Interior painting transforms your living spaces and is one of the most cost-effective home improvements. This comprehensive guide covers everything from preparation to finishing touches, with room-specific advice for flawless results.
📋 Planning Your Interior Painting Project
Before You Start
- Set goals: Refresh same colors? Complete color change?
- Budget: Factor in paint, supplies, possible repairs
- Timeline: Allow more time than you think
- Furniture: Plan where to move items temporarily
Calculate Paint Needed
🧮 Quick Formula
(Wall height × perimeter) ÷ 350 = gallons
per coat
One gallon covers ~350 sq ft. Multiply
by 2 for two coats.
💡 Pro Tip: Always Buy Extra
Purchase 10-15% more than calculated. You'll need it for touch-ups, and matching colors later is difficult. Unopened paint is often returnable.
🔧 Preparation: The Foundation of Quality
Professional painters spend 40-50% of project time on prep. This invisible work determines final quality and longevity.
Pre-Painting Checklist
Cleaning Walls
Paint won't adhere to dirty surfaces. Clean walls with:
- General dust: Dry microfiber cloth or vacuum with brush attachment
- Grease (kitchens): TSP solution or degreaser
- Smoke/nicotine: TSP or ammonia solution
- Mold/mildew: Bleach solution (1:3 with water)
🎨 Choosing Interior Paint
Sheen Selection Guide
Flat/Matte
Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic areas
Hides imperfections. Not washable. Elegant appearance.
Eggshell
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
Slight sheen. Somewhat washable. Most popular choice.
Satin
Best for: Family rooms, hallways, kids' rooms
Velvety finish. More durable and washable.
Semi-Gloss
Best for: Trim, doors, kitchens, bathrooms
Highly scrubable. Shows imperfections. Moisture-resistant.
High-Gloss
Best for: Cabinets, accent trim
Maximum durability. Very shiny. Requires perfect prep.
Best Interior Paint Brands
Sherwin-Williams Duration
Excellent coverage and durability. Pro favorite.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Premium finish. Great color accuracy.
PPG Timeless
Paint + primer. Good value for quality.
Behr Premium Plus
Budget-friendly. Available at Home Depot.
🖌️ Painting Techniques
The Correct Order
- Ceiling first – Drips fall on unpainted walls
- Walls second – Cut in corners, then roll
- Trim last – Baseboards, windows, doors
Cutting In
"Cutting in" means painting the edges where rollers can't reach.
- Load brush 1/3 into paint, tap off excess
- Apply paint 1-2 inches from edge first
- Work paint toward corner with steady hand
- Create 2-3 inch border around all edges
- Work one wall at a time before rolling
Rolling Walls
- Load roller evenly on screen or tray
- Start with W or M pattern to distribute paint
- Fill in with parallel vertical strokes
- Maintain wet edge – overlap into wet paint
- Finish with light vertical strokes
- Work in 3x3 foot sections
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Letting cut-in edges dry before rolling (visible "picture frame")
- Overloading brush/roller (drips, uneven coat)
- Going back over drying paint (drag marks)
- Not maintaining wet edge (lap marks)
🏠 Room-by-Room Guide
🛋️ Living Room
Recommendations:
- Sheen: Eggshell or Satin
- Colors: Neutrals, soft blues, warm whites
- Tip: Test colors in natural AND artificial light
🛏️ Bedroom
Recommendations:
- Sheen: Flat or Eggshell
- Colors: Calming blues, greens, soft grays
- Tip: Dark accent wall for drama
🍳 Kitchen
Recommendations:
- Sheen: Satin or Semi-Gloss
- Colors: Complement cabinets, light and clean
- Tip: Use moisture-resistant formula
🚿 Bathroom
Recommendations:
- Sheen: Semi-Gloss
- Colors: Light, airy tones
- Tip: Use mold/mildew-resistant paint
👶 Kids' Room
Recommendations:
- Sheen: Satin (easy to clean)
- Colors: Fun but not overwhelming
- Tip: Low/zero VOC for safety
🚪 Hallway
Recommendations:
- Sheen: Satin (durability)
- Colors: Continue from adjacent rooms
- Tip: Scuff-resistant formula
🎯 Special Surfaces
Ceilings
- Use flat ceiling paint (thicker, less drips)
- Roll perpendicular to windows
- Use extension pole, not ladder
Trim & Baseboards
- Semi-gloss for durability
- Sand glossy trim before painting
- Use angled brush or foam roller
Doors
- Remove and lay flat for best results
- Use foam mini-roller for smooth finish
- Allow full dry time before rehanging
Textured Walls
- Use higher nap roller (3/4")
- Work paint into texture crevices
- May need slightly more paint
💰 Interior Painting Costs
| Project | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single Room | $100-$250 | $300-$800 |
| Whole House (1,500 sq ft) | $500-$1,000 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Whole House (2,500 sq ft) | $800-$1,500 | $2,500-$5,500 |
| Ceiling Only | $50-$100 | $150-$350 |
What Affects Price
- Room size & ceiling height: More surface = more cost
- Prep work needed: Repairs, patching add time
- Paint quality: Premium paint costs more but lasts longer
- Number of colors: Each color adds setup time
- Trim included: Adds 30-50% to room cost
Let the Pros Handle It
Save time and get flawless results. Our professional team completes interior projects faster with better results—and we handle all cleanup.