Interior painting is a great way to bring new life into your home. Whether you’re looking to update the style of a single room or give your entire house a makeover, painting can be an affordable and enjoyable project for homeowners. Check out these interior painting tips to get you started.
1. Interior Painting Tips: Choose a Color Scheme
Decide on your color scheme before you start painting. Do you want to brighten up the room with cool tones or create an inviting space with warm colors? Consider how the hue will affect lighting and comfort levels in the room when making your decision.
2. Prepare the Room
Remove all furniture, lightweight items, and artwork from the room. Make sure you cover any objects left in the area with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting. Use painter’s tape to protect baseboards, trim, and windowpanes. Remove outlet covers or switch plates and paint behind them for a seamless look.
3. Prime the Walls
Prime your walls with a high-quality primer before painting. This will help maximize the topcoat adhesion, reduce the number of coats needed, and give you an even final finish. If you’re using light colors on dark walls, you may need to prime twice to achieve a uniform look.
4. Test Your Paint Color
Once you’ve chosen a paint color, test it on the wall before starting the project. This will help you get an idea of how the paint will look in different lighting and ensure that it’s exactly what you want. Consider buying small sample sizes for each color to ensure you’re happy with the tone.
5. Interior Painting Tips: Invest in Quality Supplies
High-quality brushes, rollers, and paint will result in a better finish. Don’t skimp on supplies since they can help your project look more professional and last longer without chipping or fading.
6. Start at the Top
Begin painting from the top of the wall and work your way down. This will prevent any paint drips or streaks that can occur when starting at the bottom. If you’re using more than one color, start on the lighter shade first and finish with a darker hue.
7. Interior Painting Tips: Take Your Time
Painting can take longer than expected, so set aside a few days for the project if you’re working on multiple rooms. Spend time to carefully mask off areas and use even brush strokes when painting, resulting in a better-looking finish.
8. Use the Right Sheens
When selecting paint finishes, consider the type of room you’re painting. Flat or matte sheens are great for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and dining rooms, while semi-gloss is better suited to bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. Eggshell or satin finishes provide a balance between the two, making them an excellent choice for hallways and living rooms.
Following these tips will help you create the perfect look in your home. Although painting can be time-consuming, it’s worth the effort when you have beautiful walls to show off.
Florida Superior Inspections provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the Tampa area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.