The Best Paint Combinations

Color Theory

• Basic familiarity with color theory is helpful when choosing a color combination. Primary colors are red, blue and yellow. Secondary colors are obtained by mixing two primary colors to get violet, green and orange. Buying a color wheel can help determine what colors are complementary (those on opposite sides of the wheel). It is also helpful to use a color wheel when choosing more than three colors. Choosing triadic colors, (those that are equidistant on the color wheel) will result in a better combination, according to "Tiger Colors."

Location

• The location of the building being painted can determine the color combinations used. Houses in the desert are going to look better with different colors than houses situated against pine trees. Paint a large house in medium to dark colors to make it retreat into the background. To make a large house stand out, use light colors.
  Many communities have a homeowner's association that restrict the number of colors houses can be painted. These associations often have an approved palette of colors for exterior painting. This limits homeowner's choices, but many believe it gives the neighborhood a more cohesive look and feel. An article in "Old House Journal" suggests not duplicating the color combinations of the surrounding houses but cooperating and using approved colors in different ways.

Recommendations

• Color charts available at local paint and building supply stores offer combinations that work well together. Experts familiar with color theory choose these color choices and they are a safe bet for people who are unsure of what they want. Paint stores will mix samples of colors to take home. Some colors look different in natural light, so seeing the paint on the surface during the day is a good idea before making a final decision.