Dutch Boy color specialists field many questions from home decorators, interior designers and homeowners like you regarding the basics of color and paint selection techniques. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (and their answers) to help you get started on your next weekend project.

How do I determine the amount of paint needed for a particular job?

Measure both the height and width of your walls. Then, add the width of all the walls in the room together. Multiply this sum by the height of one wall from floor to ceiling. Take this total number and subtract the total area of your doors, windows, archways, etc. to get the exact area of wall space you will paint. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a flat surface usually requires one gallon for every 400 square feet.

According to the Paint Coatings Research Panel, the typical paint project requires 2.38 gallons. For the perfect project-sized paint container, try the new Ready to Roll from Dutch Boy which comes filled with 2.5 gallons tinted to the color of your choice. The container has a built-in roller tray which eliminates the continual pouring of paint into a separate roller tray which is so easy to step in and spill over. Just dip the roller in the paint at the bottom of the container, roll it along the built-in tray and you are ready to paint. Plus, a built-in roller tray makes clean up a snap as you just snap back on the lid to either store the paint or recycle the unit.

How do I select the best color for my room?

The first step is to examine your furniture, window treatments, and other accessories. From the colors represented in these items, choose your favorite colors and visit your local retailer to obtain coordinating color chips. Put the chips in the room and look at them both in the daylight and at night to see the effect lighting has on the colors. You may want to even buy a quart of your top choice and test it on one of your walls.

According to Donna Schroeder, Color Specialist for Dutch Boy, because painting is simple and inexpensive, you may want to experiment with daring colors that you might not choose for more costly items like furniture or room furnishings. “Try out one of the bold paint colors that are the latest trend in room design such as a brown, blue or red,” says Schroeder.

For those who are a bit intimidated about using a bold color on all four walls, Schroeder notes it can always be used for an accent wall. “This would allow you to introduce a small area of bold color and then as your comfort level increases, begin incorporating a larger number of dark colors into your room.”

How do colors affect a room’s size?

Strong, warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows have the tendency to close a space. Called advancing colors, these hues jump out and meet the eye. Conversely, receding colors like blue, green and violet make a room look larger because they “stand back” visually. However, the darkest values of the receding colors, like navy blue or hunter green, also tend to have a diminishing effect on a room’s size. To make small rooms appear larger, choose a white or neutral color.

Should trim work be used as an accent or painted the same color as the walls?

The answer to this question depends on what look you are trying to achieve. Use the same color if you want to downplay ordinary or unattractive trim work, or if you are trying to create a uniform, monochromatic look. Use a lighter or darker color to accentuate trim or to add subtle hints or bold flashes of color to your room.

Will the paint I chose look lighter or darker on the wall?

Over a large surface area, most colors appear darker. You may want to consider choosing a color a shade or two lighter to counteract this effect. To soften a color, try applying a lighter or more muted color over the original hue using a design technique such as rag rolling, sponging, or color washing.

How do I know which paint finish is right for my room?

Flat finishes have no shine, making them ideal for hiding minor surface imperfections. However, they are best utilized in low-trafficked rooms that don’t require continual washing or scrubbing. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are durable, easy to clean and are great choices for kitchens and bathrooms. Gloss finishes feature the highest shine and best durability, so they are perfect for doors, trim and specialty uses.

What color should I paint the ceiling?