TIP 1: Add a conditioner to thicker latex paints that have fewer solvents in them. This extends the paint’s working time and reduces brush marks. TIP 2: Choose a sheen based on the paint’s location: durable gloss on cabinetry; easy-to-clean semigloss in a kitchen or bathroom; satin or eggshell on walls in a bedroom; and not-so-durable flat paint on a ceiling. TIP 3: Paint your color options on a white foam board, and tape them to the wall to see how the hues look in changing light throughout the day. Once you choose a color, mix the individual gallons in a 5-gallon bucket to even out inconsistencies between cans. See the rest of the Beyond the Basics: Painting series: