Interior Painting: Trends & Pro Tips for Florida Homes
Ready to refresh your space? Here’s a practical guide to 2025 interior painting trends, how pros prep (and why that matters), the real difference between DIY vs. a professional re-paint, and why we trust high-quality Sherwin-Williams coatings—plus a quick method to determine if your existing paint is oil-based before you start.
2025 Interior Color & Finish Trends (Florida-Friendly)
Coastal modern neutrals
Warm whites, soft sands, and airy greiges keep rooms bright and pair well with natural textures (white oak, rattan, linen).
Ocean-inspired accents
Dusty blues, eucalyptus green, and sea-glass teal as feature walls or in smaller zones (powders, niches, backs of built-ins).
Sun-smart sheens
Matte/eggshell on walls for a calm, modern look that hides minor flaws.
Satin/semi-gloss on trim/doors for durability and crisp contrast.
Baths/kitchens: moisture-resistant acrylics with mildew-resistant properties.
Why Professional Preparation Is Everything
Great color can’t hide poor prep. Our standard workflow:
Surface evaluation – Identify existing coating (latex vs. oil), sheen, previous failures, moisture exposure, and any patch history.
Protection & containment – Floors, counters, fixtures, and dust barriers; safe ventilation.
Clean & degloss – Remove oils/soap, then scuff-sand glossy areas to promote adhesion.
Repairs – Patch, skim, sand, and caulk joints/seams for sharp lines and smooth walls.
Priming – We choose primers for the surface and problem: bonding, stain-blocking, or moisture-resistant as needed.
Professional application – Consistent mil thickness, tight cut lines, and a uniform finish.
Cure & punch – Final touch-ups, hardware re-install, and care instructions (no scrubbing for ~14 days while paint hardens).
Result: Coatings last longer, clean easier, and look better—saving money over the life of the paint job.
DIY vs. Professional Re-Paint: What’s the Real Difference?
Time & Disruption
DIY: Nights and weekends, projects often drag on for weeks.
Professional: Sequenced crews finish faster with less disruption to your home.
Prep Depth
DIY: Cleaning, sanding, and priming often skipped or rushed.
Professional: Systematic prep tailored to the surface and coating for lasting results.
Finish Quality
DIY: Common issues include roller/brush marks and uneven sheen.
Professional: Even finish, crisp cut lines, and proper film thickness for durability.
Product Selection
DIY: Trial-and-error or big-box “off the shelf” choices.
Professional: Products specified for each room’s use, humidity, and light exposure.
Tools & Safety
DIY: Limited ladders and basic tools.
Professional: High-grade sprayers, sanders, dust control systems, and safety gear.
Warranty & Accountability
DIY: No warranty, no recourse if the finish fails.
Professional: Workmanship and product warranties with documented coverage.
Total Cost Over Time
DIY: Lower initial cost but more frequent repaints due to premature failures.
Professional: Higher upfront investment with a longer-lasting finish, saving money over the years.
If your home has glossy trim, previous oil paint, moisture-prone baths, or sun-heavy rooms, a pro approach pays for itself in durability and appearance.
Our Paints: Why We Use Sherwin-Williams
We specify contractor-grade, warrantied Sherwin-Williams lines to match the room:
Emerald® / Duration® for premium walls & baths (washable, moisture-resistant, beautiful finish).
SuperPaint® for high-value, durable whole-home projects.
Extreme Bond Primer when transitioning from slick or oil-based surfaces.
These coatings level well, resist mildew, and maintain color in strong Florida light—key for open, sun-washed interiors.
Is Your Current Paint Oil-Based? (Check First!)
Painting latex over oil without proper steps is a common failure point. Quick test:
Clean a small spot with mild cleaner; dry.
Denatured alcohol or acetone test:
Rub a cotton ball soaked in denatured alcohol (or acetone/nail polish remover) on the area.
If the paint softens or transfers to the cotton: it’s latex.
If nothing happens: likely oil-based.
If oil-based:
Clean and scuff-sand to dull the sheen.
Apply a bonding primer (we typically use Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer).
Finish with a high-quality acrylic topcoat.
Homes painted before the early 2000s, or with super-glossy trim/doors, often have oil-based coatings.
Pre-1978 homes: ask about lead-safe practices and testing.
Typical Timeline
Single room refresh: 1–2 days (prep, two coats walls, minor trim touch-ups).
Full interior repaint: 3–7+ days depending on size, repairs, and trim scope.
Cure time: dry to touch in hours; gentle use for 7 days; full scrub-ready cure ~14–30 days (varies by product and conditions).
Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish
Sample large swatches on two walls to see color in different light.
Mind the sheen: higher sheen = more durable and more surface reveal; fix walls first.
Color continuity: keep a consistent neutral through main areas; use accents in defined zones.
Label everything: we document colors, sheens, and rooms for effortless future touch-ups.
Ready to Repaint?
DeWitt Renovation + Design delivers clean, professional interior repaints using high-quality Sherwin-Williams coatings, meticulous prep, and clear timelines. We’ll evaluate your existing paint (including oil-based checks), recommend the right system for Florida humidity, and execute with minimal disruption.
Free estimate & color consultation
Licensed, insured, and warranty-backed workmanship
Neat job sites, daily updates, and precise finishes
Want your 2025 repaint to look better and last longer? Let’s get your plan—and your palette—dialed in.
