BRUSHSTROKES & TIMBER
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    • Home
    • Service & Gallery
    • Design Options
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Prep for my Arrival
    • CONTACT SARAH
    • About Me
    • Reviews
BRUSHSTROKES & TIMBER
  • Home
  • Service & Gallery
  • Design Options
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Prep for my Arrival
  • CONTACT SARAH
  • About Me
  • Reviews

Tips & Tricks

 I’m excited to share some of the most popular paint colors my clients love, my favorite way to test paint in your home, and a few tips on how to get your space ready before I arrive for your project!


Why I Love Behr Ultra (from Home Depot)
Behr Ultra is my go-to paint because it offers excellent coverage, comes with a super convenient built-in pour spout, and delivers amazing quality at a lower price point than many competitors. It’s reliable, consistent, and makes every project smoother. 


Did You Know?
Home Depot can color-match paints from other brands! If you’ve fallen in love with a shade from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or any other line, just bring the brand and color name to Home Depot and they’ll mix it for you in Behr.


Exclusive Perk for My Clients & Followers
I’m thrilled to offer 20% off paint and primer (gallon size or larger) when you purchase through Home Depot. It’s a great way to save on your project while still getting top-quality paint. 

(Click HERE for step-by-step instructions to redeem your discount.)


Client Favorites
Here’s a roundup of the most-loved and most-requested paint colors from my customers — perfect inspiration if you’re choosing your next shade!


Paint Color Sample Pack

Gray: 

Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams

Downtown Gray by Behr

Greige by Behr

Crushed Ice by Behr

Gray Owl by Behr

Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams

Grey Mist by Behr

Light French Gray by Sherwin Williams

Imperial Gray by Behr

Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams

Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore

Chelsea Gray by Sherwin Williams

Peppery by Behr

Jogging Path by Sherwin Williams

Smokey Trout by Behr


Cream/Beige:

Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore

Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams

Moderate White by Sherwin Williams


White:

Pure White by Sherwin Williams

Alabaster by Sherwin Williams

Snowbound by Sherwin Williams

Oyster White by Sherwin Williams


Blue:

Naval by Sherwin Williams

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

Adirondack Blue by Behr


Black:

Nightfall by Benjamin Moore

Caviar by Sherwin Williams

Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams


Green:

Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams

Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams (blue/green)

Basil by Sherwin Williams

Rosemary by Sherwin Williams

Dried Thyme by Sherwin Williams


Pink:

Dressy Rose by Sherwin Williams


Paint Color Sample Pack

 

Choosing paint made simple
Picking out paint can feel overwhelming, right? That’s why I’ve put together a Paint Color Sample Pack, a carefully curated set of the most popular, tried-and-true colors, from a variety of different paint brands. Instead of sorting through dozens of nearly identical shades (50 greys, anyone?), you’ll have a simplified collection of colors that people actually love in their homes.


Buying your paint
I ask that you purchase the paint yourself so you get the exact color and sheen (shine level) you want. I just ask that you purchase Behr Ultra paint. And remember, Home Depot can color match from other brands, so if you’ve found a shade you adore elsewhere, they can recreate it for you in Behr Ultra paint.


Interior wall painting
For interior walls, I use Behr Ultra paint because of its excellent coverage and durability. I recommend Eggshell or Satin finishes since both are wipeable and hold up better than Flat or Matte. For bathrooms or other moisture-prone spaces, Satin works best. You can learn more about Behr Ultra paint on their website HERE.


Wooden accent walls
I also trust Behr Ultra paint for accent walls. The ideal sheen depends on your wall’s design and location, and I’ll help you choose what works best for your space.

Paint color sample pack
If you choose to borrow a Paint Sample Pack, it will includes large paint swatches (so much easier to visualize than tiny chips), painter’s tape for easy placement, and a Behr fan deck with their full color collection.


How to use them:

  1. Tape the large samples to your wall.
  2. Place them in different areas, near windows, trim, and doors, to see how the color works with your room features.
  3. Check them at different times of day and in different lighting for the truest feel of how the color will look in your home.


Here to help
Whether your project is big or small, I’m here to guide you through it. Have questions about paint colors, finishes, or prep work? Just ask! I’d love to help make your vision come to life.


Sampling Other Paint Colors

 I love using Pinterest as a tool for inspiration! If you’re curious about how a paint color looks in different lighting, I always recommend searching for that paint color on Pinterest to see it in other people’s homes.

For example, let’s say you’re interested in “Vine Leaf” by Behr. Just type “Vine Leaf Behr Paint” into Pinterest, and you’ll see real-life photos of that shade in a variety of spaces. It’s a great way to get a feel for the color before committing.


That said, nothing beats testing it in your own home. I always suggest picking up a small $6 sample container from Home Depot and trying it out in your actual space. Colors can look completely different depending on your trim, your lighting, and your décor.


Should you paint the sample directly onto your wall?
Yes, but only if you do it correctly! (See photo below.) I’ve had to sand down swatches where paint was applied without fanning out the edges, leaving a raised ridge that still showed after the final coat. To avoid this, make sure to feather or fan out the edges of your sample. Cover the area completely so none of the old wall color shows through, and apply enough paint for a true representation of the new shade.



Stain Color Sample Pack

 Just like my Paint Color Sample Pack, I now offer a Stain Color Sample Pack for clients!


With nine beautiful stain options (plus custom stain combos), choosing the perfect finish for your home has never been easier.


If you love the warmth of stained wood, I can incorporate it into your design, like a stunning accent wall with a stained divider (Board & Batten on the bottom, Chevron on top). 


Another client favorite is the Picture Ledge Shelf, a versatile piece that looks amazing over a bed, couch, or anywhere you want to showcase art, family photos, or decor. No need to hunt for the right size or color, I’ll create a custom shelf to fit your space and stain choice perfectly.



Brushstrokes & Timber Photography - Capturing Memories

Hey, I get it! I started out DIY'ing and I LOVE the satisfaction of doing my own projects as well. So that's why I created this little section of my website dedicated to YOU... the DIY'er. 

Here you'll find tips, tricks, and tools that I use when I'm out and about at my client's homes.   


Did you know I have a "Tips & How-Tos Segment" on my Instagram? There you will find videos of TONS of things I've learned along the way. I usually post 1-2 videos a week. Check out the captions for even more details! Just look for the GREEN or YELLOW captioned videos!!


How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the Perfect Miter Saw Cut

How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the Perfect Miter Saw Cut

How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the Perfect Miter Saw Cut

How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the Perfect Miter Saw Cut

How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the Perfect Miter Saw Cut

How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the Perfect Miter Saw Cut


How to use an angle finder

A digital angle finder is basically a fancy little gadget that measures angles with more accuracy than your eyeballs (and without the “hold it up and guess” method). Here’s how to use one step-by-step:

1. Turn it on and zero it out

  •  Close the tool so both rulers are perfectly lined up with each other. .
  • Press the “Zero” or “Calibrate” button so it reads 0.0°.
  • This ensures your measurements are relative to that surface.

2. Position it on your workpiece

  1.  Set one side of the angle finder against the surface and let the arm swing until it makes contact with the other side. 

3. Read the digital display

  •  The screen will show the exact angle (often to a tenth of a degree).
  • Some have a “Hold” button so you can twist to freeze the reading before moving it.

4. Use the Miter Saw Setting Chart

  • Your miter saw has measurements up to 45 degrees, so you'll need to convert your digital display setting to a new setting for your miter saw.
  • Find your measured angle in the left column.
  • Set your miter saw to the matching setting in the right column.

Don't have a digital angle finder and want one? I have THIS ONE.


Want a more budget friendly option?

THIS ONE has great reviews. 


Download PDF

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