Many homeowners today are taking on interior decorating projects that drastically transform their home with fresh colors, textures and designs. Painting your walls is one way to give your home a new style and a touch of elegance. But with all the paint types that are available in hundreds of colors and finishes, choosing the right paints for your home can often be a chore. Whether you are in the finishing stages of building a luxury home plan or taking on a remodeling project in an older country house plan, your neighborhood hardware store can help you determine which colors, finishes and brands are best for your project. As the most important step is determining what types of paints are fit for your home, it is recommended that you take a few moments to learn the basics:

Latex – Latex paint is water based and most typical of indoor applications. It is almost odorless, cleans up with soap and water, and dries quickly. Latex paints are also extremely resistant to yellowing with age.
• Applications: Drywall, plaster, masonry walls, and most already painted surfaces.
• Avoid: Raw wood or wallpaper as the water is absorbed and ruins surfaces.

Alkyd/Oil – Alkyd or oil based paint is more complicated to use than latex. Oil based paint is difficult to apply, dries slower, and cleanup requires paint thinner or other solvents. This makes it especially important to paint carefully and pay extra attention to proper ventilation. Oil based paint does have its positives. It goes on smoother and harder than latex paint, freeing walls from brush marks. It is also better at covering surface imperfections.
• Applications: Wood, plywood, particleboard, hardboard, and any painted or wallpapered surface. Also good for glossy surfaces because of the firmer adhesion.
• Avoid: Bare masonry, bare wallboard, and plaster.

Low VOC & Natural – Demand for Natural, Low- and Zero VOC paints has recently flooded the market. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are low-level toxic emissions that contribute to indoor air pollution and can harm your health. Though once a necessity for quality performance paints, today’s consumers are looking for a more eco-friendly approach to decorating their homes. While most homeowners look for safe, “non-toxic” interior paints, it is hard to determine just what is considered “non-toxic”:
• EPA standards require paints to have no more than 200 grams of VOC per liter.
• Low VOC paints are those with 50 grams or less per liter.
• Zero VOC paints have no more than 5 grams per liter.
• Natural paints are made from natural ingredients and are the healthiest overall.
Keep this in mind when searching for your interior paints. As demand for more environmentally friendly products has increased, so has the realm of colors and finishes available in natural, low- and zero VOC paint.
• Applications: Can be used like latex.
• Precautions: Natural based paints have specific restrictions based on the ingredients. For example, milk based paints should not be used in rooms with high humidity. The extra moisture can generate a sour odor. Ask about restrictions before purchasing.

In addition to the different kinds of paints, there are numerous finishes for every home style from country house plans to luxury home plans. It is important to know what finishes should be used in various parts of your home to maximize coverage and durability.

Flat – A flat finish is great to use on large surfaces as it does not reflect light – the matte coverage discreetly hides minor imperfections that accumulate on interior walls. This finish is recommended for low traffic areas such as dining rooms, master bedrooms, and ceilings due to its lower durability. Some brands also carry specific ceiling flats that are spatter resistant, making ceiling application much simpler and efficient.

Eggshell/Satin – Occasionally the terms “eggshell” or “satin” are used to describe a finish. These are quite similar to a flat finish, though slightly more durable with a little more sheen. The difference is often negligible, especially among varying brands.

Semi-gloss – The semi-gloss finish is ideal for high-traffic areas of the home such as the kitchen, bathrooms, doors, and children’s rooms. It stands up well to high moisture content and is easiest to clean. This high durability finish is the most popular among homeowners.

Gloss/High-gloss – A gloss finish, also referred to as “high-gloss,” is often used in small quantities to highlight details and trims. The most durable paint, gloss can withstand frequent cleaning. However, it is often avoided for large surfaces due to the amount of light it reflects.

As you become more familiar with the various types of paints and finishes, you can start browsing the stores and collecting paint chips that fit the décor you had in mind. Try not to be overwhelmed by the all the paints and finishes available. Asking for recommendations from representatives on the most cost-effective options and types of paints can make the process easier. Applying samples to your walls will also help you decide which colors work well with the lighting and décor of your country house plan or even luxury home plan. Remember that paints chosen will often not turn out exactly as you had in mind. By taking the time to apply samples and select the best colors, your home will be transformed with colors that truly fit your home and style.