Latex or oil-based?
Matte or gloss?
You haven’t even started painting, and already you’re paralyzed with indecision.
It’s the paradox of choice — too many options shut down your brain, and you walk away buying nothing.
But selecting house paint — apart from the potential landmine of color — is much easier if you understand a few basics.
Understanding Paint Types
Paint is categorized by its base — water- or oil-based — and its finish, which determines surface sheen.
Water-Based (Latex) Paint
Best for interior walls, ceilings, and most DIY projects.
Why choose it
- Low odor and quick drying.
- Easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Less likely to crack or peel over time.
Most homeowners use water-based paint because it’s versatile, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly compared to oil-based paints.
For best results, start with the ceiling and work your way down.
Oil-Based Paint
Best for trim, doors, cabinets, and areas prone to wear and tear.
Why choose it
- Durable and smooth finish.
- Resistant to moisture and stains.
- Ideal for high-traffic areas.
Oil-based paint takes longer to dry and requires cleanup with chemicals like turpentine, but its durability makes it indispensable for certain projects.
Choosing the Right Finish
The finish impacts the aesthetics and determines how well the surface will withstand cleaning, moisture, and daily wear.
1. Flat/Matte
- Non-reflective, absorbs light.
- Best for ceilings, low-traffic walls, and bedrooms.
Pros
- Great at hiding imperfections on walls.
- Creates a sophisticated, muted look.
Cons
- Not very durable — shows dirt and scuffs easily.
Matte finishes give bedrooms a softer feel.
2. Eggshell
- Slightly glossy, smooth texture.
- Best for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
Pros
- More durable than flat paint.
- Easy to clean.
- Offers a soft, elegant finish.
Cons
- Can highlight surface imperfections.
- Tough to touch up without leaving brush marks.
3. Satin
- Subtle sheen, smooth finish.
- Best for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.
Pros
- Durable and easy to clean.
- Good at hiding wall blemishes.
Cons
- More challenging to apply evenly.
- Can be too shiny in certain lighting.
4. Semi-Gloss
- Sleek and reflective finish.
- Best for trim, doors, and cabinets.
Pros
- Extremely durable — resists moisture and stains well.
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
Cons
- Shows every imperfection on the surface.
- Can be too shiny for some tastes.
Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are more moisture-resistant and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
5. Gloss/ High-Gloss
- Highly reflective, ultra-smooth finish.
- Best for furniture, cabinets, accents, and high-use areas like bathrooms.
Pros
- Extremely durable — stands up to heavy cleaning and scrubbing.
- Ideal for highlighting architectural details.
Cons
- Imperfections on surfaces will stand out even more.
- Can be overwhelming in small spaces.
Specialty Paints for Unique Projects
While standard wall paints cover most needs, specialty paints are essential for specific surfaces and projects. Here’s a look at the most common types:
1. Primer
- Prepares surfaces for paint.
Best for
- Sealing porous surfaces like wood and drywall.
- Creating a smooth base for topcoats.
- Covering stains or dark colors.
Pro tip: Always use primer when switching from oil-based to water-based paint or vice versa.
Yeah… those walls may need a coat of primer.
2. Chalk Paint
- Gives furniture and decor a vintage, matte finish.
- Best for DIY furniture makeovers and distressed looks.
Why use it
- Requires minimal prep (no sanding or priming).
- Creates a shabby-chic appearance.
3. Enamel Paint
- Provides a glassy, ultra-smooth finish.
- Best for metal, outdoor furniture, and high-traffic areas like cabinets.
Why use it
- Extra durable and resistant to scratches.
- Holds up to weather exposure.
4. Acrylic Paint
- Versatile paint for art projects and various surfaces.
- Best for canvas, wood, ceramics, and even small renovations.
Why use it
- Dries quickly and adheres well to most surfaces.
- Available in a broad range of colors.
- Textured Paint
- Adds dimension and interest to walls.
- Best for accent walls and creating faux finishes.
Why use it
- Covers imperfections while adding a unique design element.
- Available in styles like sand, stone, or metallic finishes.
Use a roller to cover broad, flat areas like walls. BTW, it might help if she dipped the roller in paint.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Paint
Still not sure which paint type or finish to choose?
1. Consider the Room’s Purpose
- High-moisture environments like kitchens and bathrooms require humidity-resistant finishes like satin or semi-gloss.
- Bedrooms and living rooms may benefit from softer finishes like eggshell or matte for a cozy feel.
2. Factor in Wear & Tear
- If you have kids or pets, prioritize durability.
- Satin or semi-gloss finishes are much easier to clean, while flat paint might wear quickly.
3. Test Colors in Different Lighting
- Paint colors look different depending on natural or artificial lighting.
- Test small swatches on your walls and observe them at different times of the day.
4. Use Primer for Better Results
- A good primer lays the foundation for a flawless finish, especially if covering dark colors or painting on raw surfaces.
5. Don’t Skimp on Quality
- While cheaper paints save you money upfront, high-quality paints provide better coverage, durability, and color vibrancy in the long run.
Maximize Your DIY Painting Success
- Always clean and sand your surface before applying any primer or paint.
- Use high-quality brushes and rollers to ensure even application.
- Don’t rush. Allow proper drying time between coats for a smooth and long-lasting finish.
- Use painter’s tape to achieve clean edges around trim, ceilings, and windows.
- When rolling paint, work in small sections and overlap slightly to maintain a wet edge, preventing streaks or uneven patches.
- Protect floors, furniture, and fixtures with drop cloths or plastic coverings to avoid accidental splatters.
- Always paint ceilings first, followed by walls and then trim.
- Mix your paint thoroughly before starting to ensure consistency in color and texture.
- Pour paint into a tray from the can to prevent contamination and regulate the amount on your brush or roller.
- Keep windows open and ensure good airflow while painting to help the paint dry faster and reduce fumes.
Painter’s tape can give you cleaner lines and protect unpainted areas from drips.
FAQs: Types of Paint
Q: How do I choose the right paint type for my project?
- Consider the room’s purpose, surface material, and level of wear and tear.
- Test colors in different lighting.
Q: What is the most durable type of paint?
High-gloss or enamel paints are the most durable, followed by satin and semi-gloss finishes.
Q: Is primer necessary for painting?
While not always necessary, a good primer can improve coverage, adhesion, and color consistency. It also helps prevent stains from showing through. Using a primer leads to better results.
Q: Can I use interior paint for exterior projects?
It’s best to use paints designed for exterior use, formulated to withstand weather and UV exposure. However, some high-quality interior paints can also be used for exterior projects in mild climates.
Q: How many coats of paint do I need?
Typically, one coat of primer and two coats of paint provide good coverage and durability. However, you may need more coats if the colors are drastically different or the surface is heavily textured.
Q: What type of paint is best for high-moisture areas?
Paints with satin or semi-gloss finishes are ideal for areas with high moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These finishes resist humidity and are easy to clean.
Q: How can I make bold colors appear more vibrant on the wall?
Using a high-quality primer to block underlying colors can help bold paints look more vibrant. For particularly vivid colors, applying a tinted primer that’s close to the final color can enhance the finish even more.
Q: Can I paint over old paint without sanding?
Yes, but the surface must be clean and free of dust, grease, or flaking paint. A high-adhesion primer can ensure good paint adherence when skipping sanding, especially on glossy surfaces.