VOC's, What are they and what do they do?

VOCs: What are they and what do they do to you and the environment?

A fresh coat of paint doesn’t seem so fresh when you consider that over 10,000 chemicals can be included in paint formulas. Many of these chemicals emit breathable gases that are potentially mutagenic, neurotoxin, and carcinogenic. Some of these chemicals interact and create detrimental compounds not present in the original product.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — easily evaporating organic compounds with one or more carbon atoms — was up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the top five leading health risks in the United States. Paint, glues, and synthetic fabrics are among the leading contributors of VOCs in the home.
There is also a growing understanding of the health concern called,” multiple chemical sensitivity”, which throws the immune system out of balance. This environmental illness can develop through massive exposure to toxic chemicals through industrial spills or occupational exposure. More often, however, people develop” multiple chemical sensitivity”, through prolonged exposure to lower levels of some chemical or a mix of chemicals.
People who develop” multiple chemical sensitivity”, must restrict their contact with chemicals including those in many paints.
Volatile Organic Compounds
In an attempt to improve air quality, the 1990 Clean Air Act required the EPA to set national limits on air pollutants, including VOCs that could be released into the air.
VOCs are found in the solvents of all oil-based paints and in some additives in latex paint. The VOCs off-gas as the finish dries. They mix with nitrous oxide — a by-product of fossil fuel combustion — and sunlight to produce ground-level ozone, which is a component of smog. There are toxic chemicals that off-gas in many paints including acetone, formaldehyde precursors, and ammonia, but they don’t count as VOCs because they don’t react to produce smog.
There are two popular misconceptions about VOCs in paint: That they are the “stink factor” in paint and that dry paint no longer off-gases. In reality some VOCs give traditional paint its characteristic odor but many more VOCs have no detectable odor. And it is estimated that more than 50% of the VOCs in paint are still being emitted one year after application.
The terms “low-odor” or “low-VOC” paint can be used to identify the VOC content that meets the EPA standard of 250 grams per liter (g/L) for latex paints or 380g/L for oil-based paints.
This standard is confusing for a number of reasons, including:
• The 250g/L refers to flat latex paint but not higher sheens with higher VOCs.
• The standard applies to untinted paint. Universal tinting machines add VOCs.
• The standard refers to interior paint. Exterior paint would have more VOCs.
• The standard was set to address exterior air pollution, not interior air quality.
• The standard can be used by manufacturers to advertise paint as low-VOC and low-odor when it simply is in compliance with EPA regulations.
• The Green Building Industry has pushed companies to develop paints with much lower VOCs than the EPA regulation.
Green Seal, the non-profit organization that does independent third party certification for environmentally preferable products, sets a more stringent standard of 50g/L for flat interior paint or 150g/L for other paint.
Green Seal’s GS-11 standard for new paint also prohibits a host of EPA-allowed chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. Green Seal also requires paints to meet stringent performance standards for abrasion resistance and washability.
Interior flat, un-tinted paint with VOCs in the range of 5 g/L or less can be called “Zero-VOC Paint” according to the EPA’s Reference Test Method 24.
While zero-VOC paint is a healthful trend, the toxics still remaining in paint promoted as low-odor or even zero-VOC paint can still make sensitive people sick. Even Green Seal’s GS-11 standard allows ammonia, which is a physical irritant. And many low-VOC paints contain such toxic ingredients as crystalline silica, fungicides, and bactericides.
Natural Paints
Natural paints are not produced from man-made petrochemical-based ingredients. They are specialty paints made from naturally obtained raw ingredients including citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed and nut oils, tree resins, mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, and natural — not chemically processed — pigments.
The binder in casein paint consists of milk solids. One product contains only milk products, hydrated lime, and natural earth pigments. The classic binder in natural oil paints was linseed oil, but contemporary versions may use castor oil with citrus or eucalyptus oils to speed drying and improve the aroma.
Water-based natural paints give off almost no odor, but oil-based natural paints are not odor-free, and chemically sensitive people may want to try samples to test for personal tolerance.
Manufacturers of natural paints believe that because their ingredients are not synthesized, they easily assimilate into the natural world without harmful effects.
They also point out that the product-to-waste ratio is greatly reduced by selecting raw natural ingredients that do not need extensive processing. Synthesizing ingredients for ordinary paint from petrochemicals can result in a waste ratio as high as thirty tons of waste to one ton of finished product.
Precautionary Principle
Generations before us lived by the proverb “Better safe than sorry.” Recently this adage has grown into the “precautionary principle.” The 1998 Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle summarizes the rule: “When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”
The greatest flaw in most toxics policies is that they are based on the belief that science must provide definitive proof of harm before protective action is taken.
Not knowing the long-term impacts of the combinations of ingredients off-gassing in paint, it is wise to for pregnant women or people with health problems to avoid painting and not go into a freshly painted room until it has ventilated for at least 72 hours.
Others should paint with proper ventilation. Provide cross-ventilation by keeping windows wide open during painting, for two to three days after painting, and longer if possible. Use a box fan secured to the window frame to blow paint fumes outward.
Air-conditioning units and most heating systems do not provide ventilation because they re-circulate air even when the system is set to “vent.” They should not be substituted for the use of a window fan blowing outward and fresh cross air ventilation. Likewise, bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans do not always vent outside and should not be used.
While painting, take frequent fresh air breaks and if possible avoid newly painted rooms for several days.
Don’t paint when the temperature is low — for most paints that means below 55º F (surface temperature) — or when the humidity is high — 70% or above — because the paint will take longer to dry. Don’t even paint inside when it is raining because using a box fan during wet weather can be an electrical shock hazard.
Paint fumes rise as paint dries, so it takes the longest time to dissipate paint fumes from the ceiling because there is no fresh air above the fumes once they hit the ceiling. If the room has a ceiling fan turn it on as well as having the windows open to bring in fresh air.
Points to remember:
• Read label precautions.
• Never use exterior paint inside.
• Proper preparation makes paint last longer, and less frequent repainting means fewer VOCs released into the air.
•Dark, deep (highly saturated), or bright colors made from transparent tint bases usually have little titanium dioxide for hiding power. These colors will require multiple coats and that translates into more VOCs released.
• Lighter colors using less universal tint will release fewer VOCs.
I realize that this article is a bit heavy.  However, during the last few years most of the premium paint manufacturers have developed “low or zero VOC’s”.  They really are much safer than the paint that was used even 5 years ago.  So the danger from VOC’s has been drastically reduced.  Even most primers are Low or Zero VOC’s.
These paints and primers are the “Gold Standard”, so do not settle for less.  You will of course have to pay more.  Only top quality, premium paints offer this.  Just read the side of the paint can and see the difference.
Most professional painters will recommend a Low or Zero VOC paint.  These are the professionals that you will want to use.  Your health and the environment should be a primary concern for any painter.  Just ask them what paint that they recommend.
We at Ken Rader Interiors use only Low and Zero VOC paints and primers.  And we only recommend premium paint.  So if you live in the Northwest Arkansas area give us a call.
As always, “Happy Painting and Decorating”
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Ten Ways to Make Your Home a New Place

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. Ten Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like A New Place. It is possible!

Does the look, feel and style of your home make you want to just walk back out? If you are tired of your home's current decor, but your budget won't allow you to remodel or redecorate completely, what do you do?
  Ways to transform the look and feel of your home are easy to locate. They are out there, and with the right ideas and a few materials, you can choose from several options that will make your home feel like you want it to.
 Where to start?
 Decorating Tips for Your Home

• 1. Sometimes remodeling isn't necessary, especially if clutter is a big part of your decor. Organize some of that mess to change the look of certain rooms in your home. If you can, buy decorative shelving and fun boxes to organize certain items. Make sure you have the correct fasteners and fixings to put the shelving together and you will have no problem creating a whole new look.

• 2. Tired of the same old layout? Rearrange! Move your existing furniture around in the same room, or swap rooms altogether. While this may take a bit of elbow grease, it will make a world of difference.

• 3. If you have a friend who is willing to be honest with you, have them come into your home and assess any problems with your decor. They may be able to tell you exactly what to do to change the look of your house.

• 4. Fixing up and re-purposing old pieces of furniture can give your room an instant makeover. Use a fresh coat of paint, stain, or new fixtures to make old items look like new!

• 5. Using bolts and screws, attach a mirror to the inside of the back of an open cabinet or bookcase for a fresh look. If you don't have a mirror, or can't find one you like, you can also use wallpaper.

• 6. You may not be able to afford a new bathroom sink or new kitchen cabinets, but you can still make them look and feel brand new with the use of new hardware. Change out your old faucets, knobs, and handles on your cabinets, dressers, sinks, tubs, and storage units.

• 7. Make purchases you love. Don't buy something just because it 'fits' in your space or you like the price. If you don't love it, don't buy it.

• 8. Want to change the look of an entire room at once? Repaint it. Adding a new shade or color will make it seem updated and refreshed.

• 9. Artwork scattered throughout your house?  You know, pictures, wall hangings, clocks, shelves with items displayed on them. You can easily use it to give your space a new look. Arrange all of it on one wall, and then install accent lighting with the correct fasteners and fixings above it. This accent wall will draw your guest's attention and bring a new perspective to your space.

• 10. It is summer, so why not bring the outdoors in?  Fresh flowers in vases all over your home will add a bit of color to your decor.

Of course this is just a few suggestions.  There are hundreds more.  Look in some up to date magazines, watch some of the home improvement shows on TV.  It can be fun and for a little bit of money and some hard work on your part you can have the look you want for your home.

There are many professional decorators and painting contractors that are a great help.
In Northwest Arkansas check us out at www.kenraderinteriors.com
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As Always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”
Ken Rader

EXPERT INSITE ON CHOOSING COLORS

An Expert's Insight on Choosing the Right Colors

New York City designer Scott Sanders answers some of the toughest color questions with sound advice for how to choose and use the right colors in your home.

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As the principal of the New York City design firm that bears his name, designer Scott Sanders provides fine-tuned color strategies to his clients, tailoring his palettes to be the most appropriate and effective for any given interior. Here, he shares his color advice with us.

Q: What's the most important role color plays in a room?

A: It sets the mood for a room. The color you choose is really about what you want the room to feel like.

Q: Do you tend to use one color scheme throughout the entire interior, or mix it up room to room?

A: In general, I feel it's important to have continuity throughout the entire house. I'll use one or two colors throughout the house, and then mix in other accent colors. That gives continuity, but at the same time allows the various rooms to have different personalities.

Q: What kind of classic color combinations do you think work best?

A: Blue and white, yellow and green for a kitchen, red and black for a very formal dining room. For a library, I would suggest chocolate brown and camel or dark green and navy blue. I like burgundy and khaki, navy and khaki, or dark green and khaki. And grays and blues look really great together.

Q: What kind of guidelines would you suggest if someone wants to use bold colors?

A: You need to be aware that you will likely get tired of bold colors very quickly. If you really want to incorporate a strong, bold color, use it as an accent. Bold colors are often attractive because they are the color of the moment; this can quickly date a room.

Q: How should the homeowner account for different lighting in choosing colors?

A: Select three shades of the color you want: where you think you want to be, and one shade lighter and one shade darker. Do this with paint, wallpaper, or fabric swatches. Put the samples in two places: next to the window and in a darker corner. Look at them at different times during the day and at night. Then make your decision.

Q: Is a neutral color scheme always appropriate?

A: No. It totally depends on the house, the location, the architecture, and the personality of the homeowner. It's about trying to keep a balance. An entire neutral house can be boring.

Q: How do you use color to affect relationship and the relationship with other decorative elements?

A: Color is key to how the decor is perceived. If it's a big room, paint it a brighter, warmer color to bring the walls in. Paint a smaller room a cooler color to push the walls out. Color also establishes visual weight and balance. If you put a bold primary-based piece of art in a pastel room, it's probably not going to seem right. The colors of the art should balance the colors of the space.

Q: What are the challenges homeowners face in choosing colors and color schemes?

A: Sometimes people are scared of color, especially dark colors. Ultimately, people should really follow their heart: If they love a color, test it, and like it in place, they should not be afraid to choose it.

These are among the most asked questions about colors. I hope the answers give you some assistance in choosing your colors for your home.

As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

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THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR. SO, YOU'RE IN A MOOD.

The Psychology of Color

What Color is your Mood?

By Ken Rader-Ken Rader Interiors l.l.c.

Of the many things in our world that affects us, Color is on the top of the list.  You cannot escape color.  It is ubiquitous.  Yet what does it all mean?  Why are people more relaxed in green rooms?  Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms.

Colors often have different meanings in various cultures.  And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colors have changed over the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the following to be accurate.

   BLACK

Black is the color of authority and power.  It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner, that’s right thinner.  It is also stylish and timeless.  Black also implies submission.  Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men.  I am not a fashion expert so I am not saying anything about this.  Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil.  Villians, such as Dracula,  often are portrayed in Black.

WHITE

Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity.  White reflects light and is considered a summer color.  White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything .  However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean that other colors.  Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.  Painters, of which I am one, also wear white.  It implies clean and neat though some of my white pants have every color that I have painted in the last 2 years on them.  You start wearing them like they are some kind of badge of excellence, I think.

RED

The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing.  It is also the color of love.  Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. You disagree?  I’m just sayin’.  Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations.  Red cars are popular targets for thieves and get stopped more often by the police for speeding.  In decorating, red is usually used as an accent.  Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.

The most romantic color, PINK, which is a variation of red, is more a tranquilizing.  Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams  right pink so their opponents will lose energy.  Pink is also a symbol of hope and cure.

BLUE

The color of the sky and ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors.  It causes the opposite reaction as red.  Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedroom.  Blue can also be cold and depressing.  Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty.  People are more productive in blue rooms.  Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.  I tried it.  I am not a weightlifter so guess what?  It did not help me.

Food for thought.  While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of the least appetizing.  When food is dyed blue and is served, study subjects lose appetite.  Perhaps we can come up with a” Blue Diet”.

GREEN

Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature.  It is the easiest color on the ey and can improve vision.  It is a calming, refreshing color.  People waiting to appear on TV sit in ”green rooms”.  Hospitals use green because it relaxes patients.  Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility.  Dark Green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth.  It is not by chance that the phrase “Green” is used to described environmentally safe products.

YELLOW

Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter.  While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms and babies cry more in yellow surroundings.  It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused.  Yellow enhances concentration, HENCE THE YELLOW LEGAL PAD.  It also speeds metabolism so it is a very popular color for dining rooms.

PURPLE

The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic.  However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.  Purple is the color of my high school.  We were “The Purple Bulldogs”, that sounds ferocious.

BROWN

Solid, reliable brown is the color of  earth and is abundant in nature.  Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather.  Brown can also be sad and wistful.  Men are more apt to say brown is on of their favorite colors.  I painted the exterior of my house “Espresso Brown”.  My home is in the country and blends in with the surroundings,  I think is was the perfect choice.

Well, there you have it.  You may or may not agree with my thoughts on color.  But I do think that there is a measure of truth in what I have presented.  Check it out, you may surprise yourself at how each different color affects you or those around you.

Of the many wonders of this beautiful planet that we live on, color is the most spectacular.  Blue skies, green grass and trees, the endless variety of color in the animal kingdom, rich dark dirt, cotton white clouds, flowers of every color and of course “ The Rainbow”.  Drink it in, enjoy it everyday.  It is a gift from our creator.  We do not need color to live or survive but oh how wonderful it makes life.

As always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”

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Smiles

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Serving Northwest Arkansas since 1987

What is Style

What is Style?

That gets your attention straight away, firstly because you want to make sure that you have it, secondly you want to make sure you keep it.

What is style really? Something we naturally have, something we crave or something that is achievable by following instructions?

Style in relation to interior design can mean many things but overall it sums up the ability to be able to create an interior that is “good taste” flows within the home, is harmonious, well balanced, comfortable, practical, aesthetically pleasing to the eye and an overall creation that is memorable.

Of course there are styles of design that have a “formula” or set of parameters that dictate that style, for example English Country or French Provincial, then there is style from periods in time like Victorian and Louis XV. Styles were created by forms of decoration like art Nouveau and Rococo, furniture makers also set up styles like Sheraton and Chippendale. Then there are styles set up on where you live like urban style and country style and popular historic eras of change, hi-tech, art deco and minimalism, and if all else fails there is Eclectic.

So How Do We Find a Style?

This task is as daunting as creating a color scheme.

If you are decorating for yourself, it’s easier because you already have your own style or taste, you probably just don’t know how to identify it. The easiest way is to flick through magazines and books and bookmark all the interiors that “catch your eye” on first glance. Then go back through all the book marked pages and you will start to see a pattern of the style that you like. It is the same when you are going through a decorating store, there will always be a certain style of fabric that you are most drawn to, a style of furniture, paintings, decorative lighting etc.

That sounds too easy. Yes it is and now you just have to work with and be sympathetic to your environment. If you have a Georgian Style home, you don’t necessarily have to decorate it in that same period, but you do need to be sympathetic to that style as you can’t ignore the bones or structure of the home.

Style is creating the “X” factor.

Some styles lean to different environments, Country homes need a practical style with a rural country feel, solid functional furniture, easy care floors, warm and inviting and easy clean fabrics, simple decorations. Using a Contemporary style with clean minimalist lines, would look quite out of place.

Contemporary clean lines not appropriate for Country Styled living.

Style can change throughout the house but not to extremes. Often kitchens have a different style to the rest of the house and work if there is an element that carries through the remainder of the home to marry it together, a continuous timber floor perhaps, or matching glass inserts in kitchen cabinetry as the doors throughout the house.

Creating style is essentially being an interior designer or decorator. I don’t want to stand on anyone’s toes here, but I often believe that Interior decorators have a better natural ability with creating style and the interior designer often has a better natural ability to create great spatial environments. I know you will have your own opinion, this was a generalization of what I have experienced.

I can explain style another way. It is just like selecting clothes to wear. Anyone can get themselves dressed, but can everyone succeed in looking stylish? Some people have the natural ability or flair to visualize an entire outfit complete with accessories and as we know it is always the clever use of accessories that create the look or style. Very similar to interior design and decorating.

Yet another way to look at style is taste or charm. Taste or charm is the ability to create something that is well balanced, harmonious, pleasing to the eye and has a special “x” factor that you can’t put down to one thing in particular. It is the ability for everyone to appreciate it, not necessarily like the style themselves but love the taste or charm that has been created. I love Edwardian styled homes to look at, I find them enchanting, ye they are not to my personal taste.

So to summarize – “What is Style?” Style is creating an interior with an “x” factor a “je ne sais qois.” It can be in a particular decoration style or period but it isn’t essential. Style is created by personality and enthusiasm, it’s the ability to maximize the potential of the interior space using all the skills, knowledge and tools available to you.

There are literally hundreds of styles.  Some or most are variations of a particular style that contain personal choices.  If you give it some thought and then work your plan you will end up with a winning style.

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As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Painting Tips you can use

Top House Painting Tips For Beginners

By Kenneth D. Rader-  Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

After watching some home makeovers, you would definitely notice that redefining the interior color of any residence gives it a fresh and comfortable look. Consequently, homeowners get the itch to do the same. Those who cannot hire professionals for the task, search for house painting tips which can get them carry on with the task by themselves. Do you want to give this a try as well? Learn from the following insights.

1. Cover Up - To start off, cover any fixtures attached on the walls or ceilings. Cabinets, wall or hanging lamps, light switches and faucets among others must be properly covered. This will keep them from getting unwanted paint drips.

2. Smooth Your Walls - Scrutinize your walls for imperfections. They could have acquired holes, chips or cracks through time. Patch the holes and cracks. Even out the chips. You will need enough patching paste and putty knife to get this right.

3. Dust Off - This is key in painting a house. Painting over dust-filled walls causes premature cracking and peeling of dry paint. Thus, it is important to clean your walls, baseboards, ceilings and crown moldings. Use damp cloth in doing so. This will keep the dust from fluttering.

4. Choose The Right Paint - When it comes to the color, it is best to consider the suggestions of the people who are living with you. You do not want this home makeover task be the cause of cold war amongst you, right? Once the hues have been decided upon, purchase some test gallons. Coat sections of your wall so that you can get a view of the finished effect. Moreover, decide on the type of paint you opt to purchase - latex-based or oil-based. When it comes to protection against daily wear and tear, oil-based coat is the better option. For that, they are expensive. When it comes to cleaning ease of cleaning, latex-based is the coat to go for as it can be cleansed with soap and water.

5. Pick The Right Brush - This is one of the commonly neglected house painting tips. Brushes are made up of natural materials or synthetic materials like nylon. Keep in mind that natural bristles go with oil-based coats, stains and varnishes. Latex-based coats, on the other hand, require nylon bristles.  For woodwork you will need a softer brush and for the walls you will enjoy using a brush that is stiffer and will hold a line.

6. Apply The Primer - Never apply the paint without priming the surface first.  There are Paint and Primer combinations on the market now and they work great.  The paint companies finally listened to the consumer on this one. This can cover up the patches that you made on the walls. Before proceeding with the priming or paint and primer combination, open your windows for proper ventilation. Roller brushes are the best tools for priming. Remove excess lint on in it with the use of masking tape. Lint would mix with the coat if not removed.

7. Mix The Coats –Most premium paints will stay mixed up for about 30 days and so there really is no need to stir it up.  But  a paint stick with holes would get your mixing right. For consistent color on all of your walls, use a big bucket to mix all your paint. This is advisable especially for large rooms.  Even if you have 2 gal. mix them together.

8, To finish off these house painting tips, eliminate the paint fume by leaving windows open for a few days. Additional natural remedies to this include placing bowls filled with vinegar and baking soda in the room. Onions also absorb paint fumes fast.

A little additional advice.

These tips are relatively simple and easy to follow.  Take the time to follow each one and you will be successful in your painting endeavors.

Of course, hiring a professional painter will eliminate the need for all of these tips.  I know that in this economy it is a difficult decision to spend the money on something that you think you can do yourself.  Always think about what your time is worth and the end result.  You pay a professional for a professional job and 99% of the time that is what you get. 

As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

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Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Serving Northwest Arkansas with the finest in painting and decorating. Making our community beautiful one house at a time.

MONEY SAVING TIPS WHEN PAINTING YOUR HOUSE

PAINTING YOUR HOUSE?

MONEY SAVING IDEAS!

When you need house painting either inside or outside, there are a few things that you should consider. Painting may seem like a very easy thing to do, but only when it is done properly. If you do not plan, painting can become a very expensive mess.  However, planning ahead is not complicated.
1. Paint: How much do you need?
One of the first things that you should do is decide how much paint you are going to need for the job. This is very important because you do not want to waste your money on buying more paint than you need. It is also important because if you have a custom color mixed and you run out, it is not always easy to have the same shade mixed twice. Plan on having at least half a gallon left over.  You can use it for touch up.
2. How to Measure for paint
Paint can be expensive, too. Some brands cost more than $60 for a gallon. You will need to take accurate measurements of the space you need to paint. So, measure the length of your walls and the height. If your room is 12 x 12 with 10 foot ceilings, you will need to multiple 12 x 4 x 10, which will be 480 square feet. You will then need to deduct square footage for the windows and door spaces. Example: Most gallons of paint cover between 300 and 350 square feet, so you will need at least three gallons to get two good coats of paint on the walls.  You always need to do two coats. ALWAYS!
3. Materials other than paint: Tape, Drop Cloths, and More
You will need more than just paint to get a room painted properly. You will need brushes, a ladder, and so much more. Painting can be a very messy job, so the first thing you will need is a good set of drop cloths. You do not want to have paint splatter on your flooring, so covering it is a necessity. Another vital piece of equipment is painters tape or a cutter. Painting in corners and around window and door trim takes precision and a very still hand; most people need a little help to get that part of the job done well. If you are painting in an interior room with low ventilation, you should buy a mask, so you do not breathe in pain fumes. The brushes you choose can also make or break your experience; you should talk to the paint store employees about the best materials for the job. It is not unusual to spend around $75.00  for materials other than paint.
4.  Paint Sprayer: To Rent or To Buy. Yes you can rent them.
If you have a large paint job to carry out, you might want to consider renting or buying a paint sprayer. The technology in paint spraying has come a long way; the sprayers are easier to use and to clean. If you use a sprayer, you can get the walls painted faster than if you use a brush or a roller. If you have rooms with unusual spaces, sprayers can get into those areas easier than rollers and brushes can. Some paint sprayers cost around $100.00 for a residential use model, but a professional sprayer for painting really big jobs can be over $400.
When you need house painting, it is important to consider all of your options and necessities. Many people prefer to use professional painters so they do not have to worry about all the things that can go wrong.  This usually is the best route to take.  Why?  Well, what is your time worth?  Also, the job will be done to perfection, really.  And you won’t worry about what to do with the tools when the job is done.  That is another point.  The job will be finished, something that usually takes longer when you try and do it yourself.
Well, there you have it. 
As always, “Happy Painting and Decorating”
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Ken Rader Interiors
Ken Rader