How to Choose an Interior Paint Type

As the weather cools down, you decide it’s time to tackle the interior painting project you’ve been putting. You go to the store and bring home a ton of different paint samples. When you finally decide on one, you find there are not only different paint colors, but paint types as well. You like the shade, but did you choose the best paint type for that particular room in your home? We break down the basics for you.

Paint Primer

Primer is the base coat applied to walls at the beginning of every painting project. Primer is used to protect the fresh surface below and keep it strong. For instance, if there is an accident that sends something heavy into the wall, the plaster is less likely to crack from the pressure between the primer and coats of paint.

Interior Wall Paints

Once base coats have been applied and the surface is stabilized for better paint adhesion, it’s time to pick your main event: The decorative finish! What are the differences between reflective, low-sheen and glossy paint?

Eggshell Paint

For homeowners who want a subtle shine, but are looking for a sturdier paint, eggshell is the way to go. This type of paint has a soft appearance, helps smooth bumps and cracks, and is easy to clean. We recommend its use in a dining room, where there is low foot traffic.

Flat Paint

Most commonly used for ceilings, flat paint is both non-reflective and low-sheen. If there is an area in your home that not many people see due to its minor imperfections, flat paint can be used to smooth out the surface.

Gloss Paint

Gloss paint is often used in rooms that see a lot of foot traffic (i.e. the kitchen and hallways). When homeowners want to show off their new paint job and plan to maintain its appearance, gloss paint produces a beautiful shine and color vibrancy for walls.

Matte Paint

Arguably the most common paint type, matte does not shine at all. Although it is good at masking surface imperfections and does not draw much attention, cleaning matte paint can leave wall marks. So, it should be used in areas that are likely to stay clean, like a bedroom.

Satin Paint

This paint is durable and has minimal shine. Commonly used for interior woodwork, satin paint also stands up well in areas that experience a lot of moisture, like the bathroom walls after a hot shower. Solvent-based satin paint tends to age better than latex-based.

Semi-Gloss Paint

Finally, semi-gloss paint has a slight shine and a harder finish than the average paint. Since both gloss and semi-gloss paints bring more attention to imperfections, consider using this type to touch up trim work rather than to cover full walls.

Cold weather months are the best time to tackle interior home improvement projects. To discuss your paint options in more detail, contact our team today.