Choosing the Right Paint for the Job, Room by Room
If you're inexperienced with interior decoration, you might think paint is pretty much paint. Choose a brand, choose a colour and you're all set to start painting, right? Unfortunately, there's a lot more to it than that.
When you visit a DIY shop to pick up your paint supplies, there's a good chance you'll be surprised and confused by all of the different types available. It can be bewildering and overwhelming when you have no idea which one you need.
Thankfully, it doesn't take too much research and learning to get used to which paints are best for which applications, especially if you concentrate on the rooms you'll be painting. Here's a quick painting guide to help you get started.
Bedrooms
In most cases, bedrooms don't have much traffic and the time spent in them means there's less chance for paintwork to get damaged. Because of this, flat paint is a good choice to give you an attractive finish with many colours available. If you anticipate extra cleaning and want something a little tougher, matte paint is a bit more durable.
Living rooms
The living room is typically a high-traffic part of the house with a moderate risk of damage and stains, so you should choose a paint able to withstand these demands. A good option is eggshell paint, which is easier to clean than flat or matte and is also more durable. It has a subtle sheen to it, but don't be put off by thinking you'll be left with glossy walls. The end result is nowhere near a full or even semi-gloss.
Bathrooms
Usually the dampest room in the house, the bathroom needs paint needs that is able to deal with moisture effectively. Eggshell or satin paint will provide a bit of a repellent effect, but if your bathroom gets heavy use or is particularly prone to moisture, you might want to opt for a glossier finish still. Also look out for paints specifically designed to resist moisture, repel mould and last a long time in bathrooms.
Kitchens
Kitchens don't normally get as damp as bathrooms, but there can still be a considerable amount of moisture about, especially when cooking produces a lot of steam. There's also grease and food splashes to contend with, so you want something that will be easy to maintain. Many people choose semi-gloss paint for kitchens, as you're left with a surface that's pretty much wipe-clean. If you don't like the way it looks, you could use semi-gloss only in areas like the backsplash and satin for elsewhere.