How to Choose Paint at Home Depot

Choosing paint may seem overwhelming given the vast selection at Home Depot. With some knowledge about types of paint, sheens, color selection, and other factors, you can confidently tackle your painting project. This guide will walk you through all the steps to choose the perfect paint for your needs from the options available at Home Depot.

Getting Started

Before going to the store, consider the basics of your painting project:

Where are you painting? Walls, ceilings, cabinets, furniture, exterior siding? The location determines what type of paint you need.
What is the surface material? Drywall, plaster, wood, metal, masonry? The paint must adhere properly to the surface.
What finish do you want? Flat hides imperfections, gloss make colors pop. Sheen affects the aesthetic.
How much area needs painting? Calculate square footage to determine how much paint to purchase.
What is your budget? Paint ranges widely in cost. Decide how much you can spend.
Do you need specialty paint? Stains, primers, mold-resistant, or textured paints serve specific purposes.

With the answers to these questions in mind, you can start your Home Depot shopping trip prepared to make choices.

Selecting Interior vs. Exterior Paint

Home Depot organizes its paint section by whether the paint is formulated for interior or exterior use. Therefore, your first decision is interior or exterior paint based on where you will apply it.

Interior Paint Considerations

For painting inside the home, opt for interior paints. Considerations include:

Walls and ceilings: Use generic interior latex paints and primer-paint combinations.
High-traffic areas: Choose interior paints marketed as durable and washable.
Bathrooms: Use moisture-resistant interior paints made specifically for bathrooms. Consider mold-resistant additives.
Kitchens: Choose interior paints safe for high-humidity environments. Look for kitchen & bath paints.
Wood trim and cabinets: Select interior alkyd paints or oil-based enamels.
Metal piping, rails, radiators: Opt for rust-resistant interior metal paints.
Furniture: Use indoor-safe stains, acrylic paints, or multi-surface paints approved for wood, metal, etc.

Exterior Paint Considerations

For outdoor painting projects, use exterior house paints rated for withstanding the elements. Considerations include:

Siding: Choose exterior latex or acrylic latex paints. Verify compatibility with your siding type.
Decks, porches, patios: Use exterior porch & floor paints designed for foot traffic.
Outdoor furniture: Select exterior paints or all-surface compatible exterior stains.
Garage, shutters, trim: Opt for alkyd exterior paints.
Metal fences, railings: Use rust-resistant exterior metal paints.

Once you know whether you need interior or exterior paint, you can browse the specific section of the store relevant for your project.

Selecting Paint Sheen and Finish

After choosing interior vs. exterior paint, consider sheen. Glossier paints have higher sheen while flatter paints have lower sheen. Sheen affects aesthetics and functionality:

Flat: No gloss, hides imperfections, good for ceilings and low-traffic walls.
Matte: Slight sheen, hides flaws, scuffs easily, suitable for most rooms.
Satin: Soft gloss, durable and scrubbable, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways.
Semi-Gloss: Medium-high gloss, very durable and cleanable, great for trim, cabinets, doors.
Gloss: Very shiny, extremely scrubbable finish, ideal for heavily used areas and wet rooms.
High-Gloss: Ultra shiny, like an enamel, very durable, good for accent walls and cabinets.

For interior walls, many people opt for flat or matte paint for a subtle finish. Trims often use semi-gloss or gloss for durability and shine. Kitchens and baths benefit from satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint for washability. Consider sheen based on your goals.

Choosing Paint Color

One of the most exciting parts of a painting project is choosing the color! Here are tips for selecting paint color at Home Depot:

Decide on a color scheme – Monochromatic, analogous, complementary, neutral, or bold accent colors? Determine the mood you want to create.
Gather inspiration – Use app inspiration libraries, decor store visits, nature, fabrics, art, and more to find appealing colors.
Select 3-5 preliminary colors – Buy $5 sample pots to test colors on your walls before fully committing.
Test in different lighting – Colors look different in natural daylight vs. nighttime artificial lighting. Test samples in both.
Choose your top color – Paint large 2×2 ft swatches and live with them for a few days before deciding.
Complement with trim & ceiling color – Choose an accent color for trims that complements your wall color. Ceilings are often white or off-white.

The paint experts at Home Depot can help match colors to existing decor, recommend coordinating schemes, and mix custom colors.

Types of Interior Paint

When browsing interior paints at Home Depot, you will find many varieties beyond basic wall paint. Consider specialty interior paints for specific needs:

Ceiling Paint

Formulated to prevent unsightly dripping on ceilings
Extra hide to conceal ceiling imperfections
Low-sheen flat finish is ideal for ceilings
Can use white to brighten rooms or a color to define ceiling

Trim & Cabinet Paint

Durable alkyd-based enamel paints for woodwork
Withstands cleaning and resists yellowing
Gloss or semi-gloss finish available
Excellent adhesion and hide over existing finishes

High-Traffic Paint

Acrylic or alkyd-based for durability in busy areas
Withstands washing, scrubbings, daily wear-and-tear
Use on hallways, family rooms, kids’ rooms
Satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish options

Bathroom & Kitchen Paint

Moisture-resistant formulas for humidity-prone rooms
Can include antimicrobial additives to inhibit mildew and mold
Use satin or semi-gloss finish for scrubbing and washing
Look for Kitchen & Bath specialty paints

Furniture & Craft Paint

Multi-surface paints suitable for unfinished wood, metal, etc
Specifically designed for painting furniture, crafts, art projects
Available in wide range of colors and finishes
Some brands offer dishwasher-safe options after cured

Consider your needs to choose the right specialty interior paint for the job.

Types of Exterior Paint

For outdoor painting, select exterior house paints designed to withstand the elements. Types include:

Exterior Stain

Ideal for new or unfinished wood decks, fences, siding
Penetrating finish that protects wood grain from showing through
Available in transparent, solid color, and semi-transparent stains

Exterior Primer

Required first coat when painting new, unfinished, or repaired exterior surfaces
Promotes proper paint adhesion and prevents peeling or chipping
Use oil-based on metal, latex-based on wood, masonry, stucco

Masonry Paint

Formulated for exterior concrete, stucco, brick, cinderblock, and other masonry
Provides protection from moisture damage and fills pores
Use flat or satin finish to help disguise imperfections

House & Siding Paint

Flexible acrylic latex paint won’t crack as wood expands and contracts
Resists chipping, fading, peeling common with exterior paints
Use satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish based on siding type

Porch & Floor Paint

Durable coating resists scuffs, staining from foot traffic
Provides excellent adhesion to worn, exterior horizontal surfaces
Ideal for porches, patios, walkways, balcony floors

Select the right specialty exterior paint for your specific surfaces and needs.

Choosing Paint Primer

Primer provides:

Improved paint adhesion over glossy or repaired surfaces
Reduced need for paint color layer coverage over dark colors
Block stains from bleeding through the new paint from the substrate

Consider primer when:

Painting over glossy or slippery surfaces like tile or metals
Covering stains that could bleed into the new paint color
Painting over a significant color difference
Applying paint to new drywall or fresh patched areas
Improving topcoat adhesion on exterior, kitchen, and bath paint jobs

Types of primer:

Latex primer – For interior walls and ceilings
Stain-blocking primer – Seals in stains and odors
Drywall primer – Fills porous new drywall for painting
Wood primer – Promotes adhesion to exterior woods
Masonry primer – Bonds paint to concrete, stucco, brick

Select water-based latex primers for interior paint jobs and oil-based primers for exterior surfaces. Consider tinted primers close to your finish paint color to improve hide. Primer is an important first step for many paint applications. Discuss your project with Home Depot paint experts to determine if a primer is recommended prior to applying your topcoat paint.

Estimating Paint Quantity Needed

To determine how much paint to purchase for your project, you will need:

Room dimensions – Measure wall lengths, heights, door and window sizes
Square footage of each surface type – Walls, ceilings, trim, doors, etc.
Paint can label – Coverage rates vary based on paint type and brand
Primer & coats needed – Account for potential primer and multiple color coats

Measure and calculate total square footage for each surface requiring paint. Compare that to paint can coverage rates to estimate paint quantity needed. For example:

12×15 ft Room = 180 sq ft walls
8×15 ft Ceiling = 120 sq ft ceiling
35 sq ft trim around windows & doors
180 + 120 + 35 = 335 sq ft total to be painted

If the paint covers 400 sq ft per gallon at one coat, you would need 1 gallon for one coat on everything, or 2 gallons for two coats. Include primer and add 10-20% more for waste. j

Purchasing too little paint can lead to mismatched colors as batches vary. Buy enough to complete the entire project. Ask Home Depot paint experts for estimating assistance. Share your measurements, quantities, and project details for help determining exactly how many gallons to purchase.

Additional Paint Supplies

Beyond paint and primer, Home Depot offers a full range of painting supplies:

Paint trays – Plastic trays with ridged reservoirs for loading roller covers
Paint roller covers – Replaceable fuzzy sleeves on roller frames, diverse nap sizes
Paintbrushes – Angled sash brushes for cutting in before rolling paint
Paint sprayers – Power sprayers for larger jobs or textured paints
Drop cloths – Canvas sheets to protect floors and furniture from drips and splatters
Painters tape – Low-tack tape to mask off trims and create sharp paint lines
Paint remover – Chemical stripper to eliminate existing paint from surfaces
Sandpaper – To scuff glossy surfaces for improved paint adhesion

Stock up on high-quality applicators, tools, tarps, and accessories to tackle any paint job like a pro. Let the Home Depot paint experts know your project details to recommend the must-have supplies for achieving a flawless painted finish.

Paint Services at Home Depot

For larger painting projects, consider hiring Home Depot’s professional painting services:

In-home color consultations – An expert will help you choose a color scheme.
Custom paint matching – They can color match to existing paints, fabrics, etc.
Professional painting – Certified painters will tackle the job with expertise and proper equipment.

Home Depot Pro Referral services connect you with fully bonded, licensed, and insured painting contractors for a hassle-free experience. The Home Depot paint department backs quality standards and workmanship.

Explore Home Depot’s paint catalogs, design services, and knowledgeable paint department staff for the best solutions to all your painting needs. With some guidance on types of paints and finishes, color selection tips, estimating how much to purchase, useful supplies, and professional services, you can take on any paint project at Home Depot with confidence.

How to Choose Paint at Home Depot – FAQ

Still have questions about selecting paint for your next home improvement project? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing paint at Home Depot:

What are the different finishes and sheens of interior paint?

Flat – No shine, hides imperfections well, common for ceilings and low-traffic walls.

Matte – Subtle sheen, easy touch-ups, suitable for most rooms.

Satin – Soft gloss, durable and scrubbable, great for busy areas.

Semi-gloss – Medium-high gloss, resists staining, ideal for trim, cabinetry.

Gloss – High shine, very scrubbable, good for kitchens, baths, accent walls.

High-gloss enamel – Ultra reflective surface, extremely durable finish.

How do I choose exterior paint colors?

Select an exterior color scheme using these tips:

Match existing color palette of landscaping and outdoor hardscapes.
Complement architectural style of home with traditional or contemporary hues.
Create a cohesive look repeating colors from interior decor.
Use natural color inspiration from greenery, earth tones, water, stones.
Test out small paint samples on exterior surface before full commitment.

What sheen should I use for exterior painting?

Flat or matte – Disguises flaws, recommended for masonry, stucco, concrete.

Satin – Subtle sheen, hides imperfections better than glossy finishes.

Semi-gloss – Withstands elements, easy to clean, ideal for siding, shutters, doors.

Gloss – Very durable high-shine finish good for high-traffic areas and metal.

Use glossier sheens on accent trims and flat or satin finishes on siding or structures.

How do I calculate how much paint I need?

Carefully measure room dimensions and surface areas.
Determine total square footage that will be painted.
Check paint can labels for coverage rate per gallon.
Divide total square footage by paint’s coverage rate.
Add more for primer, multiple coats, or touch-ups.

Share your measurements and calculations with Home Depot experts to confirm you purchase sufficient quantities of paint.

What essential supplies do I need to paint?

Must-have painting supplies include:

Paintbrushes – Angled sash brush for cutting-in edges
Paint rollers – 9-inch roller frame with nap covers
Paint trays – Plastic reservoir tray for loading roller
Drop cloths – Canvas sheets to protect floors and furniture
Painters tape – Low-tack tape for crisp paint lines
Sandpaper – To scuff glossy surfaces before painting
Tarps, paint remover, sprayers, etc. – For specialized applications

Should I hire Home Depot painting services?

Consider Pro Referral house painting services for:

Large exterior paint jobs requiring equipment like tall ladders or scaffolding.
Interior paint projects in a fully furnished home requiring extensive moving of furniture and protecting belongings.
Painting tricky surfaces like ceilings, tall walls, railings requiring skills an average homeowner may lack.
Achieving an immaculate professional-grade paint application with zero drips, splatters, or mistakes.

Conclusion

Choosing new paint colors and finishes for your next home project can feel daunting with so many options. By understanding the differences between interior and exterior paints, types of finishes, specialty paints for specific surfaces, how to select coordinating colors, useful accessories and tools, estimating quantities accurately, and when to hire professional painters, you can feel confident tackling even the largest paint job available from Home Depot’s extensive selection. With this guide’s step-by-step instructions, anyone can choose beautiful new paint for any space in their home.