It may not seem like it, but houses do a lot of hard work. Keeping up with our fast-paced lifestyles day in and day out can cause stress on a home, and all that traffic can wear things down. Because our home’s interior is where we do most of our living, the paint on the walls can take a beating. Nicks, scratches and other dings can cause damage, but there’s also dirt and other problems that can mar the surface – and that’s before we mention the rooms that entertain small children. 

The best way to make those spaces look like new again is with a fresh coat of paint, but the question as to how often a room needs a facelift can be a tricky one. Colorado is home to many active lifestyles, and residential painting in Denver can help those rooms remain vibrant while keeping up with your family’s daily rigors. Each room is different, however, as some rooms get more use than others.

Factors to Consider When Repainting

There are a multitude of things that must be considered when repainting a room. One of the biggest factors is how much traffic goes through the space. Rooms that experience a lot of traffic – like hallways and entryways, as well as children’s rooms – may require more frequent painting. High-traffic areas are more prone to general wear, scuffs, and other stains. Typically, rooms with high-traffic areas may need repainting every 3-5 years, while other rooms can go longer. 

The quality of the paint can also impact the frequency of repainting. Glossy paints are more durable and easier to clean than matte finishes. If you’re using a high-gloss paint, you may not need to repaint as often, while matte finishes may show wear more quickly. Higher quality paints also tend to last longer and resist fading better than cheaper alternatives. Investing in higher-quality paint may extend the life between repaints – saving you more money in the long run. 

Change of Scenery

Of course, the timeline for repainting a room might be sped up if you want to change the overall look of a space. It’s very common for new homeowners to give some or all of the rooms in their new home a fresh look, and that’s not necessarily a bad idea. If it’s not a new build, it’s hard to tell when the last time rooms were repainted. This can get rid of faded or scuffed walls, and give the new homeowners a reset on the life cycle of the paint for a particular room. 

Dynamics change within a family, as well. If a child goes off to college and their room is being repurposed into a different space, it can also be a good time to refresh the paint. Adding things like accent walls or other changes to the paint of a room is also common, and these can be done as you see fit. Changing the colors can also make a room look like new, but it’s important to understand that, like different finishes, some colors will show more wear than others. 

Don’t Forget About the Weather

The exterior paint of your home is going to take more of a beating from the weather than the interior, but the paint indoors can also make a difference. Your climate and other environmental factors can also play into how often you need to repaint a room. Things like humidity and constant exposure to sunlight can impact the longevity of paint. Rooms that get a lot of sunlight will have colors fade more quickly, requiring more frequent painting. 

The sun is prominent in Colorado, and those rays can cause havoc on maintaining the right color. There are also UV-resistant paints that help combat some of the effects of sunlight on interior paint, and that can help lengthen the time needed between repainting. Lighter and more neutral colors like beige or light brown will absorb less heat from the sun. 

Painting More Than Just Walls

Repainting your walls is a great way to spruce up a room, but there are other ways to brighten up a space. Like your walls, the sunlight can dull the luster cause yellowing on your ceiling. This area often gets forgotten, but your ceiling doesn’t need to be repainted nearly as much as your walls. A professional paint job on a ceiling can last 10 years or more, so it’s a good idea to consider repainting your ceiling every other time you apply a new coat to your walls. 

Your baseboards, trim, and cabinets can also be taken for granted, but they can also take a beating. Particularly in the kitchen, your trim and cabinets are more susceptible to dents, marks, scuffs, or other damage. It’s probably a good idea to repaint your interior trim every 2-4 years. Professional painters can take a lot of stress out of this process, as painting trim can be a delicate process. Knowing what paint they used – or having them leave behind a leftover bucket – will help maintaining the trim with minor touch-ups, as well. 

Extending the Life of Your Paint

While choosing a high-quality paint can help, there are other things you can do to make a paint job last longer. Applying a primer before painting can create a more durable surface, and it can help block stains while creating a smoother finish. This adds time to the project, but can potentially save you some money in the long run. Another good tactic is to consider furniture pads to minimize your furniture scraping or bumping against walls.

Dust and dirt will accumulate on painted surfaces over time. Gently cleaning walls with soap and water can help prevent that dirt from building up, keeping your walls looking fresh longer. Accidents are bound to happen, as well, and addressing any stains can help prevent them from becoming permanent. For more helpful tips on how to help your paint projects last longer, reach out to the trusted experts at Colorado Painting today. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the factors influencing the frequency of repainting rooms is crucial for maintaining a fresh and vibrant interior. By factoring in considerations like traffic, paint quality, environmental effects, and regular maintenance, homeowners can effectively determine when and how often to rejuvenate their spaces. For further insights and professional guidance, reach out to us at Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting.

There’s more that goes into painting your home than just picking out a color and splashing it on the walls. Getting the right finishes can play a significant role in the aesthetics of your space, as certain finishes can also enhance the functionality of an area. It’s important to consider what each room will be used for to determine what finish might be best suited for it.

You want the most out of your residential painting in Denver, learning the differences between these finishes can make a big difference in the final outcome of your project. There are different levels of gloss between the types of finishes, meaning there are plenty of options out there to find the perfect finish for every room of your house.

How Finishes Impact the Final Look

Different finishes deliver varying levels of sheen, which can contribute to the overall look and feel of a room. Glossy finishes generally provide better durability and improved resistance to moisture. This means they’ll likely require less cleaning and maintenance. This makes glossy finishes better for areas of high traffic, and areas that might be more prone to experience messes or other issues.

Some of the less glossy finishes – like flat and matte finishes – can help hide imperfections on the surface. It depends on what you’re looking for in the space. Glossy finishes will reflect light, and can make a space look brighter and more open. However, going with a flat finish can cut down glare – which might help the overall look in places like hallways or other places where you don’t need that bright light.

Different Kind of Finishes

It’s already been mentioned that flat or matte finishes can cut down on glare and help hide imperfections, and its soft appearance is a good choice for bedrooms and living areas. The next step up would be an eggshell finish, which has a slight sheen to it. It’s more durable and easier to clean than a flat finish, so it strikes a balance between those and the glossier finishes. Satin finishes are another step up in gloss from eggshell, but still strikes an aesthetic balance and is great for high-traffic areas.

The glossy finishes are more reflective the higher the gloss, and that starts with a semi-gloss finish. This finish has a noticeable shine, but is still easy to clean. That makes it ideal for things like doors and cabinets. The next two steps are gloss finish and high-gloss, and both will deliver high reflectivity and a shiny appearance. High-gloss finish is very shiny, and is often used for surfaces that need the most durability and washability.

It’s also important to note that the glossier the finish, the more it will highlight imperfections, which makes surface preparation crucial before applying the paint. For more information on the differences between paint finishes, and how they might work in your space, reach out to the experts at Colorado Painting today.

Many people find painting to be a messy, time-consuming chore. Doing a good job takes time, and when it’s not perfect, it shows. We’ve put together this guide of the ten essential tools and supplies you’ll need to make your painting project go smoothly and look fantastic.

Here are the fundamental painting tools and supplies

Before starting any home painting project, you’ll need to be prepared. This list will give you an idea of what to buy before starting your painting project.

1. Drop cloths

It goes without saying, but painting can be messy. You’ll need drop cloths to catch those pesky drops before they end up on your floors. There are several types of drop cloths in a range of price points.

Large plastic drop cloths are often the least expensive but can be difficult to keep in place. Canvas drop cloths offer better protection and are easier to work with. Look for canvas drop cloths with a slightly sticky side, which will keep them firmly in place as you work.

2. Paint rollers

Paint rollers are perfect for applying a smooth, even coat of paint. But not all roller covers are created equally. High-capacity paint roller covers can hold more paint, letting you finish the job more quickly and limiting trips to and from the roller tray.

3. Painter’s tape

Taping is often a time-consuming task, but it keeps your paint job looking as professional as possible. Invest in high-quality painter’s tape and an applicator to speed up the job.

4. Paint trays

Paint trays hold the paint you’ll use throughout the project and are essential to your success. Buy the largest, highest-quality paint trays possible. Look for large-capacity paint trays with handles that help you move around the room easily.

5. Brushes

Even if you’re using rollers to paint large sections of your walls, you’ll need brushes for more precise coverage around windows and baseboards. Cheap brushes’ bristles can fall out and result in uneven application–and they’re hard to clean. Look for high-quality brushes that you’ll use over and over again.

6. A ladder

You’ll want a good step ladder to help you reach the higher parts of the wall. Invest in a good quality one you’ll keep for years and use in various ways around the house.

7. Extension poles

Don’t want to climb up and down a ladder all day? A paint pole extender can help you reach the walls and ceilings easily.

8. Touch-up paint pens

These helpful little tools can save you time and effort as you paint and later on. Simply fill the pen, touch up little dings and spots that need attention, and replace the cap. The paint will stay fresh for years, so you’ll be ready for inevitable scuffs and scrapes.

9. Stak racks

Need to paint cabinets, doors, or wood trim but don’t have a lot of space? These handy racks can help you keep everything you need to paint off the floor and out of the way.

10. Paint roller cleaners

This compact tool can help you preserve your paint rollers to use again instead of just tossing them. It will make cleaning layers of paint off your rollers a breeze and save you time.

Find Residential Painting in Denver

Doing a professional-looking painting job takes time, money, and energy. Why not just call the friendly professionals at Colorado Painting instead? We offer professional residential painting Denver and would be happy to give you a quote for your project. Call us today to get started.

The best way to avoid the most common paint problems is to understand them before tackling this can-be-intimidating project.

Color is essential in defining a room – it evokes a feeling, mood, or response from all who enter. So, it is natural for you to want to give your space a makeover to best share your unique vibe. But you don't want to do it at the risk of a poor outcome.

So understanding the pitfalls first – before you grab a brush or roller – will help you get the beautiful results you deserve.

painting baseboards yourself

What Are the Most Common Paint Problems That DIYers Experience?

Painting looks easy at face value, especially on social sites like Pinterest. But the reality is that it takes a good bit of practice, know-how, and tons of prep work to get a flawless finish.

Here are five of the most common paint problems Colorado Painting has experienced.

Now that you know some of the difficulties some people experience in painting, we can look at the causes. More importantly, we can talk about how to fix them.

What Causes Paint Cracks or Fissures?

Cracks in your paint job mean that the paint did not adhere to the surface correctly.

That's usually the result of three possible reasons:

How to fix cracked paint:

You may ask yourself this question: Can you paint over cracking paint? Unfortunately, adding more paint over this poor surface will not fix your issue.

But here's the good news.

Although the repair is time-consuming, it is a relatively simple problem to fix.

  1. Sand the affected areas to smooth the surface
  2. Vacuum up all grit and debris--then give the walls a quick wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth.
  3. Apply primer (if you skipped that step); allow the primer to dry completely (check the manufacturer's label)
  4. Reapply the paint.

flaked and cracked paint

What Causes Paint to Peel or Flake?

Flaky paint usually results from using an old or low-quality primer or paint.

Avoid the urge to "use up" old paint in the garage from a decade ago just because you spent money on it – this will only lead to more headache and paint later.

How to fix flaky paint:

Like the previous problem, you cannot take shortcuts or hide this poor finish.

Here's what to do:

  1. Use a scraper to gently separate flakes. They will likely start to come off in large peels.
  2. Sand the surface to make it smooth again.
  3. Vacuum any sanding particles and damp wipe the walls. Let them dry completely (it takes just a few moments).
  4. Apply a new, good-quality primer; let it cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  5. Use unexpired, good paint to reapply.

What Causes Paint Bubbling and Blistering?

Similarly to one of the previous common paint problems – paint cracking – pain bubbling indicates that the product did not adhere well to the surface.

Generally, this comes from one of these two things:

The paint may somewhat grip to the surface in most places, but other areas may have too much "slip," and that is where bubbles or blisters form.

How to fix bubbly or blistered paint:

If your wall was clean at the start of your project, you might have oil-based paint underneath – hire Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting for professional results. We have the correct bonding primer to switch from older oil-based paints to modern-day latex and the experience to give you the best finish. It is one of the common paint problems our pros see in mid-century or older homes.

However, if you have an oil-splattered or dirty wall on your hands, you can fix this problem yourself.

Here's how:

  1. Sand the affected areas to create a smooth surface.
  2. Vacuum the sanding and paint debris and use a damp cloth to wipe down all the wall surfaces to remove all dirt, cobwebs, oils (especially cooking oils in a kitchen), or any other barriers to adhesion. Let the walls dry after your wipe-down.
  3. Apply a high-quality primer; let it cure per the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Reapply your paint color of choice.

dripping paint

What Causes Running or Dripping Paint?

Paint runs or drips indicate that you loaded too much product into the brush or roller – one of the most common paint mistakes for an enthusiastic DIYer.

Fortunately, most notice this issue pretty quickly. Stop as soon as you notice it and address it immediately.

How to fix running or dripping paint:

  1. Stop using the overloaded paint brush – grab a clean one.
  2. If the run is still wet, you can try to pick the paint up and feather it out, blending it with the rest of the surface.
  3. If the paint has already dried, you should wait until all the paint in the room dries completely. This patience will help you avoid an altogether new mess.
  4. Sand down the run.
  5. Vacuum any debris and damp-wipe the wall – allow it a few minutes to dry.
  6. Repaint the wall – don't panic if the paint appears darker than the nearby surfaces. Remember, the surrounding area is dry, and the tone changes.

How to grab the correct amount of paint with your brush:

What Causes a Poorly-Textured Wall Finish?

Poor texture arises from poor preparation, and it's usually the same culprit – a dirty or gritty wall. Some inexperienced painters get so excited to start their projects that they don't even consider cleaning first.

This common paint problem is similar to bubbling and blistering – and you can fix it the same way.

  1. Sand the surfaces to create smoothness.
  2. Vacuum and damp-wipe down every nook and cranny (not too wet!) and let it dry.
  3. Apply a good primer; let it cure according to the manufacturer's label.
  4. Reapply the paint.

Avoid Most Common Paint Problems with a Professional Painter

Painting looks easy when you look at the DIY sharers on Pinterest – but it does take practice, knowledge, and excellent preparation.

If you want a flawless finish that will impress your visitors, you might find it more convenient to rely on the Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting professionals. We will give you the luxe look you desire.

Ceilings are often the most overlooked and forgotten part of painting the interior of your home. They are easy to miss for one reason or another (maybe because we’re not looking up a lot). However, your ceiling merits the same thought put into the design, color, and overall look that your home’s walls have been given. 

As a matter of fact, painting your ceiling can lighten up the space and add a hint of warmth to your home (among other great reasons).

Painting a ceiling isn’t a pain in the neck, either. It is typically a project that can be easily and quickly done with the right tools and supplies.So, are you ready to paint your ceiling? 

Let us help guide you on the best tips for painting ceilings.

painting ceiling

Tips on Painting a Ceiling

Whether you are a DIYer or would rather have a professional residential interior painter come do it, here are some things we’d recommend when it comes to painting your ceiling…

Paint with the Right Equipment

The kind of supplies you will need in order to start painting is determined by how tall and wide your ceiling is.

For most ceiling painting, you can use a long-handled paint roller to get the job done. 

In some homes, you may need a ladder to reach the ceiling for painting. 

Before You Paint, Do Some Prep

One of the biggest tips for painting ceilings is taking time to prepare.

Set yourself up for success and plan ahead. The more preparation that’s done, the higher the likelihood is of having a well-painted ceiling.

Step 1: Make Space

Before you start painting your ceiling, make sure to move as much of your furniture from the room as you can. This will allow your painting experience to be much simpler and less chaotic. Open up the space to work as easy as you can.

If by chance you can't totally remove your furniture from the room, just push it to the middle and cover everything with drop cloths.

Take down any chandeliers or other lighting fixtures, so you have nothing in your way. This can allow you to paint the whole ceiling without the stress of getting paint on a light or fan or something. 

In the event that you can't take out a fixture, make sure the light is taped and concealed before you get everything rolling.

Step 2: Put Down Drop Cloths & Clean The Ceiling

Painting can definitely be messy, especially when you paint above your head.

You can protect your floor and bigger pieces of furniture from paint by placing down drop cloths in your area of painting.

The more space you can cover, the better. If you run out of drop cloths, you can always end up using newspapers, tarps, old towels, or even old bed sheets.

Also, prep your ceiling surface and walls by making sure to thoroughly clean them. Make sure you rinse and completely dry your ceiling before you start painting. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the ceiling correctly.

Step 3: Tape the Tops of the Walls

Tape off the tops of the walls where your ceiling and your wall meet with each other. Use 2-inch painter's tape to keep roller marks off the walls. Avoid using 1-inch tape, due to the tape not being wide enough to prevent the paint roller from touching the walls.

painting ceiling tips

Time To Paint Your Ceiling

Okay, now comes the fun part.

Step 1: Prime the Ceiling

Use your long-handled roller and apply a coat of interior latex paint primer. Make sure not to skip this step. By using the primer, it will allow for a stain-resistant and only need one coat of paint.  

When drying, follow the instructions left by the paint’s manufacturer.

Step 2: Start By Painting The Borders First

Like painting a wall, you'll need to begin by what we call "cutting in,” or utilizing smaller paint brushes to paint around the border of your ceiling. Give yourself a few inches of paint here, so that you’re less likely to touch any details or corners that you don’t want painted.

Use a brush to begin at the edge of the ceiling and paint into the ceiling a couple inches. You'll need to feather the strokes so the edge will mix in consistently once you utilize a roller to paint the remainder of the roof.

To make “cutting in” simpler, ensure you're using the proper ladder for your ceiling level. Trying to reach isn't just hazardous, but can also bring about sore muscles (literally a pain in the neck) the following day. So, get comfortable on that ladder before you get to painting.

Empty some paint into a bucket to keep at the highest point of the stepping stool as opposed to bringing the whole can.

Step 3: Grab Your Roller and Start Painting

To begin, pour and mix your paint into your paint tray. Empty paint into the roller plate no higher than where the washboard section of your tray begins to incline away from the paint pool. This is to assist with trying not to submerge the roller into the paint. This keeps from too much paint being on the roller and causing drips.

Take your long-handled roller and begin from the edge of the ceiling and begin rolling closest to a window.

Begin painting away from one corner in as straight of a line as you can until the ceiling is totally shrouded in paint.

Each time you load your roller, start on an unpainted region of your ceiling and work your way back into a painted area. Try to paint your ceiling in one session. This will allow the paint to dry consistently.

Step 4: Apply a 2nd Coat

Wait for your first coat of paint to dry in order to determine if a second coat is needed. 

Check the label instructions for dry times. 

Step 5: Clean Up

Remove the tape while the paint is wet to keep from damaging any of your hard work when the paint dries. When removing drop cloths, wait for the paint to dry so you don’t spill or make a mess.

painting interior ceiling

Leave It To the Pros!

When all is said and done, painting your ceiling can be an intimidating, messy, and time-consuming chore. While we can give tips on painting ceilings, or tips on just about anything, an expert painter from Colorado Painting will always leave the project looking as good and stress-free as possible.

So, the best tip if you aren’t up to the hassle, hire a professional residential interior painting company. A professional makes the job fast and great-looking.

At Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting, we offer expert advice, expert painting, and customer service with very competitive prices.

Contact us today for a free estimate on your next painting project.

An accent wall is an ideal method for acquainting a new look to a room without focusing on the whole room's worth of color.

Accent walls are very stylish and will look astounding pretty much in any room.

In a flash, they cause a room to "pop" and ultimately help express you as a homeowner. Accent walls can be an incredible extension to a home makeover. They are very easy to do, don’t require a lot of money, nor do professionals cost too much if you want/need help. Yet, they should be executed the correct way or risk feeling like they stick out like a sore thumb.

When approaching the task of painting an accent wall, there is a good amount of consideration you will need to put into place; what wall to put it on, selecting the best colors, etc.

So, if you are pondering whether to paint an accent wall but don't know how or what to do, here are some accent wall rules of thumb to get you started.

living room accent wall

What is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is a solitary wall in a room that is deliberately painted in a different color variety compared to the rest of the space, to separate itself. To set the room apart for the rest.

An accent wall will typically become the ultimate focal point of the room. They can also cause a space to seem bigger and more extensive than it really is. This can be a tremendous advantage when the measured area’s size is a worry of yours.

Accent walls can be utilized in any space in your home. They are used in kitchens, living rooms, offices, bathrooms, etc.

Choosing an Accent Wall

One of the first accent wall rules of thumb is to pick the accent wall.

Picking the right wall as your accent wall is the initial step to an attention-getting accent wall.

Try to avoid using the smaller rooms in your home. Accent walls tend to look their absolute best in well-lit, open spaces.

An unfortunate accent wall decision could mean the difference between a room that is professional and a room that simply looks like it doesn’t belong.

Whichever wall you pick, be certain there's motivation to draw someone’s attention to the accent. But how will you know where to put an accent wall? Where is the best placement?

Consider the Focal Point of the Room

When deciding your accent wall location, one thing you should consider is the natural focal point of the room. Where do your eyes naturally fall upon entering?

The right wall to accent is usually the first one that you see when you enter a room.

Focal points for accent walls include:

If your room lacks any substantial focal point, try to create one. This is where you can let your imagination shine and creativity flow. Allow the furniture and decor of your home to help you create a natural focal point for your room.

kitchen accent wall

Creating a Focal Point

Think about things that stand out or help make a room stand out. That should help you create focal points for an accent wall – things like:

When considering a wall for painting, make sure that you avoid walls with large furniture or windows. This will take away from the point of your accent wall and can end up with your room looking smaller. Make sure to utilize the ceiling as well.

If colors don’t seem to be coming together, adding some ceiling color can shake the look up.

Choosing The Right Color

When choosing the best color for your accent take a look at your current color scheme. Choosing shades of that color for ease in picking. Also, using the little accent colors from throw pillows, furniture, artwork, and other items in your space.

You can use color to your advantage. Certain colors will make a short wall seem long or a long wall seem short.

The right color may even come from considering the function of the room you're decorating. Different colors evoke different emotions. The color blue is seen as more relaxing/calming whereas red is energetic.

To maintain a more neutral tone, using tans and browns keeps the space looking natural in color.

In order to not overpower your room’s color scheme, professionals use a little rule called the 60-30-10 wall color rule to maintain the space’s color balance.

Simply put, 60% of your room will have the dominant color, 30% should primarily be the secondary color, and 10% the accent color.

Think About The Other Wall Colors

Lastly, think about the other wall colors when considering your accent wall. A color clashing accent wall is a big bummer you don’t want to run into.

Accent walls tend to look their best when they connect the walls color in a scale from light to medium in shade.

Blend your bold accent wall color with more neutral colors like brown, gray, or beige.

living room red accent wall

Colorado Painting: Interior Painting Professionals

Having an accent wall can be very transformative for the way your house looks and can give your home new life. Though, as you probably know, painting can be one heck of a process (and mess).

Having a clean, dependable, and legitimate painting company will grant you peace of mind in a timely manner, allowing you to know that the painting will be done appropriately and with utmost meticulousness.

We can reduce your expenses by wiping out errors that frequently go with Do-It-Yourself paint projects.

At Colorado Painting, our knowledge in various paint styles, varieties, etc. makes us the specialists you'll want for any interior painting job.

Schedule a free estimate, where we can also give you painting tips – just like these accent wall rules of thumb.

When choosing the best paint color for high-traffic areas of your home or office, consider which color and finish will be best suited for the room and its function. Areas that receive a lot of foot traffic such as entryways, kitchens, stairways, and bathrooms are susceptible to wear and tear, which showcases imperfections such as chips, dirt, scratches, and scuffs - especially if the improper color or paint finish is used.

Maintaining high-traffic areas in your home can be challenging, plus regular touch-ups are time-consuming and can be costly if handled by professionals (which we highly recommend). So you want to go with a color and finish that stays durable and that can be easily maintained. Lucky for you we’ve listed the colors and finishes that will withstand wear and tear caused by kids, pets, and guests.

white paint high traffic area

Picking the right color

The first thought when painting any room is choosing a color. You want the color you choose to match other design elements in your space, but you also want it to withstand the potential mess that's to come. This selection of paint colors for your home or workplace serves as practical yet stylish, perfect for any office environment or any multi-functional space in your home.

Here are some colors we recommend for high-traffic areas:

Add some spice

Warm colors like burnt orange, yellow, brown, and spicy reds are great because they can be uplifting and provide a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Choosing a color in this palette will also ensure high-traffic areas, which are very susceptible to dirt and damage, always look fresh due to their ability to conceal imperfections and signs of wear and tear. Warm spice tones often go well in kitchens, bathrooms, or other multi-functional family spaces such as living rooms.

Shades of grey

Choosing a shade of grey can be a bold and edgy choice, but it can also easily hide or camouflage dirt and stains, which is why it’s great for highly-used areas of your home such as entryways, hallways, and other transition areas in your home. Colors in this family also complement bold colors such as red or navy. Not only are colors in this palette practical, but they also do a great job at defining a space.

grey paint high traffic area

Dark and light chair rail combination

Chair rails are a great feature for high-traffic areas like hallways or playrooms. They showcase a formal and traditional design but they also serve a purpose. Historically, they were used to protect walls when chairs backed up against them. It’s great for common areas such as dining rooms or kitchens. For high-traffic areas, It is suggested to use lighter color above the chair rails and a darker color beneath the walls to disguise fingerprints and smudges.

Warm and purple

Warm shades of purple or violet can be a great choice for busy areas such as the kid’s bedroom or office. Not only is it a fun color, but it’ll keep up with the mess that’s guaranteed to come with little ones. Shades of purple are also known to produce feelings of calm, serenity, and inner peace, making it a perfect color for workspaces, or even an adult bedroom! Make sure to choose softer shades without too much of a black tint.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish and Why It’s Important

Choosing paint does just end with picking a color, you must consider the type of finish that will keep your paint job looking fresh. The general rule is, the glossier the finish, the more washable and durable your paint job will be.

On the other hand, a flatter paint finish is not only less washable, but is also prone to discoloration or even comes off completely when washed.

Consider your objective

If you are trying to conceal dirt, flat finishes are better at disguising marks. It’s much harder to conceal marks with glossy paint because it’s so reflective. However, it is more durable and is easier to clean than walls with a flat finish.

Go for gloss

When it comes to heavily used rooms in your home, we recommend going with a high-gloss finish. Paint with high-gloss finishes contains a smoother film, which makes it more stain-resistant. The smooth surface makes it easy to wipe clean and dirt is easily removed with soap and water. Satin and semi-gloss finishes have also been a reliable choice for homeowners as they are slightly washable without being too shiny.

Considering eggshell

Eggshell has a lower luster than satin finishes and is slightly less durable. The soft sheen can be accentuated or toned down with different types of lighting. Because the film of this finish is not as smooth, dirt and stains can be very difficult to remove and might require frequent touch-ups to fully disguise signs of wear and tear.

Scuff Resistant Paint

Whatever color or finish you choose, we recommend using scuff-resistant paint that repels marks and dirt without the need for constant cleaning and retouching. Additionally, they’re available in all types of finishes including matte, eggshell, and satin finishes. Popular choices include Benjamin Moore’s SCUFF-X or BHER’s Dynasty. If choosing a matte finish, we recommend looking into these options.

best paint for high traffic area

Interior Painting with Colorado Painting

When it comes to choosing the right color for high-traffic areas in your home, it’s best to go with a paint job you know will last for a long time. Paint jobs can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s important to get them right the first time.

Our experts at Colorado Commercial and Residential Painting (CCRP) always use the best materials and are knowledgeable in interior painting for both commercial and residential spaces. We carry over 39 years of industry experience, so it’s no surprise why we’re Denver’s highest-rated interior painters.

All our clients are automatically enrolled in our Service Guarantee. We don’t require any deposits, cancel any time, and we won’t accept final payment until you’re fully satisfied with the job. We’re confident in our ability to execute high-quality painting projects of all magnitudes.

Contact us today at 303-574-1740 for a free estimate!

Together, we’ll breathe new life into your home.

We take the pain out of painting!

Taking on a major paint project can be a pretty arduous task. You have to plan out how much paint you need, do all the prep work, and factor in drying time and multiple coats. However, one thing that a lot of people seem to overlook is the type of paint they use. Depending on the surface you’re painting on and a few other factors, you’ll want to decide between enamel or latex paint. Down below, we’ll compare and contrast enamel vs latex paint, list the pros and cons of each, and discuss where you might want to use each paint type.

enamel paint and latex paint

The Main Differences Between Enamel vs Latex Paint

The main difference between enamel paint and latex paint is the difference in paint bases.

Enamel paint is oil-based, whereas latex paint is water-based.

Enamel paints, also sometimes referred to as hard-surface paints, dry slow but hard, making them perfect for hard surfaces. Latex or water-based paints are fast-drying paints that are more malleable, making them the appropriate paint for projects where the surface may expand or in locations where movement and flexibility are required.

Now that you know a bit more about the chemical difference between enamel and latex paint, we’ll now take you through a few different factors you’ll want to consider when choosing between enamel and latex paint.

Finish

Deciding on the finish that you want for your project will help to narrow down your choice of paint.

Eggshell and matte, or flat finishes are only available with latex paints. This latex finish is considered to be the more modern and sophisticated of the two paint types. Latex paint’s finish is easy to clean and is durable enough to withstand all high traffic areas in your home. Satin finish is available as latex paint but can also come in enamel paint.

Enamel dries with a hard glass-like finish that is easy to clean and hard to stain. Enamel paint is available in satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Oil-based/enamel paints are commonly used for trim, cabinets, and other possible high-impact areas due to the high durability of enamel paint’s finish.

Interior Vs. Exterior Use

The flat or eggshell look of latex paint is a modern look that has become popular for use on interior walls and ceilings in homes.

Flexible yet durable, latex paint is also easy to clean and water-resistant, making it ideal for most interior projects. While durable and waterproof, latex paint remains slightly flexible even when completely dry, making it ill-suited for the exterior climate.

Conversely, the hard glossy finish of enamel paint can look harsh and dated over large areas indoors but is well suited for the outdoor sunshine and elements. Although oil-based or enamel paint tends to fade and yellow over time, exterior oil-based paints in neutral or earth tone colors such as beige, tan, or taupe will be less likely to break down and fade than other oil-based paint colors.

Paint Fumes

Fumes from any paint in significant amounts can cause lightheadedness, headaches, irritation to the eyes, or trouble breathing.

Latex paint has a milder odor than enamel paint, making it a better choice for walls and bigger projects. Being higher in fumes, oil-based enamel should be reserved for smaller projects or used outdoors when possible.

With either type of paint, if you must be indoors, work in a well-ventilated room or area and open doors or windows to circulate airflow if possible.

Additives

Paint additives, extenders,  or conditioners can improve your painted project’s overall final look by slightly thinning the paint, elongating the drying time, and allowing the paint to level itself and lay flat for a smooth finish.

Floetrol, shown below, while not the only brand available, is the most popular paint additive for latex paints. Penetrol, also shown below but not the only brand available, is the most popular paint additive for oil-based paints.

Drying Times

Thick even coats of paint can create a smooth brush mark-free finish when the paint is left to level and dry properly.

Latex paint dries faster, so paint must be laid quickly and left to level. Enamel paint takes longer to dry but has a better finish due to the oil-based paint actually absorbing the surface being painted. A longer drying time allows for enamel paint to be manipulated for longer to ensure the perfect thick even coat.

Cleanup

Cleanup of latex paints typically requires only water and a rag. As latex paints are water-based, clean-up is fairly easy.

Enamel paints require paint thinner, such as the one pictured below, for cleaning brushes and surfaces that paint has spilled on.

enamel paint

What Are The Advantages Of Enamel Paint?

Oil-based enamel paint’s longer drying time may seem like a disadvantage, but the longer drying time gives you more time to work with the paint for a perfectly smooth coat. Enamel paint also goes onto surfaces smoother and with better coverage coat for coat compared to latex paint.

The smooth thick coats of enamel paint left to level and dry will result in the desired flawless durable finish.

Ease of cleaning is another advantage of enamel paint. A good rule of thumb is the shinier the paint finish, the easier it will be to clean. Enamel paint is also waterproof, making it perfectly suitable for any outdoor condition.

latex paint

What are the Advantages of Latex Paint?

If you want to paint on unprimed drywall or stonewall or brick wall, you should opt for latex paint and a suitable latex paint sprayer.

It also works well on surfaces that have already been painted with other latex or oil-based paints. In addition, it is a more budget-friendly option that works well on large interior walls.

Colorado Painting

If you live in the Denver, Colorado area and are looking for a commercial or residential paint job, you should look no further than Colorado Painting.

We have been Denver’s best painting company for 38 years, with a proven track record of excellence, no matter what your project calls for. We’ve done it all – interior, exterior, deck staining, and foundation painting, so you can be sure we can handle your job.

Contact us today to discuss your painting needs and get a free estimate.

We Are Environmentally Conscience Painters

Environmentally friendly paints are defined as having no detrimental effect on the environment, nor on society.

At Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting, we are inspired to help preserve the quality of the air we breathe and value the use of environmentally friendly paint that minimizes air quality impact without sacrificing performance.

Although paint is available in a rainbow of colors, not all paints are "green".

It's typically a simple thing to spot the difference between environmentally friendly paint and conventional paint. All you need to do is just pop open the lid and take a whiff.

The familiar fresh paint odor of a conventional latex or especially a solvent-borne paint consists of a variety of greenhouse gases and other environmentally harmful chemicals that are released to the atmosphere as the paint is applied and in the drying stages.

Eco-friendly paints, however, emit little or no environmentally unsafe materials into the air (we call these VOCs, which we talk about more below).

Many environmentally friendly paints contain ingredients like natural dyes, water, milk, casein, essential oils, plant oils, and resins. Additional ingredients are derived from natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum, milk casein, natural latex, bees’ wax, earth and mineral dyes. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils, while the water-based natural paints give off almost no odor at all.

These paints are proven to be the safest for your health and for our environment.

green eco friendly paint

Why Do We Need Environmentally Friendly Paints?

The air you breathe indoors is more than three times as polluted as the air outdoors. A major source of indoor air pollution can be interior paint.

The reason is that most of these paints may contain harmful compounds, toxic substances, and chemicals – VOCs.

The paint production process can also very be energy-intensive.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are volatile organic compounds.

These include hydrogen and carbon. They evaporate easily into the air we breathe and can cause serious health concerns when inhaled.

The “green certified” paint that we can apply for your special project has no or low volatile organic compounds that are also harmful to our precious ozone layer.

These environmentally preferable coatings have been thoroughly tested according to science-based procedures and are proven to work as well or better than others in their class.

Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Paint

Well, just about everyone and everything benefits from environmentally friendly paint.

As we just mentioned, eco-friendly paints contain little-to-no VOCs. Thus, they are safer for our air and everything that breathes it.

They don't impact the ozone layer. Using eco-friendly paints lightens your carbon footprint.

Environmentally friendly paints contain natural ingredients like clay, milk proteins called casein, citrus, lime, and balsam.

Eco-friendly paints emit little-to-no smell. Moreover, the odor dissipates in under a few hours.

Besides being eco-friendly, these products are also effective in reducing mold, condensation, and mildew.

Eco-friendly paints meet the EPA and GREENGUARD Environmental Institute standards for environmentally friendly paints.

eco friendly

Are There Disadvantages?

Although environmentally friendly paint is mostly beneficial, there might be some reasons people don't want to use it.

What to Look For

We carry a wide variety of environmentally friendly paints from brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and KILZ. If you'd like to use this type of paint on the interior or exterior of your home or business, we'll make our best recommendations.

Contact us today for a free estimate.

This question is one that many professional painters hear all the time: how long does interior paint last on the wall? Ultimately, however, this question is nearly impossible to answer. A general rule of thumb is that a well-done interior paint job will last between 5-10 years, and potentially even longer. However, your paint’s longevity is based on a bunch of different factors. So, how long does interior paint last on the wall? Well, that depends.

In this article, we’ll take you through some of these factors (such as paint quality and room purpose) in an attempt to help you determine how long your interior paint job will last.

repainting interior

When Should I Repaint the Interior?

Since it’s hard to put a specific figure on how long interior paint lasts, it’s also pretty difficult to figure out when it’s time to repaint the inside of your home or office. In order to properly assess when it’s time to repaint, you need to keep track of when, how, by whom, and with what your last paint job was done. For example, a well-done paint job done by a trusted painting company such as Colorado Painting will generally last longer than a paint job you paid your teenage son and his friends to do.

You can combine these objective facts with your intuition and other factors. If the room in question is a playroom or somewhere that hosts a lot of activity, chances are the walls will get scuffed and chipped much more frequently than a home office. Additionally, some families or business owners may be more tolerant of peeling, fading, or scuffed paint than others- so choosing when to repaint is also a personal preference.

Paint Types

The type of paint used in your paint job will also help you answer how long does interior paint last on the wall? Really, there’s no reason why a coat of quality paint done by a professional painter cannot last upwards of a decade.

There’s a reason why some types of paint are more expensive than others – it’s because they’re expected to last longer and look better on your walls. Going with high-quality paint as opposed to the cheapest option at your local hardware store is a good way to ensure that your interior paint job lasts longer.

There are also different types of paints that you can use.

Traditionally, interior paints fall into two broad buckets: oil-based or water-based.

We’ve compiled a list of a few characteristics and advantages of choosing each type of paint down below:

Oil-Based Paint

Water-Based Paint

interior wall paint

Different Paint Finishes

The finish you choose for your interior paint job also impacts its longevity. For paint finish, there’s a sliding scale that ranges from non-reflective and almost paper-like to extremely shiny. The glossiness you choose has a direct impact on how easy the paint is to clean, which in turn can boost longevity.

Flat: Flat is the least reflective type of paint finish. Since it’s cozy, tough to clean, and matte-like, it’s a great choice for low-traffic areas such as formal living rooms.

Satin: Satin is still relatively non-reflective and matte-like, but contains a hint of gloss. It’s one of the interior paint finishes.

Eggshell: Eggshell finishes tend to have a fairly even glossy finish. This level of glossiness is often extremely easy to clean with a damp cloth, making it a popular choice for anybody who is concerned with longevity.

Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss is an even more reflective finish than eggshell, and tends to be much more durable. This is a popular finish for high-traffic areas that require significant paint durability, such as a kitchen or bathroom.

High Gloss: High gloss, often also called gloss, is the shiniest finish available. Generally, this finish is only used for wood trim and molding since it’s both the most decorative and the easiest to clean.

finished interior paint job

Other Factors to Consider with Interior Paint

When asking how long interior paint lasts on the wall, there are more factors to consider than just paint type and finish. Down below are a few more factors that will influence your paint’s longevity:

Using a Professional Painter

One of the best ways to ensure a quality, long-lasting paint job is to use a trusted professional.

If you are in the Denver, Colorado area, there is simply no better company to use than Colorado Painting. We’ve been Denver’s best painting contractors for almost 40 years, with both residential as well as commercial interior paint jobs.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality work, being locally owned and operated, having a great reputation, and having a high level of experience.

We also include an automatic service guarantee for every project we do.

Please feel free to reach out to get a free estimate today!

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