When working on the interior of your home, office, school, etc…  You must consider multiple factors when choosing which interior paint product to use.  Within the past few years, it was common for fumes to drive people from their homes, schools or businesses during repainting. Most conventional paints contained high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that produced a gas when applied. The VOCs reduce air quality, and may be harmful to your health. Today, substitute techniques have allowed the development of low- and no-VOC paints that release no, or minimal VOC pollutants, and are nearly odor free.

Interior paint is a broad term and can be broken down even further.  There are many different kinds of interior paints, they range from: Satin, Eggshell, Flat, Semi-gloss and Gloss.  All of these different finishes give a different look and are ideal for different situations.

Satin Interior Paint:

A Satin finish is often used in rooms and exterior areas where some durability is needed, but high-gloss paint is not desired.  It can also be used for walls and particularly ideal for areas receiving lots of traffic. As it holds up to light scrubbing and washing, it can be used for baths, kitchens and kid’s rooms.  Satin paint is considered to be a medium-gloss and comes in either latex or oil based paint.  Remember that oil based paint is no longer made and also illegal to use in the interior of a home or business.

Eggshell Interior Paint:

As the name indicates, the paint finish will give an appearance like that of an eggshell. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it’s good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than flat finish paints. It is among the top choices of contractors and designers, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Even with repeated washings, an eggshell interior paint finish is able to uphold its look making it ideal for use in rooms where the need for attractiveness and durability.

Flat Interior Paint:

The attractiveness of a flat finish lies in its simplicity. Because a flat finish absorbs light, it is perfect in hiding wall imperfections such as cracks and small bumps. It serves as a great choice for painting ceilings as well as for use in low-traffic areas. As they do not wash well, it is not ideal for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, etc… The paint is washable but more than likely will require some kind of “touch-up” painting.

Semi Gloss Interior Paint:

Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice shine without being too swanky. When using a semi gloss finish, you must ensure to do a thorough preparation process because it imperfections can be highlighted by a semi-gloss surface. Semi gloss paint surfaces are durable and also easy to wash.  In a commercial or institutional setting, semi gloss finishes are often used in high traffic hallways, washrooms, etc… to help withstand constant contact.

Gloss Interior Paint:

High gloss paints have an almost reflective characteristic.  Gloss finished are not widely used in homes but they becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. Careful surface preparation is crucial when using glossy paint finishes as its very high reflectivity makes just the slightest imperfections come through.