Walk into a paint store and the wall of cans can feel like a lot. Interior, exterior, primer, satin, semi-gloss, elastomeric. What does it all mean?
Here’s how I sort it out, in plain terms.
Water-based and oil-based
This is the biggest split. Water-based paint, often called latex or acrylic, is what most homes use now. It dries fast, cleans up with water, has less odor and stays flexible. That’s good on walls that expand and contract with the weather.
Oil-based paint uses a solvent instead of water. It dries slowly, smells stronger and cleans up with solvent. It levels well and makes a hard film, so it’s still used in some situations, like certain trim and metal work. It can also yellow over time, especially in low light. Most of my work uses water-based paint, and I’ll tell you if a job calls for something else.
Primer
Primer is not a color coat. It’s the layer that helps the next coat stick and look even. It seals bare wood, patched spots, stains and chalky surfaces. Different primers do different jobs, so the primer should match the surface. Skipping primer on bare or repaired areas is a common reason paint fails.
Sheen
Sheen is how shiny the dried paint is. From least to most shine:
- Flat or matte. Hides surface flaws. Doesn’t wipe clean as well. Often used for ceilings and low-traffic walls.
- Eggshell. A soft glow. A popular wall finish for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Satin. A little more sheen and easier to clean. A good fit for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
- Semi-gloss. Shiny and durable. Often used for trim, doors and cabinets.
- Gloss. The shiniest and the toughest to clean off marks. It shows every flaw on the surface, so prep must be excellent.
Shinier paint is easier to clean. It also shows imperfections more. That’s the trade.
Interior and exterior
Interior paints are made to resist scuffs and stay clean when you wipe them. Exterior paints are made to handle sun, rain and temperature swings. They have to flex, resist mildew and hold their color. Don’t use an interior paint outside. It isn’t built to handle the weather.
Coatings for specific jobs
Beyond regular paint, there are coatings made for particular surfaces and conditions. A few examples:
- Elastomeric coatings. Thick, flexible coatings used on some stucco and masonry walls.
- Masonry and concrete coatings. Made for porous surfaces like block and concrete.
- Metal coatings. Made to stick to metal and resist rust.
- Epoxy and other tough coatings. Used on floors and surfaces that take heavy wear.
- Stains and sealers. Used on wood, such as decks and fences, to color and protect it while letting the grain show.
Decorative finishes
Some walls get more than flat color. Decorative finishes can include texture, color washes, faux effects and more. They take skill and a steady hand, and they work best when the plan is clear before work begins. If you’re curious about one, call and ask. I’ll tell you honestly whether it suits the room.
Picking the right one
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- What’s the surface? Wood, drywall, stucco, metal or masonry?
- Inside or outside?
- How much wear will it take?
- How shiny do you want it?
- What’s the condition of the surface now?
Those answers point to the right product. I’d rather match the paint to the job than push a favorite. See our interior painting and exterior painting pages, or call me at (858) 333-2396 for a free estimate. You can also use the contact page.
FAQ
Can I use interior paint outside?
No. Interior paint isn’t made to handle sun, rain and temperature swings, so it can chalk, crack or peel quickly outside. Use a paint made for exterior surfaces. The reverse is less of a problem, but exterior paint isn’t always the best choice inside, either.
Do I always need primer?
Not always, but often. Bare wood, patched areas, stains, chalky surfaces and big color changes usually need it. Primer helps the paint stick and look even. If the old paint is in good shape and you’re staying with a similar color, you may not need it everywhere.
Which sheen is easiest to clean?
Shinier sheens are easier to clean. Semi-gloss and gloss wipe clean best, with satin next. The trade-off is that shinier paint shows flaws on the surface more. That’s why many people use satin on walls and semi-gloss on trim.