That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on your home. It can make your space feel brand new, highlight your home’s best features, and even protect it from the elements. But if you live in Michiana, picking the right paint isn’t just about what looks good on a swatch. It’s about choosing products that stand up to the region’s ever-changing weather, from snowy winters to humid, stormy summers.
Here’s a stat that might surprise you: According to Zillow, homes with the right paint colors can sell for thousands more than expected. That’s the power of smart paint choices. And with Michiana’s unique blend of older homes, lakefront properties, and new builds, it’s important to know exactly what kind of paint will perform best and look incredible for years to come.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about choosing paint for your Michiana home. From finishes and durability to color trends and climate concerns, we’ve got you covered.
The foundation of any great paint job starts with the type of paint you choose. And no, not all paints are created equal. The wrong choice could mean early fading, flaking, or poor coverage. Get it right, and you’ll enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance walls and exteriors that hold up season after season.
Latex paint is water-based and ideal for most indoor projects. It dries quickly, has low odor, and can be cleaned with just soap and water. That’s a big win for busy households. It’s perfect for walls, ceilings, and even furniture if you use the right primer underneath. Most of today’s top brands have latex formulas with strong coverage and rich color.
Oil-based paints are a bit more old-school but still a go-to for areas that take a beating, like trim, doors, stair rails, and cabinetry. They’re more durable and provide a smoother, glossier finish. However, they take longer to dry and require mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleanup. If you’re willing to wait, oil-based might be worth the extra effort in high-traffic areas.
Some newer paint products combine the best of both latex and oil-based paints. These hybrids offer high durability with the ease of soap-and-water cleanup. Look for enamel latex options if you want something that holds up like oil but doesn’t require harsh chemicals.
Interior paints are formulated to resist stains, scuffs, and daily wear. They’re designed to be breathable and smooth. Exterior paints, on the other hand, are all about toughness. They’re built to resist UV rays, moisture, mildew, and extreme temperatures. Never swap one for the other, even in transitional spaces like screened porches or garages. The environment matters.
The finish, or sheen, of your paint affects how it looks and how well it holds up. It also influences how much light reflects off your walls and how noticeable imperfections are. Pick the right finish for each space based on how it’s used and how easy it needs to be to clean.
Flat paint offers a velvety texture and hides wall imperfections better than any other finish. It’s ideal for ceilings and low-traffic rooms like home offices or guest bedrooms. However, it’s harder to clean, so it’s not ideal for kids’ rooms or kitchens.
Eggshell has a soft, low-luster sheen that gives walls a subtle glow. It’s a favorite for living rooms and dining rooms. Easier to clean than flat paint and more forgiving than shinier finishes, it balances beauty and practicality.
Satin is one of the most versatile finishes. It works beautifully in high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and playrooms. It’s easy to wipe clean and gives walls a smooth, slightly glossy appearance.
This is the go-to for baseboards, trim, doors, and cabinetry. Semi-gloss is highly durable and moisture-resistant. It reflects more light and can brighten up architectural details, but it also highlights flaws, so good surface prep is a must.
Gloss offers the highest level of shine and durability. It’s best used for furniture, cabinets, or very bold accent features. It’s not forgiving of surface imperfections, so use it strategically and with care.
Michiana’s weather brings both beauty and challenge. Snow, sleet, sun, and humidity all hit hard here, so you need paint that can handle the pressure. Failing to choose the right formula can mean blistering, chipping, or mildew in just a season or two.
Homes in Michiana face high humidity levels, especially in summer. Moisture-resistant paint is a must in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use mildew-resistant primers and top coats to prevent peeling or mold growth. For extra protection, ensure your walls are properly prepped and primed.
Paint expands and contracts as temperatures rise and fall. Flexible, elastomeric paints are great for exteriors because they move with your home and prevent cracking. Interior paints don’t face quite the same pressure, but rooms near exterior walls can still benefit from high-performance products.
If you’re planning an exterior paint job in late fall or early spring, make sure to use cold-weather formulas. These are specially designed to cure properly even when temps drop below 50 degrees. Don’t forget to check the recommended application temperatures on the label—adhesion depends on it.
Sunlight fades paint, especially on south- or west-facing walls. Choose paints labeled UV-resistant for exterior use. This helps keep colors from washing out too soon and adds years to your siding’s fresh appearance.
Color transforms a room. It can make a small space feel bigger, create a cozy vibe, or modernize your entire exterior. But your choice needs to go beyond trends and personal taste. Lighting, room size, and even resale value all come into play.
Colors shift throughout the day. That light gray you loved in the store might look blue in your north-facing bedroom and beige in the hallway. Always test large swatches in the actual room and check them during different times of day under natural and artificial light.
Neutral tones like soft white, gray, and greige remain popular for interiors. They offer a clean backdrop and appeal to a broad range of styles. Earthy tones like olive green, warm brown, and muted clay bring a natural warmth that fits the Midwest vibe.
For bold statements, deep navy, charcoal, and forest green are trending for accent walls, kitchen cabinets, and even exterior siding. These colors add character and richness without overwhelming a space.
Lighter shades make small rooms feel open and airy. Pale grays, creams, and pastel blues work wonders in bathrooms, hallways, or compact offices. Darker hues can be stunning in large spaces, creating intimacy and drama, especially in living rooms or master bedrooms.
If you’re planning to sell, neutral colors are your best bet. Buyers want a clean slate they can personalize, and bold or highly personal shades can be distracting. Soft taupes, off-whites, and light grays are safe, appealing choices that work with most decor styles.
Choosing a quality brand makes all the difference. It affects how the paint looks, how long it lasts, and how many coats you’ll need. Cheap paint may save you a few dollars upfront, but you’ll spend more on extra coats and earlier repainting.
Known for exceptional durability and rich color options. Their exterior paints are especially good for harsh climates. They offer a wide range of finishes and have several paint lines tailored to different surfaces and budgets.
Often considered the premium choice for interior projects. Benjamin Moore paints offer deep pigmentation, smooth application, and exceptional longevity. They also offer low-VOC options that are safe for families and pets.
A great balance of affordability and quality. Behr is a favorite for budget-conscious homeowners who still want reliable coverage and color retention. Available at Home Depot, it’s easy to find and use.
Durable, fade-resistant, and made for variable climates, PPG is a solid choice for exterior jobs. They also have a wide range of low-odor options ideal for interior spaces.
Even the best paint can’t save a bad application. Avoiding these missteps can help you achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish that lasts.
Primer is the base coat that helps paint stick better and look more even. Skipping it can lead to blotchy color, poor coverage, and faster wear. Always prime when switching colors, covering stains, or painting unfinished surfaces.
Paint won’t stick to dirt or moisture. Make sure walls are clean and dry before painting. That means removing dust, grease, or mildew and letting any damp surfaces air out.
Don’t paint on rainy or overly humid days. Moisture can cause bubbling and poor adhesion. For exteriors, check the forecast and follow the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range.
High-gloss paints show every bump and scratch. Matte finishes hide flaws but can be hard to clean. Match your finish to your room’s use and your expectations for maintenance.
Let each coat dry fully before applying the next one. Otherwise, you risk smudging, streaking, or trapping moisture. Be patient—good paint jobs take time.
Painting can be fun and satisfying, but it’s also a lot of work. Some projects are perfect for a weekend DIY, while others are better left to the pros.
Smaller projects like bedrooms or accent walls can be great DIY jobs, especially if you’ve painted before. If you’re confident with edging, taping, and cleanup, you can save money and enjoy the process.
Professional painters bring years of experience, high-end tools, and expert techniques. They know how to prep surfaces properly, apply paint evenly, and deal with tricky areas like stairwells or vaulted ceilings. Hiring a pro means no mess, no stress, and a flawless finish that lasts longer than most DIY efforts.
When it comes to painting your Michiana home, the right choice goes beyond color. It’s about finding the right type, finish, and brand of paint for your specific surfaces and environment. It’s about knowing how humidity, light, and wear affect your results. And it’s about understanding when to grab the brush yourself—or when to let the pros handle it.
At That 1 Painter Michiana, we specialize in delivering beautiful, durable paint jobs that are built for local conditions. Whether you want to refresh a single room, give your exterior a bold new look, or completely transform your living space, we’re here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and absolutely stunning.
Reach out today for a free consultation and see how That 1 Painter Michiana can bring your vision to life with color that lasts. Your home deserves nothing less!
Contact us today for a free quote.