Interior painting is one of the most affordable ways to transform living spaces and invigorate the home. It’s also an excellent way to create a unique and personalized ambiance.
Before tackling the task of painting, you must clear out the room and cover furniture and floors with plastic sheets or drop cloths. You’ll also need to remove the switch and outlet plates and clean the walls thoroughly. Click Here to learn more.
If you’re painting walls, furnishings, or cabinets, quality interior paint will help your project go more smoothly and give a more professional look. There are tons of options at home improvement centers and hardware stores, but it’s important to pick a high-quality product that’s durable enough for your space.
There are two main types of interior paint: acrylic or latex and oil-based alkyd. The former is water-based and emits fewer harmful fumes, while the latter provides more durability and stain resistance. Opt for an acrylic or latex paint for walls, ceilings, and seldom-used furnishings; for everyday surfaces like cabinets, trim work, and doors, opt for an alkyd.
In addition to considering sheen level and color, choose a high-quality interior paint that’s also low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These chemicals and odors can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat and contribute to indoor air pollution. “It’s important to know that not all paints are created equal,” says Sierra Fox, an interior designer at Studio mtn.
Several paint brands have emerged that focus on both durability and sustainability, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Signature line, which is available and has a wide range of sheen levels and colors. It’s resistant to scuffs, stains, and mildew and offers smooth coverage on a variety of surfaces, including plaster and masonry.
Another option is Sherwin-Williams’ Valspar line, which can be found at most big box and independent retailers. The line is available in eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss sheens and has a quick dry time. It’s also formulated with sustainability in mind and contains recycled content for the trays, liners, shipping and packaging materials.
One paint brand that’s making a name for itself is Portola, which has a deep-pigmented formula and finishes that include an artisanal Roman clay finish that appears matte yet soft to the touch, and a lime wash finish that creates a suede-like texture. The company’s artisanal process is also environmentally friendly and results in beautiful, timeless hues that hold up to repeated washing and fading.
Another eco-friendly option is a direct-to-consumer paint brand, Clare, which aims to make the selection process less overwhelming with a straightforward shopping process and curated collection of colors. Their online visualizer makes it easy to see how a color will look in your space, and you can also schedule an appointment with an interior design expert for personalized recommendations.
Investing in high-quality interior paints that are specifically designed for your specific rooms is one way to ensure the longevity of your new paint job. This type of paint tends to be thicker than lower-quality options, and it’s also likely that it will contain additives that make it more durable against the abrasions and wear and tear that come from daily use.
Another way to prolong the life of your paint is to use proper painting techniques, such as applying multiple thin coats instead of a single thick layer. This allows the paint to better bond with surfaces and provides a more even finish, reducing the chances of premature deterioration and chipping. Additionally, using brushes and rollers that are specially crafted for different types of paints (e.g., latex-based vs oil-based) helps to maintain the integrity of your paint job.
The environment in which your paint is stored can also have an impact on its lifespan. Humidity, temperature, and ventilation all play a role in how long your paint will last. For example, high humidity can cause peeling and blistering, while temperatures below freezing can cause it to crack and flake. Keeping your paint in an insulated garage or shed and maintaining proper storage conditions can help to prevent this type of damage.
Regularly dusting your painted surfaces is another way to extend their lifespan. Dust can build up and scratch your walls over time, leading to premature deterioration and the need for repainting. However, regularly dusting your paint with a soft cloth can help to keep it looking fresh for longer.
How often you choose to repaint your interior space will also have an impact on its lifespan. Most people opt to repaint rooms such as living spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms every five to 10 years. This helps to maintain a vibrant and fresh look that is appealing to guests and potential buyers.
A professional interior painter will begin each project by performing a thorough inspection. This will include addressing any repairs or damages, cleaning the surface to remove dirt and dust, and preparing the surface for painting by sanding rough areas and applying primer as needed. Once the surface has been properly prepped and prepared for painting, your professional will apply a thin coat of the desired color and allow it to dry before applying a second coat.
If you like to entertain, you’ll need a paint that resists food and beverage spills, grease marks and fingerprints. These features are essential in the kitchen and bathroom, where walls are often touched by children, guests and household members alike. Luckily, many interior paints are designed to stand up to these stains and wipe away with ease.
When choosing a washable paint, always look for one that has low or zero volatile organic compounds. This will not only protect your lungs, but also reduce odors and help preserve indoor air quality.
In addition to reducing the risk of harming your lungs, these paints will also repel moisture, which can damage surfaces and promote mold or mildew growth. This will protect the integrity of your drywall and plaster, saving you money on repair costs in the future.
It’s also important to consider the type of surface your walls are painted on. Matte, flat, and eggshell paints are more delicate, requiring a gentle cleaning solution. You can use a small amount of dye-free hand soap or dishwashing liquid dissolved in warm water to clean them. Glossy and semi-gloss paints are more resilient, so you can use a slightly stronger cleaner, such as a commercial brand of non-abrasive multipurpose cleaner. When using a cleaning solution, always test it in an out-of-the-way spot to ensure it won’t damage your wall.
Aside from regular dusting, you should also regularly wash your walls to avoid them becoming dull and dingy over time. This can be done with a sponge or cloth dipped in mild, warm soapy water, as well as a non-abrasive cleaner that’s safe for your type of paint. If you’re using a commercial cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully, as it may take longer to dry than just wiping with a sponge.
For difficult stains, you can try using a toothpaste or baking soda paste on stubborn areas, or a Magic Eraser. If you’re concerned about damaging your wall, a little bit of vinegar or rubbing alcohol can be added to the cleaning solution. Just be sure to use a clean, lint-free rag, and apply the solution lightly.
Interior painting is a way to improve the aesthetics of your home. It can brighten up spaces, add warmth and texture, and create a more cohesive look. It can also make your home more livable and increase its value. However, it is important to hire a professional to ensure that the job is done properly. This will prevent any costly mistakes that could lead to a substandard paint job.
There are many different types of interior paints available in the market, including flat or matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss. Some have a built-in primer while others require one. You can choose a color that complements your decor and fits your personal style. You can even experiment with a variety of sheen levels to find the best option for your space.
The Aesthetic Movement was a cultural phenomenon that inspired sweeping changes in middle-class lifestyle and domestic design. This revolution was marked by the eclecticism of its artists, whose tastes ranged from Renaissance paintings to ancient Greek sculpture and East Asian art. These elements were brought together to create a new vision of beauty that challenged the traditional relationship between art and ethics and prepared the way for future art movements.
Painting the interior of your house can be an easy and affordable way to transform the atmosphere of a room. You can use light colors to open up the space and darker colors to create a cozy, intimate feeling. If you’re unsure which colors to choose, consider working with a professional painter for assistance. They can help you choose the right paint for your space and provide you with samples and swatches to compare.
Using low-VOC paints can reduce the amount of harmful chemicals released into the air during and after application, making your home a safer environment for everyone in your family. They also offer a more vibrant appearance and are much easier to clean than old, dull paints. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, a fresh coat of paint will make it more attractive to potential buyers.