If you’re thinking of repainting a room in your home, the trip to get paint can seem daunting. All the formulas, finishes, hues, and additives aren’t always easy to understand. Not to worry—we’ll help you find the right interior paint for your project in this handy guide. We’ll also help you decipher some of the most common terms you might encounter as you look at paint options.
Paint Formulas
Each paint has a specific formula or base that defines many of its properties. The following formulas are the most common:
Latex
Latex paint, also known as water-based or acrylic paint, is the most popular choice for interior painting projects. State environmental regulators have started to limit the sale of solvent-based products, so latex is the only kind of paint you can purchase by the gallon in many parts of the United States.
These regulations might seem limiting if you’re painting a large room, but latex paint offers many advantages, especially if you’re a new DIYer. It dries quickly, has minimal odor, and you can easily wipe off mistakes with soap and water.
Low-VOC
These paints are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. They are minimally odorous, making them ideal if you’re sensitive to chemical fumes. They’re thicker when you apply them but dry quickly. You can use paint conditioners to keep the paint wet for longer and extend working time without adding VOCs to the surface you’re painting.
Metal Paint
Metal paint is formulated to adhere to smooth metal surfaces and prevent rust. It’s a good choice for nonferrous metals like aluminum. However, you’ll need an oil-based metal paint if you’re painting ferrous metal surfaces like cast-iron radiators.
Oil
Oil-based or alkyd paints use mineral spirits as a solvent. They dry slowly so the coating levels out, minimizing brushstroke and roller marks. These paints harden to an enamel shell, making them highly durable. This also means you’ll need to use heavy-duty paint thinners for cleanup, which adds to the oil-based paint’s already strong odor.
Primers
You’ll need a primer to paint new drywall and wood, especially for projects such as dramatically changing the color of your space. The primer helps the paint adhere better to surfaces, improves coverage, and yields a more uniform finish. Some paints have two-in-one formulas that include both the primer and color coat in one pass—a purchase that could save you some time.
Paint Finishes
Paint starts out glossy, but different finishes will give you different sheens and levels of durability depending on what you need. Here are some finishes to consider:
Flat and Matte
Flat and matte finishes contain titanium dioxide, a chalky material that gives them the least sheen. That makes them excellent for masking surface flaws but also means they scuff more easily.
The best place for flat paint is on the ceiling, where you don’t want any reflection. As for mattes, they’re great for walls with deep colors and enhance the richness of your chosen paint shade.
Eggshell
No two eggshell finishes are alike because every manufacturer does them a bit differently. Generally speaking, they’re more reflective than flats and mattes without being too shiny.
Eggshell is the finish you want for most walls, provided they’re in pretty good shape. Eggshell finishes work well with many different colors, and surfaces with this finish are easier to clean thanks to its smoother quality.
Satin
Satin finishes are more noticeable than eggshell and you could compare them to a pearl’s sheen. They’re ideal for accents on complex moldings, such as window and door casings. The resulting slippery surface resists fingerprints, scuffs, and stains.
Satin is also great for kitchens and bathrooms since it cleans well and doesn’t retain moisture as easily. However, it tends to be too glossy for other interior spaces.
Semigloss
Semigloss finishes are shiny but don’t look wet, making them a good candidate for most trim types. We recommend reserving this finish type for handsome interior shutters or using its superior smudge resistance to protect banisters.
Midluster finishes are a matter of taste and convenience. If you’re well-prepared, you can make any finish work.
High-Gloss
High-gloss finishes are the shiniest finishes, with a hard sheen resembling glass. Some oil-based glosses reflect light almost as well as a mirror. These glosses work well for paneled interior doors and fine furniture—provided you’re delicate enough with your brushing technique. However, it’s far too shiny for walls or even molding.
Colors
Here are a few tips for choosing the right color for your space:
- Consider the existing architecture and furniture: Choose a color that complements your furniture, floors, and trim. Paint can highlight interesting features and produce a cohesive look.
- Consider the room’s purpose and lighting: Bedrooms might benefit from a calming color and flat or eggshell finish. Kitchens may need a brighter, more energizing color with a durable finish.
- Set the mood: Cool colors like blues and greens help create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Warm shades like reds and yellows add energy to a space.