The 3 Steps of Picking Out Interior Paint

If you need to paint the inside of your house, having a basic understanding of the different types of paint available to you can ensure that you choose the best one for your project. With this basic knowledge paired with guidance from a professional painter, you’ll be able to achieve the results you’re hoping for. Read on for three tips for picking interior paint to refresh your home.

Selecting the Type of Paint

Paint comes in two types, oil or latex. Latex paint is typically the most preferred choice for indoor areas that have higher traffic because it’s easy to clean and incredibly durable. This is due to the fact that it breathes more than oil-based paint and doesn’t fade easily.

For a more pigmented look that’s smoother, oil-based paint may be another option, depending on your project. This paint-base is hard, durable, and resistant to moisture. A primary downside of using oil paint indoors is that it requires solvent cleanup and has a stronger odor, which is why it’s a good idea to always consult with a professional before you decide on the type of paint you’ll be using.  

Choosing the Sheen

Another factor to consider while choosing your indoor paint is the sheen. You can choose between a glossy and easier-to-clean choice, or a flatter matte finish that offers a more concentrated look. Here are some sheen selections based on what room you will be painting:

• Gloss paint is a great option for rooms that will be frequently used, like a playroom for a child, a kitchen, or a family room. This will allow you to easily wipe the walls down with a damp sponge. One downside is that it may give the room a certain shine that you could find unappealing.
• Semi-gloss paint is a happy in-between that’s not as easy to wash, but offers a smooth finish that will look great in hallways, bathrooms, and common areas. It offers a slightly glossy look without the shine of gloss paint.
• Matte or flat paint is a good choice for walls that have many imperfections. Most of the time, a single coat of this paint will do the trick. One downside is that it does tend to look dirtier because it’s harder to clean.  

Narrowing Down Color Options

Choosing complimenting paint colors can be a difficult task, especially when you have so many options to choose from, and the colors you like might not always perfectly fit together. If you’re planning on selling your house, a good off-white, white, or other neutral color would be the best choice. However, if you’re looking to transform your house into a home that reflects your personal style, a great place to start is at your local paint distributer. They often have color-matching technology that allows you to be able to see what your home would look like with the colors you have chosen. Many of the machines also offer color-pairing ideas.

If you have any questions about how to paint the inside of your home, always remember that consulting a professional is the best option. With their help and these three tips for picking interior paint, you can make sure that your results will turn out great the first time, eliminating the need to redo the project down the road.

About Platinum Painting of Frisco

At Platinum Painting of Frisco, we specialize in residential painting, which allows us to spend more one-on-one time with homeowners to understand their vision of what they want the inside of their home to look like. We are also bonded and insured and guarantee that our customers will be satisfied with the results we’re able to achieve. For questions or to schedule your free in-home estimate, visit our website or call 972-372-0404.