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If you're looking for an inexpensive way to transform the interior of your home, a coat of paint might be the best way to bring new life to your old walls. It can also be a frustrating and messy process, so choosing the right paint for the job is very important.

When it comes to selecting a color, go with what you like. Let your mood or personality take hold and don't be afraid to express yourself with your paint. If you're having trouble deciding, have a look at your clothes. The colors you like to wear will probably be just as pleasing to you on your walls or ceiling. Feel free to experiment with color. Most paint retailers offer paint mixing as well as sample quarts to purchase so you can test your dream color out under various lighting conditions. You will also want to consider the space that it is going to fill. Think about the furniture, fixtures, lighting, and decor in the room so that your new paint does not make everything else look out of place. However, if a room is largely empty, don't be scared to fill it with a bold and bright color. It can make a sparse setting feel less barren. Also consider the architectural elements of your home, such as moldings, baseboards, and windows. The paint you choose can work to accent or hide these features. Paint also has different affects based on the size of the room or space. The reflective quality of lighter colors can make small rooms seem roomier, whereas darker hues can make a large area feel cozier. Along with its size, the function of a room is important as well. Warm colors can make a living room feel inviting where cooler colors and patterns help hide dirt and surface imperfections in the kitchen or a high-traffic hallway.

It is equally, if not more important, to choose the right kind of paint. Flat paint, for example, works better in low-traffic areas because it is harder to clean. It looks great though on ceilings or walls in an area where a non-reflecting, muted feel is desired. It can be matched with your carpet or upholstery to increase the softness of a room.

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For frequently traveled areas such as hallways or entrances or for places that accumulate more dirt such as a playroom or kitchen; a low-lustre, satin, or eggshell finish will make stain removal easier and will hold up better under repeated washings. These paints shine while still covering some surface imperfections and being easy to clean. Glossy paint can look great with hardwood or metal in a room where light is important for shine. Use high-gloss paint or enamel on any area that you would like to accent such as window-sills, shelves, cabinets, or banisters. Enamel paints contain either glass powder or tiny metal flake fragments instead of the color pigments found in standard oil-based paints so be careful. These shiny paints reflect a lot of light and do not hide surface imperfections very well.

If you're doing it yourself, it is best to use a water-based paint (instead of oil-based) because it does not have as strong an odor and is easier to clean up when the job is finished. Also, a water-based paint will be less apt to chip or peel over time.

While paint is a cheap fix compared to most other home improvements, it is still important to buy high-quality paint. Spending more money per gallon can mean easier application with less brush marks as well as better resistance to dirt, easier cleaning, and longer life for your paint.

When painting, use masking tape and paper or plastic to cover up areas that you do not want the new paint to fall. Even the steadiest hands can let paint drip or allow stray marks. Make sure to clean the area that you're going to paint thoroughly and watch out for sources of dirt, dust, or bugs that can interrupt or ruin the job. Also make sure the area is well ventilated as paint fumes can be harmful to your health.

When using a brush, be sure to paint with the broad side for more even distribution as well as longer brush life. With a roller, it is recommended that you paint in a series of overlapping W's so that the paint will layer smoothly. This technique is most useful for glossy finishes and can be skipped with flat paints. No matter what you use to apply your paint, it will help if you line your paint tray with aluminum foil so that when you finish, you can roll up the unusable extra and simply throw it away.

Another serious hang-up that can occur is using old paint. Be sure to stir all old buckets of paint very well, from the bottom up, or even take them to a home store to be shaken. If two gallons of paint are supposed to be the same color, they can be the slightest bit different which makes a big difference on your walls. This can occur if you take a color to a store to be matched. It is a good idea to be safe and stir up all of your gallons of one color in a 5-gallon bucket and then replace it in the cans so they're exactly the same.

Finally, if painting a ceiling, work your way across its width instead of length. Use the "W" pattern to ensure even covering. Even though you're probably going to use a long pole, do not overreach. Paint in areas no bigger than 6' x 6' so that full coverage is achieved before you move on.

Patience and great care, along with these guidelines, can make painting your home's interior a very rewarding experience. Paint possesses an infinite variety of colors to help rejuvenate your interior as well as several different types and finishes to suit your needs. All you need is a gallon or two for a normal sized room!