10 common questions about interior painting

Painting the interior of your house can seem quite easy and straightforward but also slightly complicated. You have to paint rooms to complement one another or to compliment the furniture and fittings in your property so that it doesn't look awkward.
 
It even gets more complex if you have wallpaper or you are repainting a surface that is very textured. So, here are some of the common questions about interior painting that will help you before you choose what to do with your house. We provide a guide to the best practices you need to follow before, during and after interior painting.
 
Why is interior painting important?
The answer to this is very simple. The outside of your house can be painted any colour you want it to be because there are no restrictions like the ones you have indoors.
 
You cannot paint the walls of your living room or bedroom any colour you like simply because the same colour used in different rooms might make your home look awkward - for example, painting your living room yellow and your bedroom blue.
 
Also, make sure the colours of the walls in every room go well with each other. For example, painting the wall green in one room and yellow in another is a bad idea as they do not complement each other.
 
Do you have to hire a professional interior painter?
This is not always necessary, but it is advisable. Doing the painting yourself could save you money, but if you are no expert in this area, chances are that your interior will look very ugly and it may be impossible for you to repair any mistakes.
 
Professional painters also use special paints so they can create the effects you want - such as making the room look bigger or brighter.
 
What's the difference between painting and repainting?
Generally, painting means freshening up your walls with a new colour. If the current coat of paint is in good condition, you may only need to apply one or two coats of paint. Repainting involves removing old paint by sanding or chemical stripping before applying a new coat of paint.
 
How do I know when to repaint?
One sign that you need a fresh coat of paint is if the current colour has faded. Another is peeling or blistering of the existing paint surface. If your walls have cracks, water damage or mould, it may be time for a change.
 
What type of paint should I use for interior painting?
Most paints designed for use on interior walls and ceilings are acrylic-latex, meaning they're a blend of acrylic resin (a tough plastic) and natural or synthetic latex. The advantage of using this type of paint is that it's easy to clean up with soap and water. Latex is also more forgiving than oil-based enamel, and it doesn't emit strong odours or fumes.
 
If you're not sure which type to use ask your local paint dealer to recommend an interior grade paint that will be suitable for your walls.
 
Can painting over existing paint cause damage?
If you apply an interior grade paint over an existing paint surface it won't cause damage. It will simply cover the old colour. If your walls have cracks, water damage or mould, however, you should get them repaired before painting - failing to do so will only result in damaged paint because of moisture seepage under the new coat.
 
Also, if the paint on your walls has faded and lost its colour, make sure to take this into consideration when choosing a new colour. If you're not happy with the colour of your existing wall, don't just try to change it because you think that's what looks nice - pick a colour that will truly do something for your home. For example, if your walls are yellow but you want to go green don't try to force it - pick a blue or a purple. If you're not sure what colour will look good on your walls or in your home don't even bother painting it yourself - hire a professional.
 
How long would it take?
It is difficult to answer this question as different surfaces require different amounts of time. Usually, it takes about three days for new paint to dry completely on exterior surfaces but it can be longer on interior surfaces because there are many more layers of paint.
 
I originally painted my home every spring, but it has been about 3 years since I last painted. Do I really need to do it again?
Yes, you should always repaint your house at least once a year. This is especially true if you live in an area where the weather conditions are harsh all year round.
 
What are some common mistakes people make when painting their homes?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is to choose a colour which does not suit the style of their house. For example, if it is an old-fashioned Victorian villa, dark colours would be more appropriate than light pastels.
 
Many people also make the mistake of painting their homes without considering the type of weather conditions they live in, which means that it might fade very quickly because of the sun's rays or rain.
 
How do I prepare my house for interior painting?
The first step is to remove all the furniture and curtains, which you can choose to do yourself or hire professionals for. You also need to get rid of all the items on the walls such as switch plates, because these will need to be painted too. Once you have done this, start cleaning each area with a damp cloth so that any dirt or grime is removed. Be sure to vacuum all the furniture surfaces too before returning them to their place.
 
What is the toughest interior paint?
There are different types of paint for interior walls, but oil paint is the most durable. It goes on smooth like watercolour, and it's easy to clean up any messes you make while painting because you can use soap and water. Oil paint will produce a strong smell in your home when you are applying it, so be sure to have adequate ventilation to make it safe.
 
Since you are painting the interior, it is best to use an oil-based primer because this will cover up any stains or marks on the walls and make your paint last longer. Some painters might use a shellac-based primer, but you should avoid this because it is very hard to remove. Once the primer base has been laid down and dried for at least 24 hours, then you will be able to paint on your finish coat.