Harris Paints gives you the ‘A to Zee’ of finding the right colours for Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, it is a fact that almost every Guyanese household will be thinking about repainting; or, in some cases, new homeowners would be painting their dream homes for the first time.
However, choosing the right colour blends can be a tedious and exhausting task, hence Guyana Times reached out to the professionals at Harris Paints to provide the right tips to enhance both the interior and exterior – and also the environment – of our homes. After all, the holiday season is all about spreading joy and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for our loved ones and guests.

Whatever you’re looking to do: refresh your living room, transform your kitchen, or add a festive touch to your front door, Harris Paints has you covered from A to Zee.
Moreover, Nigel Dodson, Retail Service Manager at Harris Paints, is very elated to share his expertise on selecting the ideal shades for the holiday season. He explained that, with a wide range of decorative primers, texture finishes, and coating products, Harris Paints offers lots of options to make every home merry and bright.

“Well, first, we have to look at your surface, and what surface you’re applying the texture on”, he disclosed.
This, he explained, is an important consideration, as different surfaces usually require different preparation and application techniques. Whether it’s a wall, ceiling, or any other surface, understanding its composition and condition is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. Depending on the condition, a homeowner may need to use a primer or a specific type of textured paint to ensure a smooth and professional finish.
Emphasizing the importance of proper surface preparation to achieving long-lasting and beautiful results, Dodson has offered the following tips:
“Look at the surface. If it has mildew on it, then you need to clean the surface and ensure that you put on the right kind of um, primal, to avoid that mildew coming back to the surface. So, for that, we have super grip and superblock, that we use after cleaning the surface…We apply that on before we apply the paint,” Dodson added.

By starting with a thorough evaluation of the surface, the expert has explained, any painting project must begin on the right foot.
When it comes to choosing the right colour of paint for the space, there are also several factors to consider.
The colour scheme is one factor, since the colours chosen can greatly impact the overall mood and ambience of a room. It is essential for a person to select colours that resonate with their personal preferences and create a space to add to their comfort. Also, the use of the room is another factor to consider. Different rooms serve different purposes, and the right paint colour can enhance the functionality and atmosphere of a room.
“Let’s say a calming and soothing colour might be ideal for a bedroom, while a vibrant and energizing one may very well work in a home office or creative space,” he explained.
Dodson explained that lighting is another crucial consideration. “Natural and artificial lighting can significantly affect how the colours appear in a room,” he said. “It’s important to test paint samples under different lighting conditions to ensure that the chosen colour looks as desired throughout the day.”

Personal preferences also play a significant role in selecting the right colour of paint. Everyone has unique tastes and aesthetics, and it’s essential to choose colours that align with their personal style and preferences. Homes should reflect the owner’s personality, and make them feel at ease, he offered.
Noteworthy, however, colours can be changed based on seasons, and people’s preferences can vary, depending on their moods or age. Thus it is advisable to avoid recommending specific colours, and instead encourage customers to trust their own instincts.
“You are the one living in your home, so you know best what colours will make you feel happy and comfortable,” Dodson explained.
Trade Representative Carl Ageday related, “Especially in kitchen areas – where, you know, things might spill, fall or splash – I would tend to say use colours that won’t, as I said earlier, hold that, that dirt; you know… You might be frying your plantains, and then you touch the wall, you look back at your fingerprint on the wall. So, take those things into consideration.
“And finally, um, I always keep an extra gallon around, in case I need it; or buy a four- or three-gallon, because you never know, uh, life happens,” Ageday explained.
One must keep in mind that using eco-friendly and non-toxic paints for home improvement during the holiday season has numerous benefits. It is a healthier option for the family, since those paints do not contain harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs); which can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.
It has been explained that Harris Paints are made from natural materials, and do not release toxic fumes into the air during and after application. This is especially important during the holiday season, when houses are being cleaned and dust and other harmful residues are in the air.
“Well, for areas where children (gather) a lot, you might want to use a darker colour, so even if something goes on the wall, you could easily take it off. And the thing about Harris Paints is you can apply your detergent on any painted surface without affecting the paint,” Ageday underlined. It comes back to having that one-gallon around, just in case you want to do a little touch-up.
The experts have advised it is important to note two things: non-toxic paints are a better choice for homes with children or pets, as they are much safer if accidentally ingested or touched. And Harris Paints’ products do not flake or peel.
Meanwhile, with respect to popular colours, it again comes down to personal preferences and the room’s function. Generally, neutral and earthy tones like beige, grey, and taupe are popular choices, as they create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere.
Lighter shades of blue and green are also excellent options for bedrooms and bathrooms; they give out a vibe of relaxation and peace.
Brighter and bolder colours, such as red and yellow, can add a vibrant and energetic feel to living spaces and kitchens, promoting creativity and socialization.
Ultimately, it’s all about selecting a colour that reflects your style and enhances your home’s overall aesthetic.
Harris Paints has been in that industry for in excess of 50 years, but has been opening and providing services to Guyanese for over 30 years. The quality of paint that you’ll get from any of its brands can ‘stand up’ in this climate, both externally and internally.
And since we are all excited about the Christmas season, Harris Paints is one of the places to check out. There’s always something going on at any of the Harris locations to ensure consumers save.
For this Christmas season, customers can get $2,000 off every gallon of satin, flat and gloss enamel paints. There is also a 40 per cent discount on its Excel brand, and 50 per cent off on its wood care products.
Harris Paints is located at Third Avenue in Diamond, EBD; Regent and Albert Streets in Georgetown, and at Water Street in Georgetown.