A fresh coat of paint on the interior walls of your home can make it feel new again. But with an abundance of options available, how do you know which type of paint is best? When choosing paint, the type is just as important as the color when it comes to look and durability. There are two major paint types, water-based and oil-based, and many different finishes.

Following is some information to help you choose the best type of paint for your home:

Water-based paints: Most wall paints sold today are water-based, as they provide benefits such as no pre-treatments required, no mildew growth, easy cleanup with water, and quick drying. If the walls you are painting have previously been painted with an oil-based product, you may find that water-based products will have trouble sticking to them. In this case, try roughening the surface with a medium-grit sandpaper before painting.

Oil-based paints: Oil-based paints are versatile enough to be used on all surfaces and boast advantages such as high-gloss, rich finish, and suitability for high-moisture rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. When using oil-based paints, just be mindful of longer dry time and more intense fumes. Also, paintbrushes used with oil-based paint will need to be cleaned with a mineral spirit of turpentine.

Once you have chosen a type of paint, you will need to select a finish. Here are the most popular finishes:

Matte: This paint provides a beautiful velvety texture and has the lowest reflective sheen available. Matte paint is great for bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, and ceilings.

Eggshell and satin: While satin is slightly glossier than eggshell, the two have similar qualities. These finishes have a small amount of reflectivity as well as improved durability, making them popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms.

Semi-gloss and gloss: These are the most reflective sheens and are highly durable. Semi-gloss and gloss paints are often used on trim, accent walls, and doors.

For more information about choosing the right paint for your home, click here.

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