How to Choose Your Interior Paint

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Many people think that once they have selected their paint colors for their interior design, they are done.

There is a second, very important decision that needs to be made about the type of paint you use and the decision will change depending on the room(s) being painted and the amount of activity that occurs in each room.

Wear it Well

A paint’s sheen or gloss level is usually chosen based on the requirements for high wearability:

• Flat gloss paint surfaces normally soil more easily and are harder to clean.
• High gloss paint is usually tougher and more resistant to damage. While you may use the same color in adjoining rooms, the finish for a specific paint job may differ to meet the requirements of the room as outlined below.

Note: This article does not contain discussion about oil versus latex paints. There are numerous problems with oil paints, with several states no longer allowing their sale. As quick reference for you the Pros and Cons of oil and latex paints are listed below:

• Latex paints – dry quickly, only need water for thinning and cleanup and have fewer fumes and odors than oil-based paints
• Oil paints - provide an extremely durable finish BUT they dry slowly, require mineral spirits for thinning and cleanup and have strong, smelly fumes.

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