Types of Paint

You've probably seen the terms "latex," "oil" and "alkyd" used on paint products, but what do they mean and when should you use them?

Latex paints are water-based, durable and lower in odor than oil-based products. Plus, latex paints can be cleaned up easily with soap and water. For these reasons, latex is preferred for most interior surfaces. Oil paints are durable and resist scraping and wear and tear. Most contain alkyd – a soya-based resin – that dries harder than latex. Since these paints are solvent-based, brushes and spills must be cleaned up using paint thinner.

What is Sheen?
You'll also want to consider the sheen of the paint – or the gloss level. The higher the gloss level, the shinier the appearance and the more scrubbable the finish.

• Flat paints: These paints are ideal for low-traffic areas such as formal dining rooms and master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful matte coating that hides minor surface imperfections.
• Eggshell paints: These paints provide a smooth finish with a subtle sheen that is slightly glossy than flat. It is washable and scrubbable and ideal for bedrooms, hallways, home offices and family rooms.
• Satin paints: These paints go a step above eggshell in scrubbability, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in just about any room.
• Semi-gloss paints: These paints ensure maximum durability. They are commonly used in children's rooms and high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms, as well as for trim.
• High-gloss paints: These paints are highly reflective and work well for highlighting details, such as trim and decorative molding. They are also the best choice for doors and cabinet – or any area that sees a high volume of abuse.
• Ceiling flats: These are designed specially for ceilings. These are usually extra spatter-resistant.