Time to paint?

Q. How do I decide which color is best for my room?

A. Start by looking at your furniture, window treatments and other accessories. Pick your favorite colors and see your paint dealer to get color chips. Look at the color chips both in daylight and at night. You can even buy a quart of a color and test it on a wall.

Q. One room has a chair rail, and I am using two colors. Which goes where?

A. If you want an airy look, paint the portion of the wall below the chair rail with the darker color. Thus the lighter color will dominate.

Q. Should trim work be painted the same color as the walls, or a different shade?

A. Use the same color on the trim if you are trying to disguise unattractive trim work or create a uniform, monochromatic look. Use a lighter or darker color to accentuate trim work or to add subtle hints or bold flashes of color.

Q. Will the paint I chose look lighter or darker after it dries?

A. On a larger surface area, most colors seem darker. Try to choose colors a shade or two lighter than what you want. Clean, bright colors can appear either lighter or darker, depending on the surrounding colors and lighting.

Q. Do colors affect one's perception of a room's size?

A. Strong, warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows tend to close up a space. These colors are termed advancing colors because they "jump out" at you. Receding colors like blue, green and violet tend to make a room look larger because they "stand back" visually. Navy blue or hunter green tend to have a diminishing effect on a room's size. Smaller rooms appear larger by painting them white or a light neutral color.

Q. What kind of paint finishes are there, and which finish works best where?

A. A multiple answer:

• Flat finishes have no shine, and are ideal for hiding minor surface imperfections. While traditional flat finishes are not usually stain-resistant, some are designed to provide maximum stain resistance.

• Eggshell or velvet finishes work in just about any room. They're easy to clean and offer a warmth.

• Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and good for highlighting details. They work well in kitchens, baths, and on doors and trim.

• Gloss finishes are shiny and scrubable, so use them for doors and trim.

• Sheen terminologies vary by manufacturer.

Q. What are oil-based and water-based paint?

A. Alkyd, or oil-based paint, penetrates wood better than latex (water-based) paint and won't stick when you keep your doors and windows shut for the winter. For most jobs, latex paint is the best choice. It dries faster, doesn't yellow, and can be cleaned up with soap and water when you break for the day.