How to Choose the Right Paint

Step 1: Night and Day
Here are some ideas on how to choose the right paint for the right room. First, get some color samples from the paint store. Bring them to your room and study them under different lighting conditions throughout the day. Get an actual paint sample of the color you want and paint it on.

Step 2: Prep is Key
Preparation is the key to painting. Make sure to fill nail holes with spackle and sand down the area to create a smooth surface. Clean all surfaces.

Step 3: How Much Paint?
Tape off any areas you want to protect from your paint. When buying paint, remember that most paints usually color 300 to 400 square feet per gallon. To figure out how many gallons you will need, calculate the total square footage of your room by measuring the height and width and then multiply them. Divide that figure by 400. Although this calculation includes windows and doors, it's always smart to have extra paint for touch-ups. Make sure to also consider coverage, as some colors may take more than one coat.

Step 4: Prime Time
Prime your walls before painting. When deciding the type of paint to use, keep in mind that semi gloss is wipe-able and best used for trim and molding but is also good for most walls and ceilings. Eggshell is wipe-able and has the sheen of an eggshell. It is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and children's rooms. Flat paint is not wipe-able and is best for ceilings but can also be used for walls. Note: never paint a water based paint on top of an oil based, as it will peel.

Step 5: Basic Tools
The basic tools you should have on hand for any paint job are: painters tape, sand paper, spackle, putty or spackle knife, paint brushes, rollers, and trays.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

• Spackle
• Spackle Knife
• Paint Brushes and Rollers
• Sand Paper
• Painters Tape
• Trays