For many people the thought of painting woodwork is strictly taboo, they believe it will lessen the value of their home, or cheapen the look of their interior, but this is definitely no longer true. When thinking of painting the woodwork in our home today, we are not limited to the old stand by white or off-white, we have a myriad of choices in both color and detail.

In most cases, stripping and refinishing the woodwork in your home is just not an option, economically or practically. It could involve exposing your health and your home to a host of solvents and chemicals, not to mention the labor costs of such a process. The simple solution is to cover up the old. But your choices aren’t limited solely to painting.

If you have a lighter colored woodwork in your home, a tinted sealer is a great choice. Sanding or use of a deglosser preps the surfaces of the wood, and then a new topcoat of sealer is applied with a stain or tint mixed in, easily darkening the wood to the desired color, but still exposing the grain below. But use caution, if the wood is scarred or damaged, these flaws may also show through, the solution is to repair and match the damaged areas to the original color before the application of the new tinted sealer.

So what if you have dark woodwork and are ready for something lighter? Then painting is your best option. But rest assured you are not limited to the bland. With the availability of just about every color and finish imaginable, your choices could be daunting. From faux finishing, glazing, antiquing, distressing or the thousands of color and sheen combinations available, choosing the right look for your woodwork will probably take longer than the refinishing itself.

Start with the feeling you want the room to convey, be it warm, cozy, sophisticated or broken in, and then pick colors and finishes you feel will best represent your interior. For a traditional look, go with time-tested white, but choose a slightly off-toned white, it will age better and show less wear. For a more sophisticated look you could choose a rich brown or cordovan. And for a warmer look you might go with a deep khaki or medium toned gray.

Don’t limit your thoughts to color alone. If you’d like to give your woodwork more character, consider a glaze or faux finish. Adding an antiquing effect can give your woodwork the feel of a vintage cottage or Tuscan villa, which has stood the test of time. Faux finishes can mimic wood grain, metal and stone, or simply be used to highlight the details of your woodwork. And distressing can give your woodwork a truly worn feel, with unique wear patterns and damage that says your home is strong enough to withstand anything.

I hope this post has helped to simplify your color and faux selection process. Most painters are not in the business of design, and no matter how good their work is, you have to live with the end result. A little planning will go a long way to the satisfaction you feel from your new finish. Most importantly, have fun with it, convey your personal style, and find a painter who is reputable and who you feel understands what you are trying to achieve.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you are in the Edmond/Central Oklahoma area and in need of painting help, please feel free to contact me.

William Graeber @ Graeber Design 405-229-7383