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Interior Painting From "10 Things You Must Know" episode DTEN-101

Here are the 10 Things You Must Know about painting the interior of your home.

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Interior Painting Countdown

10. Before you start, pick a finish. Semi-gloss, eggshell and flat finishes all have their advantages. Higher gloss paint offers greater durability and they are very easy to clean. However, if your wall is less than perfect, high gloss paint can enhance the imperfections. Flat paint will do a much better job of hiding imperfections but it's much easier to damage than high gloss. Eggshell is a great middle-of-the-road option.

9. Don't let fear of color turn your room white. Colors can add depth and texture to your room. Using the right colors can turn an otherwise dull room into a beautiful, warm space. If you get a color you don't like; just paint over it!

8. Small samples prevent big surprises. It's very difficult to tell what a color is going to look like on your wall using a small paint swatch. Investing in a 'test gallon' can get expensive, especially if you can't make up your mind. Many paint manufacturers are now offering small sample cans of their colors. They only cost a few dollars and they will prevent you from wasting money on a color that just isn't right.

7. Square footage is only half of the equation. When you go to buy your paint, you have to know the square footage of your room. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the amount of paint you will need. Always consider the surface you're painting, if you're priming walls and the amount of coats your color is going to need. All of these things will impact the amount of paint you need to purchase.

6. Get ready to spend some time preparing. About 80% of your time should be spent doing prep work. Contrary to popular belief, paint will not hide imperfections in your wall. Take the proper steps to make your walls as flat as possible and make sure you clean them off before you start to paint. Any dust or debris left on the wall could cause your new paint to peel.

5. There is a reason it's called primer. Primer is essential in any quality paint job. It seals the surface of your walls and provides a great base for the paint to grab. If you've spackled your walls, priming is a must to prevent flashing. Unprimed spackle holds gloss better than drywall causing a 'shiny' spot on your wall.

4. Don't cut in a line. Always do brushwork in the corners before you begin rolling. Rolling after brushwork will flatten any brush strokes left in the wall giving you a nice, evenly painted surface.

3. Rollers can put more than paint on the wall. Use simple masking tape to remove any extra fibers before you paint. If you don't, those fibers will become a permanent fixture on your wall.

2. Avoid over extending yourself. Extension poles are a great way to cut time and effort out of a paint job. They will prevent you from climbing up and down a ladder and give you more leverage when you're painting a wall that's right in front of you. The benefit of an extension pole far outweighs the price.

1. If you box your paint, you will never fight blotches. It may be connected to a computer and look hi-tech, but the color mixer can create slight variations from can to can. The last thing you want is to have two different shades of a color on the same wall. This can be remedied by mixing all of the paint cans together before you start painting. Boxing your paint ensures you willl have consistent color throughout the room.

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• Unless you're a professional or a very experienced painter, you are bound to get drips around door knobs, cabinet hinges, switch plates or lighting fixtures. This is why it is a good idea to remove them all while you're prepping the area to paint. Place each item in separate bags and clearly mark them with the contents and location. When you're done painting, put them back and marvel at a job well done!

• Don't forget to prep yourself! Remove all jewelry and nice clothing and replace with sweats or old clothing you don't mind getting dirty. For those who have expensive glasses, plastic over your eyewear is recommended.