Revamping your Sunnyvale, CA area home with a fresh coat of paint can be a game-changer, but it’s crucial to prep the project properly. Everything requires patience and proper planning, from cleaning and patching up imperfections to selecting the ideal color scheme and deciding on a budget. Of course, to make things easier, you can always contact Custom Painting, Inc., the best painters in Fremont, CA and the bay area.

But, if you plan on doing things your way, here’s a helpful guide to give you an idea about all the important things to consider when painting your home interior. 

Planning and Preparation

Without a proper plan, everything is a mess. Period. 

Always make a proper written plan before going for interior painting. Since painting is a creative process, a written plan will help you convert your jumbled-up thoughts into well-defined ideas. What should you include in your plan? Let’s explore a few ideas. 

1. Current Condition of The Walls

Assess the current condition of your walls as a starting point. Note any cracks, holes, or imperfections. In your plan, outline how to address these issues – fill cracks with spackle, patch holes using joint compound, and sand down uneven surfaces for a smooth finish. 

For instance, if you find a small crack, clean it first, apply spackle, let it dry, and then sand it. This approach will result in a much neater outcome.   You might also find the need for wood rot repair as well.

Pro-Tip: Attention to detail is the key over here. You should closely inspect the walls not to miss even the tiniest of cracks!

2. Choosing the Right Paint Type and Colors 

The next big thing in your plan should be choosing the paint type and color. Let’s evaluate both aspects.

1. Types of Paint

Popular paint choices for interior paint include latex paint and oil paint. 

1. Latex Paints | Easy to Maintain Latex paint is a popular choice for interior painting due to its ease of use, quick drying time, and easy cleanup with soap and water. It is durable and suitable for both walls and trim. The water-based nature of latex paint makes it environmentally friendly and less odorous than oil-based options. Choose latex for its versatility and resilience in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Oil Paints | A Durable Option Oil-based paint is known for its durability and glossy finish. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and offers excellent adhesion to surfaces. However, it has a longer drying time and requires mineral spirits for cleanup. Our residential painters in Fremont, CA, recommend oil-based paint for its longevity in areas with heavy use, like doors, cabinets, and trim.
3. Picking a Suitable Color Scheme As the best painters in Fremont, CA, we recommend choosing the right color scheme according to your preferences. Don’t just go for common stereotypes that everyone has in mind! Still, here are a few ideas for every room. 
4. Living Room Opt for warm and inviting colors in the living room, such as soft neutrals, warm grays, or muted earth tones. Why? Well, precisely because these colors create a cozy atmosphere and can be easily complemented with various decor styles.
   Pro-Tip: Consider using an accent wall in a slightly bolder shade to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
5. Bedroom For bedrooms, calming and soothing colors are ideal (Not always). Shades of blue, green, or lavender promote relaxation and better sleep. Soft pastels or muted tones contribute to a serene ambiance. Avoid overly bright or stimulating colors in the bedroom to foster a tranquil environment conducive to rest.That being said, some people also have a preference for extreme colors like black or gray. And sure enough, they give away an aesthetic feel, and set you apart from others!Remember: Lighter colors can make a room feel larger and more open, while darker colors add coziness and intimacy to larger spaces.
6. Kitchen In the kitchen, neutral tones like whites, creams, or light grays are popular choices these days. These colors provide a clean and fresh backdrop. Plus, they allow kitchen accessories and features to stand out. Add pops of color through small appliances or decor items. 
7. Bathroom For bathrooms, light and airy colors work well to enhance the sense of cleanliness and freshness. Soft blues, greens, or pale yellows create a spa-like atmosphere.Additionally, white or light-colored tiles paired with a complementary wall color can make the space feel brighter and more open.
8. Home Office In a home office, choose colors that promote focus and productivity. Neutral tones like gray or beige provide a versatile backdrop. Consider adding an accent wall in a subtle yet energizing color, such as muted greens or blues. These colors strike a balance between professionalism and creativity.But again, this can vary too. For example, a graphic designer would go for a more creative and bold approach to a home office, and that makes sense, too.IMPORTANT: Color choices are influenced by their psychological impact on mood and atmosphere. Warm tones create a welcoming environment, while cool tones evoke calmness.

Gathering Needed Materials and Tools

If you’ve hired a painter, skip this part. If you haven’t, take notes of the essential tools needed for interior painting services. 

1. Precision Paintbrushes and High-Quality Rollers

Select angled sash brushes for cutting in and detailed work. The bristles must be a mix of polyester and nylon for a smooth finish. Opt for high-quality rollers with a suitable nap length – longer naps for textured surfaces and shorter naps for smoother walls – to achieve efficient and even paint coverage.

2. Professional-Grade Drop Cloths

Get yourself heavyweight canvas drop cloths with leak-resistant backing for maximum protection against spills and splatters. The absorbent material safeguards surfaces and prevents tracking paint to other areas of the space.

3. Sturdy Paint Trays and Resealable Buckets

Select paint trays with disposable and tear-resistant liners for easy cleanup and efficient color changes. Resealable paint buckets with lids are ideal for storing unused paint.

4. Stable Ladders and Secure Scaffolding

Safety is paramount to every painting project! Invest in a good ladder once, and you won’t regret this decision. Make sure that the ladders you purchase are equipped with non-slip feet and scaffolding that meets safety standards. 

5. Specialized Primers

Select primers tailored to specific surfaces, such as bonding primers for challenging materials or stain-blocking primers for discolored surfaces. A quality primer enhances paint adhesion, improves coverage, and promotes a professional outcome as well. But remember to learn more about the application of a primer before actually applying it. 

6. Tack Cloths with Resin

Choose tack cloths infused with resin for effective removal of dust and debris before painting. These cloths provide a residue-free surface and bring a flawless paint finish.

7. NIOSH-Approved Respirator or Mask:

Last, but definitely one of the most important things to buy is a respiratory mask. Prioritize respiratory protection with a NIOSH-approved respirator or mask especially when using oil paints in confined spaces. The right mask safeguards against harmful fumes.

Preparing the Room 

Paint. Check!

Tools. Check!

It’s time to prepare your room for your big painting project. 

• Clearing Furniture and Fixtures: Move furniture and fixtures out of the room or to the center, covering them with drop cloths to protect them from accidental splatters.
• Patching and Repairing Walls: Inspect walls for cracks, holes, or imperfections. Use a high-performance spackle or putty knife to patch and repair any damaged areas. Be sure to clean out dusty surfaces as well.
• Protecting Floors and Trim: Cover floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to shield against paint drips. Use painter’s tape to protect baseboards, trim, and other surfaces you want to keep paint-free.
• Taping Off Areas: Apply painter’s tape along the edges of trim, baseboards, and any areas where you want clean lines. This step ensures precise and professional-looking results.
• Setting Up Proper Lighting: Arrange adequate lighting to identify any missed spots or uneven areas. Proper lighting ensures a thorough and professional-looking paint job.

How to Paint Interiors? The Application Guide

Once everything is set and ready, it’s go time! You can now start painting your room. But the question remains. How? It’s not just a matter of painting in an up-and-down motion. You need to have the paint properly mixed and then applied to the interiors. 

Step 1: Proper Paint Mixing and Stirring

You can’t paint until the paint is ready, right? For that, you need to mix it properly. Uniformly mix paint before application to ensure consistent color and finish. Proper mixing guarantees a homogeneous product.

How to Mix: Use a stir stick or mixing paddle to blend paint thoroughly. Scrape the bottom and sides of the paint bucket to add in any settled particles. For larger quantities, pour paint into a larger container and mix it using a drill with a paint mixer attachment.

Step 2: Application

There are several ways of applying paint in your interiors but the most common one these days is spray application. 

Brush Application

As the name suggests, you do the job manually by applying paint via brushes. Use high-quality brushes for precision and control, choosing the appropriate brush size for the task. Angled sash brushes work well for cutting in and detailing, while flat brushes cover larger surfaces efficiently. Apply paint in long, even strokes, working from top to bottom for a smooth finish.

Roller Application

Roller application is efficient for covering large wall areas quickly. It provides a smooth, even finish and is suitable for various surface textures. Rollers are user-friendly, making them accessible for both DIYers and professionals. 

Select the right roller nap based on the surface texture – longer naps for textured walls and shorter naps for smoother surfaces. Load the roller evenly with paint using a tray, and apply it in a “W” or “M” pattern for consistent coverage. Roll in one direction to avoid visible roller marks.

Important: Careful application is necessary to avoid visible seams between roller passes.

Spray Application

Spray application is ideal for large and even surfaces. It requires specialized equipment and careful masking to protect adjacent areas. Adjust the spray pattern and pressure for optimal coverage. This technique provides a smooth, uniform finish but demands expertise to avoid overspray. 

Custom Painting, Inc. has a dedicated team of professional experts in all the application techniques. Still, our recommendation goes with spray application since it is a more sophisticated approach that gives you the right results. 

Common Mistakes People Make When Painting Interiors

Don’t want a bad job done? Consider the following key aspects when you paint the interior of your home. 

• Take Your Time: Avoid rushing the preparation process. Thoroughly clear the room of any item that can be moved out, patch walls, and protect surfaces for a smoother painting experience.
• Primer Matters: Don’t skip the primer. It enhances paint adhesion, improves coverage, and ensures a longer-lasting finish. 
• Clean Tools, Better Results: A GOLDEN RULE. Properly clean brushes and rollers after each use. Residue can affect the paint application and the lifespan of your tools. Soap and water work well for latex paints.
• Moderation is Key: Avoid overloading the brush or roller with paint. Excess paint leads to drips, uneven coverage, and a mess. Apply a moderate amount for a smoother finish.
• Skipping Taping: Don’t skip the taping step. Properly tape off edges and trim to achieve clean lines. It may take more time, but it significantly improves the final look.
• Ignoring Weather Conditions: Consider the weather. Avoid painting on extremely humid or rainy days. Optimal conditions ensure better paint adhesion and a quicker drying time.
• Not Testing Paint Colors: Don’t skip the paint color testing. Paint a small section and observe it in different lighting conditions before committing to a full room. Colors can look different under various lighting.

Looking to Paint Your Interiors? Consult us First

While our guide gives you everything there is to know about interior painting, there’s always going to be one element missing out when you do it yourself, and that is Professional-Grade Work! Now, we do get the idea that you are excited about painting it yourself or simply want to save on costs. But it is not exactly what would give you the satisfactory results. That being said, consult Custom Painting, Inc., the best painters in the San Jose, CA area, for a free quote by calling 925-866-9610 or by filling out our Contact Form.