Decorating With White
Published June 14, 2013 | 
Photo courtesy of Kate Smith of Sensational Color
WHITE WALLS
Some people cringe at the thought, and others wouldn’t have it any other way. For some the thought of white walls makes for a drab room. For some it is clean and bright.
Whatever your preference, the versatility of white is undeniable. It goes with everything and is timeless. Whether you use it on your walls or in your furnishings, it can work beautifully in many applications.
White can be subtle with tints, tones, and shades of greens, blues, and violets. White also has the ability to make warm colors like red, yellow, and orange really pop!
~mg
Finally Here!
Published June 11, 2013 |
Well, it’s been quite an experience here the last few months. The new Evolution Interior paint is now in stores along with the ColorEvolution Color line. Come in and experience the Northwest artist inspired colors in our best interior paint line…
Let the Evolution continue!
~mg
Exterior Painting
Published June 5, 2013 | It’s that time of year again.
Time to assess the situation of your exterior paint. If it is indeed time to paint the outside of your home, here is a post borrowed from Color Guild, one of our partners in crime in the color biz!
How to paint your home exterior.
What is any color imaginable, has the ability to transform, and the power to protect from sun, wind, and rain? No, it’s not Superman. Just a fresh coat of exterior paint for your home! Give your home a second lease on life by painting the exterior. The average house takes about 60 hours to paint, but the impression will last years. The exterior of your home delivers first impressions. Bring the personality of your home from the inside to the out by showing it some tender loving care. Here’s what you need to know to paint the exterior of your home with precision and quality.
Steps to a First Class Paint Job
- Wash. Scrub-a-dub-dub! A thorough washing is necessary to ensure a finished product you’re proud of. Wet the walls then begin scrubbing in sections from bottom to top to avoid streaks. Use a solution of one gallon of water mixed with one cup chlorine bleach and one cup of either a concentrated, phosphate-free cleaner, such as a trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute, or Jomax House Cleaner. Rinse the walls again before the solution dries. Wood siding and paneling should take a day or two to fully dry before you can begin painting.
- Scrape. If it has flaked, peeled, bubbled, or blistered it is time to go. Confirm your paint is lead-free and protect yourself with a dust mask. If scraping by hand, it will be a time consuming process, but remember, the tortoise wins the race. This is the least damaging way to remove layers. Make it a little less painful by using a heating gun to soften paint. For safety, use a respirator and cover plants and shrubs with a tarp.
- Sand. Pat yourself on the back, it’s time to assess what’s left. The boundary between the paint and the bare wood can be smoothed with 50- or 80-grit sandpaper if most of the paint still adheres well and it’s not too bumpy. Make sure that there is a feathered, smooth transition from exposed wood to old paint. Follow up with 100- or 120-grit sandpaper to erase scratches.
- Patch. Put that caulk down. Wait to cover cracks with caulk until you have primed. You should however repair rot and fill in dents with two-step epoxies.
- Prime. Penetrate, seal, and protect with a primer. Acrylic primers can be used on most surfaces, but oil-based coatings must be used on cedar or redwood. Tint the primer a contrasting color to the top coat. This will allow you to see the color coming through, a sure sign you need to apply more paint.
- Caulk. Caulk all small joints less than 1/4 inch wide once the primer is dry. Don’t skip this step! If your joints fail, you’re back to the beginning.
- Paint. Time for the main event! Acrylic paints reign supreme as they don’t mildew readily, move and breath without blistering, emit fewer VOCs, and work well over oil or water based primers. Follow the pros and use a paint sprayer, but be cautious of drips or thin coats. Cover EVERYTHING that you don’t want to get sprayed. Use a brush if you’re a newbie. Always start at the top and work your way down and work in the shade away from the sun’s glare. Simultaneously be wary of those clouds though. Rain can wash away freshly applied paint.
- Bonus Tip. Spray paint nailheads with a metal primer to prevent rust.
~mg
~This post inspired/contributed by ColorGuild. ColorGuild, the global paint and color authority, is a member based organization serves as a definitive resource on color and coatings. As a member of ColorGuild, we welcome their contributions and appreciate their opinions.
Proportionally Speaking
Published May 28, 2013 | Paint color can transform and revitalize your home. Color can be used to engage and create welcoming home environments. One way to do this is with proper proportions of different hues and shades of color. Color Guild advises on how much color to use when painting a room.
60:30:10 rule
It's about proportion and balance
The 60:30:10 color palette theory is one of the basic rules to having a harmonies end result.
Color is one opportunity where it’s OK to play favorites. After using a test board to decide which three hues will best complement the room, decide which color will be the dominant. Equal amounts of every color in your scheme will result in a spotty visual view. Even proportions of color surprisingly result in a more unbalanced look.
After choosing three shades, break them down into the 60:30:10 rule for a cohesive look — 60 percent dominant color, 30 percent secondary color and 10 percent accent color. This idea can be translated to the relatable cohesion of an outfit: 60 percent is invested one hue, unifying all three. The 30 percent provides visual interest, with shoes and a handbag. The 10 percent, the jewelry, provides the sparkling details.
So, when painting a particular room, divide the colors proportionally in this way:
60 percent of a dominant color
30 percent of a secondary color
10 percent of an accent color
What other painting rules do you follow?
~This post inspired/contributed by ColorGuild. ColorGuild, the global paint and color authority, is a member based organization serves as a definitive resource on color and coatings. As a member of ColorGuild, we welcome their contributions and appreciate their opinions.
THANX!
Published May 24, 2013 | Miller Paint has teamed up with THANX to provide a new feature to the Preferred Customer Club. THANX is a reward program that’s simple, easy and secure. AND you get an instant reward just for signing up. After that, every purchase made to Miller Paint will move you closer to the next reward!
This app is available to not only Preferred Customer Club Members, but to anyone with an iPhone or Android.
Just another way, Miller Paint says THANX to our loyal customers!
~mg
COLOREVOLUTION IS COMING!
Published May 21, 2013 | 
Miller Paint
“Miller Paint Transitioning from Devine Color to Evolution Interior”
**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact:
May 7, 2013 Tyler Tronson, Public Relations
Bradshaw Advertising
503.221.5000
Miller Paint Company starts a beautiful COLOREVOLUTION
PORTLAND OR – On May 23, 2013, Miller Paint Company will unveil their newest interior paint color collection called COLOREVOLUTION. Inspired by the artistic eye of landscape artist and Miller Paint founder, Ernest Miller, the COLOREVOLUTION collection is the most advanced evolution of color and quality in the market today.
Handcrafting exceptional paint is engrained in Miller Paint’s history and dates back to the late 1880’s when artist Ernest Miller decided to create a better paint formula. After 123 years of producing quality paint in the Pacific Northwest, Miller Paint is starting a color revolution where texture meets technology and function meets fashion.
The dynamic COLOREVOLUTION color pallet is a collaboration of Miller Paint and five renowned Pacific Northwest designers. The color collection features 168 brilliant colors, with many of the colors selected from the old Devine Color pallet. The Evolution paint is the same formula as the old Devine Color, Miller Paint’s discontinued high end paint line. Customers can expect the same silky smooth coverage without any spatter, and a luxurious depth of color that transforms your walls into works of art. Just like all color offers at Miller Paint, the COLOREVOLUTION pallet was developed for the Pacific Northwest so it provides the symphony of warm colors that surround us in our beautiful part of the world.
“Every time we craft our paint and select colors for your home we make sure that an equal measure of pride and protection goes into every can,” said Steve Dearborn, President and CEO of Miller Paint Company. “Evolution interior paint is our finest, most advanced paint and one that our Pacific Northwest customers will love.”
Customers can check out the new Evolution paint and COLOREVOLUTION collection in display racks in Miller Paint stores starting May 23, 2013.
About Miller Paint Company:
Miller Paint Company has been creating products built specifically for the Pacific Northwest since 1890. Miller Paint can be found at any of the 49 company owned stores in Oregon, Washington and Northern Idaho and at select private dealers. For more information, please go to www.millerpaint.com or contact us directly.
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Home Office Inspiration
Published May 15, 2013 | What makes a good home office? If you are one of the thousands working from home and you would like to spice it up, turn your home into a work-friendly environment with these tips.
- Feeling blue. Blue is associated with the title of being the most productive color. Known to evoke mental clarity, blue will bring a sense of calmness while keeping your mood light. Blue is the perfect non-stimulating, relaxing color that is required to help you maintain focus during highly demanding projects
People tend to be more productive in a blue room
- Orange goodness. Orange accents may be distracting for jobs requiring intense concentration, but is an asset for creative fields. Orange inspires enthusiasm and creativity, keeping you motivated during the day. Paint an accent wall with this vibrant hue or use orange office accessories to boost your mood.
Inspire creativity with orange
- Mother Nature. Breathe easy with an office plant. These natural air purifiers bring a touch of the outdoors to your secluded space.
- Let there be light. In a home office, you have the power to choose different light sources rather than glaring fluorescent. Take advantage of natural light when you can, but choose lamps with soft bulbs when that is not available. Be aware of monitor placement in regards to windows in order to avoid glare.
- Keep it personal. Bring in elements that make you happy. Family photographs, your favorite books, travel souvenirs, are all welcome. Create a space that feels part of your home, not separate.
Keep yourself motivated and happy with these home office tips. This is your home, you have the option to personalize the room to suit your comfort and needs.
What tips do you have to create a welcome home office environment?
~This post inspired/contributed by ColorGuild. ColorGuild, the global paint and color authority, is a member based organization serves as a definitive resource on color and coatings. As a member of ColorGuild, we welcome their contributions and appreciate their opinions.
Goodbye to Devine Color
Published May 9, 2013 | 
The time is almost upon us when we will no longer be selling Devine Color.
As you may remember Miller Paint will no longer be offering Devine Color in our stores.
May 22 is the last day you can purchase Devine in our stores, and until that time it’s 40% off while supplies last!
But have no fear! We do, however, own the formulas and we will continue to manufacture them under the Evolution name. The paint in the can will be the same as the formerly known Devine Paint. Only the label and the names will be different. You can still get the same colors, just under a different name of course. We have created a color line by the name of ColorEvolution. The name to me encompasses the “evolution” that Miller Paint has gone through in the years past to get where we are today. Which is more and more in the business of not only paint, but in the business of COLOR!
So come on down to any of our Miller Paint Co locations and get a great deal while supplies last at that price… or come on out after the 22nd and check out the new ColorEvolution! You are sure to find just what your heart desires!
~mg
Deck Maintenance
Published April 26, 2013 | It’s that time of year again! The sun is showing itself more and more often, you’re getting anxious for summer vacations, family barbeques, and just relaxing outside on your deck and enjoying the sweet smell of summer in the Northwest.
Question is… is it time to recoat that deck again?
Maintenance of your deck is the single most important thing in keeping the wood conditioned and protected from the NW winters. Typically in the Pacific NW, a decks horizontal surface should be recoated every 2-3 years depending on exposure to weather. The vertical rails and such can go a little longer. Is your deck partially covered? To keep those uncovered areas looking as good as the others this is crucial to keep up on.
How do you know it’s really time to recoat? Well, it should be weathered. Visually inspect the surface coating and when it appears faded and spray the surface with water. If it penetrates and turns the wood dark due to the moisture, this is an indication that it’s time for a new coat. If it still repels water you do not need to recoat at this time.
Keeping up on this ritual is the most important thing to ensure your deck lasts for season’s to come.
~mg
How to Make Paint Last
Published April 18, 2013 | Walls exude a certain freshness when recently painted. It can make any room feel new, but conversely feel dated when not properly cared for. Maintaining your walls doesn’t begin or end when you cover it with paint. To keep the color appealing to the eye, there are certain tips you should keep in mind.
The longer you allow the stain to stay on your walls, the longer it has to penetrate into your wall painting and stubbornly stay there.
First off, consider the room’s purpose before you even go to buy paint. Are you painting the room for a young child or a room you like to change often? Then you don’t need a costly paint with a long warranty. These are the rooms you can have fun with and choose crazy, fun colors.
There are some steps you should do to prepare your walls, even when you have change in mind. Priming is an absolute must. You want the room to look good, whether it’s for one or multiple years. It helps the color to adhere to the walls. This will give you rich colors and can be further enhanced with a finisher. Again keep the purpose of the room in mind. A flat finish is for rooms that don’t require much cleaning. Glossier surfaces are easier to clean though, so a glossy finish should be in highly utilized rooms.
When the prepping and painting are complete, maintenance is the task many homeowners neglect. Hang objects with nails not tape. The tape will tear off your hard work. Handle stains on walls just like clothes. Address them as soon as they happen rather than letting them sit. Avoid furniture placement that can result in scraped walls. These elements combined age any room, despite how recently you may have painted it and distracts from the interior design.
Your home is a reflection of your personality and style. Don’t let a stain, scratch, or color bleed overpower your color and design choices. Make a conscious effort to maintain your walls and everything else will be positively reflected.
~This post inspired/contributed by ColorGuild. ColorGuild, the global paint and color authority, is a member based organization serves as a definitive resource on color and coatings. As a member of ColorGuild, we welcome their contributions and appreciate their opinions.