Can the type of paint you use change the way the colors look in the room?

Q. I am looking to repaint rooms of my home, and I want to see if you think the type of paint I use can affect the color.  I have been sampling colors, and the paint store mentioned the color can change when I put it up on the walls because they are different paints.  What does this mean?


A. This is a great question because this is a topic that a lot people do not speak about or know about.  Color sampling is tough when you are not sampling with the paint you are ultimately going to use.  Product and sheen can alter the way a color looks.  Sheen of paint will change the way the color reflects on the wall-the higher the sheen, the more the light will reflect off of it.  The color can even look lighter when you have more of a sheen.
   When you are sampling colors and buying sample pints, they are usually made with eggshell.  You may end up using a matte or flat on the walls, so you want to be aware of that once you finalize a color.
  The quality can also make a color look different.  A good quality paint will make the color look cleaner and richer.  An inexpensive paint can look muddy because the make up of it is different (I could get into the technical aspect of it, but it is not necessary).  I have had clients painters use contractor grade paint, and then notice that the colors do not look as good.

   This is something that everyone should be aware of because it can be the difference that makes or breaks a space.  Always check that your contractor is using a high quality, durable paint, such as the Muralo Ultra used with the "Michelle Winick Color Collection".  It is necessary not only for the quality of the job, but to make the colors in the space look fabulous!  Happy Painting!