Which paints

Semi-gloss and gloss paint:. Sue Kim, color trend and forecast specialist at Valspar , recommends trying an accent wall with a gloss sheen, while painting the rest of a room matte. But at the end of the day, "It's all about how you want to set the atmosphere of your home," she says. Remember that darker and richer colors have a naturally higher sheen due to increased colorant , so you may want to consider a lower sheen when using a darker paint color.

As for eggshell and satin, Kim likes to use them in smaller spaces with little natural light. Finally, it is important to remember that the paint you choose is only as good as the quality of the tools you paint with.

Although you may think rollers or brushes are a good place to save money, using high-quality tools will help you achieve the best look. You may also want to consider spray painting your walls , which can be a great alternative to traditional rolling.

Celebrity Style. Type keyword s to search. Consumer Reports raves about its scrubbability and surface smoothness, meaning fewer touchups over the years. All in all, the application is super easy and the coverage is strong. Consumer Reports favors its great coverage and scrubbability as well.

This quick-drying paint offers excellent coverage for the cost and can be color-matched to virtually any hue you choose. Thanks to its mold- and mildew-resistant finish, this is our favorite paint for high-moisture areas. This soft matte latex formula is a great choice for a distressed look. Ranked the number-one chalk paint on Amazon, it goes on smoothly and wipes clean with soap and water. House painting designs and colors interest everyone but our focus is usually on the shade or finish of wall paints.

We rarely get into the details of its composition. However, if you really want to pick the best paint for home, you must understand how one type of paint differs constitutionally from the other. Each type of paint comes with its own set of properties that determines its functionality. It is pertinent to point out that each type of wall paint can be further segregated on the basis of finishes like flat, eggshell and satin finish.

However, interior wall paint and colors have been grouped as per their composition here. If you are an 80s kid, then you probably use the terms distemper and paint interchangeably because it was the only type of paint available in the Indian market then.

As a paint, distemper is historic because it has been used as far back as ancient Egypt. Despite being an old school paint option, distemper is hardly archaic. It has evolved with time, and it is now available in various types. Essentially, two types of distemper stand out: dry distemper water-based paint and oil-based distemper. Dry distemper is an ideal option for rental properties as it gives a smoother finish than normal whitewash but is not as durable as emulsion paints.

Oil-based distemper is more durable than its water-based variant but reeks of solvent. It is more suitable for industrial use. The finish you choose will depend on where you are painting and how resilient you want the finish.

Aesthetics also play a role; high gloss finishes add drama, while a more matte appearance might play into calmer surroundings. To keep the chemistry lesson brief, VOCs are compounds that are emitted from some solids or liquids. Many latex-based paints are considered low VOC formulas. These are a better option for interior painting since they will minimize the exposure you have to VOCs during painting and afterward.

Oil-based paints have a higher concentration of VOCs, and so do the paint thinners needed to clean the brushes and rollers you use to apply the paint.

Some interior paints have additives to enhance the application or finish of the paint. The addition of enamel to the paint formula reduces the paint's porosity and results in a harder, more durable finish. This could be important for high traffic areas where dirt might infiltrate the paint or if the finish is subjected to lots of touching and bumping. Acrylic is often added to oil-based paint to prevent yellowing. This is a common downfall of oil-based interior paint. By adding acrylic, the paint stays true to its original hue longer.

Theresa Holland researched and wrote this roundup. As a professional writer and homeowner with a DIY spirit, she has substantial experience testing and reviewing home improvement products.

In addition to The Spruce, she also writes for MyDomaine. What Are Volatile Organic Compounds? United States Environmental Protection Agency. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

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Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and bedding. She shares her favorite life hacks on her blog The Taboo Textbook. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. It goes on buttery smooth and levels out, leaving a low-stipple, super-silky and rich finish. Best Budget:.