Ever walked into a room and instantly felt a mood shift just by looking at the walls? Color has a magical power! Choosing the perfect interior paint is more than just picking a pretty shade; it sets the entire tone for your home. Many people feel overwhelmed when faced with hundreds of swatches—should you go bold or stick to neutrals? Matte or glossy? It’s easy to get lost in the details and worry about making a costly mistake.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the secrets to selecting interior paint like a pro. You will learn how light affects color, which finishes work best for busy rooms, and how to coordinate colors seamlessly throughout your house. Stop second-guessing your choices!
Ready to transform your space from drab to dazzling? Keep reading as we dive deep into everything you need to know to paint your interior with confidence and style.
Top Paint Interior Recommendations
- Self-Priming formula - requires no sanding
- Mold & Mildew-Proof paint film - guaranteed for 5 years
- Resists dirt and moisture on film coating
- Finish is washable and scrubbable with soap and water
- Product contains a mildewcide to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the paint film only
- Paint Brush Set Includes 1 Ea of 1" Flat, 1-1/2" Angle, 2" Stubby Angle, 2" Flat & 2-1/2" Angle
- Paint Brushes For Interior Or Exterior Projects. Use Angle Sash Paint Brush For Cutting Crisp Lines.
- Professional Results On Walls, Trim, Cabinets, Doors, Fences, Decks, Touch Up, Arts And Crafts.
- Premium Quality Paint Brushes! No Cardboard Covers Come With This Set.
- The SRT filament blend holds more paint to save time, less streaks & premium finish on walls & trim.
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Covers up to 120 sq ft and dries to touch in 30 minutes for quick project completion
- Semi-gloss finish minimizes surface imperfections, goes on smoothly and provides excellent hide
- Prior to application sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper, then wash with a degreaser, allow the surface to dry and apply paint
- Complete Painting Solution: This ten piece set includes everything for interior paint jobs; use paint brushes for walls and achieve professional results every time
- Versatile Application: Perfect for any project, this set includes paint rollers 9 inch for large surfaces and smaller brushes for detail work
- All-in-One Kit: This paint brush set and paint tray combo ensures you have all the paint supplies needed for any home improvement task
- Professional Grade: Get a smooth, even finish with our high-quality paint roller set; ideal for applying interior paint gallon or smaller quantities
- Cost-Effective: This paint brush and roller set provides unbeatable value; includes paint pan and paint trays for easy cleanup and reuse
- DryDex is a latex polymer spackle for repairing interior or exterior surfaces like drywall, plaster, wood, brick and stone
- Color indicator spackle goes on pink and dries white providing confirmation the product is dry within 1 to 5 hours
- Wall patch dries within 1 hour for repairs 1/8" in depth; for repairs deeper than 1/8" apply two or more layers and allow spackle to dry between applications
- Durable spackling will not crack, crumble, flake or shrink and creates professional looking wall repairs that last
- Wall patch does not require priming when used indoors
- PAINT + PRIMER IN ONE: Evolve’s paint-and-primer formula helps you get great coverage from the start, sealing your surface and reducing the extra work of multiple coats.
- Superior Protection: All of our specialty finishes let you brush smoothly & evenly while delivering maximum coverage. Improved sealing technology allows for easy cleaning and protection from common water issues
- EGGSHELL SHEEN – Soft, Velvety Glow: Offers a gentle sheen that balances elegance with durability. Ideal for moderate-traffic areas like dining rooms, hallways, and family rooms. Easy to clean without compromising the finish.
- STAIN & SCRUB RESISTANT: Built to last in real spaces, Evolve helps resist marks, scuffs, and water spotting, so your home continues to look polished and well-maintained.
- DESIGNED FOR MOISTURE-PRONE AREAS: Formulated to perform well in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, laundry rooms, and other high-humidity spaces.
- Seals drywall patches
- Prepares new drywall for painting
- Interior latex
- Soap and water clean up
- Ready to use, pre-mixed door and trim paint offers a fresh new look on interior or exterior metal, wood and fiberglass
- Water-based paint formula emits less odor and withstands fading for a long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 45 minutes, up to 3X faster than traditional oil-based paints
- Durable, chip resistant coating provides ultimate protection with modern curb appeal
- Beautiful satin door paint is available in 6 pre-mix color options for the perfect look
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Interior Paint
Painting your interior walls is a great way to refresh your home. Picking the right paint makes a big difference in how your room looks and how long the paint lasts. This guide helps you choose the perfect can of paint.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good interior paint has several important features. These features tell you how well the paint will perform.
- Coverage: This is how much area one gallon of paint will cover. Good paint covers walls evenly in one or two coats.
- Durability/Washability: Kitchens and hallways get messy. You need paint that stands up to scrubbing. Look for paints labeled “scrubbable” or “high-durability.”
- Low/Zero VOCs: VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals that cause that strong paint smell. Low or Zero VOC paints are safer for your family and better for the air quality inside your house.
- Drying Time: Faster drying times let you finish the job quicker. Check the can for “recoat time.”
2. Important Materials: Latex vs. Oil-Based Paints
Interior paints mostly come in two types: latex (water-based) and oil-based (alkyd).
Latex Paint: This is the most popular choice today. It cleans up easily with soap and water. Latex paint dries fast and does not yellow over time. It works well on drywall and plaster.
Oil-Based Paint: Oil paints create a very hard, durable finish. They are great for trim, doors, and cabinets that see a lot of touching. However, oil paint needs special thinners to clean up, and it has much stronger fumes.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the paint mostly depends on what is inside the can.
What Makes Paint Better?
- Higher Solids Content: Good paint has more actual color pigment and binder (the stuff that sticks to the wall) and less water. More solids mean better coverage and a tougher finish.
- Quality Binders: Binders are the glue in the paint. Better binders make the paint stick better and resist cracking or peeling.
What Makes Paint Cheaper?
- Too Much Water: Cheap paints use more water to fill the can. This means you must apply many more coats to get good color.
- Poor Pigments: Low-quality pigments fade faster when exposed to sunlight.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you are painting. Different rooms need different finishes.
Understanding Sheen (Finish)
The sheen is how shiny the paint looks when it dries. This choice affects both looks and toughness.
- Flat/Matte: Hides wall imperfections very well. It is the least washable. Good for ceilings and low-traffic adult bedrooms.
- Eggshell/Satin: These have a slight glow. They are durable enough for living rooms and dining areas. Satin is slightly shinier and easier to clean than eggshell.
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss: These are very tough and reflect the most light. They show every bump on the wall. Use these finishes for trim, doors, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture and cleaning are common.
When you buy paint, make sure you buy enough for two coats. Always test a small area first. A good paint job lasts for years!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Interior Paint
Q: What is the difference between primer and paint?
A: Primer prepares the surface for the paint. It helps the new paint stick better and stops old colors or stains from showing through. You often need primer on new drywall or when changing from a very dark color to a very light one.
Q: Can I paint over glossy paint with flat paint?
A: Yes, but you must prepare the surface first. Glossy paint is too slick. You need to lightly sand the surface to give the new paint something to grip onto. Then, use a bonding primer before applying your topcoat.
Q: How long does interior paint usually last?
A: High-quality interior paint, if applied correctly, can look great for 7 to 10 years. Lower quality paints might start looking dull or showing scuffs sooner.
Q: Which finish is best for a child’s bedroom?
A: Satin or eggshell finishes are usually best. They offer a good balance of looking nice while still being tough enough to wipe off crayon marks or fingerprints.
Q: Do I need to remove old paint before painting?
A: If the old paint is peeling, cracked, or flaking, you must scrape it off first. If the old paint is sound (stuck firmly), you just need to clean and lightly sand it.
Q: What does “Zero VOC” really mean?
A: It means the paint has very low levels of those smelly chemicals that evaporate into the air. This makes the paint safer to use indoors, especially for nurseries or people with sensitivities.
Q: How many coats of paint do I really need?
A: Most professional painters recommend two coats for the best color depth and durability. One coat often looks patchy, especially if you are covering a dark color.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover paint?
A: Wipe the rim of the can clean. Seal the lid very tightly. Store the can upside down for a few minutes; this creates a seal between the lid and the paint. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from freezing temperatures.
Q: Can I use interior paint outside?
A: No. Interior paint is not designed to handle harsh weather like sun, rain, and extreme temperature changes. Exterior paint has special ingredients to resist fading and peeling outdoors.
Q: How long do I wait before I can use the room after painting?
A: Most paints are dry to the touch in 1 to 2 hours. However, you should wait at least 24 hours before placing furniture back or touching the walls heavily. Check the can, but waiting 2-3 days allows the paint to fully “cure” or harden.