Choosing the best type of paint for a specific room in your home can evoke those pet hate trepidations, as getting the finish right can be make or break for the longevity of your home. Selecting the correct finish and durability of paint may seem overwhelming and daunting, but first and foremost, all you need to know is: what room you’re painting and what happens in said room! Paint finishes come in a few general variations: Mid sheen, gloss, high gloss, water-based enamel, ultra-matte and acrylic matte.
Here we take you through the major spaces in your home, and which paint is best-suited to each room:
Kitchen and Bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms withstand high traffic, humidity, dirt and grime throughout your home’s life span, so you need a paint that is durable and able to withstand water, soap and elbow grease!
The best paint in either of these rooms would be a water-based enamel that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus, i.e. a paint with a semi or low gloss finish. A water-based enamel is able to withstand high levels of humidity and grease, and is less likely to show up imperfections due to its subtle sheen.
Your ceilings require a different treatment and here we would suggest a matte finish which will absorb light, rather than reflect it, keeping attention on walls and furnishings.
Lounge area
Your lounge should be a room that offers comfort and a welcoming atmosphere, but it is also a room that can have a high amount of daily traffic and use, especially when there are still younger children in the home.
The paint used in this room should be able to withstand stains and be highly washable. A high or semi-gloss finish can take plenty of scrubbing and wiping and can be touched up quite easily if needs be.
Adult & Children’s Bedrooms
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and while you want a paint that is durable, it must also offer a touch of luxury – that’s why the best variation to use here is usually a mid-sheen or eggshell finish. One that is easily cleanable but also offers a smooth, satin-like shine – without too much of the shine!
When it comes to children’s rooms – this is a different ball game entirely. Your best option is to choose a paint that is highly durable and easily washable, stain resistant and hides imperfections – in this instance it would be either a plush matte or an acrylic, matte finish.
Outdoor Areas
It’s a no-brainer, your outdoor walls need to stand up to the elements, sunshine, rain, hail, dirt and everything in between. The recommended finishes include a mid-sheen that is durable, and offers superior dirt resistance, or a plush matte or acrylic matte finish – also offering UV, stain and dirt resistance, unlikely to fade over time, due to exposure to the elements.
If you plan on painting over brick, you will need to scrub the wall first with a wire brush, apply a latex primer, and then a top-quality latex paint over the completely dried primer. To note: this is a decision you must be 100% sure about, as there is no going back after painting brick – it’s nearly impossible to remove!