Learn the types of rouge finishes and the best type for each variety of surface so you could opt the right paint for your next home labor .

Choosing the veracious type of paint and finish is just as — if not more — important thanpicking a paint color . Although many homeowner do n’t pay much attending to this step , there are all important factor about the types of paint you should believe before guide to the paint store .

Paint amount in several coating , each serving a unlike purpose . The ending ( also called shininess ) measures how much light reflects from the paint — in short , how shiny it is . Although the amount of pigments and additives command the shininess , what ’s crucial to be intimate is thatsome types of paintfinishes look better and are easier to make clean on certain Earth’s surface .

Open paint cans in various colors

Credit:Brie Goldman

Buying the correct eccentric of paint for your projection prevents you from having to redo it subsequently . So before youput that brushwood on the paries , be sure you have the veracious destination for the line of work . Here ’s a comprehensive listing of everything you need to know to get it right the first time .

Brie Goldman

Types of Paint

If you thought choosing paint was as simple as settle on apaint crisp color , remember again . You ’ll want to determine the dependable blusher case before you even embark on thinking about finishes . Types of rouge let in primer , finale coats , national paints , and exterior paints . They ’re all used for unlike surface in different agency , and choosing the right one is all-important to nailing your pigment project on the first attempt .

Here ’s what you need to know before you head to the hardware depot .

Primer

Primer is a base pelage that is apply to any surface before your paint color . It acts as a protective foundation and help make your ruined blusher job appear smooth and even . It also cuts down on the number of coat you require , and because it function on blanched , it minimizes the chances that whatever color is underneath will show through your Modern color . Applying primermight seem unneeded , but it can make all the difference in the final resultant .

Finish Coat

While the terminus ‘ finish coating ’ sounds like a fancy sealer that add an superfluous step to your projection , it just refers to the case of paint you put over the flat coat . Since you ’ll choose the right paint terminate for your occupation , you wo n’t need to add anything over the top to seal off it .

Interior Paint

This one is ego - explanatory : Interior key should be used on everything inside your home , including   walls , locker , and article of furniture .

Exterior Paint

Exterior paint is typically more expensive than interior paint , but you by all odds do n’t need to cut costs in the paint section when painting something outside . It ’s specifically designed to be weather - resistant while adjust to drastic temperature changes . Using exterior paint for an outdoor project makes it last longer and look better .

Water-Based Latex Paint

There are many type of paint ( including oil , acrylic fiber , and more ) , but water system - found latex paint is standard for most habitation paint jobs . It ’s easy to apply , quick to clean , and safe for those with latex allergies .

How to Choose the Right Type of Paint Finish

Most types of pigment fall into four shininess family — flat , satin , semigloss , and gloss . Manufacturers may pick out descriptive names such as matte or eggshell , so annul surprisal by moderate actual samples when compare paints . Sheen impress not only the appearance of a paint surface but also its durability . The higher the sheen , the tougher the polish .

Do n’t accept all glossy paints exhibit the same reflectivity . Sheen is n’t standardise from brand to brand . One company ’s satin finish may be glossy than another ’s .

A rouge ’s sheen may alter theperception of its color . For instance , the sametint of whitemay see brighter in glossy enamel than in bland wall paint . That ’s because more of the color is reflected , even though it ’s the same . To ensure you have the shininess you want , take home base sample distribution of the types of finishes for the paint you ’re considering using and apply them to test boards .

Paint swatches taped to the wall

Credit:Brie Goldman

Flat Paint

Also refer to as matt , monotonic type of paint are almost calcareous in appearing . The finishing does n’t ruminate light , so there ’s fiddling or no effulgence . Because of the lack of mirror image , surfaces painted with a monotonic finis effortlessly shroud imperfectness . However , flat paints are the least durable and do n’t stomach up to washables and call off as other finishes do . utilize this type of paint in a humble - dealings field ( like a bedroom ) , on your ceiling , or on paries that have gotten a small beat up over the years .

Satin Paint

A slight amount of light contemplate off a satin finish , making the texture more detectable . Satin rouge type come in different sheens , like shell ( which can also seem between a categoric and satin ) . Along with its higher sheen , satin is stronger than flat pigment . Consider applying it inkids ’ roomsor any in high spirits - traffic area where you frequently scrub the walls .

Semigloss Paint

Semigloss paint have more strength and sheen than satin finishes . This type of paintwon’t wear down from cleanup , so itworks intimately in bathroomsand kitchens . It ’s also not bad for wall trims . If youpaint your cabinet , sand and wipe them down before picture — the color makes imperfections stick out out . In addition , the pensive Earth’s surface of semigloss paints helps darker rooms feel lighter and bright .

High-Gloss Paint

High - polish finishes are the glazed and most reflective of all types of paint . Whatever color you apply with this shininess will be a standout feature of the room . Its hard airfoil stands up to break and tear , so do n’t be afraid to habituate it on hovel , cabinets , or vanity . think that the highly reflective surface draws aid to scratches and scratch . High semblance is our go - topaint for quiet furnitureor fresh installed trim .

The Best Types of Paint for Different Surfaces

The idealistic paint case and goal combination will deepen with each projection , but there are a few staple to view . These are the best paint case for dissimilar rooms andcommon DIY projection .

Paint for Ceilings

Ceilings do n’t suffer the abrasion other surface stand , but cooking junk , airborne lubricating oil , smoke , pollution , and dirt gradually make them muddied and dull . A flat or satin luster is agood choice for ceilingsbecause it hide imperfections . Because key formulated specifically for ceiling are thick , they ’re less likely to stain , are non - yellowing , and dry faster .

Paint for Walls

Many home detergent builder apply compressed key to walls to help mask less - than - perfect wallboard finishing , but most unconditional pigment type cursorily show wear . Attempts to clean away mark often ensue in creating a larger smirch . Satin paint is more forgiving , with substantially raise durability and no excessive shine . Paint for bathroomsand kitchens incorporate supernumerary mildewcide agents and is moisture- and peel - resistant .

Ask a paint expert at your local home store for information on paint character for child ’s room . Formulated for hard exercise , they can also be perfect in other demand location , such as kitchens , bathing tub , laundry way , and hallways . Paint the walls of your kitchenwith a semigloss or gloss polish   to make it easier towipe them clean .

Paint for Cabinets

Semigloss is the best character of paint for cabinet , especially in kitchensand bathrooms . undestroyable and easy to clean , semigloss paint works well for high - traffic areas andcabinets that are constantly in use . eminent semblance paint is also an option , but this finis tends to draw in more attending , so it ’s good for bold colors or a focal degree . Chalk paintcan also be used for cabinets ; the lustrelessness finish can enshroud imperfection .

Paint for Wood Furniture

Whenpainting Natalie Wood article of furniture , satin or semigloss is the most dependable type of paint . If you ’re paint a art object that ’s used frequently , such as a toilet table or nightstand , semigloss is the more durable alternative . When painting sinister wood , employ a primerto provide a solid groundwork coat , and make certain your top coat stick . Considerusing a paint sprayer(rather than a encounter or roller ) for intricate opus to ensure an even coating .

Paint for Bathrooms

Whether painting the walls orupdating your   vanity , consider additional factors when select the type of pigment for a bathroom . Because bathroom typically produce a muckle of moisture , you ’ll desire to be convinced that your paint will hold up over clock time . Semigloss or high - semblance paint is right because it ’s sluttish to wipe down , and you could even necessitate your local paint shop to add a mold - resistant additive to whichever finish you choose for even more protective covering .

Paint for Trim

Doors , windows , and moldings typically need a higher sheen than walls because they get more physical touch . A glossy paint finishaccentuates the woodworkand tally an interesting contrast . Choose a eccentric of paint for your trimming that ’s at least one step glossier than the wall .

Frequently Asked Questions

key colors can exchange somewhat depending on the finish you choose . Light and midtone paint colors will attend richer and more pure with a semigloss or high - gloss finish , while matte goal lean to subdue coloring a bit . Similarly , dark paint color tend to face even deep in semigloss or high - gloss finishes .

Satin paint is the most uncouth eccentric of midland wall rouge . Semigloss pigment is easier to clean house and is advocate in high - dealings field such as kitchens and kids ’ room .

Neutrals in light colors , including taupe , pick , white , and grey-haired , are the secure choices for painting the interior of your domicile for resale since they countenance buyers to picture their favorite furnishings against your home ’s walls . In most font , weak colours open up up a blank , so it feels bigger .

Open blue paint can with brush

Credit:Brie Goldman