Best Kinds of Paints For Painting Interior Walls

When it comes to painting your interior walls, you have several options. These include water-based paints, satin and semi-gloss paints, enamel paints, and latex paints.

These types of paint have different benefits and drawbacks. Learn more about these types of paints so you can choose the best ones for your walls.

Water-based paints

Water-based paints are the preferred choice for painting interior walls and trim. They are easy to apply and have a short drying time. They are also odor-free and provide a hard-wearing surface.

Most quality paint contractors switch to solvent-based paints for exterior trim and other surfaces that require high durability.

Water-based paints are eco-friendly and less expensive than oil-based paints. They also provide greater coverage and can be applied more quickly.

Because latex paints do not contain as much acrylic polymers as oil-based paints, they are the perfect choice for painting interior walls. Latex paints also offer a higher coverage and are eco-friendly. 

Water-based paints are also easier to clean and do not give off as much odor. They are also more durable in most climates and last longer before colors start to fade. 

Water-based paints have been around for a long time. Their formulation has been refined by paint manufacturers over the years. Today, many water-based paints contain synthetic polymer latex.

While they are more expensive than oil-based paints, they are better for your home's walls.

Water-based paints are available in many varieties. Each has different qualities and prices. It is essential to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Satin and semi-gloss paints

Painting interior walls with a satin or semi-gloss finish can give any room a sophisticated and elegant appearance. The difference between these two finishes is small, but can have a major impact on the overall look of a room.

Satin paints are ideal for rooms that get a lot of traffic, because they are easier to keep clean. Compared to matte finishes, satin paints retain color better and last longer.

Satin and semi-gloss paint finishes are available in both oil-based and modern latex paints. You can also find special low-VOC and no-VOC latex paints. Satin paints have a more muted sheen, while semi-gloss paints are slightly more reflective.

Paint sheens vary based on the amount of enamel used in the formula. The sheen will affect how light reflects off the walls.

Satin paints are ideal for rooms with high traffic such as the kitchen, living room, or stairway. Satin paints are also more durable and can be used on trim, doors, and windows.

Semi-gloss paints are great for accent walls. They highlight architectural details and give them an elegant appearance. They're also easy to clean. Semi-gloss paints are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Enamel paint

Enamel paints are oil-based paints with high-gloss finishes and excellent brushing ability. They are suitable for walls because of their long-lasting protection and good coverage. They usually come in a glossy or matte finish.

Before using them on your interior walls, it is important to use primers.

A good primer prevents paint chipping when the finish hardens. Make sure the primer is specially designed for exterior walls.

There are two types of enamel paints: water-based and oil-based. Both types of paints have pros and cons.

Oil-based paints take longer to dry and may begin to yellow after a few years. On the other hand, water-based enamel paints absorb moisture and don't yellow easily, making them ideal for outdoor walls.

Enamel paint is very durable and is more commonly used for exterior walls, but can be used on interior walls as well. Before purchasing enamel paint, make sure you choose the correct kind for the material you'll be painting.

Latex paints

Flat latex paint is one of the most popular types of paint for painting interior walls and ceilings. It is flexible, water-resistant, and durable. It is suitable for most interior projects.

It is best used in interior rooms because it will remain slightly flexible after it dries. Unlike oil-based paints, flat latex paint is not suitable for exterior use.

Flat paint is good for hiding imperfections on a surface. In contrast, glossy paints tend to highlight flaws on the surface.

Not all paints are compatible with all surfaces, however, so choose the right type of paint for your surface. For example, if you want to paint a concrete block, you will need to use a high-quality acrylic latex primer and paint.

Latex paints are easier to clean than oil-based paints. They dry faster, and they produce less fumes. They can also be used on ceilings, walls, and trim. These properties make them a good choice for most interior painting projects.

In addition to being more affordable than oil-based paints, they are also more environmentally friendly.

When choosing paints, it is important to consider the ingredients that make up each type. Most paints have binders and pigments, and these ingredients create a film when the paint dries. Typically, latex paints contain 30 to 45 percent solids. You can find out more about paints by reading their labels.

Regardless of your project, you should always choose the right type of latex paint for your needs. There are acrylic-based paints, waterborne enamels, and oil-based paints. If you want to choose a paint based on climate compatibility, go with an acrylic-based paint. These paints will last longer and resist fading and cracking.

Alkyd paints

If you're looking to paint interior walls, you'll want to consider alkyd paint. These paints are thicker and adhere better to surfaces. They also have a more polished look.

However, these paints can cause health issues if not properly ventilated, and you must properly dispose of them.

Alkyd paints cure quickly and have lower viscosity than latex acrylic. A second coat can be applied in four to six hours. This type of paint should not be used on unprimed drywall.

Alkyds are also excellent for painting previously painted surfaces and raw wood. They're suitable for high-traffic areas.

The downside to alkyd paints is that they can be very expensive. They can be flammable, and they can be dangerous if used improperly.

Nonetheless, they are worth considering if you have large areas to paint. They blend well and do not show brush strokes as readily as latex paints do.

Alkyd paints are also more durable. These paints are excellent for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and cabinets. They also tend to be resistant to moisture and humidity, which makes them a good choice for these areas. They also keep their uniform sheen and resist stains.

While alkyd paints can be used over latex paint, they are not suitable for use on top of them. If you are planning to paint over alkyd paint, make sure to prime the surface first. This way, you can ensure a better adhesion of the new paint.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right paint for your walls can be challenging. Not only do you need to match the color with other parts of the house, but you also need to determine which finish will work best for the room. 

Before applying the paint, mix it thoroughly using a paint stirrer. This will ensure that all of the components of the paint are well blended. Once the paint is ready, you should use a high-quality paintbrush.

If you need help with the project, don't hesitate to call upon the help of a good painting professional near you.