Spend a little more, get more value

Chances are that if you are paining a room yourself, your objective in doing so is to save money. This is great, we all like a deal. But, there are some cases when sacrificing quality for price can actually end up costing you more money in the end. Low quality paints may cost less, but you run the risk of having a slew of problems. Lower quality paints typically require more coats to apply, they show stains easier, are harder to clean without causing damage, and may not go onto certain wall textures or primers evenly. You need to choose a paint that is going to be worth your investment. So what makes a high-quality paint, high-quality? Well, high-quality paints have the correct proportions of paint composition and paint type. Top-quality paint contains a higher volume of solid material, binders and pigments than ordinary paints. In most cases, a water based paint is going to give you the best durability and color.

Choosing the right paint sheen

When thinking about painting the first thing that probably comes to mind is the color that you want for your walls. Research shows that the color of a room can contribute to your mood or even your appetite. But, what people often forget to consider before it is brought to their attention at the paint counter is the sheen that they want. The most common sheens are flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi gloss and gloss. Different sheens are better for different areas of your home. For example, glossy paints provide better stain resistance but also highlight surface imperfections. If you are painting trim work, glossy paints are recommended, otherwise, you may want to consider another option. A satin finish is suggested for rooms that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and children's rooms. If you live in an older home and need to mask imperfections, a flat finish is best.

Preparing the surface for paint

Preparing to paint is not the most exciting part of your painting project, but the right prep work can make all the difference when it comes to the end result of your project. Most bare surfaces will need to be primed before they are painted. Oil based primers are best for surfaces that are wood or metal, water based primers are best for most other situations. If you are working with a previously painted surface, scrape off any peeling paint, prime bare spots, fill in holes, scrap rough spots, and clean the wall well. Make sure that you use tape or paper to cover areas that you do not want painted (trim work, outlet covers, light fixtures, etc.). Lay down drop cloths and have a steady level surface on which to place your paint cans. Accidents happen no matter how careful you are so be prepared for possible spills and drips, you'll be glad that you took the extra time to avoid costly mistakes.