One note of caution: latex paint formulas have had a long problem with being made slightly tacky by moisture in the air. When cabinet doors are closed, they will stick like glue and be difficult to open. This is called blocking. New latex enamels are said to be improved enough not to do this and might not feel soft. Oil has traditionally been used on trim around doors, windows, and for all cabinets for this reason.



Now, here are the basics: Paints come in different sheens: gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, matte, and flat. High traffic areas that receive a lot of splashes and marks, such as around kitchen stoves and sinks, and bathroom sinks and toilets, should receive gloss or semi-glass because it is washable and very scrubable. Household trim also looks better in gloss or semi-gloss. Living room, dining room, and bedroom walls look horrible with gloss or semi-gloss, but look great with satin or preferred egg-shell finish that has a soft eggshell glisten. Matte pains are less porous than flat, and somewhat washable. Flat paints have no sheen, are not washable, stain easily, and are very hard to clean. Flat is OK for rooms that will receive no finger prints or splashes.



Now that you know a little bit about paints, make sure you select an interior paint for inside walls, instead of an exterior paint, and follow the next steps:

Select the sheen of a latex enamel, according to the room. Select the color. Assemble the tools. Prepare the surface for priming or painting. Tape the trim with low adhesion masking tape, if not painting the trim. Lay a drop cloth on the floor. Prime the surface, if required. Apply the paint according to the manufacturer's specifications. Allow the paint to dry. Apply a second coat, if necessary. Clean up and enjoy!