Five Star Painting Franchise

New Concrete

Do your homework on the concrete before painting it. Please don’t just apply the paint and hope it will stick – this will cause many headaches for you down the road. It is important to know if there were any kinds of concrete hardeners or membranes that were used by the floor finishers. If water beads on the surface, or etching the surface still doesn’t seem to work, then there was probably a membrane or hardener used in the concrete. Membranes can be removed with paint thinner, but hardeners must be removed with shot-blasting or some sort of bead-blasting. Please talk to the concrete finisher before proceeding with anything, as he will give you the best advice on what to do.

Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is sometimes used to clean surfaces before painting. The proper mixture is 1part acid to 3 parts water. Please use caution as we are dealing with an acid here – make sure that when you are mixing the two together (the acid and the water) that the acid is poured in to the water, and not the other way around. Heat is created in the mixing process, and foaming might also occur – just be sure that the solution does not splash onto you. Always be sure to wear the proper attire when mixing chemicals. Also, be sure to allow 72 hours of drying before applying any coat of paint to the surface.

Etching

Using Muriatic acid is a very good way to etch a floor. People often use mops to apply the solution across the floor. This causes heavy and light spots around the floor. Try using a plastic watering can in a criss-cross method instead. This method seems to work better for consistency. The mixture must sit for about 30 minutes, or until the fizzing stops. The surface must then be rinsed with water to remove the salts from the reaction of the acid and the concrete. Always be sure to use the proper attire when working with chemicals.

Curing Time for Concrete

Painting concrete before the moisture has left it will cause the paint to peel and lift as the moisture tries to escape. Typically, concrete cures after 30 days. However, there is still moisture within the concrete trying to escape for up to 60 days after it has been poured. Be sure to wait at least 60 days before painting new concrete.

Laitence

Laitence is a thin film of cement and sand that ends up on the top of the concrete when a machine has done the finish floating of a concrete floor. The mixture of Muriatic acid and water will remove the laitance, please refer to the ‘Muriatic Acid’ section for more instructions. You can also use any kind of etching solution to remove the laitence as well. Laitence sluffs off and makes the floor dusty. In fact, laitence is what is often found on the back of the paint when it has failed on a concrete surface.

Moisture Testing

Here is a simple moisture test to see if the concrete is ready for paint. Cut a piece of 4 mil plastic into a 3’ X 3’ square. Completely seal the edges with duct tape – make sure that it is completely sealed around all the edges. Allow it to sit for 48 hour. If no condensation forms, the concrete should be ready for paint. Sometimes, if the proper vapor barrier was not used when the concrete was formed, you might have continual moisture problems with that slab of concrete. If this is the case, the paint might not ever ‘stick’ properly.

If you have some concrete that needs to be painted, give Five Star Painting a call for a FREE estimate, 1-866-965-STAR or visit our website.

Decorative ceilings are back, you can call it “the fifth wall”. Eileen Smith Dallabrida with Painting and Wallcovering Contractor (PWC) has accommodated Five Star Painting with great insight on decorative ceilings. Many people living in contemporary homes are now wanting to get a bit of personality, so ceiling decorations, along with complementary wall trims, are on their way back. A decorated ceiling can beat out any painting project, making it an eye-popping room.

Art filled ceilings are becoming more popular whether they are finished as a stand-alone project or part of a larger job. The market in this field is increasing for all manner of dramatic and subtle finishes high above the traditional wall space. The talented painters behind these projects are busier than ever.

Options for ceilings cover the spectrum of decorative techniques. These include faux painting, wood graining, stenciling, plaster work, gold leafing, murals on canvas, and any other technique that springs from an artist’s inspiration. Mixing a variety of textures and sheens boosts the sophistication level of a room.

When considering a ceiling project, photos are worth a thousand words. Viewing before-and-after shots are very effective in showing the difference a well-appointed ceiling can make. Also, seeing past projects in person can be especially helpful. Preparing overhead surfaces can be a lot heftier compared to prepping and painting walls. Most likely, the primary cost will be labor.

Decorating your ceilings can be more than just a paint job, with classic decorative pieces adding character and charm to your home’s interior. Please feel free to visit the PWC website.

Service Temperatures

Here is the scale for the maximum service temperature for paints:

• Latex and oil: 200˚F or 90˚C
• Epoxies: 300˚F or 150˚C
• Aluminum: 400˚F or 200˚C
• Inorganic Zinc: 750˚F or 400˚C

*These products will fail if they are exposed to temperatures higher than listed above.

Thermal Tack

Thermal tack is caused when the humidity and temperature rise enough to make the coating soften on latex gloss and semi-gloss paints. Even if the paint was applied a long time ago, this problem may still occur. The surface will become tacky to the touch initially, but will go away once the temperature and humidity drop. In areas where this might happen on a frequent basis, it would be wise to paint front doors and jams in an oil based paint instead. If the doors become tacky, they tend to stick to the weatherproofing and cause a mess.

Paint Viscosity

The thickness or viscosity of the paint depends greatly on the temperature of the paint. When a paint is colder, the molecules huddle together as if they were cold, which makes the paint thick. When you try and apply that paint to the wall, it will tend to sag and will not flow very well because of its viscosity level. On the flip side, warmer molecules want to spread out, which almost thin the paint. Because of this, the paint will go on too lightly and you will have problems with coverage. For the best results, try and regulate the temperature of your paint by having it be between 70˚F or 21˚C and 77˚F or 25˚C before you start to paint.

Sheens and Touch Ups

Touching something up can sometimes be a difficult thing to do. It is quite dependant on the sheen, the type (latex or oil), and the age of the paint. First, let’s talk about oil paints. Oil eggshell and semi-glosses will lose a quarter to a third of their sheen after about three months. Trying to touch up a surface that has been painted with that type of paint after the three months could be very obvious. It is better to repaint the entire area instead of just touching it up. Latex paints also tend to lose their gloss, but at a much slower rate and quantity as oil paints. Latex paints are easier to touch up, but remember that you might have some flashing depending on the amount of time since the original paint was applied. With oil and latex paint, you also might run into the problem of fading paint due to sun or other environmental issues. Fortunately, both oil and latex flats are the easiest to touch up, even after a period of time. A quick tip: using an HVLP to touch up the surfaces seems to blend the sheen differences the best.

Temperature Ranges

Be sure to do any touch ups to a surface at the same temperature in which the original paint was applied. There is a rule of thumb in the painting world, that you should not paint any surface below 50˚F or 10˚C, or if that surface will dip down below that temperature at night, until the paint has sufficiently dried. There are, however, some paints out there that have been developed to extend the exterior painting season that will allow the paint to be applied in 35˚F or 2˚C, (ICI’s Fortis and This Old House). If you do touch up something under the recommended temperature, it might dry a little lighter than the original paint. Therefore be sure to apply the touch up paint at the same temperature in which the original coat was applied.

Touch Up Applicators

(This is especially true for smooth walls.) If you are going to touch up a surface, make sure that you use the same applicator as was used originally. Different applicators leave different finishes on the surface. It would be very obvious if there were a brush mark in the middle of a rolled wall. Try and be consistent with the applicators you use and you will find that you will have better results. The more the wall is textured, the easier it is to touch up using any tool, even using a brush over a rolled surface.

Preparation is the key to beautiful, long-lasting results for any painting task. Why spend all that time choosing astounding paint colors for your living room remodel or baby’s first nursery if you aren’t going to take the first step to ensure your new colors will withstand the test of time? Five Star Painting is proud to be partnered up with Sherwin Williams who has supplied us with great insight regarding the prep-work to any paint job.

Often forgotten, primers are made to help your finish coat be smooth and uniform. They can save several hours of time and several dollars. Some are formulated specifically to cover stains and discoloration, block out odors, hide surface marks and there are even primers that are made especially for use with dark vivid colors. All primers help to anchor the finish coat so it “sticks” better, ensure a rich shine for enamels, fill uneven surfaces and seal porous surfaces.

Prime for the Pickin’

When deciding which primer best suits your paint project, there are a couple of important elements you should take into consideration. One is the surface to be painted. Whether the surface you are painting is drywall in your brand new home, older wood in your basement or concrete in your stylish loft, there are ideal primers for each surface to ensure that the finish coat offers optimal beauty and protection.

Another important element to consider when choosing a primer is the paint color. Testing by the experts has found that often deep paint colors are best primed with gray-tint shades, and for this reason special primers have been designed to maximize deep hues. For example, the Sherwin-Williams Color Prime System has gray-tint shades for primers to achieve a true color in fewer coats. Another way to make those bold accent colors pop is to refer to the back of the color chip for primer recommendations. For example, deep, saturated colors are extremely popular for the home right now. To get the best possible results for these bold colors, a gray-tint primer is an ideal choice.

An interior latex primer is the perfect selection for most home painting projects. It goes on easy, dries fast and provides the best coverage on a variety of new or previously painted surfaces, such as wood, plaster and drywall. And clean-up can be a snap, with just soap and water.

Remember that primer can often make or break your paint project. In the long run, using primer will save you time and money by reducing the number of times you need to paint or repaint a surface. Choosing the perfect primer for the job can be simplified by seeking expert advice at an area paint store. For more information on primers, please check out our website or visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams.

Inspired to start a new trend? Well, here is your chance to experiment and flaunt your own personal taste. The 2010 color schemes for home decorating have taken quite a turn in the last year. When it comes to true color trends, it’s all about palettes and not single colors. Here are some trends to watch for:

• Green will blend with yellow to finally move away from the sage greens that have dominated home décor for years.
• Lavender will be the winner in the bedroom. It portrays luxury and elegance and evokes warmth and comfort.
• Slate and charcoal gray will be the hot new neutrals, taking over from the browns and beiges that had been so popular. Cool gray can be paired with almost any color for a winning combination.
• Aqua has been a recommended color by cutting-edge decorators for a couple of years and will continue to be strong next year.
• Blue will make a comeback after falling out of favor for a few years.
• Shades of red will be darkened with purple and blue tones. Red and white pairings will also be popular.

We recommend that you pick colors that you like and never be afraid to experiment. While it’s tempting to be trendy, always rely on personal taste when choosing a paint color. Pick a color you like rather than a trendy color and you’ll be happier in the long run. Individuality is a strong trend on the horizon. Why not leave your mark with color? After all, it’s only paint!

Here are a few tips for choosing a paint color you’ll love:

• Create the room’s overall decorating scheme first. When you already have the fabric, flooring, and furniture you like in the room, it’s easier to choose the right color of paint.
• Narrow your options by using an online color-selection tool, Manage My Home Paint Center.
• When you go to buy the paint, bring swatches of fabric or wallpaper you’d like to match.
• Buy a sample jar of the paint you’re considering and apply it in the room to see how it looks in both daylight and artificial light. Some colors, like many shades of yellow, can change drastically depending on the light reflecting in the room.

Hope and Inspiration

Yellow is the color for this year’s decorating palettes. It exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun. Yellow is bright, it’s bold, and it makes people happy. While neon yellow isn’t the way to go, choosing yellows with a darker tint to them will help brighten up any room. Deep yellows go great with other natural colors such as greens, blues, browns and oranges. You’ll be able to create a unique, one of a kind color palette using natural, deep color shades paired with dark tinted yellows.

Going Green

Green is also a color trend for the year. Moss green has been making an appearance in many of the upscale home magazines. Try not to use sage green of the 90’s, it was so last decade. If you watch the Home and Garden Channel, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of people are getting deep, earthy greens in favor of last year’s bold red. The great thing about shades of green is that they look fabulous and they’ve got a nice calming effect – making them perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and even kitchens. Deep green walls with white trim can be eye-popping.

Rustic or Burnt Orange

There has been a lot of rustic orange shades popping up as well. This color especially brings a great touch of color into rooms such as the dining room. Be careful not to go too orange, because you may end up with a scary, Halloween styled room.

The Luxury of Lavender

Lavender is the newcomer on the scene for this year. Bright purple just doesn’t cut it – it made a brief appearance in the color forecasts and fizzled. People just chickened out when they saw eggplant and amethyst colors hitting the walls. Lavender is the must-have color for the bedroom, signifying elegance and luxury in a toned down fashion.

Going Gray

Slate and charcoal grays are the new neutrals. Browns and beige are slip sliding away and going gray. From pewter to ash – place a cool gray with almost any color for a hot pairing.

Aqua Cool

Aqua slipped into the scene in 2008 and has shown some staying power. Aqua will be great for the summer, but may fade into the sunset come fall – try it as an accent to make the transition.

Of course, these are only a few of the colors that are coming to the design world in 2010. This article is simply a guideline as to what to expect in the coming year for interior design, particularly in paint colors and accent colors. Five Star Painting is happy to help you with any questions that you might have. Check out our website and call us to schedule a FREE estimate.

When it comes to selecting paint, usually your first thought is “what color?” While color is an important element to creating a visually pleasing room, paint quality is what will make your project look amazing for years to come. Sherwin Williams provided Five Star Painting with two important elements to keep in mind when choosing paint for your home: ingredients and finishes.

Ingredients

Painting is an investment in product, time, and labor. It pays to spend a little extra to get an exceptional-quality, long-lasting finish. Remember that better ingredients typically mean better performance, and great quality paint starts with these four ingredients:

• Pigment — Higher-quality paints contain more of the all-important, yet more expensive “prime” pigment. With prime pigment you can expect an easier application, better color retention and stronger durability.
• Binders — Higher-quality binders, found in higher-quality paints, stick to surfaces better and are more resistant to cracking, blistering and peeling.
• Liquids — Liquid does not provide performance benefits to paint. Top quality paints have a greater ratio of solids (pigment and binders) to liquids, while cheaper paints are more “watered down” with liquid.
• Additives — Additives are ingredients that give paint a specific benefit that it might not otherwise have. They provide everything from better durability to keeping mildew at bay.

“Duration Home Interior Latex paint from Sherwin-Williams is a great example of exceptional quality paint made from only the best ingredients,” says Steve Revnew, director of marketing, product development for Sherwin-Williams. “It applies smoothly, resists stains better and can be cleaned easily with mild soap and water – perfect for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways.”

Finishes

Another element you will need to take into consideration during paint selection is the paint’s sheen, or finish. Based on the type of surface you’re painting, what area of the home and final appearance you want to achieve, the following are available sheen options:

• Flat / Matte — Softens the look of an exterior and helps hide surface blemishes. Flat finishes are ideal for body siding.
• Satin — With its slight gloss, satin sheens offer the benefits of a flat finish with added cleanability. It works best for trim, window frames, shutters and routinely cleaned surfaces
• Gloss — This lustrous, durable finish is perfect for areas that require frequent cleaning. Gloss finishes, however, may accentuate surface imperfections. This finish is ideal for doors, garage doors, metals and accent trim.
• High Gloss — This extremely hard and shiny finish provides a rich, smooth luster. Gloss finishes, however, may accentuate surface imperfections. This finish is excellent for front doors, decorative fixtures and accent trim.

Keep in mind that the cheapest paint isn’t necessarily the least expensive. Repainting not only means more money spent on additional paint, but also more time and labor to get the job done right. For more information about paint quality, visit the Sherwin-Williams website or your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint store.

Roller Pile Length

You might think that if you use a deeper pile more paint will be left on the walls and that you might be able to save a coat of paint in application. This is not the case and may cause you to have to put an extra coat of paint on the walls. When using a deeper piled roller, it is true that there will be more paint left on the tip of the paint’s stipple, but at its base, there is often insufficient paint left for adequate coverage. To remedy this, it is recommended to use a shorter, denser pile roller so that the stipple effect is lessened and the paint is more evenly distributed on the substrate. The only sure thing about using a deeper piled roller is that there will be a more noticeable stipple or roller finish on the surface, which is often unacceptable, especially on smooth walls.

Roller Lint

When rolling with oil paint, fibers from the roller will often become apparent on the walls. To remedy this, use only rollers that have previously been used in latex paints. In the cleaning process of the roller, almost all of the lint and excess fibers are removed from the roller when it is being spun – at this point it’s safe to use it for alkyd purposes. There are ‘lint-free’ rollers out there, but don’t trust them. Completely dip them in thinner (mineral spirits) and spin them out thoroughly before dipping the roller sleeve into the oil paint.

Back-rolling

Back-rolling is done to aid in paint coverage. It is re-rolling an area before the original coat has dried. With oil paints it is quite easy because the set up time for oil paints is about thirty minutes. But latex paints have a set up time of about five minutes, which makes back-rolling a little more difficult. You have to make sure that the paint has not dried in certain areas because rolling over that can cause a very rough stipple effect on the walls and will be quite visible when the paint has dried. People often back-roll after a sprayer has applied a coat of paint on the surface. This is done to help even out the paint and push the paint into areas that the sprayer was not able to get.

Back-rolling and VOC Paints

Normal latex paints have a solution called glycol in them to prolong the drying time of the paint. This allows the paint to be ‘worked with’ longer – allowing it to be back-rolled. A VOC free paint dries very quickly. It is important to always have a wet edge to reduce lap marks. It is not recommended to try and back-roll when you are using VOC free paint.

Cleaning

When using oil or epoxy paints, it sometimes becomes a hassle to clean out your brush or roller at the end of the day if you are going to use it again in the morning. A good suggestion and a time saver is to wrap the roller or brush in tin foil or plastic and then put it into the freezer, or in a place where the temperature is below 40 °F or 5 °C. In the morning you can then pull the items out, bring them back to room temperature, and start using them again. This suggestion is only for oil or epoxy paints however. Please do not do this if you are using latex based paints. Depending on the grade of the latex paint, the paint might ‘get’ around the brush or roller making them completely useless. You would have to throw them away because at that point you wouldn’t even be able to clean them. The best practice for latex paints is just to clean the brush or roller at the end of the day. It is possible to store catalyzed epoxy if it is sealed and left in an area that is less than 40 °F or 5 °C; it will not harden, but must be brought back to room temperature before using it again.

Synthetic vs. Natural

Do I have your attention? Good because this will help you save your brushes from disasters. Natural bristled brushes should only be used in oil or epoxy based paints. If you try and use them with latex based paints, the natural bristles will absorb the water. This will make the brush’s bristles swell and become useless as it will not hold the shape of a proper brush anymore. On the other hand, synthetic brushes can be used for latex or oil paints. They can either be cleaned with water or with mineral spirits. One thing that will destroy a synthetic brush is leaving it standing up on their bristles. It will cause the tips of the bristles to curl, which will ruin the brush and render it useless.

Orange Peel Effect on Smooth Walls

Smooth walls can often suffer from the orange peel effect. This is caused by too many coats of paint on a wall. When this happens and the wall is patched and sanded smooth, the smooth part is very visible when looking at the wall. You will have to make the surface of the patch look like there was no patch there. This means adding a little texture to the wall where the patch is. This can be done by either dabbing your almost dry brush over the surface, or rolling over it a few times with an almost dry roller. This will give the effect of having a little stipple on that part of the wall. Sometimes, depending on the severity of the orange peel, you might have to do it again and again.

As sustainable lifestyle trends continue to gain predominance, home improvement projects are no exclusion from the movement. While we all know that paint is a great way to update and personalize your dwelling, it is also a great opportunity to begin a holistic approach to improving the air quality in your home.

One acronym that should perk up your ears when discussing air quality is “VOC,” which stands for volatile organic compound. Simply put, VOCs are present in vapors that develop as the paint is drying. Most latex paints are lower in VOCs, but some are specially-formulated, like Sherwin-Williams GreenSure designated products. These products are low in VOCs; provide exceptional durability and stain resistance; and many are low-odor too.

“Taking steps to improve indoor air quality can be as simple as using a zero-VOC product like Harmony Interior Latex,” said Steve Revnew, director of product development for Sherwin-Williams. “This paint is low in odor and offers great coverage. Using less paint and painting less frequently are also important when you’re thinking ‘green’.”

Quality can’t be overlooked when using low-VOC paint products. Duration Home Interior Latex is a low-VOC offering that provides outstanding durability and wash-ability, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, baths, hallways and children’s rooms.

Paints that are low in VOCs aren’t just meant to freshen up the indoors – such paints are also available in exterior coatings, such as Resilience Premium Exterior Latex. As an added bonus, there’s no need to worry about rain in the forecast with this product, which allows freshly painted surfaces to develop resistance to moisture in about two hours.

Remember that choosing a sustainable paint means more than just what is on the inside of the can. Sherwin-Williams offers several of its products in containers made up of 100 percent post-consumer recycled material. Additionally, the specialty paint retailer is investing in operational efficiencies, waste reduction and natural resource conservation at its facilities throughout the world.

For help with improving the air quality in your home during the painting process, or any other painting questions that you may have, call an expert at Five Star Painting 1-888-5STAR99. For more information, visit Sherwin-Williams or your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint store.

Sherwin-Williams is one of the main products Five Star Painting uses. They provide us with great quality and service. Jackie Jordan, Director of Color Marketing for Sherwin-Williams, has  accommodated Five Star with impressive material regarding a few colormix collections that will bring your home to life.

As consumers continue to navigate today’s uncertain times, they are finding comfort in the memories and traditions that provide them with a sense of solid ground. Color plays a key role in triggering that nostalgia, and for that reason, the Sherwin-Williams color forecast for 2010 takes its cue from hues of the past to paint the way to the future.

Reflecting the rediscovery of the sights, sounds, smells ― and colors ― of the past, the 24 shades selected by Sherwin-Williams color experts for colormix 2010 are grouped into four collections: Rooted, Treasured, Simplified and Refreshed.

Rooted

The journey of color rediscovery begins by drawing inspiration from the world’s oldest, most enduring civilizations, including the rich, dynamic colors of aboriginal, African and Native American cultures.

As today’s economy continues to shift the consumer’s sense of stability and control, we see more and more people turning to reliable and trusted elements of life, such as family and close circles of friends. The Rooted collection represents this trend, with colors that stem from tribal influences and evoke feelings of comfort, strength and security.

Infused with inspiration from cultural artifacts such as animal print fabrics and wooden musical instruments, the Rooted palette mixes the natural with the bold and vibrant. Colors that are brought to life are the neutral tones that include the earthy colors such as, Nomadic Desert (SW 6107) , Rockwood Amber (SW 2817), Foothills (SW 7514), as well as the saturated tones of spicy Red Tomato (SW 6607) and deep-blue Oceanside (SW 6496). The palette is rounded out with Darkroom (SW 7083), a blackened purple reflecting the mystery and mystique of the cultures at the heart of this collection.

Treasured

Beyond reconnecting to their roots, today’s financial strains are leading consumers to rediscover the treasures of yesteryear.

By making more resourceful use of what they already have, many are uncovering a rich collection of historical items to surround themselves with as they update their spaces. In that rediscovery, they are often surprised and energized to find a beautiful palette of colors inspired by their heirlooms.

The time-tested shades of the Treasured collection evoke the warm, comforting memories of times past. Many of the colors are muted shades of brighter tones. Caribbean Coral (SW 2854), for example, is a softer, retro alternative to the vibrant hue that maintains its popularity in design. Interactive Cream (SW 6113) provides a neutral without too much flash, and yellowed Sequin (SW 6394) adds a serene glow to the mix.

The darker side of this palette begins with Smoky Blue (SW 7604), layered with shades of gray and indigo that mirror the deep stories of our past. Sturdy Brown (SW 6097) brings in the beauty of old, handmade artisan crafts, and the faded verdigris of Gallery Green (SW 0015) adds a touch of antiquity with its emerald tone.

Simplified

This collection stays true to its name with colors that, when combined, create a sophisticated style that embodies a “less is the new more” spirit.

The colors in this collection appear simple on the surface, but are complex when given a closer look. The palette reflects the current trend to pare down the extravagancies in our lives, but the hues still allow for intricate and elegant designs.

Translucency connects the colors in this collection, providing versatility to any space with shades that change and shift in the light. Paired with transparent fabrics and finishes, clarity, subtlety and serenity are apparent in every hue.

The Simplified collection offers a palette for a discerning eye with just a small dash of color. The neutral tones of Whitetail (SW 7103), Butter Up (SW 6681) and Moderate White (SW 6140) make up the foundation, and gray also plays an important role, with the mid-tone Magnetic Gray (SW 7058) and darker Serious Gray (SW 6256). The muted lilac shade of Enigma (SW 6018) offers an intriguing accent well-suited for this sophisticated palette.

Refreshed

The Refreshed collection features vibrant and forward colors to evoke a sense of optimism for the future.

The exuberant shades of Refreshed enliven the spirit and turn the focus to more carefree days. While not as saturated as some accent colors of collections past, these hues still reflect the optimism that can always be found within us, even as we navigate challenging times.

Fresh florals, sunny days and tropical blooms are the inspiration behind this collection. Get lost in the botanical garden of Sapphire (SW 6963) and Verve Violet (SW 6979), and indulge in the sunshine of Fun Yellow (SW 6908). Pickle (SW 6725), along with the grapefruit and tangerine tones of Animated Coral (SW 6878) and Summer Day (SW 6662), also add fun flavor to this palette.

Together, the vivid hues of the Refreshed collection create a lively, harmonious palette to offset the darker realities of today’s uncertain times. What’s more, when added individually to another collection, these colors can offer a bright reminder of better days to come.