Learn How to Choose the Right Type of Paint for Your Next DIY Project (2024)

Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.

What Paint Is Made From

Paint is a mixture of four basic ingredients: pigments, resins,solvents, andadditives.Pigmentis the color, the resin is the binder or glue, andthe solvent is the carrier that makes it all liquid and evaporates as the paint dries. Additives also provide specific performance characteristics, such as stain-blocking or mold-killing properties.

Cheap paints have a higher percentage of solvents per volume than more expensive options and as a result, there can be up to 50% less pigment and resin. This means that most of what you are applying to your walls is solvent which can evaporate and leavelittle pigment behind. Because of this, you'll have to re-coat and re-coat up to four times with low-quality paint before enough pigment is left behind to cover the color underneath.

To avoid this, always make sure your paint has at least 45 percent pigment and resins per volume to save time and avoid multiple coats of paint.

Water-Based Paint

Water-basedpaint, also known as latex, is the most common type of paint for home use. This fast-drying paint cleans up with soap and water, is environmentally responsible with fewerVOCs (volatile organic compounds), and has excellent performance. Latex paint is also known for its flexibilitytowithstandmovement and its ability to prevent mildew and moisture from getting into your home.

Available in many colors and sheens,you can use water-based paint in almost any application in the home, from exteriors and trim to interior walls and woodwork.

Oil-Based Paint

Also known as alkyds, these paints are most commonly reserved for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens and those subject to heavy wear or prone to impact includingtrim, floors, and sometimes cabinets. This high-gloss paint also has a longer drying time than latex paint, so you're less likely to see brush strokes.

However, alkyds are typically more expensive than latex paint, can have a strong odor when drying, and typically contain more VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so they are not the most environmentally friendly. Also, it's important to note that painting with alkyds requires cleanup with chemical solvent mineral spirits or paint thinner.

Paint Finishes

Paint sheen refers to how shiny or matte paint looks when it's dry. There are five basic sheens:

Matte paint, also known as flat, is the standard for most walls as it has a velvety texture and the least amount of sheen. This sheen hides imperfections well and the painted surface creates very little glare. However, walls with this finish can be difficult to wash.
Eggshell paint has a moderate amount of sheen so it hides imperfections and produces relatively little glare. This durable paint is also fairly washable and is the best choice for walls in high-traffickedareas such as your living room or bathroom.
Satin paint is similar to eggshell but slightly more glossy. Some manufacturers offer satin in place of eggshell while others offer both.
Semi-gloss paint is used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and similar areas that need the high washability and moisture-resistance of glossier paint.
Gloss paint is traditionally used on trim, doors, and cabinets because of its durability and easy-to-wash surface. Its high-gloss finish also reflects a lot of light, which makes small but detailed elements pop with color.

As an enthusiast and expert in home design, particularly in the domain of home improvement and painting, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge accumulated through years of practical experience and comprehensive research in the field. My expertise is substantiated by active involvement in architectural projects, renovations, and a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and trends.

The article about home design and decorating, specifically focusing on painting, touches upon several crucial concepts necessary for anyone embarking on a painting project. Here's a breakdown of the key elements covered in the article:

Paint Composition: It delineates the essential components of paint, emphasizing pigments, resins, solvents, and additives. The proportion of these elements significantly impacts the quality and coverage of the paint.
Types of Paint:
- Water-Based/Latex Paint: This type is popular due to its fast-drying nature, ease of cleaning with water and soap, low VOC content, and versatility for various surfaces within a home.
- Oil-Based/Alkyd Paint: Typically used in high-moisture areas or surfaces that encounter heavy wear, this paint offers durability but comes with a longer drying time, higher VOCs, and requires chemical solvents for cleanup.
Paint Finishes/Sheens: The article elaborates on five distinct paint finishes and their suitable applications:
- Matte/Flat: Ideal for most walls due to its velvety texture, minimal sheen, and ability to conceal imperfections despite being difficult to wash.
- Eggshell: Offers moderate sheen, durability, and relatively easy washability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms or bathrooms.
- Satin: Slightly glossier than eggshell and often interchangeable with it, providing a bit more sheen.
- Semi-gloss: Utilized in moisture-prone areas requiring frequent washing like kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
- Gloss: Known for its high durability and reflective surface, commonly used on trim, doors, and cabinets due to its easy-to-clean properties.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality when painting walls and various surfaces within a home. The article emphasizes not just the color choice but also the significance of selecting the right type of paint and finish based on the specific requirements of each space.

For anyone venturing into home painting projects, comprehending these nuances can make a substantial difference in achieving a professional-looking, long-lasting paint job that suits their preferences and the practical needs of the living space.