What type of paint should I use? You may be asking yourself this question right now. If you’re considering repainting your walls, baseboards, exterior trim or cabinets, it’s important to know the best type of paint you should use for each instance. All paint is not the same!
Water-Based paint like latex or acrylic paint is best used on the interior of your home for walls and ceilings. It is fast drying, doesn’t smell so bad, and you can wash out your brushes in soap and water.
Oil-Based paint is a bit more high-maintenance but is more durable. You’ll want to use this on wood trim like baseboards, door frames and window frames. It is also preferable for kitchen and bathroom cabinets which are high-use, high-touch areas. You’ll need to apply a couple coats and clean your brushes in mineral spirits like paint thinner.
Paint for your home also come in several finishes, from flat to glossy. Choosing the right finish can help extend the life of the item being painted. For instance, Flat or Matte finish hides flaws well, but is best suited for ceilings and low-touch areas because it is harder to clean. Satin finish paint is easy to wipe down, so choose it for kids’ rooms. Semi-Gloss paint is great for moisture- heavy areas like kitchen and bathrooms, as well as for baseboards and trim. And finally High- Gloss paint is perfect for exterior front doors as it is ultra durable.
