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Interior House Paints Buying Guide

You're feeling bold and up for a challenge!  Are you ready to tackle a home project and give that old room a fresh new coat of paint?  Giving a room a new hue not only enhances its appearance but amazingly changes the entire feeling inside.  You might want bright white  walls but your spouse may be more of a tomato red  kind of person, and though we can't help settle that conflict, we can help you narrow down what type of interior paints  will work best on your living space.

Preparing the Room

There are a few vital steps that you will want to be sure to take before placing that roller  onto the wall.  

  • Move the furniture.   If you have the space, it is ideal to take the furniture  out of the room altogether so that you won't have any bulky objects in your way of painting.  If space is limited, moving the furniture to the centre of the room, away from the walls, is also a feasible option. 
  • Cover the floor.  Place a drop cloth  on the floor to prevent any mishaps on your carpeting  or hardwood floors.   Laying down old towels  or bed sheets  will also do the trick.
  • Get out the tape.  Use masking tape  to cover up electrical outlets  along with any trim that you will be painting an accent colour.  Using this tape now will make your job a lot easier later.
  • Patch up spots.  Using a putty knife,  place a small amount of wall putty  on any holes or cracks on the wall.  You can simply place the Spackle on the wall and use the knife to push it into the blemish on the surface.  After the compound dries, you may want to sand  the area down until it is smooth and even.   
  • Wash the walls.  To clean up the mess made from sanding or just to tackle any old dust, use a solution of water and tri-sodium phosphate  (TSP).  Wipe down the walls with this solution and a rag, and then give them a quick rinse with water only.  Once this dries, you are just about ready to paint.   

The Ceiling

After you are all set up, you are ready to get out your brushes  and longer hand rollers  and start some painting.  It is easiest to take on the ceiling first. 

Type of paint: 

  • Flat or matte paint  is most commonly used to paint the ceiling.  However, people who live in areas with high humidity will want to choose a ceiling paint with a little bit of a sheen to it.  Semi-gloss  can be used if water resistance is needed. 

Tips about colours:

  • Most ceilings are painted white  or a shade of it.  There are warmer whites and whites that seem to hold a tint of blue to them.  Choose one that will complement the colour that you have chosen for your walls.
  • If your ceilings are low, paint them a shade or two lighter than your walls to add height, and a shade or two darker for higher ceilings.    
  • There are special paints to look for that will roll on in purple or a darker colour, yet will dry white.  This helps you see what spots you might have missed along the way!

The Undercoat 

Before painting the walls a new colour, you will want to prime the walls with an undercoat  of acrylic  or oil-based primer  first.  This paint is usually white and fast-drying; it provides excellent coverage on the walls and prepares a clean surface for them to hold a new coat of paint.  You may also want to look for a low odour primer  if you have a bit of a sensitive nose.     

The Walls

There are a few different finishes to consider when painting your walls.  (Think about what this might look like when you are selecting your colour.)

Flat 

A flat or matte finish  does not reflect light and therefore is very forgiving, as it works well to camouflage imperfections on the wall.  

Eggshell 

If you can picture the level of sheen on an egg held up to the light, this is the level of reflection in this type of wall paint, making it clean looking and durable on many walls.  

Satin 

This finish has a smooth look with a bit more gloss, often used on windows, doors, and trim.  It also holds up well with little cleaning and makes it a great choice in rooms with higher traffic. 

Semi-Gloss 

Its higher yet subtle level of shine makes it much more water resistant and great in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas of high humidity.  Be sure to do the proper prep work here -- flaws are much more obvious.   

High Gloss 

With the greatest reflective quality, these paints resemble a plastic or enamel finish.  Though not very popular in the home, this finish will leave a dramatic accent on cabinets, furniture, or in rooms with very modern décor.  

Be sure to use a brush  on the area where the tape  was placed.  Touching up the tops of the walls where they meet the ceiling is a tricky job, and not very easy to do with a roller.  

Keep in mind that you don't have to do a paint job all in one day, or even in two.  It's okay to let the ceiling dry for awhile and then go back to the walls.  Do it on your own time and try not to stress.  Rushing the job will only leave behind a sloppy looking room.  

Related Guides

External Links

  • About.com: Tips on interior painting for the home.  
  • CBSNews.com: A video on how to add texture to your walls with paint. 
  • CostHelper.com: Find out how much painting a room of your home should cost.
  • DoItYourself.com: More ideas for decorating and painting your living space. 
  • PaintSplashes.com: Interior painting ideas and faux painting tips.