Paint Walls and Ceilings
Paint transforms your addition from construction zone to living space. Matching existing paint colors is trickier than it sounds—faded walls and different lighting conditions create challenges that require careful planning.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-4 days
Cost (professional)
$2-$6/sq ft
DIY cost
$0.50-$1.50/sq ft
Why This Step Matters
Paint is one of the most visible elements in any room. Poor prep work shows through paint for years, and mismatched colors between your addition and existing home create an obvious "before and after" line. Taking time to prime properly and match colors pays off in the finished look.
Common Mistake
Skipping primer on new drywall. Without primer, drywall mud absorbs paint differently than paper-faced areas, creating visible "flashing" that shows every seam and repair. Always prime new drywall.
The Importance of Priming
On new construction, primer is non-negotiable. It seals porous drywall compound, creates uniform absorption, and helps paint adhere properly.
PVA Primer (Drywall Primer)
Designed specifically for new drywall. Seals the paper and mud to create uniform porosity. Most economical option at $15-$25/gallon. Apply one coat, let dry 2-4 hours.
Stain-Blocking Primer
Use over any wood that might bleed tannins (around nail heads, wood trim) or to cover existing stains. Shellac-based (BIN) is best for severe stains; water-based works for most new construction.
High-Build Primer
For walls with texture imperfections or to build up surface before glossy paints. More expensive but can eliminate the need for a third coat of paint. Essential for Level 5 drywall finish.
Paint Sheen Levels Explained
| Sheen | Best For | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | Ceilings, low-traffic areas | Lowest (hides imperfections) |
| Eggshell | Living rooms, bedrooms | Good balance |
| Satin | Hallways, family rooms | Good washability |
| Semi-Gloss | Kitchens, bathrooms, trim | Excellent (moisture resistant) |
| High-Gloss | Trim, cabinets, doors | Best (shows imperfections) |
Match your existing: Use the same sheen level in your addition as your existing home for color consistency. Different sheens reflect light differently, making the same color appear different.
How to Paint Your Addition
Prep the Surfaces
Wipe down walls to remove drywall dust. Caulk all gaps between trim and walls. Fill nail holes in trim with lightweight spackle. Sand any rough spots on drywall.
Prime All Surfaces
Apply PVA primer to all new drywall. Use stain-blocking primer over any wood trim or potential stain areas. Allow to dry per manufacturer instructions (usually 2-4 hours).
Paint Ceilings First
Always paint ceilings before walls to avoid drips on finished walls. Use flat white for most ceilings. Cut in edges with a brush, then roll the field. Work in sections to maintain a wet edge.
Paint Walls (Two Coats)
Cut in around trim, corners, and ceiling with a brush. Roll from floor to ceiling in W-patterns to distribute paint evenly. Let first coat dry completely (4-6 hours) before second coat.
Quality tip: Two thin coats always look better than one thick coat. Thick coats drip, show roller marks, and dry unevenly.
Paint Trim Last
After walls are completely dry (24 hours), tape off walls if needed and paint trim. Use semi-gloss or gloss for durability. Apply two thin coats with a quality brush—cheap brushes leave streaks.
Color Matching Challenges
Matching your addition to existing painted rooms is harder than you'd expect. Here's why and what to do about it:
Paint Fades Over Time
Even "the same color" looks different on aged walls vs. fresh paint. UV light fades pigments, and grime accumulates. Fresh paint in the same color code will look noticeably brighter/cleaner than existing walls.
Lighting Affects Color
The same paint looks different under various lighting conditions. North- facing rooms appear cooler; south-facing warmer. Your addition may have different window orientation than existing rooms.
Color Matching Technology Limits
Paint store color matchers analyze a sample but can't perfectly replicate it. They get close—usually within 5-10%—but side-by-side comparison often shows differences.
Solutions for Color Matching
- Repaint connected rooms: The most reliable solution—repaint the addition and adjacent rooms together for uniform color.
- Break at doorways: Use a different (intentional) color in the addition, making the transition a design choice rather than a mismatch.
- Touch up existing walls: If you have original paint, repaint existing room walls from corner to corner to blend old and new.
Typical Cost Breakdown
DIY Painting
- • Primer: $20-$30/gallon (covers 350-400 sq ft)
- • Paint: $30-$60/gallon (covers 350-400 sq ft)
- • Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape): $50-$100
- • Total materials: $150-$300 per room
Professional Painting
- • Labor + materials: $2-$6/sq ft of wall space
- • Typical room (12x12): $400-$800
- • 500 sq ft addition: $1,500-$3,000
- • Includes prep, primer, and two coats
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to paint new drywall?
Wait at least 24 hours after the final sanding for dust to settle. Drywall mud should be completely cured—usually 24-48 hours for the final coat. Primer can go on as soon as the surface is clean and dry.
Do I really need two coats of paint?
Yes, especially over new primer. One coat rarely provides complete coverage and will look thin and uneven. Two thin coats create a more durable, uniform finish than one thick coat.
Should I remove outlet covers before painting?
Absolutely. Remove all outlet covers, light switch plates, and vent covers. It takes minutes and eliminates visible paint lines on these surfaces. Replace with new covers if the existing ones are painted over.
Is paint and primer in one really enough?
No, not for new drywall. Paint-and-primer products work for repaints over previously painted surfaces but don't provide adequate sealing for new drywall. Use dedicated primer first, then your finish paint.
Ready for the Next Step?
With walls and ceilings painted, your addition is starting to look like a finished room. Next up is installing interior doors and hardware to define spaces and complete the architectural envelope.