Give your room a fresh look with the right interior paint

Types of interior paint

• Water-based paint: Water-based paints, or latex paints, are quick to dry, easy to clean and won’t fade. They’re also low in harmful chemicals.

• Oil-based paint: Oil-based paint features a unique gloss and resilient finish, making it perfect for doors, trim and furniture. However, oil-based paint tends to have higher VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels than water-based paint.

Speciality paint types

Speciality paints are made for specific painting jobs.

• Paint primer: Used before painting, a primer covers spackling and prevents bleeding, peeling and cracking. It is recommended for unfinished surfaces like wood and drywall.

• Kitchen and bathroom paint: Moisture-resilient satin and gloss finish paints are best for the kitchens and bathrooms.

• Floor paint: Paints specifically made for floors and porches are designed to handle heavy foot traffic. They are usually made of epoxy-modified acrylic compounds.

Paint finishes

Paint is available in five types of finishes best suited for different applications.

• Flat/Matte: This classic finish is smooth and non-reflective, offering a depth of colour and the ability to hide imperfections. It is best for bedrooms and ceilings since it can be difficult to clean.

• Eggshell: Eggshell finish combines the easy-to-clean surface of glossier paints with the deep velvety surface of a matte finish. It masks surface imperfections, making it great for any room.

• Satin: Satin finish has a slight sheen and is fingerprint and moisture resistant, making it great for washrooms and kitchens.

• Semi-gloss: Its subtle sheen, superior durability and moisture-resistant surface makes a semi-gloss finish great for kitchens and bathrooms as well as trim and furniture.

• Hi-gloss: The superior sheen and durability hi-gloss finish is perfect for highlighting smaller areas in your home, such as window sills, doors and trim.

How to choose paint colours

Paint colour is subjective, but consider these tips when making your choice:

• Sample first: Sample colours on some scrap material or on your wall before making your decision.

• Be bold: Don’t shy away from vibrant colours, especially in airy rooms.

• Matching: If you already have furnishings in a room, choose your colours to match or complement.

• Lighting: Consider how light impacts the colours in your home to avoid excessive brightness or darkness.

• Colour wheel: Using a colour wheel is a great way to tell which colours work best together before painting.

Painting is the most economical way to change the look and personality of your home. Think about a room’s function and the mood you want to create and choose your colours accordingly. And remember, for durability, the paint’s finish is just as important as the colour.