Learn what type of paint to use in different places | |
High-gloss enamel on the woodwork, flat paint on the dining-room walls, an eggshell finish in the family room -- how do you decide what type of paint to use where? Knowing the basic paint types and finishes will help you choose.
The first step in choosing an interior paint is deciding between oil-based and latex. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but the easy choice for most of us is latex because it's odor free and cleans up easily with soap and water. Oil-based paint has a strong odor and must be cleaned up with a solvent such as paint thinner or mineral spirits. The advantage of oil-based paint is a smooth finish, free of brush marks. It's self-leveling and slow drying as opposed to latex paint, which dries quickly and shows brushstrokes.
Paint Finishes
From flat to high-gloss and everything in between, terms describing paint finish refer to the sheen, or gloss level, of the paint. Glossy finishes are the most durable and reflect the most light but show more imperfections. Flat paint is less easy-care but great at covering surface imperfections. Choose a paint finish based on the type of room, the condition of the surface to be painted and the desired durability.
Characteristics of Flat Paint
Has uniform, nonreflecting appearance
Hides surface imperfections
Is difficult to clean
Is best suited to low-traffic areas such as formal living rooms and dining rooms, adult bedrooms and ceilings.
Characteristics of Eggshell Finish
Reflects a little more light than flat paint for a more lustrous appearance
Is easier to clean than flat paint
Makes a good choice for an area with slightly more traffic, such as a family room
Can be used in place of flat paint for an easier-care surface or in place of semigloss for a less shiny appearance.
Characteristics of Semigloss and Satin Finishes
Reflect a lot of light
Show surface imperfections
Are durable and easily washed
Are well suited to high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms and on doors, woodwork and trim.
Characteristics of Gloss and High-Gloss Finishes
Have the highest sheen of all the finishes
Show surface imperfections
Are most durable and easily cleaned
Make a good choice for areas that get a lot of wear, such as front doors, kitchen cabinets, wall trim and molding in a child's room or playroom.
Color
Choosing paint color is the most fun of all. You can select from a wide variety of paint chips or have a color custom-blended. All you need is a 1" square of color for custom-matching.
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