The Best Type of Paint for Wall Painting

Exterior Masonry Walls

• If you plan to paint an exterior masonry wall, you must use an exterior masonry paint. A paint labeled for "interiors only" will not suffice. It must be described as suitable for either "exterior/interior" or "exterior only." Some paints for exterior masonry offer a self-priming function, meaning you do not have to apply coats of primer before actually painting the wall, which cuts down on the amount of time required to complete the task. You'll also want to take advantage of a period of dry weather. Cutting out the need for primer means the paint will have longer to dry before the first drops of rain fall on it.

Flat Finish

• Interior walls are coated with latex paint. However, a number of different finishes are available. A flat finish gives walls a very smooth appearance. This type of finish does not reflect light, making it a good choice if the wall you are painting has any minor surface imperfections that you want to hide.

Satin and Semi-Gloss

• A satin finish provides a very slight gloss (sheen). Like flat paint, it gives a smooth appearance, but its slight sheen means it more easily will wipe clean. A semi-gloss finish reflects light and is also very durable. This paint is a good choice for walls that are likely to require cleaning on a frequent basis.

Walls in Humid Areas

• Walls in kitchens and bathrooms often have to withstand humid conditions caused by steam and cooking. A semi-gloss finish is ideal for these areas as it can be easily wiped clean. However, the best type of paint is one that has both a semi-gloss finish and contains chemicals to prevent the formation of mold and mildew.

Reflecting Light

• A semi-gloss finish is also the best way to reflect light. This technique is used to brighten up rooms that receive little or no direct sunlight during the day. Under these circumstances, the use of a cream or neutral paint adds to the light-reflecting effect. However, if you plan to use a semi-gloss finish in a heavy traffic area of your home, prepare the wall carefully before painting it. Semi-gloss tends to highlight imperfections such as small cracks or uneven areas.