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.
Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.
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Q. I am currently prepping a house and have new Marley Stormcloud spouting to go on (Black). I was thinking a darker grey Resene colour for the house and was wondering on what colour to do the bargeboards and around the windows etc with a black spouting. I am open to anything that will match the black shed really. A. I suggest you paint the bargeboards the same colour as the spouting – whichever black matches Stormcloud. Resene Tuna is a dark grey that looks smart next to black – I would pair this with Resene Double Black White for the window frames and soffit. February 2025 |
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Q. We are wondering what colour to paint the plastered slab edge at the base of our new house? The weatherboards are in the process of being painted Resene Half Napa. Trim will be Resene Double Villa White and the roof is Ironsand. A. Try Resene Gauntlet or Resene Mondo – these should be a good contrast without being too much – as you don't want the base to dominate. February 2025 |
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Q. What is the difference between a half, normal and double of the same colour? For example Resene Alabaster? Could you use a half and a double to do limewashing on walls (with the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium). A. A lighter colour base usually works best as it glows through the topcoat – generally the best colour combinations are those that are close to each other in the colour spectrum. The effect of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium can make the topcoat colour weaker – so for example if you want the topcoat to be Resene Alabaster – I suggest using Resene Double Alabaster, with a Resene Half Alabaster basecoat (two coats to be applied), you will need this contrast to see a difference between the two colours being applied (base and Resene FX Paint Effects Medium topcoat). It is best to practice onto board first – until you like the finish and colour. Testpots of the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and basecoats are available for you to have a trial run – you could mix the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium testpot with equal amounts of Resene Double Alabaster – so this can be reproduced easily enough in a larger quantity. February 2025 |
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Q. We have very recently painted our small accommodation business in Rarotonga – which we have just taken over using Resene colours. We wanted something a bit more colourful/tropical/vibrant than the usual creams and whites. Now that we have completed most of the work I am concerned the main house colour is too ‘tangy’ and we are having serious second thoughts. The main colour is Resene Java, the fence is Resene Teal Blue (which we really like) and have also used a bit of Resene Citrus. There is lots of work to be undertaken which will have an effect on the colour, including.. 1. Massed tropical plantings to replace much of the grass to pop off against the colours etc. Both that big lawn area and also in front of the building 2. White timber trims to be placed around windows and doors as well as placing white corner boxes to external corners 3. We will place non-solid, permeable screens of some sort coming off the building to separate the units – currently one open walkway 4. Pots and plants to be placed close to the painted building – once again to contrast with the building colour as well as soften that elevation 5. The flat grade roof at the front will be removed. We will extend the high pitch roof as per the main part of the building A. Considering the location and with the gardening and proposed work you are going to be adding to the site – I feel the scheme works well – however the Resene Citrus seems unbalanced to me and with the greenery perhaps you don’t need it – this colour could be brought in via coloured pots, outdoor furniture etc. Consider replacing it with white instead – this will give a freshness and less ‘tangy’ appearance. You could always paint a small area that’s currently Resene Citrus – white and see how you feel – it can be painted back to Resene Citrus if preferred. February 2025 |
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Q. We are wondering what colour to paint the plastered slab edge at the base of our new house? The weatherboards are in the process of being painted Resene Half Napa. The trim will be Resene Double Villa White and the roof is Ironsand. A. Try Resene Gauntlet or Resene Mondo – these should be a good contrast without being too much – as you don't want the base to dominate. February 2025 |
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Q. I want to paint a room in a dark colour. It is Resene Tea at the moment and it needs a zing of something. The room will have a lot of artwork. A. With your art I suggest you stay with a deeper neutral. Try colours such as Resene Awaroa Bay, Resene Napa, Resene Double Truffle (greyer but may pair better with carpet), Resene Greige or Resene Archive Grey. February 2025 |
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Q. The yellow colour on our house needs to be painted. I was thinking maybe a charcoal colour as I don't like the yellow but could also paint the fence too. The timber fence runs all the way round so can be seen from every window. The fence is quite old and dirty looking even after cleaning so ideally something that would hide this. A. Resene Bokara Grey could look stunning. Consider using Resene CoolColour paint for the weatherboards and fence – I suggest using the same colour for both. This will help reflect more heat. February 2025 |
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Q. I'm redecorating my 20 year old (I think Golden Home) from the floor up. My favourite colour palette is greige. So I'll start with dark grey/brown carpet and lino. I think I want to go warm based. Resene Sea Fog (cool) has been suggested but I live at altitude and it's cold in winter so I might find that too cool. To me the neutral whites look a bit bland. The house, at the moment, has yellow based trims and wall paper which look 2000s. What would you suggest? NB. The house has 6 bedrooms and is naturally dark e.g. the lights always have to be on no matter what time of day or time of the year. I love the light neutral look but my sofa etc. is dark as I couldn't keep pale furniture clean. A. Try a light beige neutral like Resene Albescent White or Resene Parchment – these colours also have lighter variants to play with. February 2025 |
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Q. If we paint a ceiling a green (I'm thinking Resene Sage) what will be the effect on the room? A. Applying colour to the ceiling can dramatically alter your perception of the room’s space, making it appear larger – if the walls are the same colour or same strength of colour. It can also give the room a casual appearance and visually lower the height of the ceiling if it is of standard height and the walls are pale. February 2025 |
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Q. I need a colour to paint an old roadside garage that is great for the public, fits in with the coastal, bush environment (Ohope) and will work on a beat up old, textured garage. A. To modernise I recommend you paint all substrates (except the roof) in Resene Ironsand. February 2025 |
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Q. Will Resene Half Merino walls go with an alcove painted in Resene Haven? It's in the garage. A. Although not perfect it will work – Resene Half Merino is neutral and generally pairs with grey greens, for a garage it will be fine. February 2025 |
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Q. Our home is clad in Hinuera stone and we're considering the best colours to modernise the look and tone in with the stone. We're currently having a steel fin balustrade fabricated for the front balcony and want to finish it (also replacement garage doors) with a dark black type colour such as Resene Ironsand/Resene Foundry/Resene Element etc Can you advise which would be best. I don't know if browner tones would work with the yellow in the stone so possibly greyer is best? We're also going to replace our windows. We've already done the front door in Appliance White so will probably match that. I'm undecided what to do with the grey wood trim below the upper windows. Any thoughts? I think the grey helps detract from the grey aluminium frames currently but that won’t be necessary if new windows go in. A. I suggest you paint all the timber, including the spouting and fascia, and the garage doors Resene Element (equivalent to FlaxPod) I suggest you use a CoolColour version to help reflect more heat. February 2025 |
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Q. Do you have exterior house colour suggestions for our house. It’s currently pinkish coloured as Resene Cest La Vie which I really dislike. The bargeboards are in Resene Quarter Karaka. The garage door and roof are a faded greeny-grey. I wondered about a grey or greige or other neutral colour for the exterior? A. Try Resene Ash, Resene Copyrite or Resene Half Linen. February 2025 |
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Q. Please advise the best ceiling shade of white to go with Resene Half Rice Cake walls. A. You could try Resene Eighth Rice Cake or for more contrast Resene Alabaster. February 2025 |
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Q. I need to decide on colours for an exterior weatherboard new home to be built. The roof, gutters, downpipes and aluminium windows are all Ironsand. For the Resene paints I was planning weatherboards in Resene Greige and bargeboards in Resene Masala. For the soffits, is Resene Greige light enough to continue up into the soffit area or do we need to go to a lighter colour? A. I would go lighter – unless the soffit is not very deep, and the house is two storey. Try Resene Double Sea Fog. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a 1950s stucco house that is painted in Resene Silver Chalice. The roof is COLORSTEEL® Ironsand. Our spouting, fascia, soffits and downpipes and windows/trim are white. We need to have some small roof repairs done soon. It was recommended we may want to consider painting our roof to extend its life. I don’t think Ironsand looks particularly nice with the Resene Silver Chalice. I am thinking of painting the roof a pale colour – in the COLORSTEEL® colour range. What COLORSTEEL® roof colour do you think would work well with our other colours? I was thinking Titania, Cloud or TuiTuft. I know there are some pale greys in the range too, but I’m not sure about living in an entirely monochrome house! A. Resene Grey Friars is the most popular colour with Resene Silver Chalice, and it is not too dark when on the roof – more of a mid-grey depending on light, or for contrast with the right tone is Resene Nocturnal which looks great with your scheme. I have not seen a light roof with Resene Silver Chalice – but Resene Whitewater (TuiTuft) would be the only one in the COLORSTEEL® range I see pairing. February 2025 |
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Q. My 1920s bungalow is a Resene Duck Egg Blue with Resene Half Bianca windows and Resene Half Innocence trims. The roof is currently Karaka, but I'm having it painted and want a lighter colour, probably in the silver/pale grey range. I am thinking Resene Silver Chalice or Resene Double Silver Chalice. A. You might also like to try Resene Double Concrete or Resene Half Grey Chateau – this is the bluer of them all.  Resene Double Silver Chalice February 2025 |
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Q. I am looking to paint the exterior of my house Resene Periglacial Blue from the Karen Walker Paints range and teaming it with Resene Wan White. I am looking for a red or another bold colour that would match with that to paint the doors. A. Try Resene Guru or Resene Jalapeno. February 2025 |
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Q. We want to repaint our house and do not like the grey on the Linea boards as we don’t feel it tones in with the yellow tone of the bricks. Can you please give us several options to choose from? A. Try Resene Triple Ash or Resene Bokara Grey. February 2025 |
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Q. I am renovating a 70s summer hill stone house. I have sprayed the outside a grey colour and have new double glazed windows coming in a black colour, plus the tiled roof will be painted black also. Just not sure what colour the spouting should be, and the end gables, windowsills and foundation. It’s all looking too grey at present. A. Once the new windows and roof are black – it won't look so grey. I suggest black for the spouting and keep the bargeboards and soffit a crisp white – like Resene Black White. February 2025 |
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Q. We'd like to make the front of our home more interesting. We've recently painted the fence Resene Triple Stonehenge and the planter Resene Stonehenge. The joinery is Resene Desert Sand. We don't like the dark brown 'arches'. We're not committed to the garage door colour. Any suggestions would be appreciated. A. To make this scheme work I suggest you paint the arches and the garage door Resene Triple Stonehenge. February 2025 |
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Q. What colour should we paint the exterior? The house has not been painted in a long time. Gets full sun and is very ‘bach’ looking. Batten and board with cement. We have a quote to paint and we’re thinking of a dark blue like Resene Biscay. A. I feel that navy will not pair with the roof so well – they may just merge into one another, I suggest you look at blue/green tones – such as Resene Ashanti or Resene Cutty Sark – one pale, one deeper – try both to see whether one depth works better over another in the natural light. February 2025 |
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Q. I am about to have the roof of my 1920s bungalow painted. The weatherboards are Resene Duck Egg Blue, the windows are Resene Half Bianca and the trim Resene Half Innocence. I was thinking of painting the roof in a silvery colour, but now think a darker colour would look more striking. I'm thinking of Resene Waterloo, Resene Coast, Resene Undercurrent or Resene Innocence. What do you think? A. I feel the colours for the roof will dominate the subdued exterior where you want contrast but not so much that you only see the roof. Resene Grey Friars will pair well with these colours, and it makes it easier to change house colours later, plus it has better UV performance than saturated blues. The blues you mentioned could be brought in via planters, pots, accessories etc or as a front door colour in a gloss finish. February 2025 |
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Q. I would like a recommendation for the wall colour for our kitchen/dining and lounge please. perhaps the same colour may be simplest? The window frames will be painted with Resene Bianca. Both rooms get lots of sun. The kitchen has some undercoat on it currently, but the base colour was yellow and I would like something neutral, ideally blue, green or grey bases are preferred. A. You can move away from too much yellow, but you do need to include some warmth as you have Resene Bianca which is a warm off white. Try Resene Parchment, Resene Tea or Resene Truffle. February 2025 |
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Q. Presently we have the entirety of our large three bedroom house with family room and lounge all painted Resene Double Pearl Lusta. This also includes the trims and the kitchen, and even the bathrooms. This is a cream onslaught from the nineties I think. I would love to repaint the walls in tones of, say Resene Tea, our carpet is this kind of tone and our drapes have this same creamy taupe background. We also have built-in units that we are unable to remove, in the same colour. We can't afford to do everything, so we are thinking of a contrast in the same family or at least agreeable to the eye. We also need to repaint all 23 doors. They are a contrasting what looks to me like Resene Spanish White. If we leave the trim, we could maybe do them Resene Pearl Lusta to tie in with the kitchen etc? The hallway would need to come down to the lightest shade because it is long and dark with the colour it is now. A. I suggest you use a light warm white which is modern but complements Resene Double Pearl Lusta – a shade like Resene Tea or a beige/taupe of some kind may make the Resene Double Pearl Lusta look more cream. Try Resene Bianca – you could also use this for the hall as it is very good at illuminating dark spaces. For the doors it depends on whether you plan on changing the Resene Double Pearl Lusta on the other surfaces at any stage, if you do I suggest painting them Resene Bianca to match the walls, or to blend them in – paint them Resene Double Pearl Lusta. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a garage door and roof in FlaxPod and would like to know what lighter colours would complement this for the weatherboards and concrete block base? A. Try Resene Triple Truffle, Resene Truffle, Resene Half Taupe Grey, Resene Triple Merino or Resene Foggy Grey. February 2025 |
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Q. What white pairs well with Resene Space Shuttle? It's being used for two bedroom walls and it's been suggested we look at painting the other walls a white. A. Resene Double Alabaster or Resene Black White look good with Resene Space Shuttle. February 2025 |
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Q. We are looking at repainting our kitchen joinery. After 28 years it needs it. The walls are Resene Half Tea and the benches and blinds are blue. A. You have the option of treating the cabinetry as extended wall – and painting it Resene Half Tea as the Resene Tea family sits well with blues. Alternatively, if you are planning on making any changes later down the track then a neutral white like Resene Black White or Resene Half Sea Fog, might be a better option – and it will brighten the space. February 2025 |
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Q. We are using Resene Zeus on our exterior walls. Could you please suggest some colours complementary to Resene Zeus that we could use for the roof, veranda, carport maybe, or other details? A. Try Resene Squall, Resene Element or Resene Armadillo. If you require a white to pair, try Resene Merino or Resene White Pointer. February 2025 |
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Q. I am renovating my late mum’s vintage caravan. The exterior has been painted in Resene Apple Green and Resene Edgewater. I am looking for a soft vintage pink to go with these colours for some feature areas inside. A. Try Resene Gelato a cherry pink. February 2025 |
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Q. We want to repaint our house. Currently it is a mix of brick and weatherboard. The weatherboards are currently Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey. I am thinking something lighter. A. Try Resene Quarter Tapa or Resene Foggy Grey or try the deeper variants of Resene Tapa such as Resene Half Tapa and Resene Tapa – as these work nice with brick. February 2025 |
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Q. I have picked Resene Eighth Bison Hide as my main wall colour. I would like advice on what colours would work with it for window trims, raked ceiling and colours for feature walls. The house is a small farmhouse, with deep bronze windows and lots of greenery outside. A. For ceilings and trims consider Resene Alabaster. For accents – you really need to pull colour from other sources to make it work – so if you have accessories, art, fabrics that you can see work with Resene Eighth Bison Hide then perhaps choose a colour from these for feature walls. Generally, muted blues, mid toned browns and grey greens work well and with the style of home and bronze windows, like Resene Avalanche, Resene Half Innocence and Resene Nest Egg – these three examples will work well quite well together. February 2025 |
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Q. I’m trying to find a powder coating colour to match Resene Double Thorndon Cream. A. Resene have powder coating available, so you just need to specify the colour and code: Resene Powder Coating Double Thorndon Cream Y84-019-089 – this is the standard matt finish there are other sheen levels available. See www.resene.com/powdercoatings. February 2025 |
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Q. I am looking for recommendations for wood stain for our front door and internal stairs which will complement the house. The front door is Meranti wood and the stairs are Merbau. The garage door is Monument. The front door faces west and can get a fair bit of sun during the afternoon. I have been looking at Resene Treehouse wood stain as I don't want anything that is very black but am not sure if that is the right way to go. A. For the front door try Resene Shadow Match which is a soft charcoal. Resene Treehouse is a bit brown. For the stairs investigate Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony – this is a dark brown/black – which might tone down the red/brown of the Merbau timber stairs. February 2025 |
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Q. I want some advice on what shade of white we should get our new aluminium joinery in please. The roof is Grey Friars and the wall cladding will be Resene Siam. Also some advice on a complementary colour for the wooden window and door trims would be much appreciated. We are getting double glazed inserts installed into our existing timber frames. A. I suggest Resene Black White. Resene have powder coating available – see www.resene.com/powdercoatings – specify the colour and code Resene Powder Coat Black White N93 005 100 I suggest this colour for the wooden trims as well. February 2025 |
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Q. We are building a new home with COLORSTEEL® and James Hardie stria cladding. We’re thinking of Karaka for the roof and windows, however we’re not sure what colour to use on the stria cladding. Could you please give us some colour advice? Maybe some contrasting colours as well as darker ones? A. Try Resene Double White Pointer, Resene Triple Merino, Resene Dusted Grey, Resene Cobblestone, Resene Castle Rock or Resene Masala. February 2025 |
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Q. We have recently painted the interior of our 1920s Auckland bungalow using Resene Half Merino throughout, and are looking for help on what to paint (colour and finish) the exterior. We are not painting the roof, which is Ironsand, and we are looking to keep with the Resene Half Merino for the windows/trims). For the weatherboards we’re currently thinking Resene Triple Black White, Resene Triple Sea Fog or Resene Triple Merino. We want to keep to grey/green/neutral undertones. A. Resene Triple Merino could work well – also try Resene Half Linen or Resene Foggy Grey – these have more colour but will appear much lighter outside. February 2025 |
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Q. I want to paint the exterior of my house a light to medium grey. I'm having my roof replaced in COLORSTEEL® Windsor Grey and my painter has suggested painting the window frames in Resene Black White. What colour grey would look good with Windsor Grey? I also want to paint my front fence in a dark grey, what colour would work? A. I suggest for the weatherboards you try Resene Half Silver Chalice, Resene Ted or Resene Iron. For the fence try Resene Half Baltic Sea, Resene Baltic Sea or Resene Westminster. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a light grey house with white trim 1980 style (cheaper cladding). It has a large stained black deck (in need of stain) and we have just put a privacy front fence in. We are having trouble deciding on the best colour for the fence and whether to stain or paint. A. I suggest you stain the fence to match the deck – so Resene Pitch Black. Staining is a bit softer than paint. You could use the CoolColour version to help reflect more heat. February 2025 |
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Q. I would like to repaint our one level house white, with a neutral white. Inside the house on the windows are mid-blue roller blinds. Next to the house is a corrugated old garage that also needs painting. I would like a white garage door but hope you will give me suggestion for colours for the exterior of the house, the garage and wooden fence that runs along the driveway up to the house and the back of the property. A. Try Resene Double Sea Fog or Resene Merino for your house (they will appear whiter outside). I suggest you paint the garage the same colour as the house and stain the fence a mid to darker grey that will sit with all the colours you have – try Resene Tiri. A Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss finish will suit the garage and a Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen finish for the house. February 2025 |
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Q. I have a question about how tinting works. I have one room that is going to be a ridiculously pure bright yellow (Resene Southern Cross) and I have a large area that I want to be a very pale sensible other-people-can-live-with-it yellow. I can't find a nice yellow that is very pale but reads pure – no mustard/acid/brown feeling. What do you recommend? A. Resene Quarter Moonbeam might be worth investigating for a softer, pale cleanish yellow – remembering that inside on all walls yellows intensify. February 2025 |
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Q. I'm looking to update the outside of a 1970 house. The light grey roof and brown windows won't be changed at this point but I am looking to paint the timber and bricks. A. I suggest you paint the timber and bricks the same colour – try Resene Double Silver Chalice, Resene Half Foggy Grey, Resene Kensington Grey or Resene Triple Sea Fog. February 2025 |
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Q. Our home’s exterior is Resene Half Thorndon Cream. What warm greys would complement this? A. Warmish greys to try are Resene Half Friar Greystone, Resene Triple Truffle, Resene Half Tapa, Resene Foggy Grey or Resene Gauntlet. February 2025 |
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Q. Our hallway area is quite small and I am hoping to have a peachy pink type hue. A. Try Resene Sante Fe, Resene Beethoven or Resene Dawn Glow. For an accompanying white try Resene Quarter Rice Cake. February 2025 |
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Q. We have recently purchased a reno house and are looking at painting the roof and outside. It’s currently a grey/purple with pink guttering. We are thinking a duck egg blue with white borders but really have no clue about if we should paint the lower half a different colour or specifics. I am nervous about making this big decision without some guidance about what would make it look ’fresh’. We are not afraid of colour but don't want to stand out too much. This is a coastal property with trees around it. A. I suggest you paint the house one colour – and make it a little deeper than a duck egg such as Resene Triple Duck Egg Blue. I would paint the guttering, fascia and soffit in Resene Black White. If you want to try a softer duck egg blue, try Resene Periglacial Blue. February 2025 |
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Q. All the rooms in our house are painted in Resene Eighth Pavlova but we are decorating the main bedroom and would like this room in a lighter shade. What would you recommend that would tone in with the rest of the house? We also need a white contrast for the bay window, skirting boards etc. A. Resene Villa White or Resene Quarter Wheatfield could look lovely as lighter shades, I suggest teaming them with Resene Alabaster for a fresh clean look. February 2025 |
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Q. We want to choose a colour for our bedroom and our kid’s bedroom. We're leaning towards green for our bedroom and blue for the boys. We have an epic view from our bedroom window which is native bush, farm and the ocean and islands so we don't want to use a colour that is going to compete with the view. Our duvet is a terracotta colour. The boy’s room is small and the furniture in it will be mostly white so we are comfortable going with a darker blue. There are matai wooden floors throughout the house. We're looking for a cohesive colour scheme. Currently through the whole house the walls are painted Resene Quarter Merino. A. Try Resene Emerge or Resene Half Emerge for your master bedroom or a soft sage such as Resene Secrets. For your boy’s room try Resene Coast or Resene Watermark. Resene Hammerhead could also be nice but may be a bit grey, depending on the light. February 2025 |
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Q. We're in the process of getting all our old joinery replaced to black aluminium and are going to be painting our large house at the same time. We already have two windows done from a previous stage of the renovation – black windows with white trims. The trims are different in different places. I really want to paint the house white as I love that look, so I'm wondering what white will look best as it's a bit of an older, classic home but not quite a heritage home if you know what I mean? We're also not sure whether to paint the house the same white as the trims, or choose another tone? A. As your home is quite big, I suggest trying a white that isn’t too stark (remembering that whites brighten outside as well). Try a testpot of Resene Sea Fog (two coats). I would take the colour onto the trims – keep it all one colour – to modernise and simplify – plus this will help to avoid highlighting that the trims are different. Resene Sea Fog suits heritage and modern homes. February 2025 |
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Q. We are trying to decide on interior pants for a new build. The exterior is painted Resene Element with soffits in concrete. We’ve been looking at Resene Double Sea Fog or Resene Triple Sea Fog for walls but are stuck on a colour for ceilings and trims. We initially thought Resene Alabaster but it feels too creamy. A. Try Resene Half Black White with Resene Double Sea Fog or Resene Triple Sea Fog. February 2025 |
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Q. Just curious with interiors is it the norm to paint ceilings/trims and walls all the same colour when doing neutrals? Or more common to create a bit of contrast and use two different neutrals? A. Colour drenching is a current trend where all substrates are painted one colour with varying sheen levels – but a colour expert will take into consideration the size of the space and what feel you want to achieve and height of the ceiling etc, so contrasts are also still popular. Colour drenching gives an open feel to a space as the eye doesn’t stop at white lines or contrasts. Depending on the colour it can enclose a space and create a cosy feel – where a contrast especially on the ceiling can make a ceiling visually appear higher. It is very popular if using a white to paint all surfaces the same and just vary the sheen level. February 2025 |
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Q. I am after a blue shade to paint our master bedroom. I am finding it difficult to find the shade I’m after. It will be paired with Resene Alabaster trims and some Resene Quarter Merino on the walls as well. A. Try Resene Alaska, Resene Half Halcyon, Resene Half Spindle, Resene Oxygen or Resene Quarter Frozen. February 2025 |
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Q. We have chosen Resene Nocturnal for exterior Linea (new build), can you please recommend some options for the soffits in a light colour? A. Try Resene House White, Resene Double Alabaster or Resene Black White – it will also depend on the window joinery colour. February 2025 |
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Q. I have painted my walls in the colour Resene Sea Fog and I have painted all window/door frames in Resene Alabaster semi-gloss. My question is should I paint the doors the same as the frames or will semi-gloss on doors look silly. If not what would you recommend? A. Semi-gloss looks great on doors, so I suggest painting them the same – a waterborne enamel such as Resene Lustacryl is the popular option and suitable for doors. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a client that has chosen Resene Nocturnal for the exterior Linea colour (new build). Can you please recommend some options for the soffits in a light colour? A. Try Resene House White, Resene Double Alabaster or Resene Black White – it will also depend on the window joinery colour. February 2025 |
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Q. The board under the spouting plus other wall areas are currently matching New Denim Blue however I’d like to do them in a colour to blend with Resene Tiri wood stain. A. I suggest painting the fascia boards (below spouting) in Resene Black White to tie in with the eaves and trims and to act as a barrier between the light grey roof and darker stain – this just keeps the scheme uniform. For any downpipes or wall areas you could try Resene Dune or Resene Triple Dune. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a light grey roof and New Denim Blue spouting which we need to keep. I want to modernise the existing blue trim and brown stain. Can you suggest complementary colours to use in darker greys/light colour for windows/colour for stain (the brown needs to go)? A. I suggest Resene Tiri for the stain – it is a mid to dark grey, it will modernise the overall look of the house – you might want to investigate using a CoolColour stain – this is where the stain colour looks the same but the product allows the heat to be deterred from the colour – protecting the substrate. For the trims I suggest a chalky white which will sit well next to the New Denim Blue such as Resene Black White. February 2025 |
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Q. We have Resene Triple Duck Egg Blue kitchen cabinets and an open plan kitchen dining and lounge with lots of natural light and Karaka joinery. The carpet is a charcoal. What do you suggest for the wall and ceiling colours? It is still being built. A. A green edged neutral could look nice or a bone white – there are deeper variants of these colours which you might also like to try but my initial thought is to keep the walls lighter to take advantage of the natural light without being cream or white – try Resene Quarter Linen, Resene Ecru White, Resene Quarter Ash or Resene Sea Fog – for the ceilings you could opt to wrap the same colour onto the ceiling or try Resene Quarter Black White. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a house with weatherboards and schist. The weatherboards are dark brown and we wanted something light that goes really well with schist. A. You might like to check these colours out – Resene Truffle, Resene Cloud or Resene Quarter Stonewall. February 2025 |
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Q. What shade of white would you pair with Resene Quarter Spanish White walls with a warm tone wooden floor. This is for the skirting boards, doors etc. A. I have seen Resene Alabaster with timber floors and Resene Quarter Spanish White or the other option if you want to retain the warmth and let the floor be the feature is to paint the trims the same colour as the walls but using a semi-gloss finish for contrast – Resene Lustacryl is the preferred product, it is a durable semi-gloss waterborne enamel. February 2025 |
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Q. I have painted my bedrooms in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream with white trims and ceiling. I was intending to paint the remainder of the house (hallway and living area/kitchen) the same but have noticed that the colour looks a bit green in some lights. Could you recommend similar creamy whites that would pair well that are perhaps more neutral/less green? The carpets are mid/light brown, the kitchen flooring is light woodgrain vinyl and the kitchen cabinets are TBC but likely white or similar. Natural light is dark in the morning and then quite bright from lunchtime onward. A. Try Resene Merino, Resene Half Merino or Resene Half Rice Cake. February 2025 |
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Q. I have a living and dining area that flow into each other with walls painted a long time ago in Resene Scotch Mist. I am preparing to sell and do not have time to repaint them all. However each room has one wall that needs repainting due to repairs in the walls. I am considering doing each as a feature wall and trying to find a complementary colour. Two of the walls have a fireplace – one ornate and one plainer – and I will repainting the surround on both. The carpet is a mid-dark grey and the curtains are a blue/green luxury silk in two of the rooms. A. I suggest you paint the plainer fireplace surround a charcoal to match the rest of the fireplace and to be the feature of the room. You might also like to hang a larger mirror or place it against the wall sitting on the mantle – a mirror that is longer rather than wider would be good – it needn't be expensive as it is about balance and creating drama. If you find a mirror to upcycle you might be able to paint the mirror frame as well – a metallic finish would look good – an old gold. For the fireplace on this wall, try Resene Half Shark, Resene Shark or Resene Baltic Sea it really depends on how it compares with the curtains – although they are on another wall. I suggest repainting the wall Resene Scotch Mist if it needs repairing and repainting. For the wall with the lovely ornate fireplace, I suggest painting the fireplace a lighter warm white to brighten it and painting the wall a soft duck egg – a soft colour means that there are not too many features as you have the fireplace which is definitely the feature. Try Resene Periglacial Blue, Resene Robin Egg Blue or Resene Half Robin Egg Blue. You could also try a taupe like Resene Half Nomad for the feature wall and for the fireplace try Resene Half Orchid White. February 2025 |
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Q. I love green. I want to paint my house green. I am about to replace my roof. My garage door is Mist Green COLORSTEEL® (which I think is the same as Resene Paddock). Currently the soffits are a timber green. I am trying to decide between Karaka and Permanent green for the roof. I prefer Permanent Green but am worried about what shades I could then use on the house. I wondered about Resene Flax. Before I decided to do the roof I bought some Resene Awol to paint the garage but I think I've made a mistake. I see the roof every day from above and think I will regret it if I choose anything other than green. Can you suggest some greens that would be complementary to a roof colour, and do you think Permanent Green would be able to coordinate with a range of greens? I think Karaka will look too dark but might have more options. I have discounted the Mist Green COLORSTEEL® as I think that would limit what I could paint the house even more. If I had Resene Flax and Permanent Green other than the white windows, would I need a contrast colour – I'm not sure if a third green could work? A. Have you thought about painting the garage door? It is only a small area – otherwise I wouldn’t let it dominate your decisions – Mist Green works well with other greens so you are on the right track. I recommend staying away from Permanent Green it is quite a dated colour for roofs – Karaka is much easier to work with later and not too dark for the height of your house, plus it will look great with Resene Flax – you don’t need to bring in another green as Resene Flax has enough depth although you could bring in a soft white with a green undertone for the windows such as Resene Green White. Resene Bud and Resene Bitter are also greens that will pair with Karaka. The garage door could be painted to Karaka if you wish to. February 2025 |
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Q. I’ve lifted the very old carpet that was made into a runner down my sister’s stairs and at the sides it’s been stained and varnished. We now want to stain the stairs but I noted your Resene Colorwood range only goes on raw timber which the sides aren’t. What would you suggest we use to make them look great? We are only doing the stairs and not the balustrades. I would say it’s a native timber except the landing which is mdf or something. A. Once the timber stairs are sanded and even, the native timber once varnished (without stain) may well be a natural contrast that works with the banister and allows you to change the banister colour later if desired – my suggestion is to have the entire stairs sanded and the type of timber identified before trying to match or compliment the banister with a stain – you might then choose to use a clear coat on the stairs like Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. If you do want to colour the stairs in a complementary colour to the banister (it will be very hard to match as you are comparing a new coating to an aged coating to begin with) then I suggest you visit a Resene ColorShop and investigate Resene Colorwood interior wood stain, which enhances the grain of the timber, the colours are viewable instore on pine and cedar to give you an idea of what the colour will look like on light and dark timber – but until the type of native timber is identified then it is difficult to say – a professional sander may be able to give you further guidance. There is also Resene Colour Enhance which you can mix with a clear finish (Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K for the floor) – they add a hint of colour or more depending on what you like – ask the staff to show you examples. If you take your photo in with you staff will assist in finding Resene Colorwood examples on timber that are similar to your banister – just note that stain colours can alter depending on the type of timber they are applied to. Resene Dark Rimu or Resene Teak might be worth investigating to start with. February 2025 |
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Q. We have just added a pergola to the side of our house and would like some suggestions for the paint colour for it. The roof of the house is Grey Friars and the walls are Resene Half Pravda. The joinery/trim of the doors and windows is white and there is no fence near the pergola – just some hedging plants. A. It really depends on the style of your house and are the garage doors also Grey Friars. The options most likely are white to match the windows, or Grey Friars or a paler variant such as Resene Half Tuna or Resene Half Grey Friars, or a deeper neutral that tones with the walls and hedging like Resene Half Masala. February 2025 |
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Q. Our house’s weatherboards are painted in Resene Quarter Foggy Grey with Resene Quarter Wan White woodwork and grey stone pavers. We have just converted an old boat shed and built a pool pavilion where we have used a warmer taupe limestone. The Resene Foggy Grey doesn’t work with the limestone and I’m debating keeping it simple and painting the two new buildings in Resene Quarter Wan White or would it be better to use full strength Resene Wan White on the weatherboards and Resene Quarter Wan White on the wood work? A. As colours generally appear brighter and lighter outside, I recommend Resene Wan White for the weatherboards with Resene Quarter Wan White for the trim. Resene Wan White is more widely used for this application with the lighter variants for accent/trims. etc. February 2025 |
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Q. I am refreshing the paint inside my house and wondered what you would recommend as an update to Resene Quarter Tea? My curtains/carpet have not long been replaced and are brown so want a colour that would fit in with that. A. Try Resene Half Albescent White, Resene Milk White or Resene Eighth Joss. February 2025 |
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Q. We are looking at painting our house including our roof. At this stage my thoughts are to paint the roof Ironsand (to match the fence) but I am stuck on what to paint the exterior walls of the house (we will look to paint over the brick) along with what colour for the trims. Do you have any suggestions? A. I suggest you paint the dark fascia a soft white the same white as suggested for the windows and paint the soffit this white as well – this will ensure the top half of the house is not too heavy with a darker and steep roof. You will need to undercoat the fascia before painting them white. Ironsand is a good option for the roof. For the front door you might like to choose a colour or paint it Resene Nero. See if any of these combinations appeal:
February 2025 |
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Q. I have moved into a new build and throughout the house the interior walls are Resene Half Athens Grey and the ceiling is Resene Quarter Athens Grey. I would like to get the living room walls repainted to be a fresher, brighter, more white colour. What would you suggest? A. I suggest testing Resene Black White if the living room is bright and sunny or warmish – this will flow from the Resene Athens Grey family quite well and it is a soft chalky white which will give you the appearance you are after. If the room is darker or cooler, then a slightly warmer white might be better like Resene Half Sea Fog. February 2025 |
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Q. I would like advice for painting a wooden fence and a stucco dividing wall. I want to use Resene Noir or a more brown/black shade for both. I don't want the fence to look stained as I have noticed black stains don't tend to weather well. A. Resene Noir might be a little heavy for your house scheme – try Resene Element CoolColour or Resene Bokara Grey CoolColour. For the deck I recommend trying Resene Woodsman Wood Oil CoolColour in the colour Resene Tiri. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a two storey stucco-like home that has aluminium window frames in the colour of buttermilk. The house is a pale yellowy colour and the roof a mid-brown. The doors are a similar colour, but I liken them to a cacky colour brown (sorry!). I'd like ideas of how we can paint our home and match it in with these buttermilk window frames, which I don't like, but am not keen on painting them. A. Light creams are what blend buttermilk coloured joinery in. You could try a warm white with a bit more of an earthy edge like Resene Double Villa White or a French camel like Resene Half Canterbury Clay, a soft beige like Resene Quarter Pravda or a grey green like Resene Half Lemon Grass. Light creams traditionally work best with this joinery such as Resene Pearl Lusta. February 2025 |
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Q. At the moment, I'm looking for the colours for my exterior which is weatherboards. I'd like a modern look with variations of grey and white. A. I feel the weatherboards could be a little bit deeper than white as the house has strong structural elements which this will help to balance – when looking at colours online or on a chart please note that outside they may lighten up to 30%. The window suggestion is a complementary white to the weatherboards. We always recommend testing the colours suggested. Roof and guttering in Resene Steel Grey, fascia and eaves in Resene Double Alabaster, windows (frames, sashes, and sills) in Resene Double Alabaster, timber doors in Resene Double Alabaster, weatherboards in Resene Quarter Silver Chalice and concrete steps and base of house in Resene Scarpa Flow, concrete walls of steps in Resene Quarter Silver Chalice, front door in Resene Foundry or Resene Wild Thing (gloss finish recommended – use Resene Enamacryl or Resene Super Gloss and front door frame in Resene Double Alabaster. February 2025 |
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Q. Our roof and aluminium joinery is New Denim Blue. We have a stained cedar garage and front door and large kwila decking stained the same as the cedar. What colour would you suggest painting the exterior of the house? It is north facing and in the countryside. A. Warm neutrals and greyish whites look good with a New Denim Blue roof and joinery. Try Resene Cloudy, Resene Truffle, Resene Half Napa or Resene Black Haze. A classic grey like Resene Half Stack will also pair but may be more urban than countryside. February 2025 |
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Q. I want to paint a feature wall in a cabin on a sailboat. The other walls are Resene Half Black White and there is a teak cupboard occupying about one third of the wall. What would you suggest? I was thinking of a blue. A. Try Resene Time Traveller, Resene Undercurrent (softer) or Resene Norwester – more of a San Franciscan blue. February 2025 |
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Q. I have a 70s plaster over block and vertical cedar clad home with a concrete tile roof. I have painted the roof Ironsand and will paint the cedar cladding the same colour. I am looking for a contrasting white to go with the Ironsand colour? Do you have a recommendation? A. Try Resene White Pointer or Resene Half White Pointer, Resene Merino, Resene Half Sea Fog or Resene Alabaster. February 2025 |
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Q. We have painted our house using Resene Quarter Stack and would like a darker trim but are not really sure what would look ok? A. Try Resene Double Stack, Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey or Resene Trojan. February 2025 |
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Q. I want to paint my walls in the bedrooms and hallway with Resene Half Bianca. I want a lighter colour that would match that for my doors and trims, but I don’t want to paint the ceilings. So I have two questions, firstly, would it looks strange having three different shades of white on a room, secondly, can you recommend a colour for the doors and window trims? A. I think slight variations in shades of whites add some lovely depth and interest to a room and you can use three shades – it works best if you keep to a cool or warm palette and avoid big contrasts between creams and whites. I am assuming the ceilings are white – so for the doors and trims I suggest Resene Eighth Bianca – staying within the same family but giving enough contrast. However this can only be made in larger containers. You could try it by mixing a testpot of Resene White with a testpot of Resene Half Bianca. Trims, doors and architraves look great in Resene Lustacryl a semi-gloss waterborne enamel which is hard wearing for these surfaces – it also gives added contrast to the walls and ceiling. February 2025 |
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Q. We have a builder doing amazing work on our bungalow renovation and I’m wanting to do it all justice with a beautiful paint choice. I’d like a shade of white and I really don’t want it to turn out too yellow or cream, but also not a cold or stark white. What would you recommend please? The kitchen will be black and off white. A. Your renovation sounds lovely – try Resene Quarter Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints collection for the walls. It is a colour that suits the interior of older homes. There are deeper variants but they might be a bit cream, but that really depends on the room you are painting and light – Resene Half Albescent White might be nice for bedrooms. February 2025 |
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Q. I am painting my ceiling either Resene Half Pohutukawa or Resene Pohutukawa. And the walls will be Resene Double Pearl Lusta or Resene Half Pearl Lusta or Resene Triple Pearl Lusta we use Resene Pohutukawa on the ceiling. I can only pick one colour for my trim, doors and architraves with this particular house building company. A. I suggest you use Resene Half Pearl Lusta for the trims, doors and architraves, with either Resene Pohutukawa or Resene Half Pohutukawa. Resene Half Pearl Lusta will look good with Resene Double Pearl Lusta walls. February 2025 |
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Q. We plan to repaint our house exterior. We like white and green colours but perhaps lighter, brighter, vibrant, young and fresh that blend in seamlessly with the nature backdrop as one. We’d definitely like it to be fresh, unique and cheerful. The lower floor can stay white as it is but windows perhaps could be white or green, other parts (including the fencing) perhaps could be a combination of this nature green and white. A. True lime will be quite harsh in this environment on an exterior – I recommend an olive green which will have more colour in the sun – such as Resene Contour and I suggest painting the main house top and white walls this colour with the grey timber slats (base) and the other grey timber slats on the smaller house side – a deeper shade such as Resene Planter or even a colour which works in with the windows above like Resene Ironsand. The stairwell enclosed walls to the side I suggest for balance also painting the deeper shade (Resene Planter or Resene Ironsand). For the smaller house I recommend painting the windows and walls in Resene Black White (or just the windows if you do not want to paint the walls). This is a chalky white popular for trims. February 2025 |
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Q. We are having new Rockcote cladding put on our house with a few features in Linea board (chimney etc). We live rurally but ideally want some form of white (but not a stark white). Would something like Resene White Pointer or Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream be suitable? We’re not wanting it too stark white, too cream or too grey. What window trim would you suggest works? We’re thinking a dark grey – i.e. Resene Baltic Sea for the Linea features. A. Try Resene Sea Fog. For the window trim I suggest you match Appliance White – there is a custom match at Resene ColorShops you just ask for it and it can be tinted for you. Also try Resene Half Sea Fog for the trims if you like Resene Sea Fog as a main colour. February 2025 |
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Q. We are painting the exterior of our house. We will have an Ironsand roof, guttering and fascia boards. The top half of the exterior cladding is weatherboard and the bottom half is brick. We want to paint both the weatherboards and brick, with the brick being darker than the weatherboards. We will have white around the windows. Can you please provide us some colour combinations for the brick and weatherboard? A. See if any of these combinations appeal: Try Resene Biscotti for weatherboards with Resene Mondo for brick, Resene Half Perfect Taupe for weatherboards with Resene Double Stonehenge for brick, Resene Half Ash for weatherboards with Resene Gauntlet for the brick or Resene Truffle for the weatherboards with Resene Quarter Ironsand for the brick. February 2025 |
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Q. I need a bit of help with what colour to paint the exterior of the house that might match the red brick I have. I would like to go lighter rather than dark like I currently have. What colours would go with the red brick? I have an Ironsand front door and garage door. A. Try Resene Triple Truffle – it looks lovely with red brick and Ironsand. February 2025 |
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Q. We are renovating our house in Pt Chev, it is currently black, we are considering going either a shade of white or going with a 'lighter' black. A. Black is very saturated and a more complex dark colour may be better and a bit softer as well – I don’t see a white working as well but you could try a pale grey which is close to white like Resene Triple Sea Fog. The colours I suggest you try are Resene Element (yes dark but softer and warmer than black) or Resene Baltic Sea – this is my pick I think it will look great and is a lot lighter than black. You may want to investigate using a Resene CoolColour paint to protect the substrate from heat absorption typical with dark colours – although if a CoolColour paint has not been used before your substrate is probably used to the heat. February 2025 |
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Q. We are repainting after a major renovation. The current lounge/dining/kitchen are painted in Truffle with the accent wall behind the TV in a reduced strength of Resene Pravda. All doors and surrounds are Resene Pravda. Should I paint ceilings Resene Eighth Truffle. I can’t remember the original colour. It could have been Resene Eighth Truffle. The passage is quite dark. All the doors are Resene Pravda, should I use Resene Half Truffle or Resene Quarter Truffle on the walls and ceilings? A. I feel the lighter variants of Resene Truffle – Resene Quarter Truffle and Resene Eighth Truffle may appear a bit pink in your home. I suggest Resene Half Truffle will be light enough for the walls – and I suggest using a soft white for the ceilings such as Resene Quarter White Pointer. February 2025 |
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Q. We are renovating a classic 1960s red brick home. We are planning on painting the roof either FlaxPod or Resene Foundry and have chosen aluminium windows in Matt Titania. Please can you advise what colour white would go with the aluminium joinery. I was hoping to paint Resene Half Rice Cake but am not sure if it will make the joinery look dirty? I'm open to suggestions. Would a version of Resene Merino look better? I want the interior to look fresh with a hint of warmth. A. They are both a little warm for Titania. Try Resene Sea Fog, Resene Half Sea Fog, Resene Double Alabaster or Resene Half Joanna. February 2025 |
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Q. We need a dark, cosy blue for a media room (walls and ceiling) that will match well with light kauri panelling to chair height. A. It may not be the blue you are envisaging but I have seen Resene Smalt Blue (full strength not half) from the Karen Walker Paints collection with kauri in a heritage home which works well. You might also like to try Resene Watermark or Resene Coast – the latter is lovely with timber. February 2025 |
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Q. We are using Resene Eighth Rice Cake for the trim in our villa. We want a 'Parisian' look, with a warmish-but-light cream for all the walls. What colours might be suitable? A. Try Resene Bianca, Resene Quarter Villa White (just a tiny bit earthier than Resene Bianca) or Resene Quarter Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints collection. It depends on the natural light to how enhanced undertones of each colour appear – but these light creams pair with Resene Eighth Rice Cake and should give you the look you are after. Consider sheen levels and product type when trying to achieve this look and for a white-on-white scheme it is vital to use a durable low sheen or even flat paint – I recommend Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for high traffic areas and Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom Low Sheen for wet areas only. Resene SpaceCote Flat might be a nice finish for bedrooms to give that matt velvety Parisian look – it can be used throughout the house but is not quite as durable as a low sheen. Both products are waterborne enamels – which means they have low odour, are more durable than standard waterborne paints and are super easy to spot clean with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner – a great little product to have on hand for spot cleaning finger marks which won't change the look of the paint. Lastly – if those warm whites don't work for you, consider colour drenching which is also seen in pale Parisian interiors – this is where you paint one colour onto all substrates. You could use Resene Eighth Rice Cake, using varying sheen levels with the products mentioned above and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on trims. February 2025 |
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Q. Can you please give me advice on a roof and exterior house colour. The aluminium joinery colour will stay the same and I will probably replace the garage door with a ranch slider. I will also replace the front door and get some kind of screening going up the ramp. I would like dark colours for both. A. Try Resene Nocturnal for the roof and gutters, with Resene Half Fuscous Grey for the walls, or Resene Element for the roof with Resene Porter for the walls. Or, you might like to try Resene Nocturnal for the roof and walls. I suggest keeping the soffit pale – such as Resene Half Rice Cake to tie in the windows and to keep the light reflected inside as the soffit are quite deep in areas. February 2025 |
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Q. I'm painting my 60s stucco house periglacial blue. What colour would be good for the iron roof? A. Resene Ironsand looks great with Resene Periglacial Blue. February 2025 |
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Q. We are renovating the outside of our house and want to repaint the green weatherboards. We don't want to paint the brick. We are replacing our windows with Ironsand framing. What would you recommend? A. Try Resene Cloudy, Resene Triple Truffle, Resene Taupe Grey or Resene Napa. February 2025 |
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Q. We are planning to paint the bottom half of our house and keep the tanned brick on the top half. We also want to paint the deck and fences. We’re just looking for advice on colours. A. Try Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Gauntlet. If you decide to paint the entire house, I suggest testing Resene Triple Truffle or Resene Gauntlet and Resene Bokara Grey – Resene Bokara Grey for the gutters and fascia, deck railings and fences – in a Resene CoolColour paint. Keep the soffit in a white like Resene Alabaster. February 2025 |
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Q. I would like to do a feature wall in my entranceway that would complement the rest of the area (which is in Resene Half Tea). It is a dark space so I want something not too dark or bright. The floor is coloured concrete. Are there any particular colours/shades you would recommend? A. I suggest another slightly deeper neutral. As the floor is coloured concrete, I am suggesting a slightly green undertone to the neutrals so that you can add art or accessorise with cooler colours as well – these pair well with concrete floors – unless the concrete has been coloured to a much warmer tone. By using a neutral in a slightly different tone it will add depth without overwhelming the space – I suggest trying Resene Awaroa Bay, Resene Bison Hide, Resene Tapa or Resene Napa. Consider using a textured paint finish such as Resene Sandtex – this will add another dimension to the walls and contrast with the floor – or you might like the idea of using a plain textured wallpaper in a neutral – staff at your local Resene ColorShop will be happy to show you the latest books with textured papers or browse on the Resene website and then visit a Resene Color Shop to view the physical papers – samples are available to order, and to see samples of the textured paint finishes like Resene Sandtex. If you are going to paint with a special finish – then I suggest you use Resene SpaceCote Flat or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen these are waterborne enamels and for a wall are the same cost as a standard acrylic paint, but they are harder wearing, easily spot cleaned (I recommend you keep a bottle of Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner handy – as it is a great little cleaner that leaves no marks) and the lower sheen helps to hide imperfections. February 2025 |
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Q. I am going to be painting our kitchen/dining/lounge area. All in one neutral colour, with a feature wall in the lounge in Resene Foundry. I like the idea of using a French Wash style effect and I believe the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium would be the product to use. It sounds like it may be best to use a second colour to do the wash with – I think a light colour might be better. Is there a colour you'd recommend that would go well with Resene Foundry in this way? In the rest of the house (bedrooms/hallway) I have used Resene White Pointer on the walls/ceiling and Resene Double White Pointer for the wardrobes/doors. I'm not sure whether to go with Resene Double White Pointer (for the lounge/dining/kitchen) or whether going darker would suit the Resene Foundry feature wall better. Noting I still intend to paint the walls and ceilings in just the one colour. Is there a neutral that you would recommend would work best with a Resene Foundry feature wall? I have testpots for Resene Triple White Pointer and Resene Triple Sea Fog (as the card recommends Resene Double Sea Fog with Resene Foundry). Would painting the ceiling in Resene Triple White Pointer make the room(s) dark? There is a set of bifold doors and a floor to ceiling window (same wall) in the lounge, and window/French doors in the dining, and a window in the kitchen – so lots of light coming in. The floor to ceiling window in the lounge is in the corner adjacent to the Resene Foundry feature wall so half the wall will be in light/and in sun in the afternoon. Another colour for the walls I'd considered (as I love greys) is Resene Quarter Silver Chalice, but I'm thinking this would be too dark for ceilings too? Might be easier to just stick with Resene White Pointer or Resene Double White Pointer. A. As you are planning on doing a French wash with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium this requires two coats of a basecoat – typically the colour is tinted into Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and then the topcoat – one coat of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium tinted to the topcoat colour. I suggest using a lighter base and darker topcoat for the desired effect – colours tinted into Resene FX Paint Effects Medium tend to appear a bit lighter, so we generally choose a deeper shade. You can then use the basecoat colour onto the ceiling – so it is uniform – unless you want to French wash the ceiling as well – but I recommend using the basecoat colour. Yes, Resene Triple White Pointer or even Resene Double White Pointer are likely to be too dark for the ceiling, I do think it is the right shade however to complement Resene Foundry. I like the idea of a slighter beige tinge opposed to a grey white like Resene Sea Fog, especially for your spaces. I suggest practicing your French wash technique onto board first – you can purchase testpots of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and a testpot of the topcoat colour (mix some of the topcoat colour into the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium) and a testpot of the base coat – paint two coats of the basecoat colour onto the board/card and then once dry try your brush technique of the mixed topcoat, – unless you have a decorator going to apply the effect for you – which in that case I would still ask to see a sample first, to ensure it is the look you are wanting to achieve. The colours I propose for the wash are a basecoat of Resene White Pointer (this will also be the ceiling colour) and a topcoat of Resene Triple White Pointer – the result will have subtle contrast, and the overall look will be about the depth of Resene Double White Pointer. This is a current look, and the subtlety allows Resene Foundry to be the hero. You can play around with combinations – if you want more contrast, you could use a deeper topcoat, or my suggestion is to use a paler basecoat – Resene Half White Pointer (with Resene Triple White Pointer wash) – with Resene White Pointer still for the ceiling – but try the first combination above first – it’s my preference. February 2025 |
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Q. We used Resene Black White, but have found it is too white for us. What would you recommend? A. It really depends on what the application is for and what it is being paired with – is it interior or exterior – exterior colours including whites appear much brighter and lighter outside – you could try a deeper variant like Resene Double Black White which will appear a bit whiter outside or Resene Sea Fog or Resene Double Sea Fog. There is also Resene Triple Black White and Resene Triple Sea Fog but these are heading towards a pale grey. February 2025 |
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Q. Our little two bedroom rental unit hasn’t been painted in 10 years. It doesn’t get very much sun. I’d like to freshen it up while I’m between tenants. It has polished and tinted concrete flooring. I’ve never been a fan of the light brown walls. Any ideas? A. With the floor being quite dominant, I feel a stony colour or soft green, beige might work – try Resene Quarter Ash, Resene Half Ecru White or Resene Half Tana. Consider the sheen level and product type. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is a durable, low sheen waterborne enamel which is suitable for this application and being a durable paint the finish remains looking better for longer – plus it will give a lovely subtle sheen to the space that will enhance the overall ambience. February 2025 |
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Q. We want to paint our house a white colour, but don’t want anything too glaring. Also we don’t want anything in the cream/ beige tones. What colour would you recommend? A. Try Resene Wan White or Resene Double Sea Fog. February 2025 |
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Q. What COLORSTEEL® windows/roof would be compatible with Resene Easy Rider? A. COLORSTEEL® Slate should work well. I recommend you order a COLORSTEEL® sample and compare it with Resene Easy Rider. February 2025 |
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Q. We want to modernise the look of our house which is 30 years old. Three-quarters of the house is plaster finish and the other quarter is stained cedar. We have just repainted our roof with Resene Karaka and have Karaka aluminium joinery and garage door. I was looking at colours like Resene Foggy Grey, Resene Tana and Resene Quarter Taupe Grey but feel confused on what to go with. The front door is just a wood finish but would like to have it painted now, any suggestions for the colour? A. You are right on point with your colour options apart from Resene Tana which I feel won't work as well. Resene Quarter Taupe Grey or Resene Foggy Grey will look very smart – it really depends on your preference, so I suggest you paint two coats of each testpot onto A2 card (available at Resene ColorShops) and compare them outside. For the front door, a pop of red might be nice and currently trending – try testpots of Resene Persian Red or Resene Aubergine. February 2025 |
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Q. Could you please tell me which is the best colour to match Melteca® Burnished Wood? I am needing the paint for kitchen handles and am wanting them to blend in with the Melteca Burnished wood colour so thinking it may have to be a very dark brown/black. A. Try Resene testpots (two coats) painted onto A4 card and see how they compare in the kitchen lighting with a burnished wood sample if the cabinetry is not installed yet – or you can order prepainted A4 drawdown paint swatches online or via a Resene ColorShop. I suggest going a little darker than the Melteca® so it doesn’t look like you have tried to match as this can be unsuccessful – try Resene Bokara Grey and Resene Element. February 2025 |
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Q. We are painting the brick on our house. Currently the brick is very orange. The grout is a mid-toned grey. The roof is a charcoal grey colour. We have aluminium joinery which is white and any handles (for sliding doors etc) are black. The front door and garage door are visible as you come down the driveway and are both the same deep charcoal grey as the roof. Out the back of our house we have our outdoor space and you are partially enclosed by the house in a ‘U’ shape. This area is very sheltered and already has white tiles on the ground. This is important because we don’t want the house to be too white and bounce bright light into the outdoor area and not too dark as it’s already protected from the wind and can get very hot. Initially I was thinking a white or light grey but am completely open to anything that makes it looks more modern. A. Yes, I agree a mid-depth of a complex grey will look smart and contrast well with the black and white elements. Colours all appear lighter outside – although the texture of brick can make colour appear a little darker than when it is on a smooth surface. To start try Resene testpots (two coats) of Resene Kensington Grey (a warmish pebble grey), Resene Half Silver Chalice (a little bluer) and perhaps one a bit deeper Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey – there are deeper variants of this colour. Three colours will give you an idea of which direction you want to go – or you may instantly like one over the other. February 2025 |
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Q. I need to paint my house (walls and roof), but as I'm keeping the windows, everything is revolving around them. They look like Resene Double Villa White. I'd really appreciate your help on picking a grey/beige colour for the walls that will complement the windows, and likewise a slightly darker roof. I'm surrounded by trees and grass, which reflect green onto the house. A. Try Resene Stonehenge or Resene Half Stonewall with either Resene Quarter Ironsand or Resene Half Grey Friars for the roof. Colours will appear softer outside. February 2025 |
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Q. I am having a large 8 x 6 garage built which is relatively close to our house (4m away). The roof and guttering, garage entry door and side entry door and window frames will all be finished in Grey Friars. Which do you think is the best is the best COLORSTEEL® colour to provide the closest complementary match to our Resene Sonyx 101 painted house. Titania, Sandscape Grey, Gull Grey or any other grey colour in the COLORSTEEL® range? The house colours are spouting in Grey Friars, 180mm Linea weatherboard walls in Resene Silver Chalice and all trim and UPVC windows are Resene Alabaster. A. Do you need another COLORSTEEL®? Garages don't need to stand out and generally look best if matched to the house roof or cladding – but you won't get a good match to Resene Silver Chalice for the walls of the garage, so I suggest you have the garage Grey Friars. February 2025 |
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Q. We are doing a new kitchen, laundry and bathroom and then painting the whole interior. We are looking for the same colour to do the kitchen cabinets and all walls throughout the house. Our stove is the Falcon in mineral green and we have a mosaic splashback which picks up greens, greys but also warmer tones. We used Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream in another house. For this house I was thinking about Resene Quarter Tea or Resene Sea Fog with a bright white for architraves and ceilings. Which do you think would tone with the kitchen and will give a fresh all over feel? I’m open to colours not suggested above too. A. Your scheme looks lovely. Try Resene Wan White from the Karen Walker Paints collection with Resene Quarter Black White trims. An alternative would also be Resene Double Alabaster with Resene Quarter Alabaster trims. Consider sheen levels and product type as it makes such a difference to the effect of white walls – Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom has added anti-bacterial properties for wet areas and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is great for remaining areas as it is harder wearing than a standard acrylic paint, but gives a lovely subtle sheen to the spaces. February 2025 |
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Q. We are self-building a kitset home from KitHomes. We’ve already selected COLORSTEEL® Slate for the roof and all the joinery. The house will have a cedar front feature wall, and as well it has lovely big glulam beams under the front part of the house and deck – so some nice wood features. Being on Waiheke Island, there are plenty of trees around – the Nikau with their green, and the tall Kanuka tea tree with their grey trunks. So Slate seems to fit. We're having a painted wood panel for cladding – it has a rough sawn look to it. We had thought originally that it would be the same colour as the roof. We are now thinking maybe something a little different could be good – thoughts? We are also going to paint the poles either the cladding colour or roof colour – to help them be less noticeable and help the beams stand out a little. A. I truly don't believe the cladding needs to be a contrast or feature – the beams, the structure of the poles, the cedar feature at the front and the location leads me to think that the poles and cladding are not needed as a further accent – the shape and texture is enough, therefore I suggest you paint them both Resene Porter (to match Slate) which is a fabulous colour choice by the way. You can always do a sample area – one pole one side of the cladding to start. February 2025 |
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Q. We have moved into a near new home and need some ideas on what colours we can paint our front fence. We don't like the light grey of the garage door or window trim, can you use a slightly darker colour on the fence or will it look too odd? A. No it is not unusual to paint the fence light grey just as fences are painted white, in fact it is a good idea as it looks best when the fence ties into the house, I would suggest perhaps going one or two shades darker than the roof/trims – I can't suggest a colour as I don't know the colour of the roof and for matching it is best to see it physically unless you know the colour? Alternatively, you could take home a range of light grey palettes from your local Resene ColorShop and match that way then go a couple of shades deeper – always try a Resene testpot (two coats) before committing to the colour. February 2025 |
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Q. We are renovating our two storey 60s house. We have chosen FlaxPod (Resene Element) for the roof and joinery. We are now trying to decide on the colour for the walls. The top storey will be weatherboard and the bottom storey will be board and batten. The deck will relocate to the side of the house. We have lots of windows. For warranty purposes, the paint for the weatherboards must have a LVR of 45 or above. What do you recommend? We prefer greys and greiges to greens, blues and whites. We are also keen on a front door that pops. A. A greige or undertone of green – or a deeper white might work. I suggest painting the weatherboard and board and batten the same colour – as they both require an LRV of 45% or above – plus you have an expanse of windows which will contrast well and will look fantastic! I suggest a mid-toned complex neutral or deeper white – the colours are a little darker than 45% (not much) so you could consider using a Resene CoolColour paint – this gives you 5-10% room to move to a deeper colour – you will need to have the colours approved by council and speak with your builder. Colours can appear much lighter outside so testing them onsite is important onto an off cut of the material or onto A2 card (available at Resene ColorShops) – if you paint the colours directly onto the deeper existing colour they won’t appear right. Two coats is required to see the correct colour – and the undertones will be evident in natural light. There are paler variants of the two deeper colours so keep that in mind, and I will list the LRV next to each colour. Try Resene Copyrite (53%), Resene Quarter Taupe Grey 52%), Resene Triple Merino (67%) or Resene Triple Sea Fog (71%). These all work with FlaxPod. Let me know how you get on – I recommend testing at least three or four colours as your eye will then be able to determine the different undertones and what you prefer. February 2025 |
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