Q&A for How to Paint the Interior of a House

Yes. Fabric Paint will work just fine on walls.

It's up to you. Outside is much harder because it requires more prep, patience, time, help, money and of course, effort. I have been painting my own houses and rental properties interiors for 20 years, and I painted the exterior of one, once. I then had it promptly done again by professionals who said it would have been cheaper if they didn't have to undo my work first. My advice is to get pros for the outside because everyone will see it.

I recommend you do the wall first, then trim, but only because trim enamel is heavier/thicker than paint, and will cover dry paint accidentally painted on the trim fairly easily. It's two separate "jobs," so in theory it shouldn't matter which comes first. Just ensure you paint clean, straight lines for both.

Use rollers inside. If you're using a spray system indoors, ensure you wear a respirator and eye protection.

Use semi gloss for hallways because walls there are more likely to be touched, bumped or otherwise marked over time (semi gloss cleans more easily). However, use flat for a living room. Flat will help hide imperfections in the walls. If you want the same color in both the hall and living room, then no problem. Use flat in the living room, semi gloss in the hall, making the threshold the transition point.

Consider the room's color scheme, lighting, and style. Light colors enhance brightness, while darker shades create contrast and depth. Glossy or semi-gloss finishes can highlight details. You can match the wall color for a seamless look or use a different shade to emphasize the depth. Soft pastels add calmness, and bold tones suit modern designs. Test samples in different lighting before finalizing.

The best roller type depends on the surface texture and paint. For smooth walls, use a short nap (¼" - ⅜") microfiber or foam roller. For lightly textured walls, a medium nap (⅜" - ½") roller covers imperfections well. For heavily textured walls, such as popcorn or brick, choose a thick nap (¾" - 1") roller. For ceilings, a ½" nap roller with an extension pole is ideal. Always use high-quality rollers to avoid shedding and streaks.