Painting the interior of your Livermore home can be a big project, whether just refreshing your bedroom with a new pastel color or completely overhauling your home’s look. The key is to find the right type of paint for your needs.

And looking for the right type of paint is not just about picking a color – you also need to consider the paint’s composition, sheen, and finish. These factors affect how durable the paint is, how it looks when dry, how well it retains color, and how much it emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds).  In addition, you need to consider what you are painting such as kitchen cabinets, walls, ceilings and more.

Since there are many paint choices out there, we will help you decide on the best type of paint for painting your interior walls. 

Best Types of Interior Paints

1. Latex Paint

Latex paints are currently the most popular choice for house painting for many reasons. They are inexpensive, budget-friendly, and available in different colors and finishes. These paints are pretty elastic, expanding and contracting to temperature fluctuations. They also dry and cure quickly. These attributes make latex paints a sound choice for interior walls, trims, and ceilings.

Since this type of paint is water-based, it is easy to clean with soap and water. It dries quickly and emits fewer odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than oil-based paints.

Ideal uses: Most interior walls, especially in living areas and bedrooms. It’s excellent for beginners due to its easy application and quick drying time.

2. Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is also water-based but offers greater durability and flexibility. It resists moisture and can expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracking and peeling. Like latex, acrylic paints are easy to clean with soap and water.

Ideal uses: Areas prone to humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also suitable for trim, doors, and windows.

3. Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paints give off a smooth, glossy finish without the problems associated with latex and acrylic. They can be the best choice for interior house painting as they dry fast and remain flexible even when exposed to high temperatures, so they are not prone to chipping and cracking.

These paints are non-toxic, highly durable, long-lasting, and resistant to cleaning and scrubbing. They also have reasonable amounts of quality pigments. Though costly, emulsion paints offer superior performance over other water-based paints.

Ideal uses: High-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms due to its durability and easy maintenance.

4. Enamel Paint 

Enamel paint is well-regarded for its hard, durable finish. This makes it an excellent choice for surfaces that need to withstand wear and tear. It forms a tough, glossy coat that is resistant to scratches, stains, and general abrasion. 

Enamel paint is available in water- and oil-based formulations, each with unique benefits. Water-based enamel dries faster and emits fewer fumes, while oil-based enamel is more durable and provides a smoother finish. However, the latter takes longer to dry and has a stronger odor due to higher VOC content.

Ideal uses: Areas that require frequent cleaning and high durability, such as doors, trim and molding, cabinets, and high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases. 

5. Distemper Paint

Distemper paint, or cement paint, can be applied directly to the surface without requiring priming. But like all paints, it requires good prep work on the surface before being used.

Distemper paints give surfaces a nice, matte finish. These paints do not crack when exposed to sunlight. They are also non-toxic, eco-friendly, versatile, and affordable. Distemper paints have been used for centuries as decorative paint for walls and ceilings. However, they are not water- and scratch-resistant, so you can’t use them in wet areas. Their lack of waterproofing is why distemper paints are primarily used for interior decoration.

Ideal uses: Low-traffic areas or for historical restoration projects.

Best Types of Paint Finishes for Interior Painting

When choosing interior paints, consider the type of finish and not just the formula. Interior paints give off a finish that tells you how they look once they dry.

1. Flat or Matte Finish

Although “flat” and “matte” are used interchangeably, there are differences between them. The flat has no sheen, while matte has a very low luster. Flat or matte paints provide excellent coverage and hide surface flaws. However, they are the least durable and most prone to marks and scuffing.

Best uses: Ceilings and low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms and formal living rooms.

2. Eggshell Finish

Eggshell offers a slight sheen, providing a more durable surface than flat paint. It’s easier to clean and maintain a sophisticated look. These paints are also excellent at hiding surface flaws.

Best uses: Living rooms, dining rooms, and foyers where you need a balance of durability and aesthetics.

3. Satin Finish

Satin has a soft, velvety sheen and is highly durable. They are glossier than eggshells but not as glossy as semi-gloss and high-gloss. However, the paint’s shiny and reflective quality reveals some surface imperfections. It plays a happy medium between flat and glossy paints. It’s easy to clean, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

Best uses: Areas with high traffic and humidity, such as kitchens, hallways, children’s rooms, and family rooms where walls may need frequent cleaning.

4. Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss is highly reflective and moisture-resistant, offering excellent durability. It has a more noticeable sheen and reflectivity than eggshell and satin. It’s easy to clean and withstands frequent scuffing and scrubbing.

Best Uses: Kitchens, bathrooms, trim work, doors, and cabinets where a durable, washable surface is needed.

5. High-Gloss Finish

High-gloss is the most reflective and durable finish available. It creates a shiny, glass-like surface that’s extremely easy to clean. Their highly reflective, mirror-like appearance attracts the eye. However, the high level of sheen can reveal dents, patches, and other flaws that might be distracting.

Best uses: Doors, cabinets, and furniture where you want a high-impact, polished look.

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paints

When it comes to choosing between water-based and oil-based paints, it’s essential to understand their properties, benefits, and drawbacks to make the best decision for your project.

Water-Based Paints (Latex and Acrylic)

Water-based paints are made with water as the primary solvent. They dry quickly and have lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels, making them more environmentally friendly and less odorous.

• Benefits: Easy to clean up with soap and water, quick drying time, and more flexible, meaning they expand and contract with the wall’s surface, reducing the risk of cracking.
• Drawbacks: Less durable than oil-based paints and may require more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas.

Water-based paints are great for: 

• Interior walls: Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms due to their low odor and quick drying time.
• Ceilings: Ideal because of their easy application and minimal drips.
• Kitchens and bathrooms: Modern water-based paints with added durability and moisture resistance work well in these humid areas.
• Trim and woodwork: New formulations offer durability that rivals oil-based paints, making them a good option for trim, doors, and baseboards.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints use organic solvents, resulting in a tougher, more durable finish. They take longer to dry and emit stronger fumes due to higher VOC levels.

• Benefits: Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, providing a smoother, high-gloss finish. Ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning.
• Drawbacks: Longer drying time, strong odor during application, and requires solvents like mineral spirits for cleanup. Higher VOC levels make them less environmentally friendly.

Oil-based paints are perfect for: 

• Trim, doors, and cabinets: The hard, durable finish makes oil-based paints an excellent choice for surfaces that see a lot of use and require frequent cleaning.
• High-traffic areas: Hallways and entryways benefit from the durability and resistance to scuffing and dirt.
• Furniture: Oil-based paints provide a tough, glossy finish that is ideal for furniture and other woodwork projects.
• Metal surfaces: Their durability and rust-preventive qualities make them suitable for painting metal railings and outdoor furniture.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right paint for your specific needs, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting finish for your home.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint for your Pleasanton home can make a huge difference in both appearance and durability. By understanding the properties and applications of water-based and oil-based paints, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. However, if you’re overwhelmed or want professional results, why not get expert help?

At Custom Painting, Inc., we specialize in helping homeowners achieve their vision with expert painting services. Call us at 925-294-8062 or use our contact form to set up an appointment to discuss your painting needs. We’ll give you a free quote.