Selecting the ideal interior paint for your home can be confusing since there are so many brands. However, if you do your research upfront, you can save more time and enjoy the final project.

So how do you approach interior house painting? To begin with, it might be useful to learn a little bit more about the qualities of interior paint.

Understand interior vs exterior house paint

You may wonder, “Do interior paint finishes differ from exterior ones?” or “Can I use leftover exterior paint for this project?” The answer is no, you can’t. Read on to understand why.

Interior pigments have fewer chemicals than exterior ones, making them healthier for indoor use. On the contrary, exterior paint components should handle UV radiation, severe weather, and other external elements. They contain organic ingredients that might be poisonous if released into the atmosphere. Therefore, you should not use exterior paints indoors. 

Oil-based VS water-based paint 

Paints are either water or oil-based, depending on the type of solvent used. We discuss the key differences between the two here:

Water-based

This paint uses water as a solvent. Water-based paint is applicable to any surface in the house. That includes interior walls, woodwork, trim, and exteriors.

These paints are:

• Simple to wash with soap and water 
• Gentler on the environment; usually has lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Fast-drying

Oil-based paints

These, commonly referred to as solvent-based paints, are typically saved for areas that are vulnerable to impact or severe wear. These areas include doors, flooring, and occasionally cabinets.

Paints made with oil are:

• Ideal for use on wood and metal
• They take an extended time to dry, sometimes taking up to 24 hours
• The brushstrokes are less visible, making it ideal for painting cabinetry, trim, and woodwork.

Choose the right finish

It’s crucial to comprehend the effects that various paint finishes may have on a room because selecting the appropriate sheen level can drastically change the way a room looks. Now, let’s review the various finishes:

High gloss

High-gloss paints have the most reflectivity because of their intense sheen. This paint is the most washable out of all of them but also the hardest to apply. That makes it the most resilient. It is best for accent walls.

Matt

Matt emulsion is a velvety, smooth paint that can help conceal flaws because it doesn’t reflect light. The finish, which is the opposite of shiny, is very useful when attempting to create a traditional or vintage aesthetic.

Silk and satin

Satin and Silk finishes are classified as “mid-sheen” finishes because they reflect some light and have a somewhat polished appearance. Satin finishes soften the look of color and help conceal flaws in the woodwork.

Eggshell 

This is a gorgeous, traditional finish that falls between a matt and a silk texture. It is applied on walls to create a heritage-style effect with a durable finish.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right interior paint can be daunting, so engaging a painting expert is advisable to avoid any mistakes.