Best Paint for Interior Walls: Types & Finishes Explained

Choosing the right paint for your interior walls goes beyond just picking a color. The type of paint and its finish are crucial for durability, ease of maintenance, and the overall look of your home. This guide will walk you through the most common paint types and finishes to help you make the best choice for every room.

Common Types of Interior Paint

The two main types of interior paint are latex and oil-based, each with distinct pros and cons.

Latex paints

Latex paint, also known as water-based paint, is the most popular choice for interior walls. It's easy to clean up with soap and water, dries quickly, and is less likely to crack over time. Latex paint also has lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safer and less odorous option for indoor use.

Oil-based paints

Oil-based paint, or alkyd paint, is extremely durable and provides a smooth, hard finish. It's often used for trim, doors, and cabinets because of its longevity and resistance to scuffs. However, it takes much longer to dry, has a strong odor, and requires paint thinner for cleanup. Due to its high VOC content, it's generally not recommended for large wall surfaces in living areas.

Best Paint Finishes for Walls

The finish, or sheen, of the paint determines how it looks and how durable it is.

Flat/matte

Flat or matte finishes have the lowest sheen and absorb light, which helps to hide imperfections on walls, such as bumps or patches. This makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms and formal living rooms where you want a soft, sophisticated look. The downside is that they are not very durable or easy to clean.

Eggshell

Eggshell has a slight sheen, similar to an eggshell, and offers more durability and washability than a flat finish. It's the most common choice for walls in living areas and dining rooms, as it balances a low-key appearance with practical resilience.

Satin and semi-gloss

Satin and semi-gloss finishes have a noticeable sheen. They are highly durable, moisture-resistant, and very easy to clean. Because of these qualities, they are ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and children's rooms. However, the higher the sheen, the more imperfections it will show on the wall.

Choosing Paint by Room

The best paint for a room depends on its purpose and how much traffic it sees.

Bedrooms and living rooms

For bedrooms and living rooms, a flat or eggshell finish is generally the best choice. These finishes create a warm, inviting atmosphere and are perfect for walls that don't need frequent cleaning.

Kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are subject to moisture, grease, and stains. For these rooms, a satin or semi-gloss finish is highly recommended. Their durability and ease of cleaning make them perfect for withstanding the challenges of these high-use areas.

Tips for Long-Lasting Results

No matter what paint you choose, proper preparation is key to a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Proper prep and priming

Before you paint, clean the walls thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease. Fill in any holes or cracks with spackle and sand the surface smooth. A quality primer is essential, especially when painting over a dark color or on a new surface. It ensures that the paint adheres properly and provides a more uniform finish.

Choosing high-quality brands

Investing in a high-quality paint brand pays off in the long run. Premium paints offer better coverage, meaning you'll need fewer coats, and they provide a more durable and richer finish that will last for years.

FAQs

What’s the most washable wall paint?

Paints with a satin or semi-gloss finish are the most washable. Their smooth surface makes them easy to wipe down with a damp cloth, which is why they're great for high-traffic areas.

Which paint is safest for homes with kids?

For homes with children, choose a low-VOC or zero-VOC latex paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish. This combination provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface while minimizing harmful chemical emissions, making it safer for your family.

Ready to start your interior painting project? Contact us today for a free estimate and expert guidance on choosing the best paint for your home.