How to Choose Correct Paint

Determine what you'll need the paint for. The paint for the exterior and interior of the house is different. Also, some paints are designed primarily for wooden or metal surfaces, while others are universal in this respect.

Choose between water-based and solvent-based paints. Water-based paints are typically quick drying and low odor. They are often used to paint interior walls and ceilings. Probably the most popular water-based paints are acrylic. These paints, popular among professional painters, can be diluted with water when wet, but once dry, become water-resistant. Solvent-based paints include oil-based paints. Oil paints are slow to dry and give off more odor. They are best used on galvanized metals and fresh masonry.

Choose the sheen of the paint. Essentially, the sheen determines how bright or dull the paint looks in the light. In terms of the sheen, paints can be gloss, semigloss, satin, eggshell, and flat. Flat paints are least durable and are intended for walls that have little exposure to humidity or contact by people. Using flat paints in children's rooms, for example, is not a good idea. Gloss paints, on the other hand, are the most durable and are water-resistant, so they can be used outside.

If you need it to have particular properties, choose a specialty paint, such as one that resists mold for a bathroom. A specialty paint is also recommended if you need to paint plastic, vinyl or leather surfaces. Use elastomeric paints for stucco and brick.

Select the color. Whatever color you choose, make sure it works well together with the other colors you'll be using. Also, ensure that the colors look good in the setting where you will use them. For example, if you are choosing a color to paint the outside of your house, consider the colors of your neighbors' houses.