Interior Paint Guide

The array of paint can be quite overwhelming. Should you use oil- or water-based paint? Which sheen is best? How about a washable matte finish, a paint specifically for bathrooms, ceiling paint or child-proof paint? Make sure that the paint you are purchasing is the right paint for the job that you need it to do.

Ceiling Paint
Most ceilings look best in a flat finish. Glossy ceilings reflect a lot of light and glare. Why ceiling paint, specifically? Ceiling paint is formulated to be completely flat, to hide all possible imperfections and eliminate glare. It is also often high-hide, meaning it has black added so it will hide in fewer coats. Quite often, it is also low-spatter, so you will not get sprinkled head to toe while you roll.

Ceiling paint is less expensive than wall paint. Not all ceiling paint is washable, however, so it shouldn't be used on walls.

Oil Base or Water Base?
Over the years, water-based latex and acrylic paints have improved, and they generally hold up better than oil-based paints. In fact, it is quite difficult to find oil-based paint these days, except for trim paint.

While a nice oil enamel can give you a lovely, smooth finish, there are water-based paints that are practically indistinguishable.

It's best to use a high-quality latex paint for all home painting.

Downsides to oil-based paint:

• It is much slower and harder to work with.
• It cannot be touched up seamlessly.
• Over time it is more likely to turn yellow or fade.

Washable Paint
As a general rule, the higher the gloss, the more washable the paint. However, some companies now manufacture washable flat paints, also called matte paints. Some of these are very durable and can be scrubbed without leaving marks.

The higher the gloss, the more imperfections and distracting glare will show. Try to use the lowest gloss finish possible on your walls. Using a high-quality paint is absolutely worth it.

Painting Trim
A small difference equals big impact when you paint your trim at least one notch shinier than the wall paint.
Even if you have painted a bathroom with satin finish and you plan to paint the trim the same color, do the trim shinier. It's one of those little things that makes a difference.

The higher the gloss, the harder and more washable it will be, but underlying imperfections or sloppy brushwork will be much more apparent in a higher gloss.

Bathroom Paint
Paint marketed for bathrooms (and sometimes kitchens) usually has mildecide added, since these rooms are more humid. But no matter what, if conditions are ripe for mildew, special paint won't prevent it, although it may retard mildew growth. Keeping bathrooms well-ventilated and clean will do more to prevent mildew than paint.

Child-Proof Paint
There is really no such thing as a child-proof paint that can withstand all marks, scrapes and stains. If Junior decides to decorate the hallway with markers or whack the walls with a hockey stick, there is not a paint in the world that can withstand it.