Interior Decorating: Paint

Consider an essential element of interior decorating: paint when planning your next home project.

Paint is one aspect of decorating that can quickly change the look and feel of a room at a minimal cost. There are many different things to consider before purchasing a can of paint for your house.

One of the most common reasons to paint a room is to change its overall color and atmosphere. When choosing a color, keep in mind the room you want to paint and what the overall existing color scheme is. You may want to carry a swatch of fabric with you to the paint store to ensure a perfect match or bring home color samples to see what you like best. Be aware the basics of color design in order to achieve the most pleasing result. Choose soothing, relaxing colors for bedrooms and bathrooms. For the kitchen, a bright color will produce a cheerful atmosphere and in the family room or game room, a high energy color will bring a fun feel to the room. Color is a matter of personal preference and should reflect your decorating style and the overall atmosphere you want to create.

Paints come in either latex or oil formulas. Oil based paints are more commonly used for exteriors or woodwork and trim. They require a solvent to thin and clean up. Oil paints take longer to dry and release more odors. Latex paints are water-based and are most popular for interiors. They clean up with soap and water and take less time to dry. Latex paints release little odors and are more environmentally friendly. In more humid conditions, latex is preferred over oil since it is able to release moisture. Oil paints hold in moisture and are more prone to cracks and peeling. Latex is easier to apply with a brush or roller while oil paints are stickier and need to be worked into the surface. Oil also tends to yellow or fade faster than latex. One advantage to oil paints is that they are more resistant to abrasion. For interior projects such as wall and ceiling, latex paint is the best choice.

Once you have picked the perfect color and formula, the last thing to consider is what finish you prefer. There are several finishes to choose from:

• Flat or matte finish works best for walls that are flawed and easily show imperfections. A flat finish hides flaws such as bumps and cracks since it does not reflect light. It is also a popular finish for ceilings. It is not a highly washable finish so avoid using it in high traffic areas such as kitchens or children's rooms.
• Eggshell finish has a low sheen. It works great for walls and is washable.
• Satin has a smooth, velvet-like finish. It is used for walls, doors, ceilings and high traffic areas since it is washable and can be scrubbed.
• Semi-Gloss has a subtle shine and is very easy to clean. It is commonly used for doors and trim and in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Gloss has a reflective, shiny finish. It withstands washing and scrubbing better than any other finish. One downfall is that it will highlight any imperfections on surfaces. It is used for furniture and trim.

When preparing a room to paint, be sure to clean the surface completely and allow it to dry. Tape off any areas that you do not want painted with a durable painters tape. Be sure to have a paint tray, brushes, rollers and drop cloths on hand. Use the highest quality paint possible and always use a good primer so that the paint will adhere to the surface. Remember to mix the paint well before using.

When choosing a paint brand, keep in mind that they range in price depending on quality of the paint. Some popular brands and their prices are:

• Behr – sold at Home Depot and other hardware stores. It costs around $23 per gallon.
• Valspar is sold at Lowes and is $23 per gallon.
• Dutch Boy is a budget brand and is $14. It is sold at hardware and discount stores.
• Sherwin Williams paint is sold exclusively at Sherwin Williams stores and is recommended by professionals for its durability. It ranges in price from $37-$40 per gallon.

When interior decorating: paint is the easiest fix if you are not satisfied with the result, it can be painted over easily. Remember that paint looks different in various lights so it may appear totally different in day time than at night. Some paint colors require more coats to achieve the desired look so wait for the finished project to see the intended result.

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