Choosing interior paint seems to be a fairly simple task until you walk into a paint supplier or household goods store. There, you will be bombarded with a large number of choices, and the color is just the beginning of your choice.
The best interior paint selection also requires an understanding of the function, from the correct color tone to the amount of gloss and other added ingredients.
To help you make the best decision about which interior paint to choose, please read the complete outline of what you need to know, as well as a list of the best interior paints to help you make a buying decision.
Choosing a color does not actually start with the paint swatch; instead, it starts with your room. Research the color of your furniture. Choose inspirational works, such as colors in paintings, quilts or pillows.
To choose cool or warm colors, consider the atmosphere you want to create in the room. Cool colors create a natural sense of calm (think water), while warm colors create comfort and vitality (think campfire).
If you are just starting to choose colors, stick to safe neutral colors. If you want to take more risks, use brighter colors. Retail color experts can help you make a decision.
Before painting the entire room, buy a sample-sized paint container. Observe the colors in bright and cloudy skies and at different times of the day.
Each paint color has a variety of glosses to choose from, and there are five to choose from.
The flat gloss can cover wall defects well, but it does not reflect light and is difficult to clean. Flat paint is suitable for rooms with low traffic, such as offices or libraries. It is also the best choice for ceilings. It is not moisture-proof, so it should not be used in the bathroom.
The eggshell luster contains a slight luster and can also cover blemishes well. Eggshell can be used in bedrooms and rooms with high traffic, such as homes and living rooms.
The satin gloss is brighter than eggshells, but has similar characteristics and can be used in most rooms with heavy traffic. Satin paint is easier to clean than eggshells. It is especially suitable for children's rooms, bathrooms and decorations.
Semi-gloss paint has a shiny, shiny appearance. Although it can highlight blemishes and brush strokes, it is easy to clean and suitable for decoration, windows, doors, kitchens and bathrooms.
Traditionally, high-gloss paint is reserved for spaces other than walls because it can produce almost painted finishes. Some people may use glossy paint to create a characteristic wall, but be sure to consult a paint expert or interior designer who has experience in using glossy paint for advice.
There are two formulations for interior wall coatings: oily and water-based, or latex. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, is more difficult to use, has a strong smell, and needs to be cleaned with mineral spirits. Nowadays, latex paint is more popular than oil-based paint. Latex paint has a shorter drying time and is easy to use.
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. They are invisible chemicals found in paints (and other construction products). They float in the air and may be harmful to human health.
A low-VOC coating means that the coating (usually based on latex) has less VOC than other coatings. However, low-VOC coatings still contain harmful chemicals. Zero-VOC coatings have almost no harmful chemicals (if any). The EPA advises consumers to look for specific labels on zero and low VOC paints.
Many brands of paint come with a primer, but sometimes you may want to include this step. If your walls are new and have never been painted, you definitely want to use a primer. If you are painting on dark paint or chalk paint, or your walls are porous, use a primer. The primer is also useful when painting over glossy paint. In all these cases, the paint will be smoother and look better in the long run compared to the case without primer.
The best time for interior decoration is when the humidity is low and the temperature is within the average range.
A good rule of thumb is 1 gallon of paint for every 350 square feet. This number may vary, depending on the color of the paint covered and the condition of the wall. Know the size of your room and the number of closets and doors in the room you are painting, and then ask a paint expert at a local retailer to help you determine how much paint you need.
Depending on many factors, the cost of paint can vary greatly. Generally, the cost of flat and eggshell coatings is lower than higher gloss finishes. The primer added to the paint also increases the cost. In addition, the more expensive the paint, the higher the quality of the ingredients used. You can find a very good interior wall paint, the price is between 30 and 60 US dollars.
Behr Marquee: Available at Home Depot
Behr Marquee application is easy and smooth. It is self-priming and contains low VOC. It provides a wide color palette.
Glidden Essentials Interior Paint: Available at Home Depot
This is a good low-cost paint for rooms with small traffic. The price is less than $20. It is recommended to use primer before painting.
PPG Diamond Semi-Gloss Interior Paint with Primer: Available at Home Depot
This semi-gloss coating has a low VOC content and the cost is less than $30. It also enjoys a lifetime warranty.
Lullaby non-toxic paint: available at Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby
This zero-VOC, non-toxic paint uses sustainable ingredients. If it is safe enough for a baby's room, then it is safe enough for any room.
KILZ Discoloration Antifouling Indoor Ceiling Paint: Available on Amazon
This ceiling paint combines anti-fouling technology and coverage indicators. It rolls on light pink and dries to white.
Montage Signature Indoor and Outdoor Low Gloss Paint: Available on Amazon
This paint combines original paint and recycled paint to create an environmentally friendly latex paint. It has a slight luster, but still hides the imperfections of the wall.
Behr Premium Plus: Available at Home Depot
This mid-priced paint has zero VOC and is a self-absorbent primer. It is usually covered with a deeper coat of paint.
Prestige interior paints and primers: available on Amazon
Prestige paint is suitable for walls, windows and decorations. It contains a self-priming paint that can be applied as smooth as velvet.
Diamond Brite semi-gloss latex paint: available at Home Depot and Amazon
This interior wall paint provides a durable semi-gloss texture for decoration and bathroom. It has dust-proof and oil-proof properties, and can be well maintained in humid rooms.
Glidden high-gloss interior/exterior paint: available at Home Depot
This high-gloss paint provides an anti-mold coating, which is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. It is easy to apply and does not leave brush marks.
KILZ 2 Multi-purpose interior/exterior primer: available at Home Depot
KILZ primer can block stains and odors while preparing new paint for the walls. It covers the previous wall color very well, but it does have a chemical smell.
Behr oil-based semi-gloss enamel interior/exterior paint: available at Home Depot
Like oil-based paint, the brand protects the trim from abrasion. It dries faster than other oil-based products, but still requires about 6 hours of drying time. It emits a strong chemical smell.
Tammy Tilley is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.
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