Have you been procrastinating your home painting project because you don't know what type of paint to buy? You're not alone. In order to help you get started, here is some information about the five main types of interior paint and where they should each be used.

1. High-Gloss Paint

As its name implies, high-gloss paint has a high sheen. This type of paint is very durable. High-gloss paints have smaller spaces between the paint molecules to keep water on the surface rather than soaking into the paint. For this reason, high-gloss paint should be used in kitchens and bathrooms where the walls will be subjected to moisture, humidity and frequent cleaning. 

High-gloss paints are also ideal for painting doors and trim because they will look good and can stand up to cleaning motions without getting damaged.

2. Semi-Gloss Paint

Semi-gloss paint is also very durable and moisture-resistant, but it doesn't have a surface that is quite as reflective of light as high-gloss paint. 

Semi-gloss paint is ideal for children's bedrooms and other areas where you will need to regularly wash the walls. The semi-gloss surface helps keep crayon and markers from seeping into the paint and permanently discoloring the surface.

3. Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint has a finish that is a bit reflective but isn't as shiny as semi-gloss paint. This type of paint is less washable than semi-gloss, but it hides sheetrock or plaster imperfections better than paints with a shiny finish. For this reason, eggshell paint is best used on walls that have been repaired. It helps the repaired areas blend in better when the light hits the wall.

4. Satin-Finish Paint

Satin-finish paint is somewhere between eggshell and semi-gloss. It is slightly light-reflective but isn't quite as matte as eggshell paint. Satin-finish paint is ideal for homes with brand-new sheetrock with no imperfections. 

5. Matte-Finish Paint

Matte-finish paint has a flat surface that doesn't reflect light. This paint finish is ideal for older homes where there have been lots of plaster or sheetrock repairs. It conceals imperfections better because the light soaks into the paint rather than bouncing off of it. 

A Note About Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paints

Finally, it's important to note that you should never paint a water-based paint over walls previously painted with oil-based paints. If you do so, then the paint will not properly adhere and will eventually peel off. If you are unable to tell what type of paint your walls were painted with, talk to an interior painting service such as Integrity Painting, Inc. They can inspect the walls and let you know.