The right paint for a wall depends on what the wall goes through and how smooth it is. This guide is written for Brooklyn homes, where old plaster, low light and narrow halls are common.
What sheen should I use for walls and trim?
Use a low sheen on walls and a higher sheen on trim. Flat or matte hides flaws. Eggshell and satin wipe clean. Semi-gloss stands up to hands and knocks on doors, casings and baseboards. The shinier the paint, the more it shows every dent and ridge.
Eggshell or satin for living room walls, and flat or eggshell to hide bad walls?
Eggshell suits most living room walls. Satin is a step shinier and easier to scrub, so it fits homes with small children. To hide bad walls, choose flat or matte. Old plaster with waves and patched cracks looks far better in a flat finish, because it does not throw light back off each bump. Modern washable mattes give some of both.
Should trim be satin or semi-gloss?
Semi-gloss is the usual choice for trim and satin is the softer option. On old woodwork with many layers of paint, satin is kinder, since high gloss shows every old drip and chip. On new, smooth trim, semi-gloss looks crisp and cleans easily.
What is the best paint for a bathroom or kitchen?
The best bathroom or kitchen paint is a mildew-resistant acrylic in satin or semi-gloss, or a matte made for baths. It has to shed steam and take wiping. In a bathroom with no fan, the paint matters less than the airflow. Open the window after showers.
What is the best paint for a high-traffic hallway?
A scrubbable eggshell or satin is best in a busy hallway. Halls and stairs in row houses and apartments are narrow, so bags, strollers and hands rub the walls every day. Pick a durable line and keep the leftover can for touch-ups.
What is the best paint for exterior walls in this climate?
The best paint for exterior walls in Brooklyn is a top-line 100% acrylic. It stays flexible through winter freezes and humid summers, and it lets some moisture pass out of the wall. Near the water in Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay and along the East River, salt air and wind are hard on paint, so surface washing and a full primer coat matter more. Masonry needs a breathable masonry paint, not a sealing film.
Can I use the same paint inside and outside?
No. Do not use interior paint on the outside. It is not made for sun, rain and frost and it fails fast. Exterior paint indoors is also a poor idea, since it has additives meant for the open air. Use each where the label says.
Does expensive paint last longer than cheap paint?
Usually yes. Expensive paint has more binder and pigment than cheap paint, so it covers in fewer coats and holds up longer to washing and weather. HomeGuide lists paint at $20 to $80 per gallon nationally. Since labor is most of the price of a paint job, saving a few dollars a gallon rarely pays.
Is one paint brand really better than another?
The line within a brand matters more than the brand name. Every major maker sells a builder grade and a premium grade. Compare the top lines and you find several good ones. We do not push a brand on this site. Ask us what we would use on your job and why.
How many coats of paint do I need?
Two coats is the standard for a lasting, even finish. One coat can work for a same-color refresh on clean walls. A strong color change, new drywall or bare wood needs primer plus two coats.
How do I cover dark paint with a light color?
To cover a dark wall with a light or white color, prime first with a high-hiding primer, then apply two finish coats. Skipping the primer usually means three or four coats of expensive finish paint instead.
Why does the same color look different in different rooms?
A color looks different from room to room because the light is different. North light is cool and makes colors look greyer. South light is warm. Many Brooklyn row houses and railroad apartments have windows only at the front and back, so the middle rooms are lit by lamps. Test a sample on the actual wall and look at it morning and night.
What white will not look yellow?
A white with a neutral or slightly cool base will not look yellow. Whites with cream or beige in them turn yellow under warm bulbs and next to old oak floors. Oil-based whites also yellow with age, which is one reason old trim looks cream. Hold the sample against your trim and floor before you choose.
How do I pick an exterior color that goes with my roof and brick?
Start from what will not change: the brick, the stone, the roof and the neighbors' fronts. Then choose a trim color that sits well with those. On a brownstone block, dark trim colors such as black, deep green and brown are the tradition. In a historic district the color may need approval, so check before you buy paint.
How much paint do I need?
One gallon covers 300 to 400 square feet with one coat, by the published figures. HomeGuide's guide is one gallon for an average bathroom, two for an average room and three for a large room, per coat. Rough plaster, stucco and bare wood take more.
Should the painter supply the paint or should I buy it?
Let the painter supply the paint in most cases. The painter knows how much is needed, picks it up, and is responsible if the product fails. If you want to buy the paint yourself, agree on the exact product and amount first, and expect the quote to show labor only.
Need help with color? Ask about our color consulting. Call or text (917) 746-3274.