A great result is 80% preparation and 20% paint. Here's the method we've refined over two decades — follow it and you'll rarely need a third coat.
A color reads differently at each sheen. Matte softens and hides flaws; eggshell and satin add subtle light and wipe clean; enamel gives trim a hard, glossy edge. Pick both at once — order a sample pot and live with it for a day or two before committing.
Clean walls of dust and grease, fill holes, and lightly sand glossy or rough patches. Tape off trim and edges. This is the unglamorous step that decides whether the finish looks professional or patchy.
New drywall, bare wood, stained areas, and dramatic color changes all need primer. It seals the surface so your topcoat goes on even and its true color, using less paint overall.
Brush a neat band along edges and corners first, then roll the open field in overlapping "W" strokes while the cut-in is still wet, so the two blend without lines.
Almost every job looks best with two coats. Let the first dry fully — check the can for recoat time — before the second. Rushing is the most common cause of streaks and peeling.
Let paint cure for a couple of weeks before heavy cleaning. After that, most of our finishes wipe down with a soft, damp cloth. Keep a labeled touch-up jar for the inevitable scuffs.
A rough guide. One gallon of our interior paint covers about 350–400 sq ft per coat on primed walls.
A bedroom or office up to ~120 sq ft of floor: plan on 1–2 gallons for two coats, plus primer if needed.
A living room around 200–300 sq ft: 2–3 gallons for two coats. Our Room Kit is built for exactly this.
A quart of enamel goes a long way on trim. For a full set of doors and baseboards, plan on 1 gallon.
Tell us the room and the look, and we'll help you get the quantities and finishes right.
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