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Achieving the perfect colour starts with choosing the right sheen. Whether you’re refreshing a room or transforming your entire home, understanding your paint options can make all the difference. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right match for your project and how to handle tinting to get your perfect colour at pickup.
Sheen describes how shiny or matte a paint finish is. It plays a big role in how your paint looks, how easy it is to clean, and how it holds up over time. Choosing the right finish (sheen) for the space you are painting is the most important step before choosing a colour.
Choosing the right sheen impacts both the look and durability of your paint. Here’s how to pick the best sheen for every room:
Things to keep in mind when choosing your paint
Paint base is what allows colour to be added to paint. Different colours require different amounts of tint, which is why paint comes in a range of bases from white through to darker bases.
The good news is you do not need to choose a base yourself. Once you have selected your colour and paint brand, we will tint it into the correct base to ensure the colour looks exactly as it should.
Below is a general guide showing how different bases support lighter and darker colours. This is for reference only. When you choose your colour, we will always select the correct base for you.
Pre-mixed and ready to use as-is. Ideal for clean, crisp white walls. This is not a base and does not require tinting.
Ideal for subtle tones such as light greys, mint greens, and soft pinks.
Ideal for subtle tones such as light greys, mint greens, and soft pinks.
Ideal for bold and darker shades like navy, charcoal, or vibrant reds. It can hold more tint, making it perfect for deep, dramatic colours.
Specialised for highly pigmented colours, such as bright oranges or blues. These bases create vivid, eye-catching finishes and require specific tint formulations.
Tinting reminder:
When you order paint bases online, remember they need to be tinted in-store. Just select your base online, and we’ll tint it for you when you pick it up so you’re all set to start painting!
Each paint brand uses its own base formulation and colour system. While two colours may look the same on a colour card, the base they are tinted into can vary between brands. Tint formulas are specifically designed to work with their matching brand base. Using the correct base ensures the colour is accurate, consistent, and performs as intended. Tinting a colour into the wrong brand base can result in colour variation, reduced coverage, or a finish that does not match expectations. This is why we always tint colours into the correct brand base, so you get a reliable and true colour result every time.
All paint bases must be tinted to achieve the desired colour, coverage and opacity. Tinting balances the paint, ensuring it delivers the exact shade and durability you expect.
Remember:
Paint bases cannot be sold untinted because they lack the pigment needed to achieve full coverage and a proper finish.
Choose your paint finish and colour online, and we will take care of the rest in store. Your paint will be tinted into the correct base to ensure an accurate colour and reliable performance. If you would like extra guidance, visit us in store and our team can help you choose the right finish, colour and paint for your project.
A paint base is the foundation of your colour. It determines how deep or vibrant the final result will be once tinted. Choosing the right base ensures accurate colour and proper coverage.
White paint is pre-mixed and ready to use. A tint base is designed to hold added colour pigments, which are mixed in store to match your chosen shade.
Strong Tint Bases and Coloured Bases are designed to handle deeper pigments. They are ideal for bold colours like navy, charcoal, and vibrant reds or blues.
For new, unpainted surfaces, it's recommended to apply a primer followed by two topcoats. This ensures proper coverage and durability. For previously painted surfaces in good condition, two topcoats are usually sufficient.
Yes, you can paint over existing paint if it's in good condition. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from peeling or flaking. Lightly sand glossy surfaces to help the new paint adhere better.
Areas with high moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, benefit from paints with moisture-resistant properties. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are ideal as they are durable and easy to clean.
Consider the room's lighting, size, and purpose. Natural light can affect how colours appear. Testing paint samples on your walls and observing them at different times of the day can help in making the right choice.
Water-based paints dry faster, have less odour, and are easier to clean up. Oil-based paints take longer to dry, have a stronger smell, but offer a smoother finish and are more durable in high-traffic areas.
It's generally recommended to wait at least 2 hours between coats for water-based paints and up to 24 hours for oil-based paints. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can for specific drying times.
