Painting Confidential

ROLLING PAINT IS LIKE ICING A CAKE. At Color Baggage we obsess about wall color for a reason. A cake wouldn't be a pretty cake without pretty frosting. Pant color is the pretty frosting on your cake. WE EAT WITH OUR EYES FIRST. Rolling paint on a wall quickly spreads color evenly across a massive surface, saving time and ensuring a smooth application. The thickness of the roller nap affects how much paint it can hold and how it applies to different surfaces: The material of a roller impacts how smooth the final coat looks.  Thickness: Think of paint roller covers as sponges. The finer the sponge, the less water it holds, while a thicker one has more. The denser the sponge, the more paint it will hold, filling in the pockets while rolling over surfaces. We recommend using a woven microfiber with a 1/4" nap for smooth or lightly textured surfaces. Opt for a higher nap thickness for rougher textures. 1/4" Naps: Ideal for for a smooth application, ensuring even spreadability and drying.3/8" Naps: It holds more paint and is suitable for filling in gaps on lightly textured surfaces.1/2" Naps: Works well on rougher textured surfaces, providing ample paint coverage. Materials: Think of roller nap material as a makeup sponge. The smoother the sponge, the softer the blend, the more polished the final look. These are the two we recommend: Woven: Microfiber / Mohair Delivers an exceptionally smooth finish with no lint residue.Knit: Polyester / LambswoolLeaves a textured stipple for a different aesthetic. Any questions? Email us ~ frontdesk@colorbaggage.com  

Experience color differently— A paint experience that lets you see how colors truly live in your space. Colors that feel like true love, baggage and all. No paint store runs—just you and your space, ready for transformation. Delivered to your door. PAINT POPS: The perfect amount to test your colors. Skip Paint Store GuessworkSee how colors truly look in your space, not under harsh store lights. Find Your True ColorsDiscover shades that feel divinely like you. Colors in HarmonyEvery shade balances and belongs together. Trust Your InstinctsYour space knows which colors feel right. Create Your StoryTransform your space with colors that feel like true love. Mindful Color TestingLess waste, more certainty in your choices. Color With PurposeTransform your space while caring for our world. Step 1: Trust Our Colors Your body speaks fluent color—it can even hear color sing. Devine Color Harmony helps you take charge of your own color experience by painting your home with wall colors that create a sense of light, shadow, true love, baggage, and all. Beautifully crafted like you, their reflection, depth, and character are unmatchable. Step 2: Build Your Color Harmony   Click here and view up to 8 colors together at the bottom of the page, trying different combinations until you find the ones that take your breath away. Don't shy away from colors that scare you—they might surprise you in exciting ways! Play until you discover your perfect palette—the 8 (the number of infinity) colors that feel like true love. Not "like," not "love," but *true love*—perfectly personal, emotionally satisfying, and beautifully harmonious. These are the colors you'll bring home to meet the rest of your color baggage.   Step 3: Test Your Harmony A Little Goes A Long Way Each CB Paint Pop comes in our signature Seashell-Matte™ finish and covers approximately 1.5-2 SQFT. There’s plenty for you to test swatches across multiple spaces, allowing you to see how each color feels in different lights and environments. Cleanse your brush thoroughly after applying each color to keep every shade pure and true. Separation Will Occur Our Devine ColorwrightT™ Paint Formulas are rich, thick, and alive with possibility. Like mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup, natural separation will occur as water rises to the top. This is a sign of their richness and quality. To blend them back into harmony, hold the paint pop between two fingers, gently stroke it from end to end, flipping it over as you go. This mindful process ensures every shade is ready to transform your space.  Test Color With A White Border Our colors are more than just paint—they are complex formulations designed to connect with your home, your story, and your baggage. They are multifaceted and social by nature, engaging with light and creating chemistry with every surface they touch. To truly embody your color experience, frame each swatch with a white border. This allows the color’s full complexity to shine through without interference from surrounding shades or the one you’re painting over. There’s enough paint left over to test the rest of the colors on the wall. When you’re done painting, seal the paint pop bag with tape or rinse it clean. Let it dry completely before recycling—because thoughtful choices extend beyond color. Embody Your Color Experience With Color Baggage, you’re not just testing paint—you’re creating harmony that feels divinely like you. Mindfully crafted colors delivered with care mean you’ll never need to drive to a paint store again. Step 4: Take Charge Of Your Color Experience Measure the height and width wall by wall, then multiply to get the square footage, subtracting windows and doors. If math isn't your thing, use an online paint calculator to make it easy!   Choose paint reflection based on function:   Devine Powder Seashell Matte: For Chill Main Spaces Devine Luscious Silk Worm Satin: For Water Active Spaces One gallon of paint typically covers about 350-400 square feet for one coat, but plan for two coats for a flawless finish. Step 5: Hire a painter that trusts your color choices Once you have finalized Devine Color Harmony, paint finishes, the amount of paint you need per room, and your shipping dates, choose a painter who values your color choices as much as you do. If they suggest matching the colors in another brand "to save money," ask them these simple questions: "Will you guarantee a perfect match after the paint dries and cures for three weeks or repaint for free if it's off? " They won't, and here's why: Painters don't make or match paint. They apply it. Paint company matches allow for a 10% variance due to differences in pigment formulas, quality levels, sheens, surface textures, lighting conditions, and surrounding colors. Hire someone who respects your vision and understands that quality paints deliver better long-term results. If you are doing it yourself, make sure you have all the tools you need. About Shipping: At Color Baggage, we've reimagined the paint-buying experience to make it seamless, inspiring, and ideally suited for modern living. Here's why buying paint online with us is smarter, easier, and better than heading to a store.

In-Store Paint Shopping Experience Environment Overwhelming number of options Artificial lighting distorts colors Noisy, busy atmosphere Long wait times for service Multiple trips Bulky sample quarts Paint waste from your garage to our dumps Service Busy salespeople Rushed decisions Limited color expertise Unreliable color matching Online Devine Shipping Experience Environment Shop from home comfort View colors in your space Take time to decide Predestined color paint harmony Eco-friendly sampling Doorstep delivery Service Thoughtful decision-making Color harmony expertise No color matching is needed Real-time order tracking Satisfaction guaranteed Expert color support A No Substitution Policy Each Devine color is unique to our formulation and can't be duplicated. We don't color match other brands due to formulations When side-by-side, on a wall, exposed to lighting, Devine Colors will reflect differently than match. Read About Color Matching Big Emotional Pay Offs Your body speaks fluent color. It instinctively recognizes when a color feels off because color has the power to transform how you feel in a space. Gretchen Schauffler understands the role of color density, reflection, and harmony in creating somatic atmospheres that feel better even than they look. Her color harmonies and Colorwright paint formulas are always on pitch, never off-key. 

Color Matching: Why True Love Can't Be Copied At Color Baggage, we believe your color attractions are deeply personal—they’re part of your story, your baggage, and your life. These aren’t fleeting trends; they’re enduring relationships that feel like true love. What People Think: "Color matching saves money and looks the same." The Reality: Paint color is like fabric—you can copy the color, but you can’t replicate the weave, shine, or reflection because the fabric and color are one. Similarly, Gretchen Schauffler’s COLORWRIGHT™ formulations are mindfully crafted in the lab and harmonized in her studio before they reach your walls. Each shade has unmatchable depth and character, like the difference between real leather and imitation pleather. Devine paint colors feel divinely like you—where every shade balances, reflects, and belongs together, creating a space that inspires beauty and belonging every day. Why Choose Devine Color? Mindfully Crafted Formulations: Every shade is designed to create harmony that feels like true love.Supreme Quality: Fewer coats mean less labor, saving you time and effort.Rich Coat Application: Thick, high-quality formulas provide superior coverage in fewer layers.Longer Lifespan: Durable finishes stay vibrant for years to come.Fewer Repaints: Avoid costly touch-ups with colors that last. Why Color Matching Falls Short Up to 10% Variance: Small differences in tone become glaringly obvious on large walls.Inconsistent Appearance: Light, sheen, and texture reveal mismatched colors over time.Long-Term Dissatisfaction: Matched colors often lack the depth, character, and feel of originals. A Note About Painters Painters are skilled at application—not color creation. Ask them this simple question:"Will you guarantee a free repaint if the match is off after three weeks?" They won’t—because our colors, true love, can’t be copied or faked. Instead, trust Devine Color to deliver shades that are uniquely yours. We have compiled several articles below to help you become a paint expert and confidently explain to your contractor or painter why you want your paint experience to be Devine vs. Decor!  “Why Is It So Difficult to Color Match Paint?” Matching paint isn’t just about technology—it’s about chemistry, lighting, and even human perception. This Reddit thread breaks down why colors look different under various light sources (a phenomenon called metamerism) and how even small errors in mixing can lead to big differences on your walls. Read More  “Why Doesn't My Touch-Up Paint Match?” Touch-ups are tricky! This article explains why even paint from the same brand and code can look different when applied to existing walls. Learn why factors like aging paint, sheen differences, and mixing errors make perfect matches nearly impossible—and how to work around them. Read More “Help! My Paint Colour Match Is Wrong” Maria Killam shares her expertise on why paint matches often fail, even within the same brand. From batch variations to aging paint on walls, this article highlights the complexities of maintaining color integrity over time and provides tips for navigating these challenges. Read More “Why Paint Color Matching Doesn't Work” Not all whites are created equal, and some proprietary colors simply can’t be recreated. This article explains why even the best efforts at color matching often result in subtle but noticeable differences, especially when working with unique pigments or finishes. Read More Articles explaining how spectrophotometers work often present them as a solution to color matching, boasting 90% accuracy. While this sounds impressive, what they don’t tell you is that spectrophotometers can’t account for why Devine Color is different. Gretchen Schauffler's Colorwright process produces unmatchable color harmonies that enhance your home and happiness. Read Here

Quality: More Than Just a Price Tag At Color Baggage, we empower you to take control of your color experience. It starts with recognizing that you have "color baggage"—those powerful color attractions you've loved since you first saw them and continue to feel throughout your life. No matter the fleeting trends, these color relationships resonate like true love. They connect you to a sense of belonging, beauty, and a feeling that's as good as it looks because when it comes to creating harmony, we believe in starting from within you. Our Devine Color's quality, value, and emotional resonance come from our unique color harmony, which is unmatchable in every way. Paint brands are like cars. While all follow the same regulations and use similar parts, they perform differently depending on cost and craftsmanship. When it comes to professional paint jobs, the real story lies beneath the surface of the color you choose. Paint material costs, quality, and color formulations are unique to each paint company. Premium paint is premium because of higher quality materials. Period. There is absolutely no reason a painter should assume you are not worthy of premium paint unless there are hidden costs in his bid that have to do with paint. Take charge of your color experience by knowing what you are buying. Good Enough vs. What You Want Paint accounts for only 15-20% of your total cost Labor makes up 75-85% of the investment Using premium paints adds cost but delivers maximum value Discuss premium quality with your paint company, not your painter. Color Matching Statistically speaking, a 10% color variance rate difference (industry standard) becomes exponentially significant when applied to large wall surfaces impacted by: Sheen variations Surface texture Ambient lighting Surrounding colors These factors make it nearly impossible to achieve a perfect match, even with advanced technology. WARNING:  When a painter tells you a paint color match will be close enough take charge of your own color experience, and ask them this: "Will you guarantee your work and repaint after the paint dries and cures for three weeks for free if your color match is  off?" They won't, and neither will any paint company you call.  THINK FABRIC! Paint color quality, reflection, depth, and character are a lot like fabric.  Think brown leather versus a "pleather" synthetic fabric. A small swatch will look comparable, but a whole sofa won't. The depth, reflection, and character of the color depend on its "material," which keeps color quality and longevity steady, stable, and true. Imagine your paint job is like getting a custom-made sofa, and you have two fabric options:  The "Luxury Fabric" ($95/yard): Superior Quality: It's made from high-quality materials like silk, wool, or linen—soft, durable, and with a beautiful texture and drape. Perfect Color: The color is rich, vibrant, and exactly what you envisioned. Longevity: This fabric will withstand wear and tear, resist fading, and maintain its beauty for years. Value: There is always a volume discount from the manufacturer. The "Budget Fabric" ($60/yard):  Lower Quality: It's likely made from synthetic materials like polyester or a cotton blend—rougher, less durable, and with a less luxurious look. "Close Enough" Color: The color is a "match" but might not be an exact replica—slightly off in tone or saturation. Shorter Lifespan: This fabric might show wear and tear more quickly, fade over time, and need replacing sooner. Upfront Cost: You save money upfront with the "budget fabric.  The Risk: The "budget fabric" won't look or feel as good. It might not wear well, requiring you to reupholster sooner. The color won't be exactly what you wanted, leading to long-term dissatisfaction. The Bottom Line: The "luxury fabric" might cost more initially but provides superior comfort, beauty, and durability, making it a better value in the long run. Be shaken and stirred With Color Harmony! Discover how Gretchen Schauffler's Colorwright process produces unmatchable color harmonies that enhance your home and happiness (here).

Gretchen's ultra luscious Silkworm Satin for walls and trim embodies the miracle of silk, representing human history and tradition through beauty and luxury. Silkworms symbolize alchemy and transformation, echoing the reflective, energetic side of color. This finish fosters a harmonious and transformative environment that speaks to your subconscious. It is the perfect muse to echo the reflective, energetic side of color. Curing Time for Satin Wall Finishes Water-based/latex satin paint: 14-30 days Satin Wall Finish Considerations Dry vs. Cure: Water-based satin: Touch dry in 2+ hours, recoat in 6+ hours Factors Affecting Curing: Temperature: Optimal range is 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 26°C) Humidity: Best between 50-70% relative humidity Ventilation: Good airflow is essential for proper curing Surface type: Porous surfaces dry faster than non-porous ones Full Hardness: Wait 5-10 days before putting objects against walls or hanging items Advantages of Satin Wall Finishes More durable than matte finishes Easier to clean than flat/matte paint Moderate light reflection Good for high-traffic areas Better moisture resistance than matte Disadvantages of Satin Wall Finishes It shows surface imperfections more than matte Touch-ups may be more visible The higher sheen level can highlight wall irregularities Requires careful application to avoid lap marks More expensive than flat/matte finishes When choosing a satin finish, consider the room's purpose, lighting conditions, and wall surface quality to determine if it's the appropriate choice for your needs. Our Color Promise Gretchen Schauffler understands the role of color density, reflection, and harmony in creating somatic atmospheres that feel better even than they look. Her color harmonies and Colorwright paint formulas are always on pitch, never off-key. By personally creating, shaking, and testing the reflection, illumination, and density of each color on walls before they go on yours, she delivers colorful environments that feel greater than the sum of its parts, created through personal design choices that are emotionally, financially, and physically sustainable over the years. Discover how Gretchen Schauffler's Colorwright process produces unmatchable color harmonies that enhance your home and happiness (here).

Gretchen's Seashell Matte Finish is her magnum opus, inspired by the look and feel of Bainbridge clams, ancient Caribbean forts, and shallow ocean beds. This gives her masterful color harmonies a visual and visceral energy that resonates deep in our bones. It offers a flawless, beautiful look and feel of limestone in an exclusive acrylic-latex formula that is livable and seamless touch-up ability.  Here is the scoop on all matte-finishes! Curing Time for Matte Wall Finishes Water-based/latex matte paint: 14 to 30 days Factors: Temperature, humidity, and air circulation can impact curing time. Paint Application: Thicker coats of paint will take longer to cure than thinner coats. Matte Wall Finish Considerations Dry vs. Cure: Paint may feel dry to the touch within hours, but this doesn't mean it's fully cured. Usability: While the paint may be dry enough for light use after 24 hours, it's best to avoid placing objects directly against the wall or hanging heavy items for at least 5-10 days. Full Hardness: The paint reaches its maximum hardness and durability only after the full curing period. Remember that while the paint may feel dry within hours, it's crucial to allow the full curing time for optimal durability and performance of your matte wall paint. Advantages of Matte Finishes Conceals Imperfections: Matte finishes are excellent at hiding surface flaws like bumps, cracks, and uneven textures due to their non-reflective nature. This makes them ideal for older homes or walls with minor imperfections. Elegant Appearance: Matte finishes provide a sophisticated, understated elegance that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. They offer a clean, modern look that works well in various design styles. Rich Color Depth: Matte paints tend to showcase colors with exceptional depth and richness, as they absorb light rather than reflecting it. This allows the true color to shine through without interference from glare or shine. Easy Touch-Ups: Matte finishes are forgiving when it comes to touch-ups, as they blend well with existing paint without leaving noticeable marks or streaks. Reduced Glare: The low-sheen nature of matte finishes helps minimize glare and create a more comfortable visual experience, especially in brightly lit environments. Cleaning: This type of finish is difficult to clean, which is one reason it requires frequent touching up. The good news is that flat paint is easy to touch up. Dilute white vinegar as mentioned earlier and apply to the affected area. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub with a microfibre cloth and rinse with warm water. Dry thoroughly. Disadvantages of Matte Finishes Less Durable: Matte finishes are more susceptible to damage and wear compared to glossier options. They are prone to scuffing, staining, and marks from cleaning, making them less suitable for high-traffic areas. Difficult to Clean: Cleaning matte surfaces can be challenging, as they tend to absorb stains and marks. Aggressive cleaning methods may cause the finish to fade or become damaged. Limited Moisture Resistance: Matte finishes are not as moisture-resistant as glossier alternatives, making them unsuitable for areas prone to humidity or moisture exposure, such as bathrooms and kitchen. Potential for Etching: Matte surfaces, especially on countertops, can be prone to etching over time with spills and cleaning. Requires Special Care: Matte finishes often need specialized cleaning products and gentle maintenance to preserve their appearance and prevent damage. When choosing any MATTE FINISH FOR WALLS, it's essential to consider the specific application, location, and maintenance requirements to determine if it's the best option for your needs. Our Color Promise Gretchen Schauffler understands the role of color density, reflection, and harmony in creating somatic atmospheres that feel better even than they look. Her color harmonies and Colorwright paint formulas are always on pitch, never off-key. By personally creating, shaking, and testing the reflection, illumination, and density of each color on walls before they go on yours, she delivers colorful environments that feel greater than the sum of its parts, created through personal design choices that are emotionally, financially, and physically sustainable over the years. Discover how Gretchen Schauffler's Colorwright process produces unmatchable color harmonies that enhance your home and happiness (here).

Your color baggage is a source of attraction, which is a source of chemistry. I make harmonies with your chemistry. For those seeking to transform their spaces with color that truly sings, Color Baggage is the perfect choice. By embracing your unique color baggage and surrendering to your color attractions, you can live in your limelight every day, surrounded by spaces that feel like true love, baggage, and all.