Matching tones and gloss level When choosing neutrals, one quick way to create a colour scheme is to choose strengths of the same colour, such as full strength on the walls, double strength on the doors (helps to hide fingermarks) and eighth or quarter strength on the ceiling. Vary the sheen level surface to surface to accentuate the colour differences. Try Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on walls, Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel on trims and joinery and Resene SpaceCote Flat on ceilings. Like gloss level, the colour paint you choose to use will also show surface defects to varying degrees. Darker colours accentuate surface imperfections, while lighter colours soften the effects of any surface irregularities by absorbing less light. This doesn’t mean you can’t use gloss paints and dark colours inside... however if you wish to use either you will need to take extra care to ensure wall surfaces are smooth and well prepared to minimise the appearance of surface imperfections. Use Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal over new paperfaced plasterboard to provide a smooth surface ready for painting. If you plan to use dark colours, use a flat or low sheen paint. If you would like a gloss finish, consider using a light colour to minimise the appearance of surface defects. Low sheen paints are the most popular finish for interior broadwall areas and an ideal choice where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are necessary, such as in living areas, hallways, bedrooms and playrooms. Occasionally, these types of paints are used for ceilings, however, their slight sheen will tend to highlight surface imperfections. Outside low sheen finishes are most commonly used over timber, concrete and plaster surfaces. Low sheen 3-19% gloss: Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, Resene Zylone Sheen, Resene Lumbersider, Resene X-200. Flat paints diffuse light, so they tend to conceal surface imperfections better than paints with higher sheen levels making them a good choice for general use on walls and ceilings, especially those that are dented or rough. Colours appear muddied and darker in a flat finish than in a glossier finish.‘Flat’ finishes have a micro rough texture that may trap dirt and make cleaning more difficult than higher sheen paints. It is wise to use flat paints only in areas that do not tend to get dirty. Flat/matt less than 2%: Resene SpaceCote Flat, Resene Ceiling Paint. Resene Nero Left: Main wall in Resene Baltic Sea, side wall in Resene Ditto, fireplace in Resene Stonewashed, floor in Resene Colorwood Smokey Ash wood stain, coffee table legs in Resene Triple Napa and plant pot in Resene Quarter Napa. | 21