What is interior painting?

Interior painting involves applying paint, stain, or finishes to the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces inside a home or building. It enhances the look and feel of a space while also protecting surfaces from wear, moisture, and damage. The process includes key steps like surface preparation (cleaning, patching holes, sanding), priming for better adhesion, and applying one or more coats of paint. Beyond walls and ceilings, interior painting can also cover trim, doors, cabinetry, and specialty finishes like accent walls or faux finishes. Professional painters carefully consider factors such as color selection, lighting, and the type of finish (matte, satin, or gloss) to achieve the best result.

For a company like Patch and Paint Pros, interior painting goes beyond simply applying paint to walls—it’s about delivering a transformative service that enhances the beauty, functionality, and value of a home. As experts in residential and small office painting, interior painting means ensuring every project is done with precision, care, and attention to detail, from start to finish.

Preparing Your Home for Interior Painting

Preparing a home for interior painting involves several steps to ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful project. Homeowners can take the following actions to help painters work more effectively and protect their belongings:

1. Clear the Space

• Move furniture: If possible, remove furniture from the room or move it to the center. Cover large pieces with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect them from dust and paint splatters.
• Take down wall decorations: Remove all paintings, photos, mirrors, and other items from the walls. Also, remove curtains, blinds, and any other window treatments.
• Remove smaller items: Clear shelves, countertops, and tables. Store any decorative items, lamps, or fragile objects in a safe location.

2. Protect Floors and Other Surfaces

• Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover floors, especially carpets or hardwood, to protect them from accidental paint spills.
• Tape off baseboards, trim, doorframes, and any other surfaces that won’t be painted. Painters typically do this, but if homeowners want to speed up the process, they can use painter’s tape.

3. Prepare the Walls

• Clean the walls: Dust, grease, and grime can affect paint adhesion. Wipe down walls with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
• Patch and repair: Fill any holes, cracks, or dents in the walls with spackle. Sand rough or uneven areas to create a smooth surface for painting.

4. Ensure Access and Safety

• Provide clear access to the painting areas, ensuring there’s enough room for ladders, paint supplies, and workers.
• Remove pets from the painting area, as they can accidentally get in the way or be exposed to harmful fumes.
• Consider ventilation: Keep windows open for proper ventilation during and after the painting process, especially if oil-based paints or primers are used.

5. Communicate Preferences

Before the painters begin, make sure you’ve discussed paint colors, finishes, and any specific instructions, such as areas that need extra attention or custom work like accent walls or specialty finishes.

Choosing the Right Paint for Interior Walls

Choosing the right paint for your interior walls is an important decision that can significantly impact the look, feel, and durability of your home. Here are some key pieces of advice to help you make the best choice:

1. Consider the Room’s Function

The room’s purpose should guide your paint choice. For example:

• Living rooms and bedrooms: Opt for warm or neutral tones to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
• Kitchens and bathrooms: Choose durable, moisture-resistant paints like semi-gloss or satin finishes that are easier to clean.
• High-traffic areas: In hallways or kids’ rooms, use paint that’s easy to wash and resists scuffing, like an eggshell or satin finish.

2. Choose the Right Finish

Paint finishes affect both appearance and durability:

• Matte/Flat: Great for hiding imperfections but less durable and harder to clean. Ideal for low-traffic areas or ceilings.
• Eggshell: Slightly more durable than matte with a subtle sheen. It’s a good choice for living rooms and dining rooms.
• Satin: Offers a soft sheen and is more washable, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
• Semi-gloss/Gloss: High sheen and very durable. Perfect for trim, doors, and areas that need frequent cleaning like kitchens or bathrooms.

3. Think About Color and Lighting

• Test samples: Paint color can look different based on the lighting in a room. Test paint swatches in different areas of the wall and observe how they appear during various times of the day, in both natural and artificial light.
• Create mood: Lighter colors can make a room feel bigger and brighter, while darker shades can create a sense of coziness and warmth. Consider how the room’s natural light impacts your paint choice.

4. Choose Quality Paint

Investing in high-quality paint ensures a smoother finish, better coverage, and longer-lasting results. Quality paints typically have better pigment and binders, meaning you’ll need fewer coats and they’ll resist fading, staining, and wear over time. Trusted brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr offer great durability and color consistency.

5. Use Primer When Necessary

Don’t skip primer, especially if:

• You’re painting over a dark color with a lighter one.
• The walls are new drywall or have patched areas.
• You’re dealing with stains or uneven surfaces. Priming helps paint adhere better and ensures a more even color application.

6. Consider Environmental and Health Factors

Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints: These are eco-friendly, emit fewer harmful fumes, and are a healthier option for homes, especially in rooms where children or pets spend time. Look for paints labeled as low or zero-VOC for a safer environment.

7. Get Professional Advice

If you’re unsure which colors or finishes are best for your home, seek a color consultation from a professional painting service like Patch and Paint Pros. They can help you choose a color scheme that complements your home’s style and layout.

Common Mistakes in DIY Interior Painting

When tackling DIY interior painting, homeowners often make some common mistakes that can affect the final results. According to research and expert insights, here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

1. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

One of the biggest mistakes is not properly prepping the walls before painting. Dirt, dust, grease, or imperfections on the surface can prevent the paint from adhering correctly, leading to an uneven finish.

Solution: Clean the walls thoroughly, fill in any holes or cracks, and sand rough patches to create a smooth, clean surface.

2. Not Using Primer

Many DIYers skip the primer, thinking it’s unnecessary or they can just apply extra coats of paint. However, primer is crucial for ensuring the paint adheres well, especially on new drywall, patched areas, or when changing from a dark color to a lighter one.

Solution: Always prime the walls when painting over bare surfaces or drastic color changes. Choose a primer suited to your wall type (e.g., stain-blocking or drywall primer).

3. Choosing the Wrong Paint Finish

Homeowners often choose a finish without considering the function of the room. Flat or matte finishes, for instance, are great for hiding imperfections but aren’t durable enough for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.

Solution: Select the right finish based on the room’s needs—satin or semi-gloss for kitchens and bathrooms, matte for low-traffic areas, and gloss for trim and doors.

4. Underestimating the Amount of Paint Needed

Many DIYers miscalculate how much paint they’ll need, either buying too little and running out midway or buying too much and wasting money.

Solution: Measure the area accurately and use online paint calculators or consult a professional to estimate the required quantity. It’s better to have a little extra for touch-ups later.

5. Using Low-Quality Tools

Some homeowners use cheap brushes and rollers to cut costs, but poor-quality tools can leave brush marks, streaks, or lint on the wall, making the job look unprofessional.

Solution: Invest in high-quality brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape. A good brush will create clean edges, and a quality roller will provide smooth coverage without shedding fibers.

Painter’s tape is essential for creating crisp lines along trim, ceilings, and edges, but improper use can lead to uneven lines or paint seeping underneath.

Solution: Apply the tape securely, pressing it down firmly to prevent bleed-through. Remove the tape at a 45-degree angle before the paint fully dries to avoid peeling the paint off with it.

7. Not Allowing Enough Drying Time Between Coats

Rushing the process by not waiting for the first coat to dry completely before applying the second can lead to streaks, uneven texture, or peeling paint.

Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time between coats (typically 4–6 hours for most paints). Patience is key to achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish.

8. Painting in Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting can cause missed spots, uneven coverage, or colors that don’t look as expected once the paint dries.

Solution: Ensure there’s plenty of light in the room while painting. If necessary, use additional lighting like work lamps to ensure you can see all areas clearly.

9. Not Testing Colors

Some homeowners choose paint colors based on swatches or online images without testing them in their actual space, leading to disappointment when the color looks different in natural light or against the room’s furnishings.

Solution: Always test paint samples on the wall before committing. Look at the color in different lighting conditions throughout the day to see how it truly appears.

10. Neglecting Proper Cleanup

Skipping the cleanup process or not cleaning tools properly can ruin brushes and rollers for future use and leave paint streaks or stains where they aren’t wanted.

Solution: Thoroughly clean brushes, rollers, and trays with water or paint thinner (depending on the paint type) after each use. Also, ensure any paint spills are wiped up immediately to prevent permanent stains.

Popular Paint Colors

Popular paint colors for interiors often reflect trends in home décor and personal style preferences. For living rooms, homeowners typically choose colors that create a welcoming, comfortable, and stylish atmosphere. Here are some of the most popular paint colors and how they can be used to create the best color schemes for living rooms:

Neutral Tones

Neutral colors like whites, beiges, and greiges are versatile and timeless for living rooms. Whites, such as Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, brighten up a space and work with almost any décor. Beiges and greiges, like Revere Pewter, offer a modern mix of beige and gray, creating a balanced look. Taupes, such as Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige, add cozy warmth without overpowering the room.

Grays

Light grays, like Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray, are perfect for creating a calm, modern backdrop, allowing other colors or furniture to stand out. Dark grays, like Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, add drama and elegance, ideal for accent walls or creating a cozy feel in larger rooms.

Earthy Greens

Soft, earthy greens like Farrow & Ball Green Smoke or Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog bring a calming, natural vibe to living spaces. These shades work well in rooms with natural light and pair beautifully with neutral furniture for a relaxing atmosphere.

Blues

Soft blues, like Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, bring a fresh and airy feel to living rooms, creating a peaceful environment. Deep blues, such as Hale Navy, add depth and sophistication, especially when paired with white trim for a classic look.

Warm Tones

Warm colors like terracotta and clay—Sherwin-Williams Cavern Clay—add an inviting, cozy feel to living rooms. Warm yellows, like Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow, brightens up the space and bring cheerful energy, perfect for creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Eco-Friendly Paints for Interior Use

Eco-friendly paints are a great choice for reducing harmful fumes and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality results. These paints are typically low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and free from harmful chemicals. Here are some popular examples of eco-friendly paints for interior use:

1. Benjamin Moore Natura

VOC content: Zero VOCs
Key features: Benjamin Moore Natura is known for being virtually odorless, making it a great option for sensitive areas like bedrooms and nurseries. It’s also certified asthma and allergy-friendly, making it one of the healthiest paint options on the market.

2. Sherwin-Williams Harmony

VOC content: Zero VOCs
Key features: This paint is not only zero-VOC but also helps improve indoor air quality by reducing odors and actively absorbing VOCs from other sources over time. It’s ideal for spaces where air quality is a priority, like living rooms or kitchens.

3. Behr Premium Plus

VOC content: Low VOC
Key features: Behr Premium Plus is GREENGUARD Gold certified, ensuring it meets strict standards for low chemical emissions. It offers excellent coverage and durability while being budget-friendly and available in a wide range of colors.

4. Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

VOC content: Low VOC
Key features: Known for its rich, deep colors, Farrow & Ball offers low-VOC formulas in eco-friendly packaging. Their Modern Emulsion paint is highly durable and washable, perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

5. Clare Paint

VOC content: Zero VOCs
Key features: Clare Paint is a designer-curated, zero-VOC paint brand that offers a streamlined selection of stylish colors. It’s a great choice for homeowners looking for both eco-friendliness and design appeal.

The Cost of Interior Painting Projects

The cost of interior painting projects varies depending on room size, paint quality, surface preparation, and labor. On average, professional painting costs range from $2 to $6 per square foot, with a single room costing $300 to $1,000 and whole-house projects ranging from $2,500 to $7,500. Key factors include the number of coats, paint type (standard, premium, or eco-friendly), and additional work like ceiling, trim, or door painting.

DIY projects can save money, costing $150 to $300 per room in materials, but hiring professionals ensures better quality and quicker results, with labor rates averaging $20 to $50 per hour. To save on costs, homeowners can bundle multiple rooms, choose high-quality paint for durability, or handle basic prep work themselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of interior painting projects varies depending on factors such as room size, surface preparation, paint quality, and whether you hire a professional or take a DIY approach. Professional services offer high-quality results, faster completion, and long-lasting finishes, though they come at a higher price. While DIY painting may save on costs, it requires time, effort, and proper skills to achieve similar results.

Choosing the right paint—whether it’s eco-friendly, durable, or tailored for specific rooms—along with proper surface prep and the right finishes, ensures both aesthetic appeal and longevity. Homeowners can save by bundling rooms or handling prep work themselves, but ultimately, hiring professionals like Patch and Paint Pros guarantees a polished, efficient outcome.