Are you looking to freshen up your home’s interior in the new year? Luckily for you, now is the perfect time to start a paint project. It will be easier to paint and ventilate your home as the weather is warming up, and then your space will be in tip-top shape just in time for all the parties, hosting, and gatherings that happen during the summer months. So now that you’ve decided that it is the perfect time to dedicate some time and money to an interior paint project, you just need to find the right paint. The only problem is that choosing paint is a lot easier said than done, right?

Luckily, we’ve compiled some of our favorite spring paint colors that are going to be very popular this year. No matter what your personal interior design style is, there should be a paint color that will match anyone’s interior space. And maybe you’ll be creatively inspired and decide to go with a newer, bolder paint color this year! So, without further ado, here are our must-have spring paint colors from Vista Paint.

The Best Spring Paint Colors of 2024

Lightest Blue  Start off your spring season with the lightest, airiest blue. This blue will make your room feel large and trendy. This blue also has a slightly warm gray undertone, making it a new neutral to match with bolder colors. Options from Vista Paint are Surf, Cool Sky, and Simple Serenity.

Creamy Yellow Bright, bold yellows haven’t been popular for a few years, but this creamy yellow is definitely going to turn some heads this season. Imagine a warm cream color that has just a touch more yellow than most creams or ivories. This light yellow can make any space feel cozy and inviting and well feel fresh and timeless at the same time. Options from Vista Paint are Cauliflower Cream, Perky Tint, and Honey Cream.

Beige-y Peach This peach isn’t as pink or rosy as other shades of peach. Instead, this peach is a little more faded with beige and tan undertones. While it brings warmth and a fun color pop, it isn’t too overwhelmingly pink. Options from Vista Paint are Wispy White, Apricot Spring, Shooting Star, and November Leaf.

Pastel Lilac Don’t forget to add a touch of purple! This pastel lilac will be perfect for this time of year. It is just light and bright enough to make your space feel open and clean, but it also has enough color to stay current and popular through the summer. Options from Vista Paint are Venetian Rose, Baby Girl, Pink Heath, and Pink Beauty.

Pink Beige If you want a more subdued peach option, you might like a pink beige instead. This color is a light, creamy tan with the slightest hint of pink. This adds a romantic, feminine touch to the color that makes any space feel bright and unique. Options from Vista Paint are Angel Breath, Sand Island, Dainty Debutante, and Antoinette Pink.

Muted Navy To achieve more depth and variation, include a muted navy. This won’t be as dark or as bold as a traditional navy but instead will be a little bit lighter with a faded touch. This gorgeous color can pair well with any of the light, springy colors above. Options from Vista Paint are Blue Jacket, Madonna Blue, and Blue Depths.

Deep Olive Green Finally, to add some contrast to your décor, fall in love with this deep olive green. In past years, sage green and light olive have been popular, but this year the depth and drama of deep olive green are here to stay. Options from Vista Paint are Mother Nature, Clover Patch, and Green Column.

How to Choose the Right Paint

If you’re looking for a gorgeous, vibrant paint color that has been trending as of late, there are probably a number of paint stores that could mix it up for you. However, if you also want your paint to have increased durability and scratch-resistant qualities, you probably shouldn’t shop at just any old big box store. Shopping at a specialized paint store that is known for the quality of its product will help you to get the results that you really want to see from your paint job.

When you buy your paint from Vista Paint, you’ll always get affordable and long-lasting paint without sacrificing any quality. Their paint products are designed to be fade, scratch, and damage-resistant, making them a good fit for any home, even if you have lots of pets or kids. Vista Paint also puts a lot of work into creating and obtaining the most beautiful paint colors to keep up with timeless shades and current trends. To find the right color for your space, simply view their color palette and browse their products to find the color and quality you’re looking for. You can easily order paint color chip samples by filling out this form on their website. This could be especially helpful if you’re having difficulty deciding between multiple gorgeous colors for your space!

Do I Need a Primer?

When you’re going to be painting by yourself, you’ll have to spend some time researching what supplies you’ll really need. One of these essential supplies might be primer. With certain types of paint, using a paint primer is the only way to guarantee that your paint will successfully and permanently adhere to your given walls or ceiling surfaces. There are different types of primers that pair perfectly with different types of paints, depending on the base of the products. You might also choose a particular primer depending on the type of material that you’re painting. A primer needed for a wood painting project will be different than a primer needed for drywall. For example, oil-based primer works really well on unfinished drywall surfaces.

To learn what additional supplies you’ll need to complete your painting project, check out our blog article on painting supplies!

Let’s face it, planning out your home decor isn’t always as effortless as Instagram makes it seem. Choosing pretty colors that go together seamlessly can be quite tricky, especially as you’re changing your decor from season to season. Bolder colors, such as red, can be a bit more difficult to style without design experience and a careful eye.

If red is one of your favorite colors to decorate with, don’t worry. Many trendy color palettes include shades of red. You don’t have to feel like living in a perpetual Christmas shop. So, if you have red paint on your walls and need some color palettes to pair it with, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of our favorite color schemes for each season, all of which work very well with red.

Spring Color Schemes

Are you trying to spruce up your home for the spring? Popular springtime aesthetics often sport pastel and muted colors. Here are a few different shades of red and complementary color schemes to experiment with.

Mustard, Sage, Blush, and Brick Red

This color combo is a popular option as colors are starting to return to the world after winter. Yellow Shout, Cactus Valley, Precious Peony, and Tint of Rose are all beautiful paint color options from Vista Paint.

Rose, Gold, and Maroon

If you want a spring color scheme that is slightly more sophisticated, this is it. The light rose and gold in this color combo will lighten it up, making it feel spring-y and bright. With the addition of other colors, this combination could also work for other seasons. For paint color options from Vista Paint, check out Royal Wedding, Moonrose, and Goldenrod or Danish Pine.

Maroon, Mauve, Blush Pink, Cream

This color combo is rosy and romantic, perfect for the spring season that is bursting with blooms and blossoms. Vista Paint has some paint colors that would be perfect including Wild Rose, Poppy Prose, Impatient Heart, and Pinkathon.

Summer Color Schemes

When summer comes around, many of your decorative spring colors should brighten and become more vibrant. Here are a few happy summer color schemes for you to consider.

Hot Red-Pink, Lime Green, and Yellow

If you love pink, then don’t be afraid to choose a red with a bold, rosy tint. Hot red-pink will look great in this color combo. A few fun color options from Vista Paint are Childhood Crush, Lucerne, and Lemon Peel.

Orange-Red, Coral, and Cream

If you love the bright colors of summer but don’t want to deal with so many colors at once, you’ll love this gradient color scheme. Endless Possibilities, Sari, and Albino are a few great color options from Vista Paint that fit this aesthetic.

Bright Red, Lilac, and Light Turquoise

Who says that red can’t be paired with cool colors? This color combo is so summery and stunning. For paint options, try Endless Possibilities, Puple Hollycock, and Island Moment from Vista Paint.

Fall Color Schemes

During fall, you can take plenty of inspiration from the autumn leaves that surround you. There are many beautiful shades of red (and accompanying colors) that you can use to decorate your home for the season.

Orange-Red, Mustard, and Cream

If you love classic fall colors, this color scheme is for you. Try using The Best of the Bunch, Beeswax Candle, and Whiskers from Vista Paint for the best results.

Rusty Red, Light Sage, Dusty Rose, and Olive Green

For a little more creative variation, try this fall color palette. Vista Paint has some great paint color options including The Ego Has Landed, Hidden Glade, Peony Prize, and Mother Nature.

Brick Red, Muted Blue, and Deep Purple

Similar to one of our summer color schemes, this color scheme has lots of variety of colors for a retro feel. From Vista Paint, try using Romp, Madonna Blue, and Berry Patch.

Winter Color Schemes

Different shades of red are definitely staples of the holiday season aesthetic. Here are a few winter color schemes that are sure to wow your guests and create the perfect, cozy, holiday feel in your home.

Cranberry Red, Forest Green, and Taupe

This classic Christmas-inspired color palette is sure to please many. Try Velvet Cake, Jungle Adventure, and Palest of Lemon from Vista Paint for the perfect colors.

Bright Red, Black, and White

This holiday color combo is a little more chic and sophisticated. You can use Vista Paint colors Party Time, Silent Sea, and White Shoulders.

Bright Red, Blush Pink, and Mint

If you want a holiday candy-inspired aesthetic, you’ll love this one. Vista Paint has some great options including Endless Possibilities, Tint of Rose, and Turquoise Tower.

What Paint Should I Use?

Now, if you haven’t even painted your walls yet but you’re just trying to figure out if you can make red work in your home, here are a few hacks. You can order paint samples or chips from Vista Paint, have them shipped straight to your home, and try out a bunch of different color combos to see what works best in your space. When you’re trying to decide what color you like best, make sure you see the colors at different times of the day. When the light in your home varies, the shade of the paint colors will also vary. Leaving the colors up for 24 hours while you’re deciding can help you see what color works best for your space at any time of day.

When you’re buying paint products, make sure you find a paint brand that has low levels of chemicals such as VOCs. VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, can emit potentially harmful chemicals into your home which could unknowingly put your health at risk. Shopping trusted brands can ensure that you find paint products that are low-VOC, eco-friendly, and safe to use in all environments. Vista Paint is a great brand that checks all of these boxes, and they always stock the trendiest and most beautiful paint colors.

Painting new drywall can be an invigorating (and nerve-wracking) experience. Drywall is a commonly used construction material that creates the shape of the walls and ceilings in most homes in the United States. Drywall has unique textures and absorption qualities that can make your painting experience differ a lot compared to painting wood, brick, or other materials. So, if you’re painting drywall in your home, you need to have the right tools and materials for your painting project to be successful. Whether you’re finally working on your unfinished basement, building your new construction home, or refreshing your long-time fixer-upper, you’ll need to know how to prep your drywall before painting it.

One of the most important steps to help you get a smooth, even result from your paint is to prep your drywall with a coat (or multiple coats) of primer. In this article, you’ll find all the tips you need when it comes to painting drywall, including where you should buy all the painting supplies you’ll need for your project. So, read on, and good luck with your drywall and paint!

What is Primer?

If you don’t have a lot of painting experience, you might wonder what primer is or why you need to use it. Primer is a material that prepares your surface to properly adhere to the paint you’re going to put down. It is a base coat that will not only give your drywall a protective layer, but it will also help your paint to go on much more easily, smoothly, and evenly. Adding primer to your drywall helps your eventual coat of paint to last much longer with increased durability and resistance to any damage or scratches. Without primer, your paint likely won’t be able to sufficiently lock onto the surface of your drywall and might not last as long as you would like.

What Kind of Primer Do I Need?

There are three different types of primers in the painting industry including oil-based primer, pigmented shellac primer, and latex primer. Depending on the type of paint that you plan to use or the type of surface you’re going to paint on, you might need a different kind of primer. For example, when you’re painting on a drywall surface, a latex primer will be the best choice for your product. An oil-based primer won’t work as well on a drywall surface, so pay attention to this important detail when you’re shopping for your painting materials.

Some paint products come with priming materials already mixed in, so you might not always need to use a primer depending on the project you’re working on. Of course, this depends on the product that you’re going to be painting. Because of the absorptive nature of drywall material, sticking to the recommended latex primer will ensure that you get the smoothest, most durable finish after your coats of paint dry.

How Many Coats of Primer Do I Need?

Mold can be commonly found in damp areas like basements, bathrooms and garages. Left unchecked, it can work its way into drywall and flooring, causing expensive damage that has to be repaired for your family’s health.

However, there are some paint types that can suppress new mold growth by using an antimicrobial mixture. However, any existing mold or mildew needs to be remediated prior to painting as the spores will make their way through the paint.

Common causes of mold

Mold and mildew occur most often in consistently damp areas, like bathrooms, basements, mud rooms and more. The right primer and paint can prevent new mold from forming, but it can’t kill existing mold.

Mold spores are all around us, but they can’t grow in dry conditions, so they stay dormant. In a damp area, such as wet drywall in a bathroom, mold can take hold if the relative humidity stays above 55 percent for any length of time.

Imagine you have a damp area in your bathroom that never really dries out. Without running a fan or

Mildew is also a type of fungus, but it’s generally easier to eliminate than mold. Mold can be black, pink, green, blue and red while mildew is always white. Once mold gets into drywall, wood or fabrics, it needs specialized treatment to remove it.

For small moldy areas, a solution of bleach and water can be applied to the mold to kill it. Black mold is more dangerous and requires a specialist. Always take care when handling bleach and don’t mix it with other cleaning solutions.

Vista Paint’s choices for paints to prevent mold

Once you have a clean, mold-free surface, then you’ll get the best results when painting.. Painting a dry surface with no mold means that the paint can seal the surface, allowing no new moisture in. For items like wood or drywall, painting them can act as an insulating, protective coat that keeps moisture out while providing aesthetic value.

When selecting a paint to suppress future mold growth, look for primers and paints that say they have antimicrobial properties. This solution, when added to paint, helps prevent new mold spores from getting established on the painted areas.

Vista Paint recommends, for high-traffic areas, 7001 Acriglo Interior Primer. This acrylic primer is low-VOC, making it ideal for interiors since it will have minimal offgassing once it dries. Low-VOC paints don’t require as much ventilation and cure quickly. This primer resists the growth of microbes, meaning it’s suitable for high-traffic spots and commercial use as well as persistently damp areas.

Remember to prime the surface carefully and follow the instructions on the paint. Primer should only go onto a dry, clean surface with no mildew or mold. You may need to apply two layers of primer depending on the color of the paint or the condition of the wall. Primer’s purpose is to cover old paint and provide an even surface by filling in gaps and bubbles in wall texture. This gives the paint a strong finish to adhere to.

To cover this primer, the 7000 Acriglo Semi-Gloss and 7100 Acriglo Flat are ideal choices. Both are also low-VOC and contain antimicrobial products for the surface of the paint. Again, no paint can suppress existing mold or mildew, but in a sanitized area, these paints will resist new mold growth even in damp areas.

8500 Carefree Gloss has an enamel finish for interior and exterior use. It suppresses the growth of microbes and is safe for use in food-preparation areas. Enamel provides a shell-like exterior that dries hard, giving it a classic look. Enamel paint also has remarkable durability and a beautiful finish.

It also comes in a Semi-Gloss and Gloss, but these should not be used in food preparation areas. They also have the technology needed to suppress microbial growth. Higher gloss paints are easier to clean and ideal for trims, doors and other high-touch areas.

If you’re choosing paint for exterior use, the 2000 Duratone is an exterior acrylic flat paint that provides superior mildew resistance. It’s recommended that you prime exterior surfaces correctly. This involves selecting the right primer and painting only when the surface is dry.

Vista Paint’s 3000 Acribond is a superior choice for exterior use. This acrylic solid stain can be white, tinted or custom colored for full coverage of wood, masonry, primed concrete and metal. It resists mildew growth, which makes it ideal for areas that are consistently damp or in the shade.

Painting a wet surface will lock in mold spores and mildew, so the end result won’t look good. Remember to prepare the area by cleaning it and treating all mold and mildew. Once it’s ready to paint, you can prime with one of the recommended primers before painting.

One benefit of using a mildew-resistant paint is that it’s easy to clean and maintain. A surface painted with high-quality paint can hold up to scrubbing or cleaning as needed. The paint also protects the wood and drywall underneath, making it easy to maintain.

Preventing future mold growth

With the right paints applied and mold treated successfully, preventing future mold growth is key to making sure your paint stays beautiful. In indoor areas, selecting a mildew- and mold-resistant paint helps by reducing the chances that mold can get established.

Use fans or dehumidifiers if necessary to keep humidity in a confined space below 55 percent. In outdoor areas, a dark and damp corner may be more prone to mildew and mold growth. While the right paint will help resist mold growth, you may get algae, which is an entirely different organism. This can be brushed off with a scrub brush or power washed off, but make sure if you’re using a power washer to select a setting that won’t also remove paint.

By treating any mold and mildew and choosing the right paints and primers, you can suppress mold growth and keep your painted surfaces looking as beautiful as the day you painted them.

How to Find the Right Paint Color Palette

Let’s be honest, finding the right paint color palette for your home can be quite the challenge. You might see paint colors online on blogs or social media that you love but aren’t sure if those colors will look good in your home with your personal home decor style and layout. Maybe you’re just getting into your first home and you’ve never been able to paint or decorate a home to your personal taste. Before you start feeling overwhelmed, put some trust in our favorite tip for homeowners looking for the right paint color: a paint color palette.

A paint color palette features hundreds of different paint colors that could look beautiful in your home. These options allow you to look at different undertones and pigmentations until you find precisely the right color for your space. Additionally, when you’re trying to find the right paint color palette for your home, it can be helpful to examine color families. Here are a few tips that can help you find the right color family for your space.

What are Color Families?

A color family is a grouping of colors that all have the same particular shade or undertone. Usually, color families are gathered together on the color wheel that is commonly used in art and art education. Vista Paint organizes their paint color palette into the following seven color families to make it easy for you to find the right paint color for your project. Here are the color families that they include. Each color family page features some visual examples and descriptions to help you find the right paint color for your home.

Reds This color family includes anything from traditional reds to deep maroons to light pinks to rusty brick reds. Read more »

Blues This color family includes anything from baby blue to bright royal to dramatic turquoise to deep, moody navy. Read more »

Yellows This color family includes anything from bright yellows to warm creams to cozy mustard colors. Read more »

Violets This color family includes anything from hazy lavenders to romantic purples to trendy mauves. Read more »

Oranges This color family includes anything from bold oranges to happy peaches to trend-setting rusts. Read more »

Greens  This color family includes daring bright greens, traditional forest greens, popular sage greens, and more. Read more »

Neutrals This color family includes many timeless neutral shades such as grays, whites, taupes, and more. Read more »

How to Use a Paint Color Palette

If you’ve never had to choose your own paint color before, chances are you’ve also never used a paint color palette before. This process can be more intuitive than you might think. Here are a few of our best tips on how to successfully use a paint color palette in a way that will help you choose the ideal paint color for your home.

• Look at Undertones: Every color has a warm or cool undertone, meaning that there is a hint of another color in the depths of your main paint color. For example, you might choose a beige paint that has brown undertones or a gray paint that has blue undertones. Identifying these undertones can help you to match with the undertones of your furniture and decor. Warring undertones won’t look good in a space. For example, a cream with yellow undertones won’t pair well in a house with cool gray or black features.
• Don’t Forget Neighboring Colors: When you’re looking at your paint color palette and you’re not sure if you’ve found the right color for your home, don’t forget to go “next door” and look at the neighboring colors. These colors right next to your color of choice are often lighter or darker than the color you were examining, and they might just be the perfect color for your home.
• Enjoy Complementary Colors: Monochrome definitely has its place, but when you’re trying to find the right paint color palette for your home, look at the complementary colors on a color wheel. These colors will have similar undertones and will make your paint color of choice look even more vibrant. Ideally, your existing furniture or decor will fit in with these colors or even feature some of these complementary colors.

I’ve Chosen My Paint Color. What Now?

Now that you’ve found the perfect paint color for your chosen paint project, you’re almost ready to get started. But before you buy your paint, you should consider the different paint finishes that are available to you. Paint finishes refer to the level of sheen or shininess that a certain paint has once it is completely dried on a wall or surface. Different levels of sheen can definitely affect the aesthetic of a room. For example, in a nursery, you might want a pretty matte finish with only the slightest sheen to make it feel cozy and clean. You would also generally want a matte finish in a kitchen area, as a shiny finish can make your walls or cabinets look greasy and unclean.

Why Shop From Vista Paint?

Sometimes you might think it is easier to shop at a “big box” store such as Home Depot. While these types of stores might have more convenient locations for you, their paint products simply won’t have the quality that your projects require. If you want to avoid painting and repainting your home, you should choose a paint brand that will provide you with high-quality, damage-resistant products that will last beautifully for many years.

Vista Paint prides themselves in creating paint products of the highest quality. Their bold and beautiful paint colors will last for years to come without any scratches or marks. Some of their paints even come “pre-primed” which will save you one step in the painting process. They also make their paints with low or zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) so your house or family won’t be exposed to any potentially harmful chemicals. If you want to preview their colors and see how their products will work for you, you can order paint color chips and samples and have them shipped straight to your doorstep! To see their beautiful paint colors, simply fill out this paint color chip order form to have your color samples shipped to you.

Beach houses are known for their classic exteriors, siding and white trim. Their colors can be inspired by the natural colors found around them. From sea glass to warm sand and cool water, there is no end to the inspiration found in the natural world of the San Diego beach.

If it’s time to repaint your beach house exterior, Vista Paint has lots of options for you for paints that are durable, colorful and vibrant.

First, exterior surfaces, especially those on the San Diego beach, need to hold up to saltwater, cool air, damp mist and bright sun. That’s why your first step is finding an exterior primer that can help seal the wood siding to make it ready for painting.

First, wash the exterior of the home to remove any mold, mildew or salt build-up. You can’t paint a dirty surface, so washing it and letting it dry fully is a necessary first step. Next, patch or caulk any holes or gaps as needed. Read the instructions to determine how long the caulk needs to cure.

Repainting is also the time to check on the condition of your boards and to see if any need to be replaced. Old boards can be painted, but they won’t necessarily hold up as well as new ones. Replace anything that is split, warped or missing pieces.

Now it’s time to prime your home.

For wood priming, Vista Paint recommends the 4200 Terminator II, which is a water-based primer suitable for exterior use. It prevents stains and offers superior flexibility, which means it won’t crack as wood shrinks and expands due to exposure to moisture. That makes it a stellar choice for a beach house.

018 100% Acrylic Block Filler and 040 Block Kote are ideal primers for stone, stucco or brick that needs painting. These fill in gaps, giving a solid surface on which to apply your color.

Once you’ve primed your home and it has dried for the recommended time, you’re ready to paint. Exterior paint is required for the exterior of a home because it has a special formulation that lets it resist weathering and UV light. Choosing the wrong paint means you could wind up having to repaint more quickly than you would like.

1900 Weather Master is an acrylic exterior paint that resists mildew and is appropriate for all surfaces except metal. It comes in custom colors and is specially formulated to hold up against all kinds of weather without chipping, peeling or fading.

3000 Acribond provides a durable, flat finish that is mildew resistant. This exterior paint is perfect for wood surfaces or properly primed concrete and masonry.

Once you have picked your paint, it’s time to choose a color. Classic colors for San Diego beach houses are inspired by the coastline and all the colors it presents. From warm sand to cool mist, there is no end to the variety of natural colors you can choose from. Exterior paint tends to be a flat finish so the color doesn’t reflect as much light. This is especially important if you pick a lighter color that is naturally light-reflective.

Sand/neutral

If you want your beach house to blend into the landscape rather than standing out, these neutrals are the perfect choice to help your home look like it sprang up out of the sand.

• Pastel Day – This paint is a warm neutral that looks like sun-warmed sand begging you to bury your feet in it.
• Beryl Pearl – This gray-green neutral looks like cool mist on a San Diego winter’s day.
• Sandstone Palette – If you like the look of stone over sand, this brown-gray medium neutral will inspire you.
• Langdon Dove – This darker brown-gray will add character to any seaside home. It is reminiscent of the hills surrounding San Diego.

Water and sky

The San Diego coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world when the mist has burned off and all you can see is sky and water.

• Bulfinch Blue – This color could be said to be inspired by the hazy San Diego mornings where the mist hasn’t burned off completely. A beautiful blue-gray, Bulfinch Blue is a great choice for lovers of misty mornings.
• Cyan Sky – This vivid blue is almost turquoise and looks like sun-dappled water.
• Dancing Sea – This deep royal blue is a great choice for those wanting a brighter blue with no hint of gray.
• Watery Sea – A paint color that truly matches a beautiful cloudless sky.

Seashells/sea glass

Many happy memories are made searching for the perfect seashell or piece of sea glass. Bring those colors home with these shades.

• Outerspace – This light blue-green looks like polished sea glass.
• Aromatic Breeze – This peachy pink looks like the outside of a freshly washed seashell. It would pair perfectly with white shutters.
• Tudor Ice – This chilly blue-gray looks like a smooth piece of frosted sea glass.
• Tuscan Wall – This warm light orange looks just like a scallop.
• Shell Tint – This cool white has green undertones and looks like a sun-bleached shell.

Sunset

• Taste of Summer – This is a tangerine orange that runs on the lighter side, so it’s a good choice for someone who wants a bold color with a bit less brightness.
• Nosegay – Much like the flower it’s named after, this paint looks warm, pink and welcoming.
• Starfish – Ready to have the boldest house on the beach? Starfish is a bright orange that will leave a memorable impression.
• Endless Possibilities – This orange-red is vivid and strong and looks like the edge of the sun right before it slips below the horizon.

These paint colors give you so many options for painting your beach house. Whether you are looking for a neutral or you want your beach house to be visible up and down the coastline, Vista Paints has plenty of colors to choose from. Their high-quality exterior paints go on smooth and adhere so no amount of sand, surf or rain will remove their luster.

If you are planning to update your kitchen, repainting the walls is a great place to start. A fresh coat of paint makes any room look clean and sleek, and a new wall color will help your kitchen feel like a brand new space! When you are deciding what color to paint your kitchen, you also need to consider the type of paint finish you’ll use.

Paint finish, also called paint sheen, refers to the amount of light that reflects off the paint once it is dry. There is a scale of paint sheens ranging from flat to high-gloss. As the name implies, flat paint doesn’t reflect any light, which leads to a completely matte look when the paint is dry. On the other hand, high-gloss paint is the most reflective type of paint. It dries with a shiny, lacquered look. Paint sheen doesn’t just affect the amount of light reflected–it also changes how durable the paint is, and how easy it is to clean. In general, the higher the sheen, the more sturdy the paint and easier it is to wipe down. Although flat paint is common in bedrooms and living rooms, it is not the best for kitchens.

Flat paint, while providing a soft, matte look, is not the most stain-resistant paint finish. In a high-traffic area such as the kitchen, having a paint finish that can stand up against oil and food stains is a must. Additionally, flat paint doesn’t repel moisture like the higher gloss paint types. Kitchen walls are highly susceptible to moisture collection from steam. Matte paint absorbs this excess moisture from the air, which could lead to mold and mildew in your walls. In the kitchen, you will want a paint that is durable, and can stand up against frequent scrubbing. Unfortunately, flat paint can rub off easily when cleaned. Finally, flat paint shows scuff marks more than high-sheen paint finishes. Since kitchens are used daily, it’s better to use a paint that will hide scraps, scratches, and scuffs better than flat paint. While flat paint is a great option for low traffic rooms, it is not advisable to use this type of paint finish in your kitchen.

What type of paint is best for use in the kitchen?

Most experts will agree that semi-gloss paint is the perfect paint finish for your kitchen. There are a multitude of reasons why semi-gloss is used by most professional painters and homeowners painting the kitchen.

First, semi-gloss paint is moisture resistant. This is possibly the most important aspect of paint finish in your kitchen. When cooking a meal, the kitchen collects steam, oil, and heat in the air. If you use the wrong type of paint finish, this moisture can settle into and beneath the paint. Semi-gloss paint repels this additional moisture in the air, making it much less likely than other paint sheens to grow mold and mildew beneath the surface of the paint.

Second, semi-gloss paint is remarkably durable. Kitchen walls are apt to splashes and other mishaps. Thankfully, with semi-gloss paint, cleaning the walls is a snap! The higher-sheen surface of this paint means that stains can be easily removed. Semi-gloss paint can withstand frequent scrubbing without degrading the paint or rubbing it off.

Third, this type of paint doesn’t show minor damage. Accidents happen, and because kitchens are used so often, the walls are especially susceptible to scrapes. Semi-gloss paint has the remarkable ability to hide these inevitable imperfections. The reflective nature of this paint acts as a camouflage for scuffs and scratches!

Finally, semi-gloss paint does a great job lightening a room. Because it reflects natural and artificial light back into the room, semi-gloss paint lends a cheery, bright quality to any space, no matter how dark the paint. Especially if your kitchen has dark cabinets or a lack of windows, the reflective quality of semi-gloss paint is a huge plus.

To paint your kitchen with semi-gloss paint, you will first want to clean the walls and let them dry completely. Next, fill any holes, gouges, or scratches in the wall with spackle. Using a putty knife, apply a small amount of lightweight spackle to the imperfection and, once the spackle dries, sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper to match the surface of the wall. Put painter’s tape around the outlet covers and light switches, baseboards, and edges of cabinets to keep them paint-free. Place a drop cloth on the floor, and you’re ready to get started painting!

Semi-gloss paint can be applied using both a paintbrush and a paint roller. Simply pour the paint into a plastic paint tray and evenly cover the paint roller in paint. Roll off any excess paint before rolling the paint onto the kitchen wall. It’s best to use a paint brush to paint the areas surrounding trim, cabinetry, or light switches, as these areas require a more delicate touch.

It’s recommended to apply two to three coats of paint on the walls in your kitchen. This will ensure an even finish across all surfaces of the wall. An extra coat of paint also means the paint is more durable against wear and tear, degradation from sunlight, and heavy scrubbing. The wall will also absorb some of the first coat of paint, so it needs a second coat to get full paint coverage across the entire wall.

When applying semi-gloss paint, you need to take extra care not to leave visible brushstrokes behind. Thanks to the shiny characteristic of this type of paint, imperfections are easier to spot. Make sure to catch any drips, or paint over areas where the brush strokes show through the paint. Once you get the hang of it, painting with semi-gloss paint is a pinch!

Painting concrete can add a lot of life and color to the otherwise boring surface. Paint protects the surface, hides discoloration and stains, reduces future mold growth and can even add color and personality. Any exterior concrete can be painted. This can include a planter, a driveway, exterior stairs, retaining walls and more.

That said, you do need to select the right paint for the job. Not every paint is labeled for outdoor use. Using the wrong paint could result in paint peeling and your project looking worse with time.

Why paint concrete

Painting concrete may not seem necessary at first given how durable concrete is on its own. However, if the concrete is going to be in a dirty area, such as a garage or under a tree that drops a lot of sap, painting the concrete makes it much easier to clean. It also adds color and can be used to either enhance or disguise a large area of concrete, such as a retaining wall.

If you have stained or ugly exterior concrete, paint can also disguise this and act as a decorative surface. Finally, painting concrete can prevent mildew and mold from developing on areas that are perpetually damp. Concrete is porous and absorbs water, meaning that as water exposure increases and decreases, your concrete could crack. Painting makes the surface of the concrete impermeable and waterproof.

Preparation

Preparation is key before beginning to paint concrete. As tempting as it may be, you can’t just slap a coat of paint on concrete and call it a day. First, you need to clean the concrete. This can involve power washing it or sweeping and rinsing it. If there is dirt, the paint won’t adhere as nicely.

Concrete that has oil stains like that in a driveway or garage should be treated with an oil remover since it can interfere with the paint’s adhesion. When pressure washing concrete, keep your setting below 1,700 PSI to avoid damaging the surface.

Next, add an etching solution to remove all salt deposits and prepare the clean surface for paint. Acids are also used sometimes for this purpose, but an etching solution is less corrosive on the concrete.

Are there any cracks or splits? These should be filled promptly with the appropriate sealant. If a crack is too large or not level, you may need to patch it with new concrete. Sealant appropriate for concrete can be used for smaller cracks. If you’re painting a garage floor, take care to also seal the joint where the floor meets the wall.

Chipped areas need to be sanded smooth or filled with a concrete putty or silicone graded for outdoor use. Any chips are invitations for moisture to seep in and crack your concrete with the first freeze.

Read the sealant instructions carefully to see how long these materials take to dry and cure. Painting over wet concrete is sure to make a mess.

This step is essential – if you plan to paint, make sure not to use a concrete sealant. Paint will not adhere over sealant. Instead, moisture test the concrete after all the repair work and cleaning has been performed. If you paint over it while it’s damp, you’re locking in mold and water.

Finally, you’re ready to paint! Cut in any edges if you’re painting in a smaller space. Paint your concrete in firm stokes in one direction with a paint roller, working so you don’t have to step on the wet paint as you continue. This first coat may look a little streaky as it absorbs into the concrete.

The second coat can be applied once the concrete is dry. This can take about four hours, but do a little scrape test to be sure by rubbing your fingernail in a corner. If it seems dry, you can apply your second coat in the opposite direction of your first application. This ensures even coverage and reduces streaks in your finished product.

This will need to dry for a few days before it’s ready for use. Ideally, you want to pick a week to paint where the weather is sunny, warm and there’s little wind.

Which paint to choose

Not just any paint will do when you’re choosing to protect and decorate concrete. Indoor paint will chip in a short time and exterior all-purpose doesn’t have the durability for concrete.

Vista recommends our 2800AF Coverall Concrete Coating. This paint is specially formulated for concrete and is more flexible than your typical exterior paint. This helps the paint hold up to foot traffic, cars, weather and more.

The Coverall Concrete Coating is also formulated to avoid chalking and fading under intense UV light, meaning your painted driveway will look as good as the day you first painted it. This paint is available in white and custom colors so it can be perfectly tailored to fit your home’s exterior.

Remember, your outcomes are only as good as the preparation and tools you use. Taking time time to prep and clean your surface and choosing the right paint means you’re looking at a one-time project rather than something you’ll have to repaint annually.

Maintenance

One of the advantages of painting concrete is how easy the maintenance is. Sweep off surface debris and rinse away any sap, bird dropping or other stains. If you plan to power wash, which shouldn’t be necessary with a painted surface, make sure to use a setting only for paint. Otherwise you risk removing the paint from your concrete.

Should you decide to repaint a different color, simply remove the only paint via power washing or a paint stripper, prepare the surface as you did previously and apply your new paint color. Which color will you choose?

Results

Painting your concrete, whether you’re touching up stairs, painting a garage floor or adding personality to a bird bath, can bring color to even the most mundane surface. Choosing Vista Paint for your paint needs means you’re getting a quality paint formulated especially for your needs.