There are two main considerations when selecting paint for the interior of your home: the type of paint and the paint sheen.

Paint is considered as either oil (solvent based) or latex (water based). Oil-based paint requires mineral spirits for thinning and clean-up while latex paint can be thinned and cleaned with water.

Latex is the paint of choice for walls and ceiling while either oil-based enamel or latex enamel can be used on trim and woodwork. Oil-based paint dries harder and slower than latex, resulting in a smoother surface that holds up better. On the other hand, oil-based paint produces a stronger odor and is harder to clean up, while latex paint resists yellowing and mildew better.

Paint sheens include:

  • Gloss
  • Semi-gloss
  • Satin
  • Eggshell
  • Flat

Gloss paints resist dirt and are easier to clean while flat paints do a better job of hiding surface imperfections.

Watch this video to find out more.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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