Every homeowner at one point or another has had to make some sort of painting decision.   Whether it’s deciding on something as simple as an interior accent wall to a major choice like painting the entire exterior of your home, you are sure to have some sort of decision to make when it comes to the paint on your home.

There are quite a few options when it comes to brands, sheens, types and colors of paint.  All of these can make a difference when it comes to the longevity, durability and over all look of your home.  When proper paint has been chosen your project will last as long as possible, while protecting your home.

The sheen of your paint refers to how reflective or shinny it is.  Flat paint is the least reflective of your options and can be used on interior walls and ceilings.  The next satin (eggshell for interior paint) which offers a slight reflective quality which again is generally used for interior walls and ceilings.  The choice between flat and satin is up to the homeowners personal preference.  Next is semi-gloss which should be used for interior and exterior trim and accent pieces.  The higher the sheen, or glossier the paint the better it helps to resist water.  Semi-gloss should be used in bathrooms and kitchens were moister is at its highest.  This will help protect the drywall of your home from becoming water damaged.  Your last option is high-gloss paint which is generally only used on small accent pieces and exterior trim.  Kitchen cabinets are sometimes also painted using a high-gloss interior paint.

Your second major decision is which type of paint to use.  These days you really only have two options.  Most homeowners go with acrylic paint.  Acrylic paint is water based which means easy clean up while working on your project.  The second option is oil based paint.  This requires thinner to clean brushes as well as removing the paint from any area’s you might have accidentally hit.  While only a select few homeowners elect to use oil based paint, it does give an amazing look when done right.  Oil based paint has a great sheen and can hold up quite well against the weather.

Colors are really up to each homeowner’s personal preferences.  When changing from a light to dark color or visa versa you will want to put a first coat of primer which can be tinted to look the same as your new paint color.  Generally when it comes to which brand of paint you want to use, you get what you pay for.  While cheaper paints can do the job right, be prepared to pay more for the higher quality paint.  Keep all these in mind when you choose the paint for your next home improvement job, and you’ll be sure to be completely satisfied with your new paint for years!