Living Room Ideas

With interior painting season just around the corner, it’s time to think about some colors for your living room paint project. Call Mike 541-497-3804 to let him know you would like to be put on the schedule for interior paint this winter. Check out these living room color ideas.


Dover White SW 6385

Pure White SW 7005 and Sequin SW 6394
Silver Strand SW 7057
Shiitake SW 9173

Cleaning Painted Walls

According to Sherwin-Williams, “You can’t stop walls from attracting dirt, but you can preserve their newly-painted beauty and extend the life of your paint with a few good cleaning habits. Check out our suggested resources and tips below for the best ways to clean painted walls.”

Supplies for This Project

  • Vacuum cleaner with dust brush attachment
  • Tack cloth/cheesecloth
  • Wash bucket
  • Mild household cleaner
  • Grease-cutting dishwashing soap
  • Baking soda
  • Cloth rags
  • Touch-up paint
  • Plastic mixing container
  • Mini paint roller and roller cover
  • 2″ or 2½” angled bristle brush

Dusting

Regardless of paint type or sheen, regular dusting is in order. So before you do any washing, run the dust brush attachment of your vacuum over ceilings and walls, and wipe your walls down with a tack cloth or cheesecloth.

General Washing

Wait at least two weeks after painting before using any water or cleaner on your walls.

Typically it’s best to use a soft cloth or sponge with mild, soapy water.

Wipe by applying gentle pressure in a circular motion.

Rinse with a clean, damp cloth afterward to remove any leftover cleaner. Too much water can ruin your paint finish, so remember to thoroughly wring out your cloth.

Spot Cleaning

For spot cleaning a scuff mark or stain, try mixing a paste of baking soda and water instead of cleaner for walls.

Gently rub your solution over the problem area. Then rinse with a sponge. And dry with a soft cloth.

For hard-to-remove stains like grease splatters on kitchen walls, try a grease-cutting dishwashing soap mixed in warm water.

Follow the label instructions to make sure the cleaner won’t harm your paint finish.

Tip:It’s always a good idea to test your cleaning solution and technique to make sure it doesn’t damage your paint finish. Pick an inconspicuous spot on your wall to perform your test. If the paint still looks bright and there are no water marks left after drying, you’re good to go.

Touch-Up

Follow these guidelines for nicks or scrapes in your walls that require touch-up painting.

If possible, use paint from the original can. If you need to buy more, make sure it’s the same color and the same sheen.

If you’re touching up walls where the paint was originally applied with a roller, use a small trim roller. If the paint was originally brushed on, use a brush.

Apply a small amount of your touch-up paint and gently roll or feather-brush the area.

Sheen

You’ve finally narrowed down your paint colors, and now you must make another decision – it’s time to choose a sheen.


A non-reflective sheen that helps hide surface imperfections, making walls appear smooth. Visually this finish smooths walls that are dented or rough. However, it can be harder to clean. Best for:

Adult bedrooms
Formal Living Rooms
Ceilings
Uneven or textured walls
This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable. Use this sheen for:

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Exterior siding
With a slight shine, Satin and Eg-Shel finishes offer a richer look. Washability makes these sheens ideal for high-traffic areas most likely to attract nicks and scuff marks such as:

Hallways
Woodwork
Children’s bedrooms
Family rooms
Exterior surfaces
This moderately reflective, durable finish is perfect for areas that get cleaned frequently, such as:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Utility area
Closet doors
Trim
Gloss sheens have higher light-reflective characteristics. This shiny, durable finish works great for any element of a room you would like to highlight such as:
Wood trim
Cabinets
Doors
Furniture

If you have questions about choosing the sheen of paint to use for interior or exterior finishes, give us a call at 541-497-3804.

August 2024 Color of the Month

The color of the month is Smoky Azurite which lives somewhere between casual and formal, subtle but vibrant, his classical and her rock and roll – all rolled into one uplifting blend. Let’s get started transforming your space by calling Mike at 541-497-3804

The pro designers at Sherwin-Williams describe it: “Brimming with thoughtful details, this look seamlessly blends easy comfort with a sophisticated flair to create a cozy countryside atmosphere. A backdrop of Smoky Azurite’s relaxed vibrance infuses the room with freshness, lending a subtle contemporary vibe to the otherwise quiet and simple space. Adding rich contrast and a rustic note, dark brown wood tones make a beautiful pairing with the natural shades of this palette.”
Paint Doctor's Painting can get you started with the right blue interior wall, Smoky Azurite
Craft an inviting atmosphere of laid-back sophistication in the heart of the home with a buttoned-up blue that knows how to unwind. Smoky Azurite’s captivating shade stands out against Black Fox’s rich, grounded hue to make a refined statement. Arrowroote provides the perfect neutral backdrop, creating a bright, clean canvas for the bolder shades to shine.
Paint Doctor entry cubby idea.
“The humble hues of the Modern Brit palette instantly impart the warm and familiar charm of home to any space. Smoky Azurite’s welcoming shade casts its soft, soothing energy even in a supporting role, as Earthy Ochre balances the carefree, airiness of the space with its down to earth, rooted hue. A collection of shades as uncomplicated and approachable as these brings timeless, comfortable style easily within reach,” according to Sherwin-Williams.