Freshly painted walls can completely transform the look and feel of your home, making it brighter, cleaner, and more inviting. However, from fingerprints and scuffs to dust and harsh sunlight, everyday life can take a toll on your walls and affect the way they look. Fortunately, with the right care and maintenance, your painted walls can look fresh for years to come. Here are some simple but effective tips.

1. Determine the Paint Finish 

If you know the finish used on your walls, you know how much you can scrub without damaging the paint. Flat, eggshell, and satin finishes are less durable and more prone to rubbing off. If you have this finish, you will need to exercise caution when scrubbing and avoid harsh chemicals. 

Semigloss and high gloss finishes are durable enough to handle degreasing cleaners and more intense scrubbing. However, you should still use a soft sponge when cleaning. 

2. Dust and Clean Regularly

Just like your furniture and floors, walls collect dust. Use a microfiber cloth, a soft sponge, or the brush attachment on your vacuum to gently remove dust and cobwebs. For deep cleaning, lightly wipe walls with a damp cloth and mild soapy water. Be sure to wring out excess water, clean from top to bottom, and rub in a gentle circular motion to avoid streaks, drips, or damage.

Note: If you have recently painted your walls, wait two weeks before cleaning to allow the paint to cure properly. 

3. Address Stains and Smudges Quickly

Fingerprints, food splatters, and other stains are easier to remove if you tackle them right away. For most marks, you can use a damp sponge. For stubborn spots, use a gentle cleaner or baking soda paste. However, you should always test a small hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the paint, especially if using a cleaner. 

4. Be Gentle with Cleaning Products

Avoid harsh chemicals, such as heavy-duty household sprays or glass cleaners, or abrasive scrubbers, that can strip paint or leave shiny patches on flat finishes. Stick to mild soap, water, or cleaners designed specifically for painted surfaces. 

5. Prevent Damage

High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and entryways are more prone to scuffs. Consider using washable paints in these spaces for easier upkeep. Adding furniture bumpers and wall protectors behind doors, and being mindful when moving or placing appliances and furniture, can also help prevent chips and scratches.

6. Watch Out For Moisture 

Excess moisture can cause paint to bubble, peel, or grow mold or mildew. Make sure you have proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, and keep humidity under control. If you want to clean your walls, consider waiting for a warm, dry day, so you can open the windows to more quickly dry excess water and avoid water damage from washing. 

7. Touch Up When Needed 

Even with the best care, paint can fade and chip over time. Keep a small amount of your original paint on hand for easy and quick touch-ups. If you don’t have any paint on hand, make sure you have the original color name, so you can easily find a match. And if you don’t have the original paint or color name, many hardware stores can color-match a sample from your walls. 

Shake and stir your paint well before touching up your walls. Paint can change slightly in color over time due to light exposure, so you need to blend it carefully.

8. Protect Against Sunlight 

Direct sunlight can fade paint colors. If your walls get a lot of natural light, consider investing in UV-blocking window treatments, blinds, or curtains to preserve the vibrancy of your paint. 

9. Invest in Child and Pet-Friendly Solutions 

If you have kids or pets, consider investing in washable paints. They resist stains and can handle frequent cleaning. Placing furniture or washable wall decals in high-touch zones can also minimize wear and tear. 

10. Complete Routine Care 

You should inspect your painted walls every few months for small chips, cracks, or water spots, and schedule wall care a couple of times a year. Addressing issues early prevents bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. 

A Little Maintenance Keeps Your Walls Vibrant and Beautiful 

A fresh coat of paint can instantly revitalize a room, but keeping it looking its best takes some regular maintenance. By dusting regularly, cleaning gently, preventing damage, and making timely touch-ups, you can extend the life of your painted walls and keep your home feeling bright and inviting.

In the continually evolving world of interior design, color trends play a huge role in shaping the look and feel of homes. In 2025, a fresh palette of colors has made its mark, bringing warmth, creativity, and a sense of calm to interior spaces. Whether you’re planning a complete home makeover or just want to refresh a room, these are the hues you should consider according to these major paint companies.

Pantone — Mocha Mouse 

Mocha Mouse (17-1230) is a warm, rich brown that evokes comforting elements like coffee and chocolate. This sophisticated yet unpretentious hue embodies thoughtful indulgence and is expected to influence not only the fashion world but also the interior design community.  It can stand alone or work as a strong foundation. 

Consider pairing this hue with cornflower blue, rose tan, or creamy gardenia.

Benjamin Moore — Cinnamon Slate 

Cinnamon Slate (2113-40) delicately blends heathered plum and velvety brown and brings smooth familiarity to any design. This quietly colorful hue complements various styles and can be used in one room or throughout the entire home. It’s perfect for those who love to feel warm, comforted, and at ease. 

Cinnamon Slate complements many colors; consider pairing it with sea salt, leather saddle brown, stained glass, or rose pine. 

Valspar — Encore

Encore (8003-45G) is a rich, deep blue shade that works as an anchor, embodying consistency and confidence and creating a joyful respite. It reflects a continued appreciation for blue tones in design, offering a sense of depth and stability. This shade pairs well with lavender or sage. 

Glidden — Purple Basil 

Purple Basil (PPG1046-7) is a rich, earthy hue that brings a sophisticated pop of color to various spaces and a blend of warmth and energy. This shade encourages bold colors in home decor and adds depth and interest to any room. Consider pairing this color with the hues stony creek, sterling silver, or honey graham. 

Beher — Rumors 

Rumors (MQ1-15) is a deep ruby red hue that allows you to make a bold statement. Use it for interior walls, furniture, doors, or baseboards, or pair it with warm- or cool-toned hues, such as frosted jade, black sapphire, or colorful leaves. 

Dutch Boy — Mapped Blue

Mapped blue (429-5DB) is a beautiful, medium-toned blue with subtle yellow undertones. It sets a timeless foundation in your home, allowing you to stay on-trend no matter what year. It allows you to balance comfort and luxury, create a space that encourages you to slow down, or design a joyful home. Pair this color with timber, white, smoked copper, or midnight bliss. 

Sherwin-Williams — Color Capsule

Sherwin-Williams celebrated its 15th Color of the Year anniversary this year by introducing a color capsule featuring nine complementary shades:

Grounded (6089) — This rich color envelops spaces in comfort and gives you a sense of calm. It also provides you with stability because of its earthy tone. 

Sunbleached (9585)  — This shade is a balance between warm and cool and white and gray. It’s a great neutral that can adapt to any style. 

Chartreuse (0073) — This historic color brings a tropical, joyful brightness to any room. It is both eclectic and versatile. 

Rain Cloud (9639) — This stormy, gray-blue shade is both contemporary and classic. 

Clove (9605)  — This deep brown hue is almost black in richness, providing comfort and coziness. 

Malabar (9110) — This sandy beige neutral is perfect for any room you want to turn into a soft, inviting haven. Pair this shade with warm hues to create a serene environment. 

Bosc Pear (6390) — This golden hue takes a room back in time and provides an organic feel. 

White Snow (9541) — This pure white is a favorite among designers because it makes a room feel light and spacious. 

Mauve Finery (6282) — This subdued, sophisticated hue refreshes a room while providing the beauty of botanicals. 

What’s Out in 2025?

Color trends that have taken a back seat when it comes to home design include:

Cool-Toned Grays — Homeowners are opting for warmer hues or fresher cool tones. 

Overly Bright Neons — Designers prefer more natural, grounding palettes. 

All-White Rooms — Homeowners are opting for layered neutrals that provide warmth and texture. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Express Yourself Through Color

Paint companies’ 2025 color picks reflect a growing desire for comfort, nature, warmth, and personal expression. Whether you’re drawn to earthy greens, warm browns, or soft blues, this year’s palette has something for every style. Whether you want to start small with accent pieces or go bold with a new wall color, do what will help you feel grounded, welcomed, and uniquely you.

Does your kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom feel outdated? If so, a fresh coat of paint could give the space a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for a crisp white, earthy green, or bold navy, painting cabinets can transform a room without requiring a full remodel. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to tackle this project with confidence.

Why Paint Your Cabinets?

Affordable Makeover — Painting cabinets costs a lot less than replacing them, especially if they’re in good condition, saving you potentially thousands of dollars. 

Custom Look — When painting cabinets, you can choose the exact color and finish that fits your style and desired aesthetic, whether you prefer a trendy color or a unique combination. You can modernize a dated kitchen, complement new countertops, or refresh an existing style. 

Increased Home Value — A fresh coat of paint on kitchen cabinets can boost a home’s appeal and potentially increase its value, especially if done well and paired with updated hardware. 

Quality Preservation — Painting cabinets allows you to preserve the quality and structure of your existing ones while updating their look. It also reduces the risk of damaging your countertops. 

Sustainable Options — Instead of sending your old cabinets to the landfill, give them a refresh. Painting cabinets requires fewer resources, generates less waste, and extends their life. 

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your supplies:

Screwdriver — A screwdriver helps you remove hardware and doors

Degreaser or TSP Cleaner — A degreaser helps you efficiently clean the cabinets before painting.

Sandpaper —  Sanding your cabinets before painting gives you a smooth surface to work with. Opt for 120-220 grit. 

Painter’s Tape — This tape protects areas you don’t want painted on.

Drop Cloths — Drop cloths protect your floors and surrounding areas from spills.

High-Quality Primer — A primer provides a good base for the paint to adhere to.

Cabinet Paint — Opt for a latex or alkyd-based, satin or semi-gloss finish. 

High-Density Foam Roller or Angled Brush —  A roller and angled brush provide efficient coverage on larger surfaces. You may also opt for a paint sprayer to provide a smooth, professional finish.

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Your Cabinets 

If you want a flawless finish, you need to prep well. Make sure you:

• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware.
• Label each door and drawer to avoid confusion later.
• Clean all surfaces with a degreaser to remove built-up grime.
• Lightly sand to dull the existing finish and improve paint adhesion. 
• Wipe away dust with a tack cloth. 

Prime Them For Success

Use a high-quality bonding primer designed for cabinets, especially if you’re painting over wood, laminate, or a glossy surface. The step prevents peeling and improves durability. Allow it to dry completely before applying any paint, and, for a smooth finish, lightly brush over the wet primer in the direction of the grain. 

Paint with Care

When painting cabinets:

• Start with the back of the cabinet doors to avoid drips.
• Use a foam roller for smooth, streak-free results.
• Use an angled brush for detailed areas.
• Overlap brush strokes slightly while the paint is wet to blend them and avoid brush marks. 
• Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. Two coats are typically recommended. 
• Remember to apply thin, even coats.

Let It Cure 

While the paint may feel dry to the touch within a few hours, full curing can take several days or even several weeks. Handle your cabinets gently during this time to avoid dents or fingerprints. If you want to test if your cabinets have cured, gently press your fingernail in an inconspicuous spot, and if it leaves a mark, it’s not fully cured. 

Reassemble and Enjoy

Once all your cabinets have dried and cured, reattach the hardware and doors and hang your cabinets back up. Then you can step back and admire your beautifully updated space. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No Sanding — Don’t skip the sanding step. Even minimal sanding can improve adhesion.

Using Wall Paint — When painting cabinets, use cabinet-grade paint as it’s more durable and resistant to chips.

Rushing Reassembly —  Allow your cabinets to dry and cure properly before putting them back together. 

If you are afraid of making a mistake, you can opt for a professional paint job. This will guarantee a flawless finish and save you any headaches. 

Painting Your Cabinets — A Cost-Effective, Easy Upgrade

Painting cabinets requires patience and attention to detail, but the reward is well worth the effort. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful finish that transforms your space and adds value to your home.