Are you bored of your old dull walls? Well, there’s no need to settle for less. But, if you don’t know the right tips and tricks, will you be able to have your interiors painted appropriately? Not really. 

Now, why is appropriate interior painting crucial? Well, first off, it makes your place look awesome. Think about it – when your walls are lively and fresh, the whole vibe of the room changes. It’s like a mood boost for your house. Plus, you get to choose colors that match your style or bring a certain vibe to a room.

If you are also planning to go for an interior painting project, this guide will be of utmost help to you! We will cover aspects like choosing the right paint, preparing your home, tools, and materials required, color selection, and painting techniques as well. 

Before We Begin..

You might be thinking: Why do we trust this guide? We are Custom Painting, Inc., which has vast expertise in residential and commercial projects. Over the past few years, we have been working as house painters in Pleasant Hill, CA, as well as many other cities. Our most recent project was painting 16 rooms, including bathrooms and closets. Therefore, you can trust the guide prepared by our expert painters.

Let’s begin.

Choosing the Right Paints

There are two primary types of interior paint: latex (water-based) paint and oil-based paint.

Latex Paints

Latex paint stands out as a top pick for indoor painting thanks to its user-friendly features. Its quick drying time and hassle-free cleanup with just soap and water make it a go-to for many. Specifically, the latex acrylic water-based paints (favored for both indoor and outdoor walls) are known for their durability and speedy drying – a real bonus when you’re itching to see your freshly painted walls.

These paints are recommended on surfaces like drywall and wood. Why are latex paints beneficial? Precisely because the binders in latex paint consist of solid, plastic-like materials dispersed as microscopic particles in water and create a film that retains microscopic openings. This allows moisture vapor to pass through more easily and makes latex paint more tolerant of interior moisture-laden air than oil-based paint. 

Oil-Based Paints

On the other hand, oil-based paint is known for its durability and hard, glossy finish. It is specifically used for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as cabinets, trim, and doors. An important aspect to consider is the fact that Oil-based paint takes longer to dry compared to latex, but it tends to provide a more robust and protective coating. Plus, it comes with a stronger odor and requires solvents for cleanup.

Remember: Oil-based paint requires a solvent or thinner for cleanup and is more challenging to clean if an issue occurs.

Type of Finish

Okay, so now that you have your paint decided, let’s move on to understanding the different types of finishes. For different rooms, you need to have different finishes to bring an aesthetic appeal. 

Matte-Finish

Believe us when we say that Matte-Finish has become one of the most popular types of finish nowadays since people are preferring simple aesthetics over shiny vibes.  This type of finish has no shine and provides a non-reflective and smooth appearance that hides surface blemishes like nail holes and patches. It brings a unique element of “cool” to your interiors.

Eggshell Finish

Think about the surface of an egg – not too shiny, not too flat. This finish is perfect for areas that might need a gentle wipe-down, like your dining room. It adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy. One really cool thing about the eggshell finish is its ability to resist fingerprints, and being great for crowded spots at your Walnut Creek, CA home.

Satin Finish

The satin finish has a smooth look with a bit more gloss than eggshell. It is most commonly used for interior walls. Why? Well, it is pretty easy to clean and can hold up to light scrubbing as well. It is ideal for spaces that need a bit more durability, like your kitchen or bathroom. Satin is the middle ground between style and substance. Our interior painters in Pleasant Hill, CA, have completed several projects of satin finish and recommend it as one of the best ones for modern interior walls.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Personally speaking, this finish is what most people go for. Why?  It’s shiny and tough – the perfect combo for areas that face a lot of action, like your doors and trim, that take a lot of abuse, such as baseboards, crown moldings, and chair rails. Easy to clean and stand up to wear and tear, semi-gloss adds a touch of style while being practical.

Gloss Finish

Gloss finishes tend to be the most expensive among the bunch. The high level of shine and reflective properties require more sophisticated manufacturing processes. Gloss is usually reserved for specific accents or trim due to its bold and attention-grabbing nature. We have applied this type of finish in villas and several other interior painting projects in Pleasanton Hill.

Advice: Only consider it if you have a high budget. 

How Do You Prepare Your Home for Interior Painting?

It is important to know that the prerequisites of interior painting are also as important as the actual job. 

Cleaning and Decluttering

Before picking up a paintbrush, thorough cleaning is important. What does this include? For starters, remove dust, dirt, and grease from walls, trim, and any surfaces to be painted. You can use a long-handle broom or a small vacuum to dust and remove cobwebs from the walls and ceiling. 

To go one step ahead, you can use a mixture of mild detergent and water for cleaning, but for tougher stains, consider a mild degreaser. 

Pay attention to areas near kitchen surfaces and bathroom walls where grease and moisture are common. Additionally, declutter the space by moving furniture and items away from walls to create a clear working area.

Protecting Furniture and Floors

Covering furniture and floors with drop cloths or plastic sheets is essential to protect them from paint splatters and spills. After all, no one wants to paint on their sofas, right? Our house painters in Pleasant Hill, CA, recommend canvas drop cloths for flooring, while plastic sheets work well for furniture. 

Helpful Tip: Consider double-layering or using specialized tape for added protection.

Patching and Repairing Walls

Achieving a flawless finish starts with addressing wall imperfections. Inspect the walls for cracks, holes, or dents, and use a high-quality patching compound or spackle to fill these imperfections. For larger holes, consider using a wall repair patch. This is one step that many DIY-ers are not experts at. This is where professionals like Custom Painting, Inc. can do the right job in the first go!

Sanding and Priming

Sanding is only necessary to create an even and receptive surface for paint. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or imperfections. 

After sanding, apply a primer to promote paint adhesion and enhance color durability. Choose a primer that suits the surface material – for example, a bonding primer for glossy surfaces. Primer also helps achieve a uniform finish when dealing with different wall textures.

Important Tools You Need

For your big interior painting project, you need essential tools that would assist in the finest of paint outcomes. 

• Paintbrushes and Rollers: These are essential for achieving a smooth and even coat of paint on various surfaces. With the right technique and stroke, they help in precision and efficiency in the painting process.
• Painter’s Tape: Painter’s tape ensures clean and crisp edges and helps to prevent paint bleed. You can expect a professional finish by protecting areas you don’t want to be painted.
• Paint Trays and Buckets: These containers facilitate the efficient loading of paint onto brushes and rollers. We have used them since they help in minimizing waste during the painting process.
• Ladders and Scaffolding: Ladders and scaffolding are essentially needed to access higher areas. For example, if you’re planning to paint your ceiling too, a ladder becomes important. 

Fortunately, when you hire the best painters in Pleasant Hill, CA, such as Custom Painting, Inc., you don’t need to worry about arranging any of these tools.

Color Selection

Choosing the right colors for interior paint can be a daunting task for amateurs, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience as well! If you are confused, read what our experts have to say on that matter. 

Create a Color Scheme

A simple way to create a color scheme is to start with three colors: a main color, a secondary color, and an accent color. 

The main color should be used on the walls, the secondary color should be on larger accents such as sofas and chairs, and the accent color should be on smaller accessories such as pillows and artwork.

Monochromatic schemes use different shades of a single color for a harmonious look, while complementary schemes involve colors opposite each other on the color wheel. You can also go for analogous schemes that use colors next to each other and bring in a cohesive feel. For instance, a room with a blue and orange scheme creates a lively and balanced atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Colors

Start by considering the mood you want for the space. Lighter colors like soft blues and greens create a calming atmosphere, while bold reds or yellows add energy. Take inspiration from existing elements in the room, like furniture or artwork, and build your palette around those. 

Pro-Tip: Our interior painters in Pleasant Hill always go with the approach of sample paint. You can sample paint swatches on the walls to see how they interact with natural and artificial light, as this will help you make an informed decision.

Use Neutrals as a Base

Neutrals such as white, cream, and light gray can serve as a base for your color scheme and can be used to create a sense of balance and harmony in your Orinda, CA home. One good idea is to stick to a consistent color palette throughout your Moraga, CA home to create a cohesive and harmonious flow from room to room. 

Common Interior Painting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Interior painting isn’t always easy, and you’ll make several mistakes down the road. But here are a few ways to avoid them.

Not Storing Paint Correctly

Improper storage of paint can lead to its deterioration. To avoid this, make sure to seal the paint can properly and store it in a cool, dry place.

Pro-Tip: Manufacturers always write the optimal temperature for storing paints on the back of the can. Be sure to check it out. 

Scrimping on Tools

Using low-quality or inadequate tools can result in a subpar paint job. Invest in high-quality brushes, rollers, and other painting tools to achieve a professional finish. Alternatively, consider professionals like Custom Painting, Inc. if you want a job that scores 100/100!

Removing Tape When Paint is Dry

This is one of the most common mistakes made by many DIY painters. To achieve clean lines, remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet. Waiting until the paint is dry can result in the tape pulling off dried paint and ruining the clean line. 

Using the Wrong Paintbrush

The type of paintbrush varies according to the type of paint you are using. Using the wrong type of brush for the paint brings in a poor finish. Use synthetic brushes for latex paint and natural brushes for oil-based paint.

Get Your FREE Interior Painting Quotation Today

Transform your home with the expertise of Custom Painting, Inc., the best painters in Pleasant Hill, CA. Whether you’re aiming for a modern touch, a cozy ambiance, or a vibrant burst of color, our skilled team ensures attention to detail and top-notch craftsmanship. Contact us today for a FREE interior painting quotation at 925-686-0903 or visit our website’s contact form here.