By Christine Frietchen on August 16, 2010 in
When it comes to painting the inside of your home, all professional painters and contractors say that you should buy the highest quality interior paint you can afford. Why? Top-quality products go on more smoothly, are less likely to show flaws and tend to cover in fewer coats than cheaper paints. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
Professional painters say you get what you pay for. When it comes to less expensive paints, there's an almost jarring disagreement between professional painters and other reviewers like Consumer Reports. Several under-$30-per-gallon paints perform respectably in independent tests. But ask painters and contractors and you get a different response. Several say they will either refuse the job altogether, or charge a higher rate if a homeowner insists on a budget brand. The reason is ease of use. Professional painters say that it takes more time and effort to get great results with cheap interior paints than with premium products like our best reviewed Benjamin Moore Aura (*Est. $55 per gallon).
Start with a well-prepped surface. Inspect the area you plan to paint carefully with a good lighting source prior to starting. Look for any cracks, stains or inconsistencies in the surface. If you're painting over new drywall or want to use a light paint over a dark one, you'll need to apply a primer first.
Experts say water-based latex paint is best for most situations. Water-based paint wears better over time, is easier to clean up and has fewer odors than oil-based interior paint. The best latex paints are 100 percent acrylic.
Not fond of fumes? Consider a low-VOC or no-VOC paint. Paint is composed of three components. The pigment represents the color; a binding agent ensures that the pigment sticks to the wall; and a solvent keeps it all liquid until exposed to air. Solvents are the main source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint.
Most conventional paints contain higher levels of VOCs, which emit a gas when applied. VOCs may be a health hazard, and the fumes can cause eye and throat irritation, as well as headaches, nausea and dizziness in some people. Some people with asthma find that paint fumes can trigger attacks. Fortuantely, there are now several alternatives if you are affected by paint fumes, if sensitive people live in your home, or if you just don't relish breathing VOCs.
Lastly, make sure you buy enough paint. Multiply the length of the walls all around the room by their height to get square footage. Add the square footage of the ceiling (if you are painting the ceiling). Subtract out the square footage of the doors and windows, then add 25 percent to that figure. Manufacturers provide information about the coverage you can expect under normal circumstances on the paint can, but a gallon of top-quality paint should cover 350 to 450 square feet. Be sure to buy enough paint, because you'll want extra for touch-ups later. Remember that lighter colors over darker ones will usually require more coats than the other way around.
For more helpful advice, read our updated report on interior paint.