Starting a new paint project sounds exciting at first—until you realize how many choices you have to make. Should you go with a glossy finish or something matte? Do you need special paint for the bathroom? Is cheaper paint just as good? All of these questions can get overwhelming fast. If you’ve never picked out paint before, it might feel like you’re in way over your head.
But don’t worry—there’s a way to make the process easier. With the right information and a little planning, you can choose paint that will look great and last long.
Know What You’re Painting
Before you buy anything, stop and think about the surface you’re painting. Is it drywall, wood, brick, or something else? Indoor walls need a different kind of paint than exterior surfaces. If you’re painting something like kitchen cabinets or a bathroom wall, you’ll want paint that’s made to handle moisture and constant cleaning.
Knowing the material and the environment will help you figure out what type of paint works best. For example, high-humidity rooms like bathrooms and laundry rooms do better with semi-gloss or satin paint because it resists water and mildew better than flat finishes.
Visit a Local Paint Supply Store for Expert Help
Sometimes the best way to figure things out is to ask someone who knows what they’re doing. That’s where a paint supply store comes in. These stores often have employees who understand the differences between paint types, brands, and finishes. They can help you match the right paint to your specific project.
Unlike big box stores where you might not get much advice, local stores usually have more experience with different types of painting jobs. They can answer your questions, offer suggestions, and even give you samples to test out.
Choose the Right Finish
Paint finish makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Each finish reflects light differently, which affects how the color looks on your walls. Matte and flat finishes don’t reflect much light, so they’re good at hiding flaws in the wall. But they’re also harder to clean, which makes them a poor choice for high-traffic areas.
If you’re painting a hallway, kitchen, or kids’ room, you might want to go with satin or semi-gloss. These finishes are easier to clean and stand up to everyday wear and tear. Glossy finishes are great for trim or doors, but they show every little bump and dent, so be careful where you use them.
Pick Quality Over Price
It’s tempting to go for the cheaper paint, especially if you have a tight budget. But lower-quality paint often needs more coats to get full coverage, and it might not last as long. That means you could end up spending more money in the long run just trying to make it look right.
Better quality paint has more pigment and spreads more smoothly, which helps you get the job done faster and with less effort.
Test the Color First
Paint chips in the store look different than paint on your wall at home. Lighting, wall texture, and even the time of day can change how a color looks. That’s why it’s a smart idea to test a small sample on your actual wall before you commit to a whole gallon.
You can get sample sizes of most colors and paint a small square or section of the wall. Live with it for a day or two. See how it looks in natural light during the day and with artificial light at night.
