and the panel is in Resene Quarter Black White.

I'm currently thinking about keeping the architraves and skirting in Resene Quarter Black White, painting the wall in Resene Quarter Iron and a featured wall in Resene Geyser. I’m not sure about the wardrobe and door.

Can you please advise if these wall colours are suitable? Which side should we do the featured wall? What colour should we do the door in? Alternatively, is there a better colour options for the wall? E.g. Do the wall in Resene Black White, then a featured wall in soft teal, e.g. Resene Oyster Bay? I'm lost and not sure what is best to do.

A. Resene Quarter Black White is fine for the skirtings and architraves and I would continue this white onto the wardrobe doors and door.

For the walls – It works well if the feature wall connects to something – so perhaps choose the wall where the cot/bed will sit.

Resene Geyser with Resene Quarter Iron might work although depending on the light may appear a bit cold.

For the feature wall I also suggest testing a blue such as Resene Juniper or Resene Ziggurat and for the remaining walls perhaps test Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe or Resene Half Duck Egg Blue.

August 2023


Q. I have Grey Friars on the roof, what do I put on the exterior walls? I have black aluminium doors and windows. Do I go for Resene Quarter Grey Friars on the walls, with white window frames? We live in rural Northern Hawkes Bay, on a sheep and beef farm. I don't want a ‘dirty grey. I would like a ‘crisp grey’ or something crisp in the neutral tones, if that will work.

Also if you could give me some options if I find I need to have lighter colours on the weatherboards?

A. Yes Resene Quarter Grey Friars or Resene Half Grey Friars could work well and having Resene Alabaster (a true white) for your window frames will keep it all looking crisp. Try both options as colours do tend to lighten outside, because of our bright natural light.

A couple of other options with Resene Alabaster frames you might like to consider are Resene Half Tuna, Resene Grey Chateau or Resene Quarter New Denim Blue.

For lighter options, Resene Ted, Resene Grey Chateau and Resene Surrender look great with Grey friars and Black aluminium windows – and are clean greys opposed to the ‘muddy’ greys which you mentioned you didn’t like.

August 2023


Q. We are painting outside. The fence is Ebony Clay. The aluminium doors and windows are something like New Denim Blue. We will probably paint the posts of the pergola black too. We are planning to finish the planter box in the same blue-grey (from Resene). We will be planting colourful flowers for summer. Then we want to paint the back wall/slats in a complementary colour (thinking just one colour would be best?). Then we want to refurb our aluminium artwork with similar colours to what it is now as it seems that would work in well – this is a very light blue and greys. I would love your suggestions on Resene colours for all. Thanks! (PS: have used your advice several times before – so handy!)

We want the outdoor area to be a happy place so the Resene Quarter New Denim Blue feels a bit dull. Do you have a suggestion for a lighter blue?

A. Try Resene Powder Blue, Resene Casper or Resene Blue Moon.

You will need to look at the colours outside rather than online or on the chart as the blue is enhanced in natural light. Perhaps do this with Resene Quarter New Denim Blue as well – and the suggestions for the artwork.

To freshen artwork try colours like Resene Cut Glass, Resene Ebony Clay, Resene Half Stack or Resene Westminster.

August 2023


Q. I would be very keen to get help on some neutral tones (from the off white selection) for a sleep out and bathroom for our barn. This is the first stage of a new build. It has a high ceiling and Flaxpod matte windows. It’s set amongst Manuka and bush. I’d like it to be easy to clean/wipe etc. I prefer warmer rather than cool tones and would need to go with all the existing furniture – so I guess as neutral and light as possible. I haven’t the budget yet for flooring but would eventually get some sort of floor covering.

A. I suggest you try these off whites – Resene Rice Cake, Resene Half Thorndon Cream or Resene Half Cararra.

August 2023


Q. I have painted the walls in our small bathroom Resene White Rock. I plan to paint the vanity base and top, as well as the window, skirtings etc but am unsure of a suitable neutral or white for the others. The floor is done in a vinyl planking – mid brown for want of a colour. Can you suggest some options please? We don't like cold colours.

A. A suitable white might be Resene Half Thorndon Cream or Resene Rice Cake – there are also lighter variants of these colours – you might like to use the same white for the vanity base and top.

August 2023


Q. We have beautiful new aluminium joinery installed which is New Denim Blue, and the glass has a darker tint to it. Do you have a recommendation for a white colour to paint the architraves and windowsills?

A. Resene Black White sits well with New Denim Blue and will work with most modern colourways.

August 2023


Q. What would a colour midway between Resene Tea and vibrant Resene Forest Green look like? I’m thinking of a feature wall for the lounge. It’s internal so has no direct light. I am worried that green may be overpowering as the wall receives no direct sunlight.

A. I suggest a softer green than a forest green – see if either of these work – Resene Tic Tac Toe or Resene Field Day.

Swatch
Resene Field Day
Swatch
Resene Tic Tac Toe

August 2023


Q. I am building a small two storey unit. The paint colour interior upstairs is Resene Sea Fog, the downstairs is Resene Half Sea Fog and the joinery is FlaxPod. The exterior paint is Resene Dune. The entranceway downstairs is quite dark under the deck. It is a patio area with two sides in concrete. The paint is dune on the unit here but I am unsure what colour I could have for the two concrete walls and also for the entrance door. I don't want the door to be FlaxPod but something brighter and lighter and same with the concrete walls. The colour of the joinery door could be silver pearl, off white, titania, warm white pearl, appliance white or arctic white or... This colour will need to work for the inside as well. The door frames inside are Resene Alabaster. Have you any thoughts what colour I should paint the door and the concrete walls? Is a neutral colour a good idea as I’m not sure how confident I am to use colour.

A. For the door consider Appliance White and for the concrete walls try Resene Ironside Grey.

August 2023


Q. We want to modernise a Huntly Brick home. We need a colour scheme for the roof, trims and exterior panels on the house. We are keeping the bricks as is.

A. I suggest Resene Nocturnal for the roof. For the gutters, fascias and soffit I suggest a white to tie in with the windows and lighten this whole area – try Resene Black White. Finish the panels in Resene Nocturnal to balance the roof and modernise the house.

August 2023


Q. We are having a hard time making a decision to use Resene Sea Fog or Resene Half Sea Fog in a new build. Our rooms are very open plan with a raked ceiling and lots of natural light. There isn't a lot of wall space as we have lots of glass doors.

A. Either will work – that’s why you are finding it a difficult decision – however, consider how you want the room to feel – if it is bright, with raked ceilings – do you want to keep it bright and open, by painting the raked ceilings a lighter variant – or do you want to make it a bit cosier and paint them a bit deeper such as full strength Resene Sea Fog. The raked ceilings are the biggest painted surface in your room, as you don’t have much wall area – in rooms which are open plan and main living areas you might want to keep them lighter – in separate rooms or bedrooms (if these are raked as well) you might want them deeper to create the snug feel.

August 2023


Q. What would be the closest equivalent colour, if it was possible to do to Resene Half Element.

A. Resene Nocturnal is the closest standard Resene colour to Resene Half Element – but it is a little more warmer.

August 2023


Q. I would like to paint a green screen as a back drop on a wall to be able to manipulate what is displayed during filming. Based on my research the colour is refer to as Chroma Green. It’s formulated and blended to ensure a flat, non-glossy, fluorescent tint that reduces reflectiveness.

Could you please confirm which one from the Resene FilmPro series would be the appropriate to use based on the above?

A. Usually we recommend Digital Green, which is what movie sets or similar use. This is from the Resene FilmPro range.

However, Chroma Green is usually darker than Digital Green and for that we have had customers use Resene Japanese Laurel in Resene SpaceCote Flat, to achieve the correct colour.

If blues are required we have Digital Blue, or for a Chroma Blue equivalent then we recommend Resene Resolution Blue in Resene SpaceCote Flat.

The green options are usually the most popular though.

August 2023


Q. We are painting the interior of our bach. The kitchen cabinets are a deep green blue (similar to Resene Tangaroa), the joinery is Resene Stromboli and the curtains are greyish green/blue. I want a really subdued aqua for the walls but don't want to be overwhelmed with colour. We recently painted our cabin with Resene Quarter Cut Glass and that is too strong for me. I just want to get a hint of aqua to tie all the colours together.

A. If you want lighter than Quarter Cut Glass as an indication to depth of colour – then you are looking at an off white with a blue undertone – something like Resene Narvik or perhaps consider Resene Quarter Duck Egg Blue (more grey, but might work well with your colours).

There are also a couple of colours from a deleted chart they are Resene Aqua White and Resene Aqua Squeeze which might interest you – ask at your local Resene ColorShop to organise to view a sample of these colours.

August 2023


Q. I want to paint the exterior of the building very dark olive green. It’s a shed with a two bedroom cottage on our property.

A. Investigate Resene Marshland or Resene Forty Six.

Swatch
Resene Forty Six

August 2023


Q. I am having a hard time making a decision to use Resene Sea Fog or Resene Half Sea Fog in a new build. Our rooms are very open plan with a raked ceiling and lots of natural light. There isn't a lot of wall space as we have lots of glass doors.

A. Either will work – that’s why you are finding it a difficult decision – however, consider how you want the room to feel. If it is bright, with raked ceilings – do you want to keep it bright and open, by painting the raked ceilings a lighter variant – or do you want to make it a bit cosier and paint them a bit deeper such as full strength Resene Sea Fog. The raked ceilings are the biggest painted surface in your room, as you don’t have much wall area – in rooms which are open plan and main living areas you might want to keep them lighter – in separate rooms or bedrooms (if these are raked as well) you might want them deeper to create the snug feel.

August 2023


Q. I have Resene Denzio II 456738 wallpaper on one wall of my bedroom and half duck egg blue on the other three. What colour should I paint my headboard and furniture and what colour should I look to for curtains?

A. The wallpaper you have chosen is gorgeous!

For your headboard and furniture consider a rich blue such as Resene Blue Bark or you might like to consider Resene Dune which is a dark, warm grey and perhaps look at using a touch of metallic gold such as Resene Gold Dust to highlight areas or to lightly wash over the Resene Dune. Check out the habitat booklet ‘special effects with paint’ for more ideas either online or pick a complementary booklet up from your local Resene ColorShop.

For the curtains I suggest a natural linen look – investigate the Resene curtain collection online and your local Resene may also have swatches/drops for you to view, or there is a list of stockists on the Resene website.

A range which might inspire you is the Harmony Voile Resene collection, which gives an earthy ‘linen look’ and has a sunfilter.

August 2023


Q. We are in the process of building a modern coastal home and would like advice on the exterior colours. The roof and fascia are COLORBOND® Surfmist and I was thinking of doing the wall render in Surfmist and possibly using another colour for the weatherboards. The house will have stone features and light timber batten screens and garage doors.

A. I suggest keeping the weatherboard in tone with the Surfmist (which is a great idea for the render) but a bit deeper. New weatherboards generally have LRV restrictions (light reflectance value) so darker colours are not recommended.

See if either of these colours appeal: Resene Epitome (Resene Triple Titania) or Resene Double Ash (slightly more grey).

Swatch
Resene Epitome

August 2023


Q. We have bought a Samsung Bespoke French Door refrigerator. The rest of our appliances are black or Anthracite. We are also deciding on our cupboard colours which are Melteca Possum Pearl and melamine Quarter Lemongrass velvet. Could you send any options or advice for best match for the colour of the fridge panels?

A. Without seeing the layout it is tricky for me to say – however, I am thinking Black or Anthracite to match in with your appliances. It also depends on any other colour – such as a splashback – which is an opportunity to bring colour.

August 2023


Q. We have an older villa in Hamilton East and want to go for a black-and-white theme on a repaint. I'm worried about using black colour with sunlight/heat on the roof and trim of the house? Also I don’t want a stark hard cold white, but not a warm white either.

A. Firstly I think you should investigate Resene CoolColour paints to help reflect more heat. Black absorbs the most light out of all colours – so the heat issues are of real concern – however, this is a classic and can look fabulous on a villa.

Whites to investigate are Resene Merino, Resene Sea Fog or Resene Rice Cake.

Colours, including whites lighten and brighten in natural light – so it is not advisable to go a shade whiter on weatherboard than the depth of whites suggested.

August 2023


Q. I am using Resene Bounty in a home office, but need to find a lighter tone that works well with it. I was wanting to use a half shade of Resene Bounty, but it doesn't seem you make that shade. What colour is similar to Resene Bounty but lighter?

A. Resene Half Bounty is not a standard colour, but it can be made quite easily. This colour can be mixed instore for you. To try it out, mix 1 testpot of Resene Bounty with 1 testpot of Resene White.

August 2023


Q. I have built a wooden garden shed with plywood and batten walls and a COLORSTEEL® Permanent Green roof. I'm looking for some ideas on what colour to paint the walls.

A. Try Resene Squall, Resene Rocky Point, Resene Masala, Resene Armadillo or Resene Tapa – depending on what colour your house entails – if this is relevant.

You might want to investigate Resene CoolColour paints if you do decide to choose a darker colour – this will help to reduce heat related issues with timber claddings. Some timbers have LRV restrictions in place (light reflectance value) – I am not sure if this is relevant to your situation - but dark colours are not recommended for ply and batten new builds.

We can look at lighter options if you have concerns.

August 2023


Q. Can you please recommend a darkish grey colour palette to modernise a home?

A. Try Resene Fuscous Grey as your main colour. The soffit I suggest Resene Wan White an off white, to keep this area light, to reflect light inside. Consider painting downpipes to blend with the main cladding Resene Fuscous Grey. If you are going to paint timber decks and steps try Resene Foggy Grey.

August 2023


Q. Can you please advise what colour you suggest I stain my fence to go with the house? The fence is marine ply. The house colour is rustic oak stain and the roof and windows are karaka green.

A. Dark stains help a fence to recede into the background and let plants and landscapes or even the house, be the feature – this is especially helpful if the fence is older – plus they can look stunning! I suggest you test a sample of Resene Woodsman Banjul or Resene Woodsman Crowshead.

August 2023


Q. I have Resene Pearl Bush in my home. I have a view from the dining room. Would Resene Porter work on the walls of my dining and sitting area or will this area be too dark?

A. I feel Porter is too dark and will detract from your main feature which is the view. To flow from the Resene Pearl Bush, consider a grey green neutral which also has a bit of warmth, such as Resene Kangaroo.

August 2023


Q. What colours go well on timber weatherboards to work with a roof in Ironsand?

A. To give you an idea of depth of colour – investigate Resene Eighth Arrowtown, Resene Quarter Friar Greystone, Resene Silver Chalice or Resene Silver Sand.

August 2023


Q. We will use Resene Half Bison Hide in our living room and Resene Alabaster for the ceiling. We have a study nook and want to make it less visible by painting it black. There are built-in shelves and a desk which are laminated. Which black paint should I used to complement our wall and ceiling colours?

A. Consider a warm, charcoal black these work well with Resene Half Bison Hide, such as Resene Bokara Grey or Resene Element.

August 2023


Q. I have recently replaced joinery in Titania, an exterior painted in Resene Ironsand with a Titania garage door and eaves. I want the entire lounge area warm but neutral and preferably the ceiling and walls same colour. I tried Resene Half Titania in the bedroom but I think it’s not neutral enough for a living space. Would Resene Quarter Titania be a good choice including for the joinery?

A. I suggest trying Resene Quarter Ash, Resene Eighth Ash or Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream for the ceiling, walls and joinery.

August 2023


Q. I would like to paint my front door and would like some colour ideas, the house has a green roof, light beige walls, bricks and dark brown trim. I also want to know what colour I should paint my two other doors?

A. See if any of these colours appeal: Resene Now Or Never, Resene Green Acres or Resene Wabi Sabi. I suggest painting all the doors the same colour.

Swatch
Resene Green Acres
Swatch
Resene Wabi Sabi
Swatch
Resene Now Or Never

August 2023


Q. I am painting the exterior of my little 1870s cottage in white and just wanted some suggestions on the white to use. I have painted the interior in Resene Quarter Rice Cake with Resene Half Alabaster windows and trim and thought maybe I could carry the Resene Half Alabaster to the windows outside? The roof colour is going to be ColorCote Seabird which is similar to Resene Grey Friars. I have a lot of colour in the garden so I thought maybe not too much colour is needed on an exterior? I have tried some cool whites on the weatherboards like Resene Half Black White and Resene Half Sea Fog with Resene Half Alabaster windows but am thinking a warmer white might look better.

A. I suggest a much warmer white for the exterior such as Resene Double Rice Cake – this will appear lighter/brighter outside in natural light. For the windows, I suggest Quarter Rice Cake (this will appear brighter outside, compared to inside). I agree the garden colours will be the focus.

August 2023


Q. I am painting my large bedroom in my villa. I like Resene Half Rakaia but am not sure which white would go with it. I want a light , but warm contrasting white, any ideas?

A. Try Resene Half Rice Cake or Resene Half Sea Fog.

August 2023


Q. I am painting my house weatherboards in spring green. The roof and barge boards are Resene Grey Friars. The windows and door surrounds will be white. I am struggling with what to paint the front door. I would like a pop of colour. I am thinking of perhaps timber green? Traditionally I like a red door, but I think it might look a bit too Christmasy with the house being greenish. Suggestions would be appreciated. Also on the inside, it's a very small dark house so I was thinking Resene Half Bianca? It will have matai polished floors and the stud is 3.1m with the walls will have a picture rail and panelling. I was thinking of having Resene Half Bianca on the picture rail and panelling with Resene Quarter Tea above but I think it would be too busy and dark so am just thinking Resene Half Bianca for all of it.

A. For the exterior door see how Resene Welcome appeals – it is a lovely rich green, which will pop a little more than Resene Timber Green, but isn’t too much of a contrast, as I feel you have enough colour, and it will still complement your landscape.

For the interior – since you have gone to the effort of a picture rail and panelling, I suggest you paint the panelling and rail Resene Half Ash (the slight green tone will work well next to the Matai floor and being deeper than the top colour, will ground the walls) and above the picture rail Resene Half Rice Cake.

This combination is not too dark, especially with the upper walls being lighter, but we always recommend testpots before making final decisions.

August 2023


Q. How do I achieve a French wash style or limewash style effect?

A. You can create the same effect using Resene FX Paint Effects Medium over a painted basecoat. A limewash effect is more effective if it is applied over a textured wall. If there is no existing texture you can apply Resene Sandtex first. Resene FX Paint Effects Medium creates a lovely soft broken colour, depending on the application and technique. For a tone on tone beige look, I suggest two base coats of Resene Half Tea, with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium tinted to Resene Piazza. These colours will enhance the lovely natural, earth tones of the room, but there might be similar combinations you want to investigate.

Swatch
Resene Piazza

August 2023


Q. I would like blue/green colour suggestions for a bathroom with oak/walnut cabinetry and Resene Merino on the hallway wall. I need a colour for the kitchen to go with oak/walnut cabinetry and Resene Merino on the dining/lounge area – (open plan for all). If the kitchen has Resene Merino on the wall – suggestion for splashback colour. What would be the closest colour to Resene Merino in the neutral range – perhaps Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream?

A. For the bathroom try Resene Cut Glass or if you prefer more colour Resene Half Kumutoto.

I suggest carrying Resene Merino onto the kitchen walls and for the splashback consider Resene Lucifer, which is a metallic finish – but the sparkle softens under glass and just gives a nice lift to the kitchen. Most splashback providers can supply small samples of a Resene chosen colour – or your local Resene ColorShop have test pots. It does help to view the colour under glass to see the true effect, as there are two types of glass used for splashbacks – standard float glass (which can alter the appearance) or low iron oxide glass which shows the colour more accurately.

August 2023


Q. We have a dark entryway with a lovely archway. If I paint archway a green, which green and what about other walls? A lighter shade or a beige or white. I love Resene Japanese Laurel or Resene Green House. I’m worried they are too bright. What would a fresh, zesty green be? I have softer greens and Resene Half Spanish White in the rest of house. I want to be a bit more dramatic in the entryway. I have terracotta coloured tiles on the floor. In our south east facing living room I want something warm. I’m thinking Resene Beethoven. Or maybe a warm green? I’m worried it will feel cold in the evening.

A. I suggest painting all the walls in the entranceway one colour – to make a dramatic effect and modernise the area – just painting the arch might make it appear smaller. Consider a smoky, mid blue such as Resene Blue Bayoux for all walls of the entranceway and then for the living room a warm, mid toned beige such as Resene Tua Tua.

August 2023


Q. We are looking for a neutral white for our 45sqm small home in the bush. Our home is inspired by a bush cabin feel and we are looking for a warm fresh white for the walls. The ceiling and two feature walls are a light macrocarpa with terracotta/oat/light pink handmade tiles in the kitchen and a deep moss tiles in the bathroom. The floor is also a light wood tone to give it a Scandinavian feel. I am looking at either Resene Bianca, Resene Sea Fog, Resene Rice Cake or Resene Black White. Do you have any advice?

A. I am heading towards Resene Bianca, Resene Rice Cake or Resene Half Rice Cake for your home.

Resene Bianca is brighter and gives the illusion of emitting light around a room, but is also cleaner and in some lights lemony – whereas the Resene Rice Cake family is a little more earthy and is good if your vista is a lot of greenery.

August 2023


Q. The exterior of our 1920s bungalow in Wellington is Resene Cut Glass, with white trim. I want to warm it up a little. I love blue and yellow together so I thought of introducing a little yellow. I thought maybe the front gate for starters, or maybe enough just the gate. The roof is a middle grey. I would love a few yellow suggestions that complement Resene Cut Glass. I've thought of pastel delicate yellows, and stronger yellows as well. And also maybe a soft orange instead? Love to know what you think.

A. Brighter yellows look great with Resene Cut Glass and similar green/blues preferably to orange.

To balance the yellow and relate it to the house – consider painting the front door the same yellow – just the door. The door frame can remain white – or alternately planting yellow shrubs or flowers near the house. Yellows to try are: Resene Turbo, Resene Southern Cross, Resene Wild Thing or Resene Galliano.

For something more pastel yellow, it does need a bit of colour to it so that it doesn’t start to appear cream outside – try Resene Moonbeam, Resene Half Moonbeam, Resene Golden Sand or Resene Illuminate. You could team these with a grey fence with hues like Resene Half Jumbo, Resene Silver Sand or Resene Quarter Grey Chateau.

August 2023


Q. Our internal walls are currently painted Resene Half Thorndon Cream. We are redoing our kitchen which was painted in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream but I would like a fresher look. We have used Resene Black White on our beach house kitchen and love it. My question is can we get away with using Resene Black White on kitchen cabinetry while the walls remain Resene Half Thorndon Cream?

A. I prefer Resene Double Alabaster with Resene Half Thorndon Cream, as it is a bit more clean, but Resene Black White is chalky and soft and neutral enough that you could get away with it.

Perhaps paint A2 card with two coats of testpots and see how they compare with Resene Half Thorndon Cream,

August 2023


Q. What colours would go well with red window frames? For the cladding? I'm not sure which shade of grey and also white would look nice. (Not tan though).

A. A greyed white might look great – it will modernise the overall appearance, and a warmer grey might tone down the red of the windows.

When testing the colours please don’t paint directly onto the substrate as the existing colour tends to change the true appearance of the new colour. Resene ColorShops have testpots and A2 card, so paint two coats of testpots onto the card and attach to the house.

Resene colours to test are: Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Four Winds, Resene Atmosphere, Resene Eighth Tapa, Resene Pumice or Resene Kinship. Paint out at least three colours you like and attach to the house, so that you can compare tones. With any of these colours, I suggest painting your eaves Resene Half Black White.

Swatch
Resene Four Winds

August 2023


Q. I have an old villa with a green COLORSTEEL® roof and want to paint the exterior walls. It is in a town setting. Could you please suggest colours?

A. Assuming the roof is a colour similar to Permanent Green, I suggest these weatherboard colours to try for your villa – Resene Merino, Resene Tana, Resene Bubble White, Resene Helix or Resene Silver Chalice. I suggest a fresh white such as Resene Alabaster for your trims.

August 2023


Q. We have just built a honey shop. What colour would you suggest on the cladding? It’s tanalised pine and the windows are white aluminium. If we stain we would have to redo it after 12 months? So perhaps paint would be our best bet?

A. Yes primed weatherboards (Resene Quick Dry) and two coats of an exterior paint such as Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen will last longer than a stain – I suggest using a Resene CoolColour version of your colour where it is available.

Resene CoolColour paint is where more of the sun’s harmful rays are reflected away from the substrate, reducing heat related issues – if there are LRV restrictions that you need to be aware of, then you will need to pass these colours that I suggest, as a CoolColour, to your builder/council and see if they will be approved – this is only if you are concerned about warranty issues.

We always recommend trying colours with Resene testpots first – I suggest choosing at least three colours that appeal to compare. The colours I have suggested are based around the ‘honey’ theme – try Resene Bullwhip, Resene Tulip Tree, Resene Twine, Resene Half Bokara Grey or Resene Outlaw.

August 2023


Q. I am getting our kitchen cupboards professionally painted white. I am unsure of the colour to pick. Our walls are Resene Half Merino and joinery and ceiling Resene Alabaster. The house is a cape cod style. I have thought of Resene Alabaster. Also Resene Black White has been recommended.

A. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of wall space in this area, and considering you have a warm toned kitchen bench top – which is really the feature, I feel Resene Alabaster is too stark and Resene Black White might be a bit too grey/cool.

I suggest Resene Merino for the cabinetry to give the illusion of opening the space, by painting the walls and cabinetry the same – the type of finish will be different to the walls (sheen level) so this will create some contrast. Resene Merino sits between cool and warm and will help to convey the cape cod style, so might be a good solution, alternately, you might like to try a sample of Resene Half Merino.

Make sure you request the kitchen company uses Resene AquaLAQ to get the authentic colour.

August 2023


Q. I was going to upgrade my bathroom colour to white, however I think a very soft grey would be better. I would really appreciate some help in decisions. I also have a toilet to paint. The floor tiles are soft terracotta. The shower is grey with splashes of white wallboard.

A. Soft grey is a good option and will tone down the terracotta and warm tones of the bathroom design – try Resene Ted or Resene Rakaia.

For the toilet I feel adding texture to the walls will make a difference – consider a wallpaper from the Resene collection – investigate Wall Textures V. The Resene wallpaper collection is online, but as wallpapers are tactile, I suggest visiting a Resene ColorShop to view the large samples.

Swatch
Resene Ted

August 2023


Q. I am painting window frames (outside) of a greenhouse. I am using your colours Resene West Side (orange), Resene Spritzer (light green), Resene Curious Blue, Resene Java (turquois), Resene Broom (yellow) and Resene Roadster (red).

I feel that the blue and turquoise are too close together, as well as the green and yellow.

Can you possibly help me selecting the correct darker tones for the light green and the blue (I want to keep the turquoise and the yellow as they are) that would fit into the overall colour scheme?

A. Try Resene Endeavour and Resene Dizzy Lizzy. These should work well.

August 2023


Q. I have a sample pot of Resene Half Nocturnal and it is throwing the slightest blue. I am after a colour slightly darker and was thinking of Resene Half Bokara Grey or Resene Bokara Grey? Any tips

A. I suggest you try full strength Resene Nocturnal first – as sometimes lighter variants does mean that hidden undertones come to the fore, in certain lights.

Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Bokara Grey are both fabulous colours, but are quite a bit more brown based – you might like to also try Resene Element (a bit grey more grey based than Resene Bokara Grey) or Resene Fuscous Grey.

August 2023


Q. I wish to repaint a fibreboard house which has brown aluminium joinery. Currently it is painted with Resene Akaroa with Resene Half Masala on the bargeboard. I really like the look of dark paint but am not sure what to choose. The roof is unpainted long run. Can you suggest some colours that would work please?

A. A darker colour which blends the windows in a bit more will modernise the house – I suggest doing the walls, bargeboards and white guttering, if possible, all the same colour and the white downpipes the fibreboard colour, with the eaves a lighter colour.

A mid based grey/brown will work well – if you go too dark – it might box the house in a little.

Consider Resene CoolColour paint when using a darker colour to help reflect more heat.

Colours to test for the exterior are: Resene Gauntlet, Resene Solstice or Resene Dune.

For the eaves try Resene Barely There.

August 2023


Q. I am trying to find a paint colour that suits WoodX Gold Rush. We have cedar oiled that colour and need to paint a vent a colour to match.

A. It is going to be very difficult to match online to WoodX or even in store as it does really depend on the cut of cedar and how the stain appears on your house as opposed to a sample, plus you will be comparing a solid colour to a semi-transparent coating.

The closest colour to consider is Resene Cafe Royale, but it’s by no means perfect. Testpots are available – or perhaps visit your local Resene ColorShop and take home some colour palettes close to this range, then from there try testpots.

Are there any other colours which you could match the vent to – such as the guttering or roof?

Dark colours recede and will help to disguise the vent (even if it is in contrast to the cedar) as opposed to a white or very light colour. This is just a thought if the matching doesn’t go well.

August 2023


Q. What colour would you suggest for a large section of rendered facade at the front of house (currently painted in a match to COLORBOND® Dune but are not happy with it). The colour will need to work with adjoining Axon boards painted in an equivalent colour to COLORBOND® Windspray with Windspray window frames and guttering with a Resene Basalt roller garage door.

A. I recommend you try Resene Atmosphere for the facade.

August 2023


Q. What colour should I use for a pergola frame which currently is only painted with the primer? Would you also suggest painting the sauna which is currently oiled? I will install wood as shower backing over the frame. Should I use Kwila like timber on the decking or the same wood as the sauna?

A. I suggest you paint the pergola an earthy colour to blend into the environment and complement the timber sauna walls – such as Resene El Paso, Resene Armadillo or Resene Bokara Grey.

It depends on how the colour looks with your house colours too – please try colours first with Resene testpots before making final decisions.

To decide whether to also paint the walls of the sauna is to decide whether you like it as a feature or want it to blend into the yard – if you want it to blend then paint the pergola and walls as one colour – perhaps paint the pergola first, then see how you feel about the sauna.

I suggest using Kwila for the shower frame if it is suitable for this application – that way if you do paint the sauna later on – it will work with any other colours.

August 2023


Q. Would Resene Half Innocence as a feature wall colour go with my remaining walls which are Resene Quarter Napa?

A. Yes they should pair nicely together – as always we recommend you paint A2 card (available at Resene ColorShops) with two coats of a testpot and see how the combination works in the space.

August 2023


Q. My house is on the darker side so I am looking for a colour that is light and airy but cosy too.

A. See if any of these neutrals appeal – Resene Bianca, Resene Rice Cake or Resene Half Cararra.

August 2023


Q. Our home has a New Denim Blue roof and we are considering a new exterior colour (presently a light putty colour). We are liking Resene Gunsmoke or Resene Stack and as it has wooden window frames (built in 1968) we would do those in a grey based white.

A. Resene Stack looks great with Resene New Denim Blue – either grey will pair with a grey white for the window frames, such as Resene Black White.

August 2023


Q. We have recently built a new cabin alongside our 20 year old bach. We would like some advice on what Resene Woodsman colour to use on the ply and batten walls of the old bach, in order to harmonise the two buildings. The bach is constructed with COLORSTEEL® roof, fascia and spouting in Rivergum. The walls are a mixture of ply and batten and COLORSTEEL® (Rivergum). The joinery is in Resene Stromboli. The cabin has ply walls stained with Resene Iroko and roof and joinery in FlaxPod, the fascia is painted in Resene Noir.

A. I am inclined to suggest Resene Woodsman Iroko.

This will blend the two buildings, and pairs with the Rivergum and Resene Stromboli, and will help to modernise the overall appearance of the bach.

Resene Grey Friars won’t really sit well with the joinery or roof, even if you did paint out the wall.

If you do want to paint the cladding of the bach – perhaps try a testpot of Resene Half Chicago which has similar tones to Resene Iroko although not a match.

Consider using the Resene CoolColour version of your colour to help reflect more heat away from the substrate, reducing heat related issues.

August 2023


Q. I am looking at a mix of white and some form of grey with a tinge of blue exterior option for a new coastal home. I’m considering the roof in New Denim Blue, joinery in Gull Grey, vertical cladding in Linea, perhaps in Resene Half New Denim Blue and horizontal Linea cladding in Resene Sea Fog. Would you recommend a different white?

Can you please advise the best white and blue/grey exterior colour to complement New Denim Blue?

A. I have had a look at your combination – and it works well! The Resene Grey Friars family pairs well together so the lighter variant of Resene Half Grey Friars is perfect! With the lighter variants the blue can be highlighted in certain lights – but it is predominantly grey.

Resene Sea Fog is the right white also – there is no need to look at other options.

August 2023


Q. I have a rebricked 1940s brick house with a sandstone grey COLORSTEEL® roof. I would like a white on white look with contrasting windows. Could you please give me some ideas that would work well together? We have tested Resene Triple Sea Fog and Resene Titania.

A. The Resene Triple Sea Fog will work well with the roof – I feel once the house is entirely painted it will look even better of course. I suggest taking it onto the fascia and under the eaves as well as the base of the house, and leaving the windows as a white contrast such as Resene Alabaster.

Resene Titania is a grey/green white and might not quite work with the roof.

Your scheme is great for your house.

August 2023


Q. We have painted most of the inside of our house in Resene Quarter Drought but in the kitchen dinette we wanted to paint it a different colour. The cupboards are a little darker than Resene Half Drought.

A. I feel with the existing palette of colours you have a barely there cream will work well, to keep this space light, fresh and bright – consider Resene Bianca.

August 2023


Q. I want to repaint our exterior to make it more modern – roof, second story stucco level, garage door, trims and stucco fence/wall. The red brick and window frames in Karaka will stay. What would you suggest?

A. Try Resene Squall or Resene Double Gravel for the roof and garage door and for the plaster walls, eaves and for the fence Resene Triple Merino or Resene Eighth Arrowtown.

August 2023


Q. What are some simple ways to use paint or other Resene products to give a floor a refresh or a fun makeover?

A. There are many options, some to try are:

  • Timber floors can be washed with Colorwood Whitewash or Resene Colorwood Greywash to create a simplistic scandi feel or even a rustic appearance by sanding the coating back slightly once dry – remember to apply your wash and to sand, if desirable, in the direction of the timber – for added protection, overcoat with Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K for light traffic areas or Resene Qristal ClearFloor 2K for high traffic areas.

  • Create wood stain stripes with Resene Colorwood! Apply one to three coats of Resene Colorwood stain on a wooden plank floor – depending on the desired effect. You could go really funky and use all of the brighter stains or a range of complementary subtle tones. Overcoat for protection with Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K for light traffic areas or Resene Qristal ClearFloor 2K for high traffic areas.

  • Resene Concrete Clear Wax Washes – Resene In The Wash is a soft, earthy palette of semi-transparent colour for concrete floors – the colour range is from a popular whitewash look to clay and natural stone hues, there are five colours in total. Apply untinted concrete wax to a clean floor and then apply 1 to 3 coats of the wash depending on what look you want, finish off with Resene Concrete Wax to seal. You can experiment with application techniques to create different effects.

  • Checkerboard floors – this gives a timeless heritage feel, and adds pattern and visual interest to a room, they look especially good in hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. Traditionally monochromatic, consider using a variety of playful colour-schemes, especially in softer tones, which are on point at present. Checkerboard patterns work well on a variety of flooring from concrete to particle board and timber. Ensure the floor is clean and primed if necessary – for new concrete floors – Resene Concrete Primer, for older concrete floors Resene Sureseal or for timber and particle boards floors – Resene Quick Dry. Use Resene Walk-on general purpose flooring and paving paint to create a tough finish for your checkerboard floor and finish with Resene Concrete Wax.

August 2023


Q. We are renovating an historic weatherboard federation home and are looking to update the colours. Council don't allow any greys or whites so we are looking at soft, blues and greens but with dark roof and guttering with white highlights. It has lots of planting around it. Anything too dark may not work but we are open to suggestions.

A. See if any of these soft green and blue Resene colours appeal:

or:

Colours may appear lighter in natural bright light, we recommend trying these colours with Resene testpots before making final colour decisions.

August 2023


Q. We are painting bathroom walls with the bottom half in tongue-and-groove looking wall board and the top plain board. The vanity is white. The rest of the house is Resene Half Tea. What colours could we use on the wallboard to keep the bathroom light and trendy. I was wondering if it would be best to do a darker colour on the bottom and a lighter version of the same colour on the top.

A. If you want to keep the bathroom light and trendy, rather than paint a darker and lighter variant of one colour – I suggest two colours which are similar in strength, and work together, plus nod back to the Resene Half Tea in the rest of the house, or use a combination of white and a colour – this is an on point trend for tongue-and-groove.

Options to consider are: tongue-and-groove in Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue with wallboard in Resene Quarter Tea – or you might like to use the darker variants of each colour together. Or tongue-and-groove in Resene Half Sea Fog with wallboard in Resene Quarter Tea.

I recommend you paint up A2 card with two coats of testpots (available at Resene ColorShops) and have a play with attaching the combinations and swapping them from top to bottom.

August 2023


Q. I’m looking for colour options for our living/kitchen area. We have a brownish grey carpet. I don't think we will paint the beam, but we would do the doors and trims white. We want semi-gloss paint for the walls and ceilings. My husband is thinking a bright white for the ceiling to make the room seem larger, and I am thinking a warmish tone, but still almost white for the walls. We want to make the room seem large, but not cold. We will have LED downlights in the ceiling. The ceiling is angled into the walls.

A. I suggest painting the walls and ceiling the same white as the angled ceiling joins the walls and will feel like it becomes one – plus it will give a bit more of that cosy feel you are looking for.

Whites can be cold in rooms with low light – so I suggest you try these Resene whites which can have a slight warm undertone but are not too yellow – Resene Half Rice Cake, Resene Half Carrara or Resene Half Sea Fog.

With white if you are trying to create a space which doesn’t feel cold, consider Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on walls instead of semi-gloss. This finish might be low sheen, but it is durable and gives a lovely velvet appeal to the walls, where semi-gloss can still give a bit of a harsh feel, plus it allows for contrast of semi-gloss on the doors and trims, which is also nice when using one white.

August 2023


Q. I am painting two rooms in a big honey shed/factory. One is an office 4 x 10m; the other is a kitchen/dining/showroom that is one 6 x 15m room. It's situated in a rural/bush setting. I’m looking for a very light green (bush colours to come into the building) for the walls and suitable whites to go with the light green for trim and ceiling. I have looked at Resene Soft Apple, Resene Pale Leaf and Resene Symphony as options for the wall green but want it to be much lighter so it is almost neutral. Can these shades be used a half or quarter or even eighth strength so I get a very light shade? Am I on a good track here – please advise.

A. Yes you are on the right track – see if any of these greens appeal – Resene Aura, Resene Half Beryl Green or Resene Half Secrets.

The latter are a bit more neutral but are not too light that you start to steer away from the nature theme.

August 2023


Q. We have a new build. The exterior is weatherboards painted in Resene Ironsand, same as the roof and aluminium joinery. We have Cedar fascia boards and garage doors schist stone columns, front of house patio and the back two walls are all plastered. Please help I don’t know what to paint the plaster.

A. See if any of these colours work for you: Resene Quarter Tapa, Resene Quarter Taupe Grey, Resene Merino or Resene Quarter Ash.

August 2023


Q. Could you please advise what that the closest matching colour to Colorcote/COLORSTEEL® Windsor Grey is? And also for one or two shades lighter and darker of this.

A. Resene Noir is the Resene version of COLORSTEEL® Windsor Grey.

Resene Times Square is half strength Resene Noir (half strength Windsor Grey).

Resene Charcoal is approximately a shade darker than Resene Noir or you are heading towards Resene Black.

Swatch
Resene Times Square
Swatch
Resene Noir

August 2023


Q. In a few months’ time I’m going to paint the exterior of my new place. I want to go for black with white trim/white doors/white pergola etc, I have silver aluminium joinery.

Initially I had thought to go with:

  • Resene Bokara Grey for the exterior
  • Resene Gull Grey for the roof

But now I think I should do with something that’s more black (maybe Resene Nero?). I’m also not sure which white will work well for the trim. Could you please recommend some options that could work?

A couple of things to note:

  • The house is just a basic single story Hardiplank house
  • It gets full afternoon sun so I’ll need something that withstands long hot summers

A. Consider using Resene CoolColour paint. This is basically where the sun’s harmful rays are reflected away from the substrate, reducing (but not necessarily eliminating) heat related issues, typical with darker colours.

All dark colours retain heat even mid based greys – cool colour paint will help, but there is always a risk when choosing a dark paint colour.

Resene Element is another popular option with a Resene Gull Grey roof you might like to test.

Resene Alabaster is a good option for the white – which will pair with most blacks including Resene Nero.

Perhaps paint up A2 card with testpots of Resene Nero, Resene Bokara Grey and Resene Element and see which you prefer in bright light.

August 2023


Q. I am trying my best to match a feature wall painted with Resene Kombi, which looks amazing. The high pitched ceiling is painted with Resene Trojan. Another very large feature wall in my lounge needs a white colour. I need to lighten and cool down the room. What Resene white can I use? I have Resene Ecru White and Resene Green White on my list, but I am going around in circles. Any direction or tips would be helpful. This room is also not very light, hence the need for white.

A. Your colour combination is great! I recommend you test Resene Half Ecru White – it is less yellow than Resene Green White and cleaner/whiter than Resene Ecru White.

August 2023


Q. I’m getting my lounge carpeted with Harrisons Tararua II 4m – 270 Spinel and read that Resene have some colour matches for it. Can you tell me what choice of paint and contrast colours would go with this carpet? It is a 100 year old bungalow with 3.2m ceiling height. The ceiling is a pressed tin design and I will keep it a tint of white but what tint I'm unsure of. It has wide skirtings and architraves and trims which I will keep to same tint of white as the ceiling I think. I would like the walls to be a light off white colour. There is a 4m wide window in the room that only gets afternoon sun.

A. A warm, aged white will look nice for your walls with your carpet and style. I suggest painting A2 card with two coats of a testpot and attaching to the room walls. Resene Alabaster will be a lovely contrast for the ceiling and trims. My suggestions are: Resene Bianca, Resene Half Carrara or Resene Chalk Dust. Resene Bianca might be a bit lemony in the afternoon sun – but it is light and warm and will suit the carpet.

August 2023


Q. We have a 1920s bungalow and are doing a modern extension. We are getting both the interior and exterior repainted.

The interior is currently Resene Rice Cake with Resene Half Rice Cake trim. We like it but given we are painting the entire interior, we were thinking something with slightly less yellow may be an option given some of the new colours we are adding and that we are hoping to use the same palate for the modern extension.

The two alternatives we are looking at are:

Online it suggests some of these colours are both warm and cool so I’m confused. It would be great to get some more detail on them for use in both traditional and modern interiors given they will span both in a range of different rooms and lighting. The extension will get a lot of sun and will be painted a dark green (exterior). The interior kitchen will be Resene Double Tana and the new master will likely be a Resene caramelly colour but with same trims as rest of house. I would ideally like to have a consistent white throughout.

A. Resene Half Merino and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream are warmer than say a grey white such as Resene Black White – this is where the confusion comes from. It depends on what you are comparing the colours to and what they sit adjacent to. The overall feeling of a room can be made to feel cosy with lots of luxurious textures and softer flooring, for example, adding rugs to hard floors.

Generally the lighter variants are cooler as they have less tint and more white – I find that in a modern home with lots of light these work well – in traditional homes the slightly deeper variants can give the warmth you are looking for without having to choose a yellow white.

You can modernise the scheme for a traditional house, by using tonal similarities rather than lighter and darker variants – you might like to consider Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream walls with Resene Quarter Merino trims.

August 2023


Q. We are involved in a new project in the West Coast, South Island, and are looking for your paint colour recommendations based on the five colour inspirations below to represent the local flora and fauna.

We are constructing five outdoor shower pods, which will end up being nestled into west coast bush. Each shower pod will be painted in a unique colour. The shower walls are vertical corrugated COLORSTEEL® l formed into the shape of a koru. The floors are ground concrete aggregate. There are no roofs over the showers themselves (only roofs over the adjoining drying spaces). There are low-output led uplighters recessed into the shower floors for night-time use. The exterior will be Grey Friars.

The inside primer face of the corrugated COLORSTEEL® is to be painted with Resene Pre-Coated Steel Primer and Resene Summit roof paint.

A. What a fantastic project!

Here are some colours that I have matched as best as possible to the local flora and fauna.

I have ensured they all work in tandem to a degree and pair with Resene Grey Friars.

Try these colours:

If any of these aren’t quite right – then let me know and I can offer other options.

Resene stores have a stock library of A4 colour swatches – ask the staff to assist you in finding the colours – or you can purchase testpots.

Swatch
Resene Reverie
Swatch
Resene Bi Hoki
Swatch
Resene Good To Go

August 2023


Q. We are seeking to colour match the walls in our new build (now a few years old with a few scuffs!) The colour is listed as eighth strength Resene Chalk Dust. I have a section of painted plaster that was cut out for some wiring, is it possible to colour and finish match this in store?

A. An eighth strength of Resene Chalk Dust can be made in store for you. You are correct it is not a standard colour. I suggest you take the plaster off cut into a Resene ColorShop for a colour match – let the staff know that you believe it is eighth Resene Chalk Dust – this will help them greatly to check the colour and get you the colour you need.

August 2023


Q. We have a deck previously painted/stained and it needs to be redone. We are thinking either a similar light blue grey or possibly a light brown cream.

A. I suggest Resene Woodsman Tiri – it is slightly darker, but will give you some contrast, which I feel is needed.

If you decide to paint this, it will require more preparation before painting. Try Resene Half Stack, Resene Half Silver Chalice or Resene Quarter Taupe Grey. Colours do tend to appear lighter outside on decks so there are deeper variants of these colours if necessary.

Stains look very different online – Resene ColorShops have display boards of stain colours and staff can show you examples on pine or cedar. From there testpots of either stain or paint are best to test out your colour. The Resene ColorShop staff will be happy to discuss the correct product for your project.

August 2023


Q. My brick house is being renovated and the portion either side of the brown door will be weatherboard plus a big window will be installed where the current garage door is and weatherboards will surround that. I would really appreciate your recommendation about a paint colour for the new weatherboards. I want something neutral but not too white or a grey.

A. I suggest you test these Resene colours – Resene Half Cougar, Resene Truffle, Resene Quarter Craigieburn, Resene Triple Rice Cake or Resene Triple Thorndon Cream.

New weatherboards have an LRV rating specified – generally colours are required to have an LRV (light restriction value) of 40-45% or higher – the above suggestions all fall into this category.

August 2023


Q. We have a 1960s brown clinker brick house with white cinder block. We have a Grey Friars COLORSTEEL® and the same colour garage. As the brick is clinker it is not as easy to paint as flat brick. So we are thinking of leaving the brick brown and maybe painting the cinder block a complementary colour. We are also wondering if our deck could be in Grey Friars as it’s stained from the Totara tree berries. We want to modernise and don’t want it to look too dated.

A. Try a sample of Resene Grey Friars for the cinder block and Resene Half Grey Friars – yes you can paint the deck the same colour as the cinder block depending on which variant of Resene Grey Friars you prefer. Consider using the Resene CoolColour version of your paint for your deck as darker colours are hotter underfoot – and CoolColour paint helps to reflect the sun’s harmful rays away from the colour and substrate.

August 2023


Q. We have a master bedroom south east facing that is currently looking very cold painted in Resene Quarter Tea. We like the boho look with earthy toned linen bedding and accessories. Could you please suggest some warm neutrals for the room? We are possibly keen on a feature wall behind the bed and had tried Resene Just Dance, but it is too dark.

A. Try testpots of Resene Beethoven for the feature wall with Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay, Resene Eighth Joss or Resene Parchment as warmer alternatives to Resene Half Tea and to give you the boho vibe.

Alternately you might like to try Resene Awaken (Resene Half Just Dance) for the feature wall – this might work best with Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay.

August 2023


Q. I am trying to decide on exterior paint colours. My roof is black and my window joinery is also black. I was going to paint the upper story Resene Double Sea Fog and wanted to paint the bottom story a dark colour, I was thinking black, but there are so many to choose from! Can you please advise what the best black colour would go with what I currently have chosen?

The bottom floor is Linea Oblique and the top floor is Linea weatherboard. We also will have cedar around the front door.

A. To pair with the joinery, roof and upper level I suggest a cool toned ‘off’ black such as Resene Double Foundry or the slightly deeper Resene Black Sand. I suggest, if you can, paint two coats on to an off cut of the Linea Oblique to see which appeals – alternately, you can order A4 swatches online or via the Resene website, or Resene Colo Shops have A2 card and testpots for you to try out the colours.

August 2023


Q. What colour roof should I choose for a single storey Hinuera Stone dwelling with anodised champagne colour aluminium joinery?

A. If you are painting the roof then I suggest Resene Creole, Resene Quarter Ironsand or Resene Lignite and I suggest painting the gutters the same if possible – to make the champagne work with the roof and rest of the house I suggest you paint the gable ends (currently charcoal) the same colour as the vertical boards of the house.

August 2023


Q. We painted our lounge in Resene Blanc about 8 years ago. We want to paint it again and lighten the room up. It just feels a bit too creamy at the moment. Should we go with Resene Eighth Blanc or should we go for something completely different like Resene Black White or Resene Half Bianca. Also, could you suggest trim colours? The ceiling is white.

A. I suggest Resene Double Alabaster or Resene Half Bianca. Resene Half Black White might feel too cold when you have been used to a warmer white.

Paint A2 card with two coats of testpots (available at Resene ColorShops) and leave a white border on all edges of the card to neutralise the Resene Blanc walls – then attach to the walls and move around the room – trying both options will give you an idea of what tone works best.

I suggest you do the trims in Double Alabaster – this will be a semi-gloss paint so will create sheen contrast to the walls with the sheen.

August 2023


Q. I am looking at colours to paint our house once finished with the renovation. Our garage door/front door and aluminium joinery will be Ironsand. The old part of the house is horizontal white weatherboard. I am looking at how we can use vertical painted darker weatherboards possibly painted in Resene Ironsand and maybe some Resene Pravda to modernise the house. We also need to repaint the old roof which is a lighter grey but I am not sure what colours from Resene are best.

A. I would tie the two structures together by painting the new horizontal weatherboard white to match the existing – it doesn’t have to be exact – you could look at using Resene Sea Fog or Resene Double Sea Fog with Resene Ironsand for the vertical cladding. This way there is consistency and it will also modernise the overall appearance. You haven’t mentioned what colour the new renovation roof is? You could paint the old roof to match.

August 2023


Q. I want a split complementary colour scheme to go with Resene Roadster red. I have chosen Resene Moonbeam (green yellow) and Resene Half Reservoir (blue green). What do you think of this? I am using it in a hoop pine (mainly kitchen) for accents with red as the least quantity of colour.

A. Although Resene Moonbeam seems to work – it isn’t a green yellow as such. It is more of an orange yellow – sunny and warm. Try Resene Illuminate as an alternative. For the blue green I suggest full strength Resene Reservoir to balance the red.

August 2023


Q. I am repainting an east facing room that is in Resene Double Alabaster but wondered about changing to Resene Alabaster as the room has a light oak floor and some oak cupboards, neutral furniture, Persian rugs and a lot of artwork.

A. Is there a reason you are not enjoying the Resene Double Alabaster for the walls? Generally this will work with your other furnishings and oak.

East facing rooms can feel a bit cold in the afternoons – so if you are going to change the white perhaps consider a slightly warmer white – such as Resene Quarter Bianca, Resene Eighth Rice Cake or Resene Half Cararra.

I suggest trying testpots including Resene Alabaster and paint two coats on to A2 card and attach to the walls to see which you prefer.

August 2023


Q. I'm painting a 1910 villa – currently white with dark grey trim. I want to change the house colour to a light grey, with a white trim. The roof colour is Resene Grey Friars. I also need to choose a colour for the balcony floor and railings. Can you assist with colour suggestions please ? I am in a suburban street so do not want a green or blue tone. I would rather keep a neutral grey but with a bit of depth to it and warmer rather than colder.

A. I suggest painting the railing the same colour as the trims and balustrades, as I feel the railing being highlighted is creating a bit of business and takes the focus away from the overall structural design of the villa. For the same reason, consider painting the front door one colour, such as a deeper neutral which relates to the roof – like Resene Foundry or for a warmer tone Resene Nocturnal. Trims, including the bargeboards and eaves I suggest Resene Half Black White.

For the weatherboards see if any of these warmer greys appeal (please note that colours generally appear lighter on exteriors): Resene Double Concrete, Resene Silver Chalice or Resene Half Jumbo.

For the balcony try Resene Stack with Resene Silver Chalice or Resene Scarpa Flow with Resene Double Concrete or Resene Half Jumbo.

August 2023


Q. I have just finished painting my house exterior in Resene Double White Pointer with Resene Karaka on the roof. The cedar garage doors are Resene Touchwood. What colour should I stain the deck?

A. I suggest you try Resene Woodsman Tiri or Resene Woodsman Iroko.

You can also consider staining the deck to match the garage – Resene Touch Wood – but this might be a bit green and dark.

Resene Tiri is what I am feeling will work best as the deck stain is closest to the main cladding colour – Tiri looks great with Resene Double White Pointer, but test both Resene Iroko and Resene Tiri to be sure.

August 2023


Q. Our house has a COLORSTEEL® Karaka roof. We want to paint the wooden exterior walls a lighter green in a modern Resene colour. It is a two storeyed house built in the 1990s in Auckland. The spoutings, downpipes and wood on eaves are white. At present I am overseas and want to instruct painters on the job. At present the external wood is slightly lighter green than the roof. We think it needs to go some shades lighter.

A. Resene Linen looks lovely with Karaka and white, or you could go for the slightly deeper Resene Terrain.

I am not sure where you are overseas, but there are Resene stores throughout Australia, where you can view a library of large A4 colour swatches to see how they look together.

August 2023


Q. What colour/s would be best for exterior of my house. The roof and trim are Resene Lignite, the veranda posts and beams are white (but can be changed) and the deck (modwood composite) is silver ash (greyish)?

A. I suggest a beige neutral like Resene Half Cougar.

If you are willing to repaint the bargeboards and fascias I suggest a slightly warmer white such as Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta – this will be worth the effort as it will give a visual lift to the house and be less maintenance long term, as the white won’t fade as quickly or absorb as much heat as the darker colour on the bargeboards will. Then I suggest painting the veranda posts and beams to match.

If you do not wish to paint the trims – the veranda posts and beams could still look nice in a softer white or can be left the existing white.

The front door would look fabulous in a gloss finish, using a red such as Resene Pohutukawa or Resene Black.

August 2023


Q. I’m wondering what shade to paint my wooden floorboards? My walls are Resene Half Sea Fog and the architraves/skirting boards are Resene Alabaster. Would I match it to the skirting boards? And do you usually use a gloss paint?

A. It really depends on what colours you want in the room – but if you want a scandi or rustic feel you could look at a whitewash such as Resene Colorwood Whitewash – this product is also available as a greywash which gives a softer appeal. You can find out more about this product online or via staff at your local Resene ColorShop, who have samples you can view in-store, and can talk with you about preparation for paint versus a wash.

Many paint colours will work with Resene Half Sea Fog and Resene Alabaster – if you want to keep the floors lighter and white then perhaps try a few variants of Resene Sea Fog. Resene Alabaster on the floor will be very white and not so forgiving but it is a possibility. You could always paint A2 card with two coats of testpots and place on the floor near the skirtings – it is also a good idea to practice with a Resene Colorwood Whitewash testpot.

Resene Walk-on flooring and paving paint is a good option for painting timber floors, especially whites as it is very durable. Finish it with Resene Concrete Wax.

August 2023


Q. I have a south facing bedroom with an original rimu fireplace (built about 1900). I have painted the walls Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta and some built in joinery Resene Flax. It’s looking a bit cold and bland, and I would love to introduce some warmth. I’m using Resene Cashmere in other parts of the house but it’s not great with rimu. Do you have suggestions for a light warm colour that goes with Resene Flax, Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta and rimu?

A. South facing bedrooms do work well with yellow whites – and the Resene Pearl Lusta family works well generally with rimu – however, the deeper variants are warmer for a south facing room and so anything too light or white can feel bland and cold. Perhaps try Resene Pearl Lusta, or you might like to try Resene Rice Cake which pairs well with greens, such as Resene Flax, but is still warm. Resene Meringue is another option – it is brighter and warm.

August 2023


Q. I need help choosing the right white for my lounge/hallway for our character home renovation. The window (new joinery in Appliance White) faces north but it’s not a super sunny room. The curtains will be white linen and the carpet in both areas will be a natural coloured loop pile. Do I use the same colour (different paints) on trims and ceiling or different shades? I’m planning on using colour in the bedrooms (a sage green, beige and some sort of mauve maybe). I’ve used this Resene colour advice service to choose the outside colour – Resene Wan White and love it thanks! I’m thinking less grey for the inside.

A. Resene Double Alabaster or warmer Resene Quarter Rice Cake feel as though they might work for you. I like the idea of using colour in the bedrooms.

For the ceilings and trims, I do suggest a lighter variant in this instance, as being a character home you will likely have gorgeous wooden doors and deep scotias – Resene Half Alabaster should work well with either white for the walls.

August 2023


Q. It’s time to paint the outside of our house. The current colour is Resene Half Pravda. I can’t remember the window colour but it is white looking. We want something modern. We also need suggestions for a wrought iron railing and gate and also a sun awning.

A. Try a lighter colour, to give it a lift – see if either of these combinations appeal and test colours by painting A2 card (available at Resene ColorShops) with two coats of testpots, leaving a white border around all edges of card – so that the existing Resene Half Pravda doesn’t change the way the new colours are perceived – and attach to the house.

For bargeboards, fascias and eaves – to match the windows – try Resene Alabaster.

Sun awning – try white – it’s a logical choice as white reflects 100% rays and it will match the windows. If there is a choice of whites, choose one as close as possible to Resene Alabaster – but white will work.

For the walls, try Resene Double White Pointer with Resene Thunderstorm for the railings and garage door (painting the garage door will tie in the railings), or try Resene Stepping Stone with Resene Boris for the railings and garage door.

Swatch
Resene Stepping Stone
Swatch
Resene Boris
Swatch
Resene Thunderstorm

August 2023


Q. We have an older style weatherboard house in a coastal area. We are looking at repainting with a light blue/dark blue type theme – or maybe white incorporated in there? Are you able to suggest some colours that we can then order Resene testpots for?

A. Try Resene testpots of these combinations:

August 2023


Q. I want to paint my house in a different colour. I need to choose a colour compatible with the existing green COLORSTEEL® roof and green aluminium joinery.

A. See if any of these colours work for you – Resene Tapa, Resene Half Tapa, Resene Titania, Resene Triple Merino or Resene Epitome.

I suggest you paint two coats of Resene testpots onto A2 card available from Resene ColorShops, and attach to your house, please do not paint directly onto the existing colour, as this may change the appearance of the new colours you are testing.

Resene testpots are the most accurate way of viewing colour – as undertones can be enhanced and the colour can look lighter in natural bright light.

August 2023


Q. Can you tell me what colour paint matches the red which used to be used for early railway stations and woolsheds around NZ?

A. It is my understanding that the colour Resene Red Oxide was widely used.

August 2023


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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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