I like to “act-as-if” I know what I’m doing in this furniture flipping business. The truth is, I’m learning new things on a daily basis… and I often screw-up. The good thing is; I learn more from my screw-ups than my successes. This gives me a lot to blog about and hopefully, just maybe, gives me an opportunity to help others avoid similar “mistakes”.
My “unprofessional” mishap.
Not long ago, I went to a clients home to pick-up 2 pieces of furniture for a custom paint job. I was under the impression she had made her colour choice. When I arrived at her home, she reconsidered and pulled a lovely bluish/green from a fabric… she has great taste! IF I had been armed with a Fan Deck, we could have matched the colour with a swatch and approved it right on the spot. Instead, I walked out of her home with NO confirmed paint colour, and truth be told… feeling a little unprofessional.
This is the last time I’d ever meet with a client without a Fan Deck!
The very next day I headed over to Sherwin Williams for some fan-decking-tastic shopping. When the SW Associate realized I painted furniture for a living, he gave me one… for FREE!
Along with Sherwin William’s quality paints, their customer service has been unmatched. They always make me feel like I’m a priority… Love You SW! Armed with my complimentary Fan Deck, I walked out of the paint store feeling my “professionalism” had been restored.
Now that I’ve owned this amazing colour tool for a few weeks (and have already used it for NUMEROUS projects), here’s why I think EVERYONE should have a Fan Deck!
What is a Fan Deck?
A Fan Deck is made up of easy-to-view colour strips showcasing different shades and intensities from various colour families. I’m discovering it’s a handy tool to help find complimentary and corresponding colours for painting furniture or for ANY home decor make-over.
What can I use a Fan Deck for?
A Fan Deck can be used to choose colours for walls, floors, carpet, furniture re-do’s, fabrics, cabinets, furnishings or absolutely ANY DIY paint project you can imagine! I’m loving it because it’s compact enough to carry in my handbag so I can bring it into stores when I’m searching for that perfectly matched “anything”!
Why buy a Fan Deck when I can get free paint samples from a store?
Owning a Fan Deck is a HUGE time saver! No running back and forth to the paint store picking up numerous samples… I always made at least 2-3 trips! Now I have everything organized in one place which is easily transported where ever I go. As an added bonus, it’s environmentally friendly. I don’t know about you, but I always feel guilty for throwing away all those unwanted paint samples I snag from the paint store.
Where can I buy one?
All paint stores sell Fan Decks and you don’t have to be a designer, furniture re-finisher or contractor to purchase one. Keep in mind they are usually NOT on display. Just ask a paint associate and they will be happy to help. If you want to shop from the comfort of your home, you can purchase Fan Decks online. The cost is usually between $14-$40.
Loving mine! <3
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Great post! Been reading a lot about choosing colors for my home. Thanks for the info here!
I have a color wheel and know all my complementary colors by heart but this looks like a better choice and great to have for all your decorating projects…thanks Denise!
My pleasure Judy! I’ve only owned it for a short period of time but you wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve used it already! ps – LOVE your site
Thanks Denise for your compliments on my site…I have learned so much on my own setting up a blog and it is both challenging and fun and I will continue to learn more with determination and a lot of patience! Thank you for your inspiration.