My favorite part of any painting project is choosing the color. While I admit that the millions of color choices available can be overwhelming, it's always fun to check out the names of the paint colors. paint-cans

There are names based on foods: Mandarin, Navel (like the orange), Mesclun Green, Pickle--and that can be a bad thing. I'll reject a paint color simply because it's named after a food I don't like. It could be a gorgeous color, but I'd never pick a paint color named Caviar, Pungent Saffron, Peas and Cream or Soy. On the other hand, Mocha, Apricot, Malted Chocolate and Watermelon would tempt me!

There are names based on movie characters. These paints are usually marketed to children. I doubt that most adults would admit to painting rooms not designed for children in colors like Prince Charming, Sorcerer's Hat, Mickey's Pants, Tigger's Tummy or Tiara Pink.

There are names based on nature. Sea Glass Green, Deep Forest Pine, Marigold Petals, Morning Heather and Dolphin Gray are easy to identify. Then again, you've got Ice Storm, Stormy Night, Coastal Plain and Tradewind. It amazes me that weather conditions and geographical features would lend themselves to color names!

And then there are the completely random names--names that might not seem to match with the paint color at all. What color is Canyon Echo or Moroccan Velvet? Who chooses what color Salute is? At least Stop was, appropriately, stop-sign red. Cheery is a strawberry pink--but I'd probably choose that name for a bright shade of yellow. And just what makes it Obstinate Orange or Humorous Green, anyway?

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