A Beginner’s Guide to the Many Different Paint Types and Finishes

If you’re looking to add a splash of new color to your home, choosing the right type of paint and finish for the job can be a little daunting at first, especially if you’re a novice when it comes to paints. Not only are there a multitude of colors to choose from, but there are paints made from different materials and several types of finishes, or sheens, available as well. Different paints also feature their own attributes, such as ease of cleanup and durability, which will impact your project and the final product.

There is a lot to consider, but with just a little research, you can confidently choose the ideal paint and finish for your project and avoid feeling any buyer’s remorse once the paint dries.

This step is important, because certain paint finishes mesh differently with certain rooms. For example, if you’re painting your kitchen, you should choose a paint that cleans easily and is fade-resistant, like a high-gloss finish. If you’re painting a room that receives ample sunlight, it might be best to stray from shiny sheens that reflect too brightly and instead opt for a matte finish.

Paints are made from a variety of different materials. While the most common paints are water-based and oil-based paints, there are also specialty paints and natural wood finishes that are mineral spirit or thinner-based. There are also paints made from natural oils and alkyds. The paint type you choose could change the entire dynamic of a room or your home’s exterior.

Primer and First Coat – It’s recommended you first apply a base coat of primer before painting any wall. Interior decorative finishes last much longer and are less likely to peel and crack when a primer coat is first applied. Primer also helps cover up old paint and minimizes the appearance of old stains and even odors.

Water-Based – Water-based paint – either latex or acrylic – is the most common paint type used on interior walls. In general, water-based paints are quick drying, feature easy clean-up, are resistant to cracking and provide a more stable covering. Plus, water-based paints are considered more environmentally friendly, as they carry low levels of toxic emissions (VOCs).

Oil-Based – Oil-based paint is a nice option if you’re looking for a higher quality alternative to water-based, as they are more durable, feature a more attractive gloss and possess a smoother finish. It does, however, require turpentine or paint thinner for clean-up. Using oil-based paint on trim while using water-based on the walls is a popular choice, as trim takes more abuse and walls require more frequent cleanup.

Paint Finishes

Paint finishes vary just as much as paint types. Choosing a paint finish is often a matter of personal preference, but like paint types, where the finish will be located plays a role in making your choice.

Matte – Matte sheens are deep and bold, but they’re a low-to-medium on the durability scale, so they’re often best for adult’s bedrooms. On the plus side, they hide stains well due to their non-reflective appearance.

Eggshell – Eggshell finishes are like matte in that they don’t reflect light and hide imperfections well. They’re slightly more durable than matte, however, so they’re better for higher-traffic areas, like the dining or living room.

Satin – Satin is a highly durable and easy-to-clean finish, making it perfect for children’s bedrooms and hallways. Keep in mind, satin reveals application errors more than other finishes, so apply your stain finish carefully!

Semi-Gloss – A semi-gloss finish best suits rooms that experience a lot of moisture and grease, like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s highly durable, easy to clean and takes a lot of abuse while providing good shine, unlike matte or eggshell finishes.

High-Gloss – High-gloss finishes are the most durable, easiest to clean and most reflective of all paint finishes. Most people apply high-gloss finishes in the kitchen and on window trims due to their combination of being highly durable and reflective.

Large painting projects are often more time consuming and difficult than you first imagine. Rather than putting yourself through the stress of taping off trim and windows, applying primer and carefully and correctly applying the paint, why not leave it to the professionals?

Hiring professional residential painters for your interior or exterior project will leave you with a high quality finished product you can be proud of. At Arizona’s Best Family Painting, we prefer to use industry-leading Dunn Edwards Paint, which comes in virtually every style listed above, to ensure the best quality, consistency and color. We’ve been providing trustworthy and affordable service to the Valley of the Sun for more than 15 years! Contact AZ’s Best Family Painting for an estimate by calling (602) 606-2200 or by visiting us online today.