Paint Choices for InteriorThere are so many paint choices and interior paint colors now-a-days, it's almost overwhelming indeed - Latex Paint, Alkyd Paint, etc. There are specially formulated paints that are made to coat and protect almost any surface. You'll have to look at the nature of the surface that you plan to paint, what it has been coated with before, and the kind of wear it will get - all are important factors. Don't economize on paint quality. Buying a manufacturer's premium line is worth the investment. Application will be easier and the paint job will last longer. It's a good idea to check labels for compatibility of the primer and paint when looking at your paint choices. Latex PaintLatex is a water based paint. Thins and cleans up with water. There are also formulas to meet special needs, such as latex floor enamels, textured paints for less-than-perfect walls and ceilings, and epoxies for waterproofing cellar walls. Because they are water-thinned, latex paints cause rust on unprimed metal; coat it first with a rust-inhibiting metal primer. Latex primers don't seal out moisture as well as oil-base ones. TIP: Freezing actually ruins stored latex paint; it will separate and give off a foul odor. Solvent-thinned Paint (Alkyd)
Now made with synthetic resins called alkyds instead of linseed and other oils, these paints, particularly in a glossy finish, give a smoother, richer, more scrubbable coating than latex. Alkyd paints dry more quickly than oil paints and have less odor, but they do pose environmental problems. Alkyd paints, their solvents, and solvent-soaked rags are toxic and combustible. You should always have the room that you are painting well ventilated or wear a respirator. Choosing the Right TypeAs we all become more aware of the environment and our own health, it's important to notice that the paint choices from manufacturers have changed over the years. They are now providing low VOC and even zero VOC level paints. Interior paint colors also add to VOC's but they are now addressing this in their pigment formulae. Now, should you use oil-base or latex-base paint? I would always try to go with a low-VOC LATEX paint whenever I could. Typically, it's a safer bet to always prime an oil-based surface first if you are intending to put on a latex top-coat. On the other hand, you can still apply oil on oil. Just scruff up the glossy surface first with sandpaper. One rule-of-thumb that's easy to remember is that it's okay to put a paint over another paint "of the same composition". If painting a kitchen or bathroom, choose paint specially designed for these areas. These paints are more mold-, mildew-, and humidity-resistant. Although it may seem like an added expense, the cost is worth it. Here are some tips/guidelines that I give to my customers when choosing the sheen:Kitchens and Bathrooms Your kitchen and bathrooms require a washable, durable paint. Again, for paint choices, the paint quality is key and some of the top brands have specific paint for bathrooms that deal with humidity issues. They come in various sheens and I would recommend a "Pearl" sheen for a kitchen or bathroom (one step lower than Semi-Gloss). Although in some severe circumstances, you might choose a Semi-Gloss sheen. Typically, this is really only used on doors and trim in the house. Remember, the higher the sheen, the more imperfections you'll see on your walls.
Bedrooms For other bedrooms, a "Satin" sheen will minimize dirt pick-up and is still washable. It is ideal in rooms that have an average amount of use and where a deep, rich look with some sheen and washability are desired.
Dining / Living Rooms Also, look at how your natural lighting hits the longer walls. These are the areas that will show a lot of imperfections with higher sheen paints. When the opportunity is there, try to go with a minimal sheen in those rooms.
Hallways The hallways and stairwells get a lot of traffic and prone to dirt and smudges, etc. For paint choices here, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of using a sheen that is tough enough for your family environment, yet low enough in these large and well-lit areas that imperfections on the walls are kept at a minimal. Some interior paint colors will work better in larger and taller foyers and stairwells. It might be a good idea to get some samplers from the store and apply them on in certain areas first.
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