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You’ve moved your family and furniture into your newly constructed home, hung a few pictures, organized the closets and met the neighbors. Now that you’re settled into your new home, you probably want to begin personalizing your new space. And what better decorating tool to use than paint?

Many new home designs are based on an open floor plan and homeowners often ask “How do I incorporate color in one room and not impact on adjacent rooms?”. An easy way to add color to your living space is to paint an accent wall with a bold or interesting color and paint the walls that flow to other rooms a more neutral hue. This spark of color will brighten your living space and not create an uneven balance within the adjacent areas.

Here are a few pointers from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute that will help with your interior painting project.

Instructional Ideas
Follow the simple 4 steps below and achieve a terrific paint finish.

1. Prepare the Surface
Good preparation requires that the surface be clean and sound. Check for handprints, greasy fingerprints as well as dirt and scuff marks. Any glossy spots that will be painted should be lightly sanded so the new paint will adhere properly.

2. Pick the Correct Tools
Use quality brushes and rollers. For latex paint application, purchase synthetic materials. They will hold their shape and maintain the proper stiffness when used with water-based paints. Make sure the nap length of the roller you choose is appropriate for the type of surface being painted. The general rule is the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap; the rougher the surface, the longer the nap.

3. Decide on the Appropriate Paint Sheen and Color
The use of color is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to change the look of a living space. If you’re unsure of which color to use, purchase small quantities of a few you like and try them out in the room you will be painting. View the color in both daylight and at night; the color may appear different based on the lighting within the space.

Sheen is another factor. Higher sheen paints tend to offer a bit more durability than flat paints and are appropriate in areas that get a lot of use. Satin or low lustre finishes tend to impart more warmth and depth to a room than a flat paint. And, don’t forget the ceiling, it’s a great place to use a higher sheen paint for additional lighting reflection.

4. Purchase Quality Paints
Finally, always purchase a top quality acrylic latex interior paint. A quality latex paint will go on smoothly and offers soap and water clean-up and lasting beauty.

For more information on paint and paint trends, visit
The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com

Home Decorating Digest - http://www.HomeDecoratingDigest.com is an online magazine that helps homeowners find home decorating ideas and feature articles on style, color and interior design. Get decorating basics, do-it-yourself projects, organizing and outdoor garden design tips.