Use a primer when painting over a darker color. Primer is less expensive than paint, so you’ll save time and money with a primer vs. using multiple coats of your new color. When choosing your paint finish, consider the space. Flat finishes absorb light and are great for hiding surface imperfections, but are not very washable. An eggshell finish is best on a smooth wall with few imperfections; it will give your walls a bit more of a glow, and is more washable than a flat paint. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are highly washable and well-suited to high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms and doors.
