When painting the interior of your home, whether it’s walls, furniture, cabinets, or trim, selecting the right paint is essential. Good quality paint can make your job easier and ensure a lasting, professional finish.
However, the vast array of interior paints can make choosing the right one overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the process and choose the best interior paint for your project, with tips based on customer feedback and expert recommendations.
Let’s get straight to the point
When painting the interior of your home, selecting the right paint type is crucial for achieving a professional finish and ensuring durability. This guide outlines key factors, such as surface compatibility, VOC levels, and drying times.
Acrylic and latex paints are ideal for most walls and furniture due to their ease of use and low toxicity, while oil-based paints offer greater durability for high-traffic areas like trim and doors. Opt for low or zero-VOC paints to minimise health risks.
Self-priming paints can save time, but a separate primer may be necessary for significant colour changes or stained surfaces. Finally, choose the right finish—matte for living rooms, satin for kitchens, and gloss for trim—to match the specific needs of each room.
Key Features To Look For In Interior Paint
Before purchasing, consider these important features to avoid common painting mistakes. This will ensure your project goes smoothly and delivers lasting results.
1. Surface Compatibility
The first step in choosing the right paint is understanding the surface you’re painting and selecting the type of paint best suited for it. Here’s what you need to know:
- Acrylic and latex paints (water-based) are the most common types of interior paint and are great for walls and furniture that aren’t subjected to constant use. They are known for their ease of use, resistance to fading, and compatibility with most surfaces.
- Oil-based paints: While these paints are less common today, they are still the go-to choice for trim, doors, and cabinets due to their durability and ability to withstand frequent wear and tear. Oil-based paints provide a smooth, long-lasting finish that can resist impact and moisture, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Water-based alkyd paints: These modern formulations offer the benefits of oil-based paints without the high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They provide the same durability and smooth finish but are safer for your home environment due to lower fumes.
When choosing a paint, it’s essential to match the paint type to the surface you’ll be working on. For example, for furniture or cabinets that get frequent use, oil-based or alkyd paints are often the better choice, while latex or acrylic paints work well on walls or surfaces that aren’t exposed to constant wear.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals in many paints that evaporate into the air, potentially causing health issues. Common symptoms of VOC exposure include headaches, nausea, and long-term damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.
To keep your indoor environment as healthy as possible, choose paints with low or zero VOC levels. Most stores offer a wide selection of low-VOC or zero-VOC options, making finding environmentally friendly and safer paints easier.
Opting for low-VOC or zero-VOC formulations is especially important for painting areas like bedrooms or children’s rooms.
3. Drying And Curing Time
Fast drying and curing times can significantly affect your painting project, especially when considering how long VOCs remain in the air. Water-based paints typically dry to the touch in about an hour and can cure within a few days.
On the other hand, oil-based paints often take 6 to 8 hours to dry between coats and up to 30 days to cure fully. Water-based paints are usually the best choice for projects that need to be completed quickly.
However, oil-based paints can provide a longer-lasting finish for surfaces that require additional durability, even though they require more drying time between coats.
4. All-In-One Paint And Primer
To save time on your project, consider using self-priming paints. These products combine primer and paint in one, eliminating the need to apply a separate primer before painting.
Self-priming paints are particularly useful when painting smooth surfaces or making subtle colour changes, as they offer the convenience of a single application while providing good adhesion and coverage. However, a separate primer may still be necessary to ensure optimal results if you’re painting over a stained surface or making a drastic colour change.
Types Of Interior Paint
Understanding the different types of interior paint available will help you make an informed decision for your home. Below are the most common types of paint you’ll encounter.
1. Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints—acrylic or latex paints—are the most popular choice for interior walls. These paints have become popular due to their low toxicity, quick drying times, and easy cleanup.
They also produce fewer fumes than oil-based options, making them safer for indoor use.
Advantages Of Water-Based Paints:
- They dry quickly, usually within an hour.
- Easy cleanup with soap and water—no need for harsh chemicals.
- Low or no VOCs, making them more environmentally friendly.
- Less odour, which is ideal for indoor projects.
Disadvantages Of Water-Based Paints:
- They are less durable than oil-based paints and can be more prone to wear and chipping.
- They are not less resistant to heavy cleaning or scrubbing, which can reduce their lifespan in high-traffic areas.
Modern formulations of water-based paints have improved durability thanks to acrylic polymers, which increase surface hardness and adhesion. Water-based enamel paints offer the extra durability needed for such environments as kitchens, bathrooms, or other high-moisture areas.
2. Oil-Based Paints
Once the go-to choice for interior trim, doors, and cabinetry, oil-based paints are now reserved for surfaces that need a hard-wearing, durable finish. They provide a smooth, levelled surface that can resist frequent use, making them ideal for high-touch areas like doors and trim.
Advantages Of Oil-Based Paints:
- Highly durable and long-lasting.
- Provides a smooth, level finish that’s great for detailed work.
- Excellent for surfaces that see frequent use or wear.
Disadvantages Of Oil-Based Paints:
- Longer drying times—up to 16 hours between coats and 30 days to cure.
- Strong fumes due to high VOC content, requiring proper ventilation.
- Cleanup requires turpentine or mineral spirits, which can be messy and hazardous.
Despite their durability, oil-based paints are becoming less common due to environmental concerns and the availability of modern alternatives like water-based alkyds. However, due to their superior finish and wear resistance, they remain a top choice for trim, doors, and cabinets.
Primer
While not technically a type of paint, primer plays a crucial role in any painting project, especially when working with porous surfaces like drywall or unpainted wood. Primers help to seal the surface, prevent excessive paint absorption, and ensure a smooth, even finish.
They are also essential when making significant colour changes, as they help to block out old colours and stains.
Types Of Primers:
- Water-based primers are easier to apply and clean up and are ideal for general use on most interior surfaces.
- Oil-based primers Offer superior stain-blocking and adhesion properties, making them the best choice for woodwork or areas with tough stains or knots.
Many modern paints have self-priming formulas, which save time by eliminating the need for a separate primer coat. However, if you’re painting over a heavily stained surface or switching from a dark colour to a light one, a separate primer will provide the best results.
Conclusion
Choosing the best interior paint requires balancing factors like surface compatibility, VOC levels, drying time, and durability. Consider the specific needs of your painting space to ensure you select a product that provides aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance.
Oil-based paints may provide the best protection for high-traffic areas or places subject to wear. However, water-based paints offer a great combination of easy application, quick drying times, and low toxicity for most interior surfaces.
Finally, don’t forget to consider primers if you’re painting over a porous surface or changing colours drastically. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, following these guidelines will help you achieve professional-quality results in your home.
FAQs
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Interior Paint?
Consider the paint’s finish (e.g., matte, satin, semi-gloss), durability, ease of cleaning, colour options, and whether it is low-VOC for a healthier indoor environment.
What Are The Differences Between Water-Based And Oil-Based Paints?
Water-based paints are easy to clean, dry quickly, and have low odor, making them ideal for most interiors. Oil-based paints are more durable but take longer to dry and require solvents for cleanup.
Which Paint Finish Is Best For Different Rooms?
Flat or matte finishes are ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Satin or eggshell works well in living rooms and bedrooms, while semi-gloss or gloss is best for kitchens and bathrooms due to its moisture resistance.
How Do I Choose The Right Paint Color For My Space?
Test samples on your walls to see how colors look under different lighting. Consider the room’s purpose, size, and existing décor to ensure the color complements the space.
Are Premium Paints Worth The Higher Cost?
Premium paints often provide better coverage, durability, and easier application, reducing the need for multiple coats. They can save time and money in the long run, especially for high-traffic areas.
