Spaces Vol 1 Is 6

complementary of the
background colour. For
example, a small area of
strong green will seem
more intensely green
when placed on a reddish
(pink) background and
when placed on a violet
background, its hue will
seem to shift towards
yellow green.
Colour permutations and combinations.
the wall, the total colour scheme for the
room should also be considered. Neutral
colours like shades of grey, beige as well
as browns, tans and white are safe
colours for those who are hesitant to
experiment and explore. They appear
homelike in their milder tones and
masculine in their heavier values. Almost
any colour can work in certain situations
and almost any combination can be
successful, given balanced relationships
of hue, chrome and value, and sound
choices of location, area, texture and
other variables. In practice, all of the
systematic knowledge of colour reviewed
above is best absorbed as background
for creative work that proceeds in ways
independent of formula or routine.
COLOURS IN RELATION TO EACH OTHER
The actual space influence how colours
appear. When seen against a larger
background, small areas of colour may
alter in both value and hue. Light colours
will appear lighter than they are when
seen against a darker background and
dark colours become darker against a
light background. A medium tone can
be made to seem either light or dark
through contrast with its surroundings.
Similarly, hues will seem to shift in
relation to surroundings. A neutral grey
will appear warm when placed on a blue
background and cool when placed on red.
Stronger colours will seem to shift in hue
in relation to background, with a small
sample seeming to move toward the
PAINTS
The selection of the paints
available in the market
can be confusing.
Basically, paints are
divided into two types:
water based and oil based.
Paints are available in
different finishes: matte,
satin and gloss. Matte finish is practical
and inexpensive as it covers a large area
quickly. However surfaces with matte
paints are difficult to clean but can be
touched up easily. Satin paints are oil
based and are slightly expensive than the
water based paint. While gloss finish gives
more shine, texture paints gives a rough
finish to the surface. Try adding different
textures to the room to add interest and
variety to an otherwise plain wall. Painting
finishes can be plain, textured or
patterned. Emulsion paint is a good
choice for painting walls as it lasts longer
and gives a good finish. Distemper is
another choice for walls and is
comparatively cheaper than emulsion
paint. For external surfaces, different
paints like exterior emulsion, cement
paints, waterproof paints and textures are
available in the market.
TROUBLESHOOTING PAINT PROBLEMS
1. Choose good quality primer. This gives
a smooth surface. Apply and dry fully.
2. If you are not happy with the applied
colour, repaint it. You can also try ragging
and sponging over the painted surface,
giving a mottled look.
3. If paints spill on the carpet in a small
portion, then do not rub. Instead let it
dry and rub with abrasive sandpaper. For
water-based paints, immediately remove
by washing with plenty of water and
blotting with clean rags. For oil-based
paints, first scrape the colour then wash
with white spirit and soapy water. S
SPACES SEP-OCT 2005 103