Introduction
One might think that using white home paint is something so simple you do not have to give it a thought. However, that is not quite true. While home paint can be tricky. For one thing, not all white home paint will really look white once you get it up on a wall. White home paint comes in many shades, visiting a paint or home improvement store will show you that there are many color charts will different shades of white. The one you choose will depend upon the look you want when you are done with the project.
Step 1
Determine which shade of white home paint you want. Look at all of the color charts that have white on them. Take them home with you, study them to find the ones that you like best. Once you have your list narrowed down to a couple, go back to the home improvement store to buy small samples of these colors. Bring the samples home and paint swatches, you can paint them directly on the walls. Now study these swatches throughout the day and night. This will help you determine the white home paint that gives you the look you want. However, remember that if your walls are dark underneath the white, it will not be as exact. If you want a bright clean pure white, ask the paint store to show you their most pure white home paint color.
Step 2
Choose the finish that you want. The best white home paint finish will depend on where and what you are painting. Flat paint has no shine, it is a dull finish and can be used on walls. Flat paint is often the most inexpensive finish. Eggshell finish has a bit of a shine, but not much. It actually looks like an eggshell. This is also good for walls. Satin has a bit more shine than eggshell, it is also more washable and is again used for walls. Semi-gloss, has even more shine and is often used for trim. It is great for areas that require frequent cleaning as it can stand up to cleaning and scrubbing. Glossy paint is very shiny and scrubbable, however it is most often used to paint furniture.
Step 3
Prepare your walls. You will want to Spackle any cracks or holes in the walls. Once the Spackle is dry, sand to smooth out the area. You also want to wash the areas that you intend to paint with your white home paint. You do not want to paint over dirt and grease. After cleaning your walls, allow them to dry.
Step 4
Prime the areas you will be painting. Use a white home primer. This will prevent any old paint colors from showing through the white home paint once it is applied.
Step 5
Begin painting. For walls pour your white home paint in a tray and use a roller for the easiest way to apply the paint. For trim you will want to use a good quality paint brush. Be sure to tape off areas that you want to keep paint free.
Tips
- Buy a good quality paint. You can shop for a good quality paint when it is on sale to reduce the cost. The cheapest paint will often not provide good coverage resulting in the need to use more paint.
- For areas such as the kitchen and bath, it is best to use satin or semi-gloss paint since it is washable and scrubbable and can stand up to getting wet in the bath and grease in the kitchen.
