What to Know About House Paint Before Buying

Homeowners will want their paint to complement the furniture, so buy paint in colors that enhance the upholstery.

Painting a home can be a considerable undertaking, as there are numerous decisions homeowners must make when applying paint to the walls. From choosing a painting contractor to protect the furniture to choosing paint colors and more, there are significant details to hammer out.

Here’s what homeowners need to know about interior paint before buying it.

Look and feel

Homeowners need to consider how they want their home to feel when they walk in the door.

If a homeowner is looking for a serene and elegant feeling, they should consider buying neutral paints. Neutral doesn’t mean shades of beige or white; instead, they can use light greens or browns.

For homeowners seeking a vibrant look, choose purples, reds, oranges, and golds.

Ceilings, trim, and doors

After determining what color to paint the walls, homeowners must consider the ceilings, baseboards and crown molding, window trim, and doors. In most homes, these are painted white; however, off-white colors offer the same harmonious look as white.

Additionally, a growing trend is to paint the ceiling a contrasting or lighter version of the wall color.

Think about the furniture

Homeowners will want their paint to complement the furniture, so buy paint in colors that enhance the upholstery. For example, if you have brown furniture, white paint would be best for the walls because white paint, when matched with brown, enhances the brightness of a room. Green and pale blues are also cool colors that complement brown.

Room’s purpose

The room’s purpose is a matter of concern before applying any paint. Think about how the room will be used and how much time people will use it. For instance, if much of a homeowner’s day will be spent in the TV room, use paint that will be calming and peaceful no matter how rough the day.

Once a homeowner has figured out the paint they will use for the interior of a home, it is time for them to turn their attention to the exterior.

Architectural Style

Take into consideration the architecture of the home before buying paint. Is it a modern home, a traditional one, or something different altogether? Also, think long term and whether selling the house is a consideration. If so, think about paints that will enhance the architectural style of the building.

Landscaping

Homeowners who are unsure about what paint color to choose can draw inspiration from the colors of the landscaping in the yard and the surrounding terrain. The paint color should harmonize with the trees, the sky, and the water.

Neighbors

Before buying paint, examine the colors of the neighbors’ houses. Homeowners want their homes to stand out or make a statement, but at least try to buy a paint color to complement the neighboring environment. If applicable, check with the HOA to determine if there are deed restrictions concerning what color they can paint the house.

Types of paint

Homeowners must familiarize themselves with the various paints and finishes before choosing paint.

Primers and sealers

Painting contractors use primers to seal the wall’s surface before applying the paint. They ensure the paint goes on smoothly and lasts without peeling and fading.

Odorless paint

Paints usually have an overpowering scent, which can be very harmful, so homeowners turn to odorless paint. Low and no VOC paints consist of natural elements instead of chemicals and petroleum. It is also water-based and doesn’t contain solvents or ammonia.

Paint finishes

Latex and Alkyd are the two types of paint that are used. Alkyd is an oil-based paint and tends to be more challenging to use. Latex has an excellent finish and is easy to clean with soap and water. It dries quickly and doesn’t have a high odor.

There are four paint finishes to consider:

• Flat finish – A flat matte finish can help hide any flaws on the wall’s surface. It is typically used in areas not exposed to wear and tear.

• Satin finish – A satin finish has a soft luster sheen like an eggshell. It gives a much harder surface finish than a flat paint and is more durable and stain-resistant.

• Semi-gloss finish – Semi-gloss finish paint is used in the kitchen and bathrooms in heavy-use spaces. It is durable and easy to clean.

• Glossy finish – A glossy finish is more durable and stain-resistant. Of all the paint finishes, gloss paints are the easiest to clean and the best choice for floors, stairs, bathrooms, and kitchens.

What is the best kind of paint to buy?

Ultimately, the kind of paint to purchase depends on the homeowner’s preference and how much the space will be used. Flat or semi-gloss paint can work well for a formal living space that will be rarely used. Consider semi-gloss or glossy paint in the kitchen, bathrooms, and trims for easy cleanup.

Latex paint is homeowners’ favorite on their walls because it is fade-resistant. Also, latex paint can be cleaned easier than oil-based paint.

However, some homeowners choose an oil-based paint for wood moldings and trims because it seals stains and knots better than latex paint. Remember that oil-based paint takes longer to dry than the latex paint.

Don’t rush to buy paint for a home without careful thought. Seek expert advice from a reliable painting contractor or ask a sales representative for advice.

Mark’s Painting offers residential and commercial painting for Tampa, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County. Exterior painting, including priming, sealing, plaster & drywall service, pressure washing. We paint interiors, including ceilings, walls, trim, baseboard, fireplaces, mantels, paneling, wainscoting, doors, and windows. We offer wallpaper removal, caulking, staining and varnishing, refinishing, texturing, specialty finishes, and more. We are licensed and insured. Call us at (813) 831-5433.