The colors you select for your home’s interior depend on several factors, including the room’s purpose, size, dimensions, and the amount of natural light it receives. These elements play a significant role in determining the ideal paint color for each space.

Function of the Room

First, consider the room’s function. Public spaces, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and family rooms, should feel welcoming for guests during special occasions while remaining cozy for family relaxation on regular days. Paint colors in these areas should balance attractiveness and comfort, formality and sophistication. Timeless colors like sage green, gray-blue, and dark beige work well, as they are versatile and complement a wide range of furnishings.

Not all public spaces require this approach, however. The kitchen, often the most social room in a home, is where families gather to cook, eat, and share stories. Kitchens are typically busy, vibrant spaces. Muted tones may feel out of place and could dampen the room’s energy. Instead, opt for cheerful colors like coral red, sky blue, or lime green to foster an active, lively atmosphere. White is also a suitable color for kitchens due to its association with cleanliness.

In contrast, bedrooms are spaces for personal expression. Choose colors that reflect your preferences and personality, but remember that bedrooms are primarily for relaxation and sleep. Cool, soft colors create a calming retreat, while bright, warm colors may heighten emotions and hinder relaxation. To select a bedroom color, list your favorite cool colors and choose from those hues.

For other bedrooms, consider the occupant. Guest bedrooms benefit from relaxing cool colors to provide a peaceful environment, while children’s bedrooms often feature bright hues to stimulate activity and creativity. Allow older children to choose their room’s colors from a curated list to balance their preferences with practicality. For excitable children, muted colors may be more suitable.

Impact of Room Size and Dimensions

The size and dimensions of a room significantly influence the appropriate paint color, particularly the color’s value (its lightness or darkness). Light colors make walls recede, opening up space, while dark colors create intimacy, drawing walls closer. Dark colors suit large rooms with high ceilings and ample natural light, while light colors are ideal for small rooms or those with limited natural light.

Using multiple colors in a room, such as on accent walls, can alter its perceived dimensions or establish a color scheme. In small rooms, accent walls can make the space feel larger or distract from its true size. However, multiple colors in a small room may create visual clutter, making it feel smaller. For most small rooms, stick to one wall color with a neutral trim, such as white or cream. If you choose an accent wall, use low-contrast colors to avoid drawing attention to the walls.

Large rooms offer more flexibility for creative painting. Accent walls, stripes, or other graphics work well in spacious areas. When using multiple colors, select hues that relate to each other on the color wheel or draw inspiration from natural color combinations.

For rooms with unusually high ceilings, painting a portion of the walls in the ceiling color can make the ceiling appear lower. Similarly, painting unique features like nooks or built-in shelving in a different color highlights the room’s craftsmanship.

Tips for Selecting Paint Colors

Choosing interior paint colors is a significant decision, as you’ll likely live with your choices for years. Avoid trendy colors, which may quickly feel dated. While white or cream walls are safe, they can make rooms feel impersonal.

If you’re hesitant about using color, take a practical approach. Visit a home improvement store and collect swatches of colors you like. Narrow your options by considering the room’s function, size, and dimensions. Select three or four colors, then paint a sample (about two feet by two feet) of each on the wall. Allow the paint to dry fully before making your final decision.

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A significant amount of leftover paint ends up in landfills, and enough has been disposed of this way to raise concerns. It also gets poured down the drain, which is problematic because both oil-based and latex-based paints contain harmful chemicals that sewage treatment facilities cannot remove. These chemicals end up in our groundwater, waterways, and oceans.

For your next home improvement project, here’s some advice on how to minimize waste paint—and what to do with the leftovers.

Don’t Buy More Than You Need
Many people buy extra paint just in case they run out. To cut down on waste, try to buy the right amount. The amount of paint you’ll need depends on factors such as the material of your walls, the colors you’re covering, and the total square footage you need to paint. Only buy the paint you’ll use. A salesperson at your local paint store can help you calculate how many gallons you’ll need for your project.

If There’s an Inch Left in the Can—Use It
Instead of throwing out or storing an inch or two of leftover paint, consider applying it to your wall. This will save you storage space and help the environment.

Use Leftover Paint as a Base Coat
Rather than using a primer, consider painting over your old color with some leftover paint before applying the new color. This works especially well if your old color is bright and hard to conceal, and if your leftover paint is a neutral shade. This may even save you from applying a second coat of your new color.

Make Your Old Paint Last
Paint can stay fresh for years if sealed properly. To do this, place a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of your paint can, then seal the can and store it upside down. This creates an airtight seal that locks the paint in, preventing it from drying out or becoming unusable. The plastic layer also makes it easier to open the can when you need it again.

Donate Unwanted Leftovers
If you have a lot of leftover paint, there are many places that would be happy to take it off your hands. High school drama departments or community theater groups are often in need of paint for set building, and local charities like Habitat for Humanity, churches, or synagogues may also accept it. If you’re unable to find a recipient, try posting on an online classifieds site like Craigslist.org. You should be able to find someone looking for free paint.

Recycle Your Paint
If you can’t find anyone to take your leftover paint and don’t want to keep it for future use, consider recycling it. Not all recycling depots accept paint, so it’s best to contact your local recycling center before taking your paint there. Paint cans are made of steel, which is recyclable—but they must be completely rinsed and dried first. Many cities have paint recycling programs that will even pick up your paint for reuse—check with your local recycling department for more details.

Dispose of Your Paint Carefully
If you don’t have access to a recycling program in your area, consider holding onto your leftover paint until you find someone who can use it. In many states, it’s actually illegal to throw paint in the trash due to the harm it can cause to oceans and drinking water. However, latex-based paints are relatively safe to dispose of once they are fully dried out, as they are more hazardous in liquid form. You should contact your local hazardous waste coordinator or recycling department to inquire about the regulations and laws regarding paint disposal in your area. Remember, oil-based paints should never be thrown out with the trash.

For more information about paint disposal, visit this website maintained by the paint industry: https://www.paint.org/. It contains information on setting up a paint swap in your neighborhood, frequently asked questions about paint disposal and recycling, and much more.

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Painting is one of the easiest DIY jobs you can tackle at home. However, it’s also an area where it’s easy to make a mess—literally. So before you dive into painting your house yourself, take a moment to assess whether you’re truly up for the task.

What You Need to Know to Get a Paint Job Right

You don’t need a university degree to paint your house, although in some European countries, you can study for a master painter’s certification. However, you will need some basic knowledge, as well as technical expertise, to ensure the job is done correctly.

First, you need to understand the different types of paint available for both interior and exterior use. You should know which paint is suitable for different surfaces. For example, what’s good for wood isn’t necessarily good for plastered walls. You also need to know how to properly prepare the surfaces you’re painting. While the basic preparation process involves stripping and cleaning surfaces, base coats and primers are designed for specific purposes. If you use a product that isn’t compatible with your chosen top coat, you’ll end up with a mess. Not only will you waste time, but you’ll also waste the money you spent on paints and other products.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional House Painter

If you have the necessary knowledge, experience, and energy to paint your own house, go for it. But here are ten good reasons why you might prefer to hire a professional painter.

1. You won’t have to take on the tedious responsibility of preparation; you can simply ensure that the person you hire does it properly.
2. A well-trained and experienced professional house painter will know exactly what products to use. That said, be sure to check out these products to ensure you’re happy with their choices.
3. An experienced painter will be able to provide you with all the information you need about paint. With their guidance, you’ll be able to choose the ideal products for your home, especially if you want to make your own selections.
4. A good professional painter will come fully equipped, so you won’t have to spend money on ladders, drop sheets, buckets, rollers, paint brushes, and other materials. Some professionals may allow you to buy the materials to save on costs.
5. A skilled professional will know how to prepare every type of surface correctly. Whether they’re painting ceilings, walls, doors, or window frames, they’ll get it right.
6. Professional painters are trained to pay attention to details you might overlook. For example, they should remove hardware like handles before starting the job. It takes extra effort, but they’re being paid for it.
7. If a professional painter makes a mess, it’s not (or shouldn’t be) your problem.
8. Painting projects usually take days or even weeks. When a professional painter is responsible for the job, you won’t have to clean up every day—they will.
9. If you’re working with a professional interior designer, this person will coordinate with your painter. The same applies if you’re working with a project manager. You’ll simply need to verify that the job is done to your satisfaction.
10. If the job isn’t completed on schedule or in line with the contract, the painter will be responsible for correcting it. If you do the painting yourself, there’s no one to pass the blame to!

What to Expect from a Professional Painter

In addition to producing a quality paint job, you can expect professional painters to be exceptionally well-organized and knowledgeable. When you hire a pro, you should expect them to be well-equipped and able to provide you with valuable advice—both on products and color choices.

Expect to see good references and ask for examples of previous work completed by the company. Check the painter’s licenses and ensure the company has sufficient insurance. If something goes wrong and your precious furniture is damaged, you don’t want to be left covering the costs.

You should also expect the painters to arrive clean and organized every day. While they may get a little dirty during the workday, a successful work site should always be a clean, well-organized one.

If budget is a concern, consider hiring young professionals who are just starting out. But still, get references and consider starting with one room or section of the house as a trial. While you may have concerns about trustworthiness, remember—it’s a two-way street. If they don’t do the job properly, you’re not going to pay! But if they do, you will.

Some Reputable Canadian Painters

While we cannot take responsibility for any recommendations, here are some professional painters you might want to consider:

• • The Canadian Painters, Great Painting Services
  • Commercial and Industrial Painting Contractors (Oakville) – www.propainters.ca

Just remember, when you approach professional painters, expect a professional service. And if you find a good, trustworthy painter or painting company, don’t hesitate to recommend them to your friends. After all, word of mouth is often the best way to find reliable service—and it’s one of the best reasons to hire a professional house painter you can trust.

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The color wheel begins with the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. These primary colors are combined to create all other colors. The secondary colors—orange, green, and purple—are made by mixing two primary colors. Tertiary colors are formed by combining a secondary color with a primary color. Many successful color combinations are made up of colors that have a relationship to one another on the color wheel.

Complementary Color Pairs

Colors found opposite one another on the color wheel are called complementary colors. These complementary color pairs are high-contrast. Often described as “opposites”—much like black and white—pairs such as red and green, purple and gold, and orange and blue are all complementary. When placed together in a room, these colors create dramatic, sophisticated color schemes. Typically, one color is chosen to be the dominant color, and various shades of this color are applied to the walls and around the room. The accent color (the non-dominant color) is then used sparingly.
Since complementary color pairs tend to be very bright and bold, earthier versions of these colors are often used in interior design. For instance, an orange and blue color scheme might feature mostly gray-blues with copper accents. The room’s walls could be painted in shades of gray-blue, or the blue could be complemented by a single horizontal copper stripe near the ceiling.

Analogous Color Schemes Colors that sit side by side on the color wheel are known as analogous colors. Examples include red and orange, green and blue, and yellow and green. Analogous colors tend to be relatively low-contrast and have a unifying effect in interior design. These color pairs are often combined with a neutral tone, such as white, cream, or gray, to break up the colors and prevent them from becoming overwhelming.

When using analogous colors in interior design, brighter, more saturated shades are often chosen to prevent the color scheme from feeling uninspired or dull. For example, a kitchen could be painted in shades of tomato red and tangerine orange, with gleaming white counters, cabinets, and floors to break up the bold color palette.

Natural Color Combinations Colors found together in nature are often perceived as having a natural harmony that makes them pleasing to the eye. These color combinations usually have a relationship that can be traced on the color wheel. For example, the colors of a Caribbean beach—light yellow sand and turquoise-blue water—are near complements. Nature offers an endless array of stunning color schemes, also seen in fruits and vegetables.

A classic example in interior design is the eggplant color scheme. Deep, rich purple, light grassy green, and creamy khaki are frequently used with beautiful results in modern homes. In smaller rooms, khaki walls with accents of light purple and green work well, while larger rooms might benefit from darker hues dominating the space.

Painting Walls with Two or More Colors

While many people opt for a single color to paint their walls, painting a room with two or three colors has become increasingly popular. There are several ways to do this. One method is to designate one wall as an “accent” wall. An accent wall is painted a different color from the other three walls in the room. Accent walls can either be dramatically different in color or only subtly so. A high-contrast accent wall adds drama to a room and serves as a focal point. A low-contrast accent wall, on the other hand, may go unnoticed but contributes to a dynamic visual flow and reinforces the color scheme.
In rooms with unique wall structures, such as built-in shelving, the majority of the room may be painted a single color, while the shelving is painted in other colors from the scheme.

Patterns, like stripes, are a more obvious way to display multiple colors on a wall, though this bold approach is still relatively uncommon and might not suit everyone. However, painting a single horizontal band of color around the room can establish your color scheme without the high-impact effect of full striped patterns.

If you’re struggling to find the right interior paint color combination, many stores that sell paint offer catalogs and books featuring photographs of attractive color schemes. Choosing a theme can also help, as many themes come with built-in color schemes (for example, a red, white, and blue combination for an Americana-themed room). Keep in mind that different color combinations are suitable for different rooms. Darker color schemes should be reserved for larger rooms, while lighter, calmer colors are best for smaller spaces. Formal rooms, like living and dining rooms, often benefit from color combinations involving neutral and earthy tones. Brighter, bolder schemes are more fitting for bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. This way, the colors help reinforce the room’s function and influence the interactions of those who occupy it.

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What You Will Need

Painting a new exterior door will require:

• Clean rags
• Drop cloth
• Mini roller
• Paintbrush
• Bucket
• Roller tray or grid
• Paint
• Sawhorses
• Masking tape

Additional items needed for painting and repainting may include:

• Sandpaper
• Screwdriver
• Sander
• Tack cloth
• Caulk
• Putty knife

Step One: To Prime or Not Prime?
If you bought a new door, it may already be primed. The door, which will usually be some shade of grey, has been primed in the factory according to specifications that will allow it to readily accept paint. Do not prime it again. Metal doors are always primed.

If you buy a new wood door, it may not be primed. If this is the case, first ensure that the door is totally free of dust and dirt. Then place the door on the sawhorses.

Step Two: Remove All Hardware
If you’re preparing to paint an old door or a new one with hardware, it’s best to remove all of the items, including hinges, doorknob, doorknocker, strike plate and peephole. You may also use masking tape to protect them from the paint but this is not recommended due to the fact that this makes it harder to ensure the areas around the hardware are properly covered.

Step Three: Sanding the Door
If you have an old wood door, you’ll need to sand and scrape off all old paint and any dirt on the door. A palm sander holding 80-grit sandpaper works well and will help make this job go quickly. Once the surface is smooth you’re ready to move on.

If you have an old metal exterior door, you’ll need to sand any rust down. For this job use a palm sander with 50-grit sandpaper. The surface needs to feel smooth and be free of rust.

Step Four: Making Sure the Exterior Door is Clean
Before priming your door be sure to wipe off any excess dust or rust and rub down the surface with a tack cloth. Any foreign material will inhibit the paint from adhering to the door’s surface.

Step Five: Priming the Exterior Door
Using either water based acrylic paint for wood or an oil primer for metal, paint the door’s six sides—the exterior, interior and each of the four edges. Priming all sides will help ensure the durability of the door.

Step Six: Fixing Cracks
Inspect an older wood door for any cracks. Fill the cracks with caulk, using a putty knife to ensure the crack is filled properly and the surface flush with the door. Once the caulk is dry, prime that section again.

Step Seven: Painting Techniques
If you have a door that offers a totally smooth surface, that is one without panels, then you can use a small roller to paint the door. If your door has panels, then paint the recessed parts first with a brush, starting with the corners. Then paint the raised surfaces with a small roller. Whether the door is flat or paneled, use a brush to paint the areas near the edges. Don’t overload the brush or roller with paint and don’t allow it to puddle on the door.

Step Eight: Painting the Door
Paint the exterior side first. If your door opens in, you’ll need to paint the hinged side of the door the same color. If painting a wood door, always go with the grain. Paint stiles, the long sides of the door, with the grain, which will be up and down, and the rails, the top and bottom edges, side to side.

Step Nine: Drying
Allow the door 24 hours to dry. Be sure to seal up your paint and clean brushes, rollers and pans. Also, secure all hardware.

Step Ten: Additional Coats
Chances are your door will need at least one additional coat if not more. The darker the color, the more coats you will need. After the door is dry, wipe down with a clean cloth and with a tack cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated. Paint the door again as described above, allowing it to dry before applying a third coat.

It’s best to paint the interior part of the door after the exterior, stiles and rails are done. You can prime the interior and perform any prep work needed at the same time that you are working on the exterior. When painting the interior approach it in same manner in which you did the exterior.

Express Yourself with Taste

Painting an exterior door is a great way to add a tasteful accent to your home and to bring its look and style together. If you do the job right, your door will look better and last longer.

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Painting the interior of a house—or even a single room—is a time-consuming and potentially costly project. With paint prices ranging from $30 to $50 per gallon, you might wonder if pricier options justify their cost. This guide explores the factors that influence paint costs and quality to help you make an informed decision.

Upfront Costs: Money and Time

When budgeting for paint, consider two costs: money and time. Inexpensive paint, priced around $20 per gallon, may seem like a bargain when paired with brushes, tarps, trays, and rags. However, cheaper paints often use lower-quality materials, resulting in thinner coverage that requires multiple coats. In contrast, premium paints are formulated for even coverage with fewer applications, saving both paint and effort.

Most painting projects start with a primer, a white base coat that creates a smooth, even surface. Primer prevents uneven absorption, covers cracks or blemishes, and blocks dark underlying colors, reducing the need for extra paint coats. Typically less expensive than regular paint, primer is essential for professional results. After priming, you’ll need at least two coats of paint, but cheaper, thinner paints may demand more, especially for mid- to dark-toned colors.

Dark paints pose a unique challenge. Light colors use a thick white base with added pigment, but dark colors rely on a transparent base to maintain their hue. For example, adding red pigment to a white base would produce pink, not red. This transparent base makes dark paints harder to apply evenly, often requiring three or more coats with premium brands and up to nine or ten with cheaper ones. Each coat needs drying time—ranging from five hours to a full day—potentially stretching a project with cheap paint to over a week.

Premium Paints and Essential Tools

Expensive paints, starting at around $30 per gallon, are designed for superior coverage. Some even combine primer and paint, eliminating the need for a separate primer coat. In some cases, a single coat of premium paint may suffice, though professionals recommend a second for an even finish. By reducing the number of coats, premium paints save both time and money.

Don’t Skimp on Materials
Beyond paint, a successful project requires quality tools. Invest in a high-quality paintbrush for precise edging around corners and trim. While painter’s tape can help, a good brush offers better control. Similarly, avoid cheap paint rollers, which may shed fibers, remove wet paint when doubled back, or degrade after cleaning. A quality roller ensures smooth, consistent application, enhancing the final result.

Long-Term Costs and Durability
Paint quality impacts longevity. In sunlit rooms, even premium paints fade over time, but specialized fade-resistant options are available. Inexpensive paints fade faster, may wash off during cleaning, and often require repainting within a few years. Premium paints, while costlier upfront, can save money by lasting longer and maintaining their appearance.

If you’re painting on a budget, consider these strategies:

• Choose lighter colors, which require fewer coats than darker paint.
• Opt for paint with built-in primer to eliminate the cost and step of priming.
• Select an eggshell finish, which hides brush strokes and achieves an even look with fewer coats, though it’s harder to clean once dry.

In summary, while expensive paints have a higher upfront cost, their superior coverage, durability, and time-saving benefits often make them the better investment. By choosing quality paint and tools, you can achieve a professional finish that lasts, potentially saving money in the long run.

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Paint brushes come in all sizes and shapes, with various types of bristles, both natural and synthetic. Most brushes are manufactured for specific purposes. For example, some brushes are tapered, while others are cut square. Some are large, and others are small. The variety can be overwhelming if you have no prior painting experience.

In general, synthetic brushes (usually cheaper) last longer than those with natural bristles. However, natural bristles are often preferred for oil-based paints and varnishes, while synthetic brushes are favored for water-based and acrylic paints because their bristles don’t expand the same way that natural bristles tend to.

Types of Paint Brushes for Different Uses

Paint Brushes for Domestic Household Use

These are the brushes typically intended for DIY use around the home. You’ll find that some have longer bristles than others, and some are bulkier (in terms of bristle quantity) than others. Handles also vary in terms of the material they’re made from—plastic and wood being the most common—as well as shape and length.

Check the packaging to see what the brush is designed for. While many are suitable for all types of paint (including latex, acrylics, and water-based stains), a short handle might be specifically designed for maneuvering in tight spaces. Some brushes have softer tips that will produce a smoother, more even surface, while others are better suited for epoxy paints, fiberglass resin, marine primers, and sealers.

Paint brushes with “china bristles” (which are actually made from hog hair) aren’t as soft as natural bristles but work well for oil-based enamel paints, varnishes, and stains.

Brushes with synthetic bristles—such as those made from nylon, polyester, or various synthetic blends—are generally the least expensive. However, price alone shouldn’t guide your decision. If you choose the cheapest option, you might find that the brush sheds its bristles onto your paint surface. It can be frustrating, if not soul-destroying, to have carefully applied paint and achieved a smooth finish, only to discover bristles trapped just beneath the surface.

Brushes for Decorative Paint Work

Specialist brushes for various faux finishes range from delicate swordliners, which you can use to create the illusion of marble veins, to luxuriously soft badger brushes used to finish and create a high sheen on marbling and other related paint effects. Dragging brushes, with coarser hair and long bristles, can be dragged through a glaze (a topcoat) to create a delicate, lined effect.

Other brushes for decorative painting include fat stippling brushes and a wide range of brushes designed specifically for stenciling.

Artist’s Brushes

Artist brushes are generally smaller and finer than those used for painting walls and other home surfaces, but they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Brush tips, for example, may be:

• Pointed
• Flat
• Short and stiff
• Domed
• Fanned
• Angled
• Soft and mop-like
• Rounded
• Elongated
• Shaped like a dagger
• Shaped like a sword (swordliner)

A particularly popular brush for watercolor work is the hake brush, which is often made with soft goat’s hair bristles. The hake brush is named after its fish-like (hake) shape, and its broad wooden handle makes it ideal for covering large areas of canvas or art paper. It’s also a popular choice for potters applying glazes to their work. Often considered the “poor man’s badger brush,” the hake does the job nearly as well.

Artists who use watercolors frequently prefer sable brushes (made from the hair of a small weasel-like animal), although synthetic sable and nylon brushes are other suitable options. More expensive options include brushes made from squirrel or badger hair. Stiff brushes may be made from hog or china bristle, while the cheapest hair used for artist brushes is often called “camel hair” (though it doesn’t actually come from camels!).

Generally, artists use sable or synthetic sable bristle brushes for oil painting and nylon or other synthetic brushes for acrylics.

Companies that Manufacture Paint Brushes

Several companies specialize in manufacturing high-quality paint brushes. Here are some notable names:

Wooster Brush Company (www.woosterbrush.com) produces professional, DIY, and artist brushes, along with rollers and other painting equipment. They offer over 2,300 different products available throughout North America. Some top Wooster products include:

Advantage Professional Brushes: A blend of china bristle and nylon, ideal for alkyds, enamels, and high-grade acrylic paints.

Golden Glo Brushes: Made with nylon and synthetic sable, designed for latex, acrylic, and oil-based paints.

Ohio Brushes: A classic brand, trademarked in 1906, made for professional precision with the Wooster name stamped into the wooden handles.

Production Painter Brushes: Suitable for latex, acrylics, oils, and stains, made with either maple wood or elastomeric handles.

Shasta Brushes: Registered in 1922, offering high-quality varnish brushes.

Purdy (www.purdycorp.com) is known for creating high-quality painting tools. Founded in 1925 by S. Desmond Purdy in Portland, Oregon, the company focuses on producing the finest tools for both professionals and DIY painters. They manufacture brushes made with nylon, china bristle, polyester, mixed, and even ox hair bristles. The company’s faux finish products fall under the

Symphony brand and include:

• Softening and blending tools like badger brushes
• Veining brushes, including sable “daggers”
• Sponging and ragging tools
• Dragging, flogging, and color washing brushes
• Wood graining tools
• Stippling and stenciling brushes
• Combing tools for wood grain and other effects.

Benjamin Moore (www.benjaminmoore.com) has been producing high-quality paints since 1883, and they also manufacture paint brushes and rollers designed for use with their paints. The range includes nylon/polyester blend bristles and china bristles.

Ultimately, when buying paint brushes, first decide what you’re going to paint, then determine what paint you’re using. You can explore the range of available products that seem suitable for your needs. And remember, don’t hesitate to ask for advice if you’re uncertain.

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The Impact of Toxins in Paint

For centuries, humans have used paint to add color and interest to their homes. However, it is only in relatively recent times that toxins—particularly lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—have been added to paint. Paint chemists likely didn’t set out to harm people; their goal was to create superior paint products with better color and longevity. This would lead to improved sales and higher profits for the manufacturing companies.

You might think this drive for improvement stemmed from consumer demand, and in many ways, it did. Ironically, as lead and other VOCs in paint have been recognized as harmful to humans and the environment, consumers are now demanding environmentally friendly house paint products. This shift has given rise to a new breed of paint chemists and companies focused on supplying paint that won’t harm anyone or anything.

For some time, house paints sold in North America and other parts of the world have been required to comply with laws specifying minimum environmental standards, including limits on toxic ingredients such as harmful preservatives.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Options

While synthetic paints tend to last longer and are cheaper due to mass production by multinational companies, opting for more expensive, eco-friendly products can be worthwhile. If these products are effective and environmentally friendly, doing your part to help save our planet is a noble choice—especially considering that our planet is in serious trouble.

Moreover, consider the effects that non-environmentally friendly paint can have on our health. You could try painting a small room with a typical toxic paint—keeping the windows closed—to see how it feels. While this might convince you to switch to zero VOC paints, we don’t recommend this experiment.

Unlike products developed by multinational companies, eco-friendly options are not always widely available. Therefore, you may need to research what is accessible in your area regarding environmentally friendly house paint.

Some innovative eco-friendly paints use milk, soybeans, clay, and pigments, with the best being categorized as totally zero VOC. Here are a few examples:

The Real Milk Paint Co. produces paint based on traditional recipes that include curdled milk, cottage cheese, lime, and earth pigments. It works best on raw wood and unsealed surfaces but won’t coat metal, plastics, or anything previously painted with oil-based or enamel paints. According to the company, this paint is suitable for exterior use and becomes increasingly durable as moisture passes through it.

Homestead House in Toronto, Canada, is also a supplier of milk paints and is the only Canadian company to do so. They recently developed a milk paint bond that can be used on previously painted and varnished surfaces, allowing for easy repainting.

Bioshield, a manufacturer of natural paints operating in both the US and Canada, also produces milk paints, reflecting a growing trend. They offer clay paints and related products, all free from toxins, additives, or harmful chemicals.

Green Plant Paints produces zero VOC, soy-based interior paint products. These paints contain no petroleum; instead, they use clay-based pigments and other renewable materials. According to the manufacturer, the paint is sustainable, tough, durable, and long-lasting.

Another Canadian company, Eco-House, Inc., produces a silicate dispersion paint (inorganic mineral paint) that is known for its durability and resistance to acid rain. Developed in Germany during the late 1880s, this paint has been used for various historical restoration projects. What sets it apart is that it uses a liquid mineral as the binder, penetrating the surface to repel water while allowing water vapor to escape. They claim it won’t blister or peel, and it is currently available in white and nine additional colors.

Anna Sova, a company specializing in organic luxury products, also manufactures milk paints. Based in Dallas, Texas, this company boasts that its paint products are made with up to 90% food ingredients, making them unique among eco-friendly brands. Perhaps with their products, you’ll love the walls of your rooms painted with environmentally friendly house paints!

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For a newly plastered wall, the process is straightforward. Apply an alkali-resistant plaster primer to the raw plaster, followed by an affordable undercoat to create a base for the topcoat. The final coat delivers the desired finish, often requiring multiple layers. This is a simple task that anyone can master with proper care.

Previously painted walls demand more effort. Start by removing peeling paint. Depending on the original coating, you may need a primer or undercoat. Uneven surfaces might require sanding, but often, thorough stripping is necessary, which can be labor-intensive. For detailed guidance, see how to remove wallpaper.

Painting Over Wallpaper: Challenges and Solutions

Painting over wallpaper requires detective work unless you applied it yourself and know the materials used. Well-hung wallpaper can conceal imperfections, but you must assess its condition. Test if it’s likely to peel under wet paint by applying warm water. If the paper loosens, it’s ready to strip. However, some wallpapers are so firmly adhered that removal is tough.

Stripping wallpaper before painting is ideal but not always feasible. If partial stripping creates an uneven surface, you’ll need to fill craters with a filler, a time-consuming but manageable task. Alternatively, painting over intact wallpaper can work if the surface is sound.

Consider the wallpaper’s texture. Smooth wallpaper is ideal for painting, but textured or embossed paper, like Victorian-era anaglypta, can pose issues. Anaglypta, designed to mimic ornate pressed ceilings, was meant for painting, often used below a dado rail for decorative effect. However, unattractive embossing can ruin a paint job. Thicker textured paper may allow you to strip just the outer layer, leaving the glued base intact. If painting causes bubbling, stop—this signals easy removal of the remaining paper.

Covering dark or patterned wallpaper is another hurdle. Multiple coats may be needed to hide bold colors or designs. Start with a universal undercoat, followed by a solid white coat (unless aiming for a dark color). Let each coat dry fully before applying the next until you achieve the desired result.

Before painting over wallpaper, weigh all factors. If preparation feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional to strip it for you to ensure a flawless finish.

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Most paint companies offer standard color ranges that are very similar to their competitors’, making comparisons unnecessary for most. However, if you paint a wall with Company A’s paint and later use what seems like “the same” color from Company B, the shades may not match exactly. They might look similar, but differences in manufacturer, batch, or even the paint’s age can cause slight variations. To avoid this, use the same paint—same color and manufacturer—for a project or patch job.

What if you buy a property and need to match paint colors without knowing the original specifications? If the previous owners or painters are unavailable, or a custom-mixed color was used, visit a paint store and collect paint cards with similar hues. Depending on the age of the paint surface, this process can be surprisingly straightforward.

Techniques for Matching and Mixing Paint Colors

If you need to paint or repaint a room, bring a sample of the desired color—such as a chip of plaster—to the store. Staff can mix paint and show you the result before purchase, though they may require a commitment to buy. Many creative individuals and interior decorators enjoy experimenting with hues, blending them with professional tinters. If you can’t find an exact match from a commercial paint company, try adding tinters yourself. For instance, to achieve a “dirty” pinkish hue from a too-bright shade, add a touch of raw umber to adjust it subtly or dramatically. Paint stores often sell tinters in small or large containers for this purpose.

Decorative painters, who create effects like ragging or color washing, prefer mixing their own colors to match a room’s design. They might start with a base hue and use tinters to lighten, darken, brighten, or subdue it, creating a unique palette. These finishes often blend multiple hues, with one area of a wall leaning orange and another browner, allowing painters to complement fabrics or create striking color and pattern effects.

If you’re new to choosing colors, don’t feel intimidated by the need to “match” them or by expert rules. Instead, draw inspiration from nature, where colors like reds, oranges, and yellows coexist beautifully without always matching. Similarly, in your home, aim for colors that work together within your chosen theme. Decide on an overall decorative scheme for your room or home, then select colors that align with it. Paint is a versatile tool—by matching or contrasting colors, you can craft a personalized effect that meets your needs.

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