Best Interior Paint Buying Guide

In order to get professional-looking and long-lasting results while painting the interior of your home, whether you’re touching up the walls, your furnishings, even cabinets, or the trim, you’ll need a high-quality paint. The wide variety of interior paints sold at home improvement stores and hardware stores, however, might leave one feeling overwhelmed. Buying the wrong one can compromise the comfort of your home, the efficiency of your project, and the safety of your family’s breathing environment. Find the best interior paint for the job by utilising the shopping advice and recommendations provided here, which are based on the reviews provided by happy customers.

Features to Look for in an Interior Coating

Before making a purchase, think about all of these details to avoid the most typical paint mistakes. Are you in need of the top residential painting firm? There’s no need to keep looking! When you work with Hitch Property Constructions, you won’t have to worry about a thing.

• Surface compatibility: There are several types with interior paints, include acrylic and latex (water-based), enamel paints (oil-based), and more contemporary varieties of water-based alkyd which perform similarly like acrylic paint but give out fewer potentially dangerous fumes. Select a type that will hold up best on the surface you’ll be painting. Cabinets in dry regions, as well as wall or furniture that are used infrequently, should be painted with latex and acrylic paint due to its more consistent surface and increase resistance to fading. Consider using an oil- or liquid alkyd paints when painting trim woodwork, doors, bathrooms and kitchen cabinets, and daily furniture to increase its durability and resistance to impact and decay.
• Very low or non-existent levels of volatile organic compounds: Many paints, including oil- and water-based, include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are substances that quickly evaporate and release pollutants into the air. Choosing paint with such a VOC level which is as as low as possible is prefered for your health because exposure to VOCs can induce headache, nausea, and even harm to the liver and kidneys. You can lessen your exposure to harmful vapours by using paints labelled “Zero-VOC” or “Low-VOC,” which should be easy to find in stores.
• Reduce your exposure to harmful volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), that may be released into the environment from the time paint is applied until months later, by selecting a paint with a rapid drying and curing period. Try to choose paints that cure in 30 days or fewer, have a liquid base, and dry to a touch in an hour. Oil paints can be touched dry in as little as 6 to 8 hours and fully cured in as little as seven days.
• All-in-one pretreatment and topcoat: When painting an interior surface with a self-priming paint, a separate coat of primer is not necessary because the paint already contains a binder that improves adhesion to the surface. Such products are commonly sold under the moniker “paint and primer.” High-quality, self-priming paint usually costs about half as much as buying primer and paint separately, but it delivers a more consistent finish for the ordinary DIYer.

How Can I Know Which Interior Paint Will Work Best in My Home?

Water-Based

Many people mistakenly believe that latex is an ingredient in water-based paints, despite the fact that this is rarely the case. Almost all modern water-based paints are formulated using acrylic polymers. You can get the durability and stickiness inside an interior paint from these polymers.

Water-based paints are currently a most widely available option for painting interior walls. As a result of their widespread acceptance, they have become market leaders. Because they contain almost no or no VOCs at all, these paints are not only more environmentally friendly but also safer for you and your family. And because it’s a water-based composition, cleanup is a breeze: no need for mineral spirits or turpentine. You don’t have to worry about inhaling paint thinner vapours if you wash your brushes and rollers in the sink.

Water-based paint seems to have the drawback of not being as long-lasting as oil-based paint. Water-based paints are more vulnerable to wear or chipping than oil-based formulae are, despite manufacturers’ best efforts to incorporate acrylic polymers for just a stronger surface binding and better hardness. Because oil-based painters have a lower viscosity, the resulting paint coating is more substantial. Moreover, they are easily dissolved by strong cleaning action due to their water-based nature. As a result, they are less efficient at cleaning grime.

Most of these issues have been solved in newer formulations of popular brands of interior paint, but it’s still vital to be aware of them. Choosing a water-based enamel paint, which has a more lasting surface as well as a glossy finish, is the way to go if longevity is a concern.

Oil-Based

Once the norm, oil-based paints are now reserved for specific areas such as doors, trim, as well as other architectural details.

Paints of this type use alkyds, a term that refers to either oils or synthetic oils. In the end, you have a paint that is simple to use, levels off quickly, and resists chipping well. However, these benefits are offset by a few drawbacks, such as the need to clean brushes and roller bearings with rubbing alcohol or turpentine, the lengthy drying times (up to 16 hours between applying coats, as well as 30 days to fully cure), and the intense fumes due to high levels of volatile organic substances (VOCs). Mineral alcohol or turpentine should also be disposed of according to local standards for hazardous waste disposal. In no circumstances should any of these items be disposed of in a plumbing system.

Since this has become the norm, oil-based paints have lost their lustre as an interior decorating choice. As an alternative, water-based enamels make up the lion’s share of store-bought paints. However, oil-based painters are still used for painting doors and trim because they get so much use and are so worn down. One reason some people are willing to live with the long drying times and greater ventilation is that they provide good coverage with only one coat.

Keep in mind that you will need to do some extra work in order to utilise oil paint on a panel that has already been painted with water-based paint. Find out what kind of paint is already on your surfaces, trim, cabinet, and door before you start painting. You can paint over oil paint with water-based paint, but you’ll have to prime your surface because first moisture paints need a smoother appearance to cling to. For the best adhesion results, choose a water-based paint if you’re on the fence regarding which one to use.

Primer

Despite the fact that primer is not strictly an interior paint, it is extremely likely that you’ll need to become familiar with it if you plan to paint that interior of your home. Primers are used before painting on porous surfaces like drywall or unpainted wood to seal the surface and reduce the paint’s absorption into the surface. Depending on the ingredients, it may also fight mildew and prevent stains. Primers can be made in a variety of colours by mixing in dyes of the desired hue with the white paint. Making a drastic alteration to your hair colour often necessitates this method.

It’s important to note that both oil-based and water-based primers exist. These compounds have many of the same advantages and disadvantages as their paint counterparts. Remember that water-based paint can be used over oil-based primer. It is widely held that this surface treatment process lasts the longest. However, if you try to paint over a water-based primer with oil-based paint, you won’t have quite as much luck.

Another option is to purchase an inside paint that doesn’t need to be primed before being painted. These paint formulae are promoted as being user-friendly and time-saving because they eliminate the need for a primer coat before the actual painting can commence. However, you should know that no-priming paints don’t actually include any primer. You may skip the time-consuming step of priming your surfaces before painting with these high-build indoor paint, which have a more substantial consistency. To avoid the hassle of priming, select a paint that doesn’t need it if you’re working with an unfinished surface or want to drastically alter the colour of a surface. When changing colours subtly, self-priming paints could be useful.

Leading Manufacturers

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is a high-end interior paint brand sold solely at home improvement stores, hardware stores, and art supply shops. Although this brand’s paint has received high praise for its rich, vibrant colours, it is more expensive than other formulations.

Behr

Behr’s paints come in a “good,” “excellent,” or “best” quality level, corresponding to the Ultra, Ultra Plus, and Marquee brands.

Sherwin Williams

The paints from Sherwin Williams, widely considered to be the best in the business, are often only offered through Sherwin Williams-owned and -operated retail shops. The one and only exception to this is the HGTV Home Sherwin Williams paint sold only at Lowes. This paint has a primer and two separate paint lines in one convenient package. Instead of its more expensive Sherwin Williams brand, several big-box stores stock the more affordable Dutch Boy paints.

Valspar

As of late, Sherwin-Williams has owned Valspar, the most popular paint brand sold at Lowe’s. Offering three unique paint lines under the names Signature, Simplicity, and Ultra, Valspar is well-known for its high-quality offerings and affordable prices.

Locating an Interior Paint Supplier

Many paint manufacturers only allow their product to be sold at authorised speciality retailers or through specially designed retail channels. Therefore, the brands available to you while shopping for interior paint will depend on the store you visit and its location. On the other hand, if you have one heart set on the a specific brand, that may influence which store you visit to make your purchase.

You can get more out of your paint buy at some stores than at others. Even though Lowe’s doesn’t have a huge range of interior paint brands, you can return any colour you buy within 30 days. If you bring a can of paint home and then decide you don’t want it, you can bring it back to the store for a complete refund or exchange.

There is a wide selection of inside paints and materials available at other big home improvement merchants. At this store, you can pick from a wide selection of popular paint manufacturers. This is a one-stop-shop for all your painting requirements, with everything from rollers & brushes to dropping cloths and painter’s tape. At Hitch Property Constructions, we provides a wide range of home maintenance services.

Specialty paint stores may provide the best customer service if you have lot of concerns about the many kinds of paint, how they’re being applied, and the items that are offered. It is commonly held that this is the main reason why some companies, like Benjamin Moore, avoid selling their products through big-box stores and instead prefer to work directly with smaller local businesses like paint stores to increase their market share.

 

FAQs About Home Painting

What Interior Paint Do Professionals Use?

Our top choice for interior paint was the Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint variety because it is a two-in-one product consisting of paint and primer that produces a finish that is resistant to wear and tear and a surface that can withstand repeated scrubbing. It is widely used in the professional community and comes in a variety of colours and finishes.

What Makes Sherwin Williams Paint Better?

The paint requires only one or two coats to provide excellent coverage. Because the material flows so much better for brushing and rolling, cutting in corners with Duration is a lot quicker than it is with other products. Although, similar to other brands, not all Sherwin Williams paints are good for brushing and rolling, the company’s premium paint is significantly superior to Behr’s offering in this regard.

Why Do Painters Water Down Paint?

An exterior painter will typically add water to the paint bucket in order to “thin” the paint. This action improves the paint’s workability while also reducing the rate at which it dries. This is of particular benefit in hot climates, particularly during the summertime.

Is Eggshell or Satin Better for Walls?

A finish with a satin appearance will last longer than one with an eggshell appearance. As a result of its resistance to scuffing, it is an excellent option for painting the moulding and walls of high-traffic areas such as living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, kid’s rooms, and entryways.

What Happens if You Thin Paint Too Much?

Further thinning it will result in an application that is messy and coverage that is insufficient for the surface. If, on the other hand, the paint clings to the stir stick or if it extrudes from the stick in uneven globs, you need to water down the paint before using it.

Conclusion

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of interior paints available at hardware stores and home improvement centres. Paints for the inside of a building come in a wide variety of formulations, including water-based acrylic and latex, oil-based enamel, and cutting-edge water-based alkyd formulations. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are substances that easily evaporate and release pollutants into the air, and they are present in many paints, both oil- and water-based. The liver and the kidneys are particularly vulnerable to the effects of VOC exposure, which include headache, nausea, and even damage. The majority of wall paints on the market today are water-based varieties.

These paints are better for the environment and safer for your family because they contain almost none or no VOCs at all. If you care about how long the paint lasts, you should use water-based enamel paint because it has a more durable surface and a shiny finish. It’s no longer trendy to use oil-based paints indoors. Most paints sold in stores are water-based enamels. Water-based paint can be used to cover oil paint, but a primer is required.

In spite of the name, no-priming paints do not contain any primer. With these types of high-build interior paint, you won’t have to waste time priming surfaces before painting. If you’re working with an unfinished surface or want to make a significant change in colour, choose a paint that doesn’t require priming. While many businesses would love to have their products sold in every big box store, there are some that would rather work with small, mom-and-pop shops like paint supply stores.

Content Summary

• In order to get professional-looking and long-lasting results while painting the interior of your home, whether you’re touching up the walls, your furnishings, even cabinets, or the trim, you’ll need a high-quality paint.
• Find the best interior paint for the job by utilising the shopping advice and recommendations provided here, which are based on the reviews provided by happy customers.
• Before making a purchase, think about all of these details to avoid the most typical paint mistakes.
• Very low or non-existent levels of volatile organic compounds: Many paints, including oil- and water-based, include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are substances that quickly evaporate and release pollutants into the air.
• Reduce your exposure to harmful volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), that may be released into the environment from the time paint is applied until months later, by selecting a paint with a rapid drying and curing period.
• All-in-one pretreatment and topcoat: When painting an interior surface with a self-priming paint, a separate coat of primer is not necessary because the paint already contains a binder that improves adhesion to the surface.
• High-quality, self-priming paint usually costs about half as much as buying primer and paint separately, but it delivers a more consistent finish for the ordinary DIYer.
• Many people mistakenly believe that latex is an ingredient in water-based paints, despite the fact that this is rarely the case.
• Almost all modern water-based paints are formulated using acrylic polymers.
• Water-based paints are currently a most widely available option for painting interior walls.
• Water-based paint seems to have the drawback of not being as long-lasting as oil-based paint.
• Water-based paints are more vulnerable to wear or chipping than oil-based formulae are, despite manufacturers’ best efforts to incorporate acrylic polymers for just a stronger surface binding and better hardness.
• Choosing a water-based enamel paint, which has a more lasting surface as well as a glossy finish, is the way to go if longevity is a concern.
• As an alternative, water-based enamels make up the lion’s share of store-bought paints.
• Keep in mind that you will need to do some extra work in order to utilise oil paint on a panel that has already been painted with water-based paint.
• Find out what kind of paint is already on your surfaces, trim, cabinet, and door before you start painting.
• It’s important to note that both oil-based and water-based primers exist.
• Remember that water-based paint can be used over oil-based primer.
• However, if you try to paint over a water-based primer with oil-based paint, you won’t have quite as much luck.
• However, you should know that no-priming paints don’t actually include any primer.
• To avoid the hassle of priming, select a paint that doesn’t need it if you’re working with an unfinished surface or want to drastically alter the colour of a surface.
• When changing colours subtly, self-priming paints could be useful.
• If you have one heart set on a specific brand, that may influence which store you visit to make your purchase.
• You can get more out of your paint buy at some stores than at others.
• If you bring a can of paint home and then decide you don’t want it, you can bring it back to the store for a complete refund or exchange.
• There is a wide selection of inside paints and materials available at other big home improvement merchants.
• At this store, you can pick from a wide selection of popular paint manufacturers.
• Specialty paint stores may provide the best customer service if you have lot of concerns about the many kinds of paint, how they’re being applied, and the items that are offered.
• It is commonly held that this is the main reason why some companies, avoid selling their products through big-box stores and instead prefer to work directly with smaller local businesses like paint stores to increase their market share.