Painting
How to Paint Interiors
Choosing a Paint Finish
Different rooms place different demands upon painted surfaces. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing the right finish for your paint.
Essential Tools and Materials for Painting Interiors
Here's everything you'll need to get it right the first time.
| Paint Trays and Liners | Cans and Jars |
| Latex brushes for water, natural for oil (alkyd) | 2-3" Brushes for Cutting In |
| 4-5" Brushes for Walls | 1" Brushes for Frames |
| Rollers and Roller Covers (various sizes) | Edge Pads |
| Extension Poles | Drop Cloths |
| Painter's Tape (narrow and wide) | Painting Hats |
| Buckets | Stir Sticks |
| Power Sprayer - optional |
Highly-trafficked areas
Satin and eggshell paints are the preferred finishes for highly-trafficked areas. Attractive, long-lasting, and practical, a satin finish is easy to maintain. Just wipe up those little fingerprints with a damp cloth.
Woodwork and cabinetry
Go with semi-gloss paint for detailed woodwork, banisters, and the like. That semi-gloss gleam highlights wainscoting for a pleasing contrast against matte or satin painted walls. Semi-gloss paint is also a good choice for kitchen cabinets-airborne grease wipes right off. Just be sure to prep meticulously. Glossy surfaces are unforgiving-they show every dent and ding.
Master bedrooms, dining rooms, and closets
Flat, matte painted finishes should be reserved for surfaces unlikely to require frequent washing. These gentle, soothing finishes conceal flaws making them an excellent choice for older walls with "character."
Baths and Laundry Rooms
Semi-gloss paint is also a good choice for high-moisture areas because of the ease of cleanup. Be sure to select a mildew-resistant paint formulation. You might also consider satin paint for a slightly subtler finish that's just as easy to keep clean.
Painting
Other Painting Links:
- Interior Painting Tips
- Using Brushes and Rollers
- Selecting Painting Tools to minimize Clean-Up and Waste
- Painting Ceilings and Walls
- Choosing a Paint Finish
- Selecting Paint to Minimize Waste
- Using Interior Wall Epoxy
- How Much Paint Do I Need?
- Storing Paint
- Disposing of Left-Over Paint
- Recycling
- Interior Decorative Painting Tips
- Brilliant Metals How-to Guide
- Brushed Pearl How-to Guide
- Brushed Suede How-to Guide
- Color Washing How-to Guide
- Crackle Effects How-to Guide
- Dragging, Linen Weave How-to Guide
- Granite How-to Guide
- Metals and Patinas How-to Guide
- Rag Rolling How-to Guide
- Sandstone How-to Guide
- Sponging How-to Guide
- Textured Stone How-to Guide
- Tuscan Accents How-to Guide
- Venetian Plaster How-to Guide
More information about proper surface preparation, and advanced techniques.
Interior paints
Valspar paint products are designed to provide beauty and durability.
Interior primers
Valspar primers will keep your interiors looking freshly painted.
Bath in Black
Kathleen finds metallics and black work in a small bath.