1
Look around the room for color inspiration when deciding how to paint the space. The paint color you choose should complement permanent items in the room, including flooring, wooden or stone accents, and any furniture pieces.
2
Upload a photo of the room you want to paint to the Sherwin-Williams color visualizer found on its website. This tool allows you to virtually paint your room with any color the store offers, ensuring that you get an idea of what looks good in the space. The tool also offers lighter and darker versions of your paint selection so that you find the best shade for your walls, trim or ceiling.
3
Choose an appropriate paint sheen depending on the room type. Flat or matte paint disguises any blemishes within the room due to its lack of sheen, making it ideal for walls. Satin sheen has minimal gloss and is ideal for trim or rooms that are prone to needing regular cleaning, like a bathroom or kitchen. Gloss sheen is glossier than satin, and can be used for doors or trim. High gloss is shiny and adds richness to the room; due to its high reflectivity, however, it is best be used on trim or entry doors. Gloss and high gloss tend to show imperfections more than flat or satin sheens.
4
Create color contrast in the room for architectural interest. Paint trim with a contrasting Sherwin-Williams paint than what's on the walls or paint one focal wall in the room a different color than the other three. Alternatively, you can use one shade of paint to add horizontal stripes across the wall and an additional shade one level up or down the color scale to create complementing stripes.
5
Apply paint to the room using the proper tools and materials. Use paintbrushes for accent trim or painting freehand near doors or windows. For walls, use a roller to cover large areas; purchase an extension rod if you have high ceilings or hard-to-reach areas. Cover flooring with a drop cloth to protect it from paint splatters and use painter's tape to cover areas that don't need to be painted.
6
Enhance the look and feel of a room by choosing a decorative Sherwin-Williams paint finish. For example, you can create a textured, smooth or high-polish fresco finish in a dining, library or family room for an Old World look. Paint shades with reflective finishes give your bedroom or bathroom a metallic look, while the Quartz Stone Impressions uses shimmering flecks within the paint to add subtle sparkle to kitchen or dining walls. Alternatively, you can add a handcrafted look to your walls with the Artisan Impressions finishing techniques.
