Choosing White Paint Colors For Walls Plus How To Prep And Paint

This article studies white paint color options and how to prep your walls and paint your house, considering many factors, including types of finishes, durability, major paint bands, and popular colors. 

White interior walls can make a home feel so inviting. There are tons of different shades and finishes of white to choose from. Let’s cover popular white paint color options, factors to consider when choosing white paint, usage and application tips, and more.

Best White Paint Color Options for Your House

Within each broad paint type below are specific white paint color options favored by many homeowners:

Different White Paint Finishes

The paint finish determines the amount of sheen, durability, and ease of cleaning. For white interior wall paint, common options include:

How To Choose the Right White Paint For Your House

Follow these tips to find your perfect shade of white:

Think about the room size and lighting.

Small, dark spaces often benefit from bright white paint, while larger or naturally well-lit rooms can handle softer whites if desired.

Understand undertones.

White paint colors have hints of gray, yellow/beige, blue, or cream. These undertones subtly affect the look.

Test samples.

Paint 4’x4′ sections on walls with different whites in each lighting condition to compare accurately before finalizing a selection. 

Factor in other elements.

Determine if your flooring, furniture, and tilework pair better with cool or warm white paint undertones.

Use different sheens.

Contemplate combining finishes like semi-gloss on trim and eggshell walls for visual interest.

White paint can look dramatically different on a wall vs. a paint chip! Spend time comparing samples in your space before making a final decision. 

Different Base Types for White Paint

The base that white paint is built on impacts several factors: 

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based

• Water-based – lower odor, easier cleanup with water, better for the environment 
• Oil-based – harder finish resists scuffs/stains, requires mineral spirits for cleanup

Primers

Priming helps better adhesion and more even color results. There are specialty primers like: 

• Stain-blocking – prevents stains from bleeding into paint 
• Adhesion-promoting – improves grip on slick surfaces like tile and metals 

Tintable vs. Non-Tintable

• Tintable bases – can be custom colored by adding pigment
• Non-tintable whites – cannot be altered and provide truer whites

Tips for Using White Paint Effectively

Follow pro tips when working with white paint:

Think of other design elements. Will your flooring, furnishings, or accents pair better with a crisp white or antique white? 

Use different sheens intentionally. For example, semi-gloss white on trim framed with subtle matte walls draws the eye outward, enhancing the feeling of expanded space. 

Test properly. Paint large sample sections instead of relying on paint chips alone to determine the final color and finish selection.

Prep thoroughly. White paint easily shows imperfections. For best results, take time to clean, patch, sand, and spot prime walls.

Apply carefully. Use cutting-in and rolling techniques properly without applying paint too thickly, which causes visibility issues once dried. Consider spraying for most even applications. 

Combining preparation best practices with thoughtful design choices will help white paint meet its potential to upgrade any interior space. 

Choosing Brand and Quality Grade

With any paint brand and line, higher quality grades formulated with more durable resins and additives come at an increased cost. Some variables include:

Brand Comparisons

• Budget – Glidden vs. Premium – Farrow & Ball 
• Mid-Range – Behr vs. Sherwin-Williams 
• Store-brand vs. paint specialty shops 

Grade Differences

• Basic – sufficient for low-traffic areas 
• Professional – superior whiteness, adhesion, and stain resistance

Factors Affecting Price

• Base ingredients and additives 
• Percent of titanium dioxide – improves hiding power
• Sheen level (flat is the most affordable) 
• Brand reputation 

Balancing paint quality with budget aims will help determine appropriate products for your unique needs. 

Which Brand of White Paint Is the Whitest?

With some brands more known for their relatively tinted or creamy bases, which white paint delivers true neutral bright white? 

In our opinion, Benjamin Moore offers some of the purest whites without unwanted yellowing or grayness. Their newer ColorLock Technology also helps whites stay truer over time. 

Glidden Premium White and Behr Ultra Pure White work well for clean, bright whites if you are seeking affordable options. Compare these paint swatches in your space before deciding! 

Preparing Surfaces and Painting Your House

To achieve the best results, properly prepare and apply white interior wall paint: 

Clean Surfaces

– Remove dirt, soap residue, grease, and grime so the paint adheres well. For glossy or recently painted areas, wash walls with household cleaner. For heavy stains like tobacco smoke residue, clean with a heavy-duty degreaser TSP alternative prior to painting. 

Patch Holes and Imperfections

– Fill any cracks, holes, exposed nail heads, and textural irregularities with lightweight spackle compound. Allow to cure and sand smooth fully.

Sand Glossy Areas

– De-gloss previously coated trim or walls by lightly sanding. This enables the paint to grip surfaces better without flashing differences between flat existing paint and smooth new paint. 

Cut In Edges

– Outline ceilings, edges, trim, and corners by hand brushing with a high-quality angled trim brush, maintaining carefully cut transition lines. Ceiling lines may be lightly dragged once partly dry for a subtle, professional-looking texture transition. 

Roll On Paint

– Use properly loaded 3/8″ to 1/2″ nap synthetic blend paint roller for smooth walls, applying upward in 4-foot overlapping sections. Maintain a wet edge. Finish individual walls before moving on. For the easiest coverage, spray application works well for broad interior walls and ceiling spaces. 

Second Coat Considerations

– White paint often requires a second finish coat, especially over darker existing colors. As directed by the manufacturer, allow proper drying time between coats. The second coat helps achieve full vibrancy and opacity.

Design Styles That Complement White Walls

White-painted walls serve as a neutral backdrop that works well with numerous design aesthetics:

Contemporary Spaces

Crisp true whites like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace often adorn modern homes featuring sleek lines, metallic accents, and minimal fuss—high contrast against charcoal gray tones and woodgrains. 

Farmhouse or Cottage Rooms

Softer antique white paint colors supplement chippy furniture finishes and distressed wood accents common in rustic cottage decor for light cozy charm.

Traditional Settings

In classically elegant spaces, blending ornate moldings with tailored fabrics and smooth, sophisticated whites evoke timelessness. Softer whites allow bolder trim work to pop. 

Transitional Design

Bridging old and new, today’s adaptable transitional interiors with a blend of materials pair well with versatile mid-tone whites that skew slightly warm or cool depending on the lighting. 

Bohemian Inspired Decors 

Ethereal eggshell white paint envelops boho living spaces with free-spirited global flair. Carefree whites contrast beautifully against tribal prints, woven textures, and exotic woods.

Industrial Look

Studio lofts and modern industrial interiors often incorporate bright, unadorned white walls. Matte finish whites allow urban brick, concrete, black steel, and glass elements to anchor the space.

Do All Whites Eventually Yellow?

Some lower-grade economy paints may slowly yellow over years of exposure to UV light, smoke residue, and certain vapors due to cheaper resins. However, most quality white paints maintain their hue when properly applied. 

Factors affecting potential yellowing include: 

• Exposure to direct sunlight; north-facing rooms are less prone
• Second-hand smoke lingering on walls 
• Off-gassing from some furnishings
• Inadequate surface cleaning and preparation

Any white will stay fresher looking with proper maintenance, like routinely cleaning walls with mild soap and water.

The Way Forward for Choosing White Paint

Finding a shade of white paint suited to your space creates clean, inviting backgrounds for furniture and decor.

When selecting white paint, carefully evaluate the lighting, existing elements, planned use for the room, necessary durability, preferred sheen, and quality grade.

Take time to determine what factors matter most for achieving your ideal raised-up ambiance.

This article originally appeared on Pink When.