The Ultimate Paint Guide: Choosing the Right Type and Color

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Choosing the right type and color of paint for your mobile home can be an overwhelming process. That’s why we have put together our ultimate paint guide to ensure a successful project. Whether you are painting the ceiling, walls, or trim, the right paint makes all the difference. From the type of paint that will work best for each project, tips to help you choose just the right color, and how to estimate how much paint you will need before you begin, we’ve got you covered.

Related: Visit our DIY section to find more projects you can tackle yourself.

Different Types of Paint

First, let’s talk about the different types of interior paint and their finishes:

• Flat/Matte: The least amount of shine is present in flat paints, also known as matte paints. They cover imperfections like nail holes with the most coverage of any paint and require fewer coats to cover them. They are best used in low-traffic areas like dining rooms and surfaces that won’t be touched much, like ceilings, because they are the least durable type of paint and will be damaged if cleaned with cleaner.
• Eggshell: Eggshell finishes are a common choice for paint. They still cover imperfections, are more durable than flat finishes (though still not quite as durable as satin or gloss finishes), and are slightly more lustrous than flat paints (with the delicate low sheen of an eggshell). Eggshell paints are great for living rooms, hallways, and entryways with little or no foot traffic.
• Satin: The most common interior paint finish is satin. They are a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, playrooms, family rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms because they have a velvety sheen and are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints. Be aware that satin paints tend to show brush strokes more easily, making touch-ups a little more difficult in the long run.)
• Semi-gloss: Paints with a semi-gloss finish shine and reflect light. Because they are resistant to mildew and extremely long-lasting, bathrooms, kitchens, and kids’ rooms are the best places to use them. They are also excellent for trimming. They will show imperfections more than less shiny paints because they have a glossier finish.
• High-gloss: The paint finish with the highest luster is high-gloss. They can withstand daily scrubbing because they are the most durable and washable. Take into consideration this group of paints for cabinetry, trim, and doors. High-gloss paint can be used as an exterior detail on things like shutters as well as interior paint. However, prior preparation is essential when applying this finish because, if applied incorrectly, it may reveal numerous flaws.

Depending on what project you are getting ready to tackle, the right paint finish will make all the difference.

Tips for Choosing the Right Color

Choosing the right paint color is a big decision, but here are a few tips we found from This Old House that will help to make the process so much easier.

1. Create your color scheme based on the other objects in the room, choose one color as the primary color and use another as an accent. You can also use shades of the same colors throughout the home to create a flowing look.
2. Keep your color choices in line with the vibe that you are trying to achieve in the room, whether it’s relaxing, inviting, or, cheerful.
3. Take advantage of the paint samples that are available. Paint is expensive, make sure you love the color before you commit to gallons of it!

Make sure that the color or colors you choose have staying power, it’s easy to fall in love with a popular color, but is it something you are going to love for the long haul? Unless painting is a project that you are willing to tackle on a regular basis, try and pick colors that will work with a variety of different color schemes, that way you get more bang for your buck.

Deciding How Much Paint You Need

One final tip we want to share in our ultimate paint guide is a handy calculator to help you determine just how much paint you will need depending on what you are painting. Because let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than starting a project and realizing that you don’t have enough paint to finish it. We found several different calculators online, but this one from Benjamin Moore seems to be a good place to start.

Once you have decided on the type, color, and amount of paint you will need it’s time to head to the store. Don’t forget to pick up your paint project essentials while you are there. You will definitely want to pick up painter’s tape, a paint tray and some of the disposable inserts, a paint roller (make sure you choose one that works well with the paint finish you are using), a brush for those smaller areas (same goes for the brush, there are different ones for different finishes), and even if you think you don’t need one, pick up a drop cloth or two, they will save your furniture or floors from paint drops or spills.

We hope our paint guide will help you prepare for your next DIY project, and we would love to see it! Drop us a comment or send us a message and your project could be the next feature we share with our readers.

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