Did you know that not all paints are created the same? Eggshell, satin, and high-gloss paints are all slightly different, as are oil and water-based paints. And if you want to get the best, most reliable paint for your rooms, you need to know which kinds of paints will be best for your purposes. All types of paint are manufactured for specific purposes, and some kinds are better for particular rooms or lifestyles. To help you make the decisions about painting the interior of your house, here are a few things that you should know. 

 

Why Repaint Your Home

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home. Depending on what you choose, new paint can improve both the look and function of your interiors. It’s an inexpensive way to breathe new life into your home or to prepare to put it on the market. That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful with the paint colors and types that you choose. 

 

Oil Versus Water-Based Paints

Many people don’t know when it is best to use water-based paint over oil-based paint and vise versa. Water-based paint works well in most rooms, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and other areas that the walls are not commonly splashed with grease or chemicals. Oil-based paints are best for rooms that often become dirty and will need to be wiped down often. 

 

Water-Based Paints for Garages

Some paints are better for garage walls than others. In fact, oil or latex-based paints are recommended for use in the garage over eggshell or satin-sheen paints. If your garage isn’t yet painted, you can choose a high-gloss latex, but if your garage is already painted with oil-based paint, it’s easier to use oil again to avoid the prep work that would be involved to get a latex paint to adhere to the oil paint. However, most people like to paint bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms with water-based paint because it is easier to work with, easier to clean up, and creates less of a smell. 

 

Water-Based Paints for Adult Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Bathrooms, and Kitchens

There are some rooms in the house that can handle a low-sheen paint like eggshell and satin. Both of these paints have a low shine, which means that it’s harder to wipe away dirt with these paints than it is with high-gloss latex paint. This type of paint is usually useful in rooms like adult bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and some areas of the kitchen.

 

Water-Based Paints in Areas in Kitchens, Children’s Bedrooms, and Bathrooms

Some rooms need to be cleaned more often. Children’s bedrooms, some areas of kitchens, and heavily-used bathrooms are all excellent places to use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. It’s easier to clean off dirt with these kinds of finishes than it is with flat paint. Sauces and other types of food sometimes splatter the surface of a kitchen wall, and children find ways to spread dirt, paint, and crayon on their walls, so it’s best to use a finish that will allow you to wipe away dust quickly.

 

Whenever you’re choosing paint, your aesthetic preferences are important, but you need to remember that the look isn’t the only reason that paints come in different finishes. You’ll be much happier with your paint job for longer if you also choose a finish that will be durable.