Interior Painting Basics

Interior painting basics are relatively simple for DIY people to break down and execute. Sprucing up your home or apartment with fresh paint goes a long way. Whether you are a new homeowner, or a longtime DIY person, painting your home’s interior is manageable for most people. Numerous tips will help ensure you end up with a beautiful paint job that pops. 

Keep reading for ideas on paint types and the best techniques. 

Formulate A Painting Game Plan

Are you planning on painting the entire interior of your home or just one room? You need to consider each room separately and determine the look you want to achieve. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling and decide if it needs freshening up as well. After you’ve settled on where you need fresh paint, you’ll need to determine the type of paint to use. Color and the traffic each room gets are factors you need to consider. 

Types Of Interior Paint

The best paint for ceilings is a matte, flat acrylic paint that won’t draw attention away from the room. You don’t have to repaint ceilings as often since one would hope and assume they get less traffic. Eggshell, flat, and satin work well for interior walls. Eggshell has a low-level sheen and is easier to wash, making it a popular choice for walls. Gloss and semi-gloss pair well for woodwork and trim. 

How To Choose Paint Colors

Choosing paint colors can be overwhelming. First, you’ll need to consider whether a cool or warm shade complements the room and furnishings. Accent walls are a great way to give a room some extra pop. Do you have a unique piece of artwork you’d like to highlight? Head to the paint store and get some samples so you can paint a swatch on the wall. That will give you a much better feel than a paint chip. 

Interior Painting Tools And Materials

Here’s a general guide for “must-haves” to paint your home. Besides the paint, you’ll need paint rollers, paint trays, an extension pole, or a ladder. Drop cloths are mandatory if you value your flooring and furnishings. Professionals highly recommend tape, and a putty knife, unless you’re highly experienced and have a steady hand for the trim. Cutting in makes for a clean job, and tape makes all the difference. Have some rags on hand as well.

How Much Paint Is Needed

You’ll need to apply two coats and possibly a third coat, depending on the color you're covering. Many paints come combined with a primer. A highly textured surface will require more paint than a smooth surface. Also, consider that wood trim with lots of grooves will take more time and material to paint. Generally, you’ll need one gallon of paint per 400 square feet.

Prep For Painting

Before you start to paint, some prep work is involved. The pros highly recommend taping off the ceiling, molding, and accent wall. Don’t skip the doors or windows of the floor. A putty knife can help secure the tape for a better seal. Cover all surfaces you don’t want painted or splatted with paint. Take off the outlet and light switch covers too. When you’ve finished the job of painting, don’t remove the tape until everything is dry.

Interior Painting Pointers

Now that you’ve prepped the area to paint, it’s time to get a roll on. Always take the time to mix the paint before you start. Cut in the corners and molding first. Follow up with rolling from top to bottom. You can add the second coat when the paint is dry to the touch. Be sure you have proper ventilation.

When you’ve finished the painting and the paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape, and gather the drop cloths. Brushes and rollers used with latex and water-based paints can be cleaned up with soap and water and used again. Oil-based paints need mineral spirits to clean and require more care for safety.

Does this sound like more of a job than you want to tackle or have time to finish? If so, call Baldwin Home Services. You’ll be able to rest easy, knowing professionals with outstanding reputations will take care of the job! Don't feel bad if you decide you would rather hire a professional. We have been painting the interiors and exteriors of homes in the Maryland area for over 25 years and can make your home beautiful too!