Painting is carried out to protect the surface from weathering, prevent the wood from decay and metal from corrosion, provide a decorative finish, and obtain a clean, hygienic, and healthy living atmosphere. Paints mainly consist of white lead or zinc white, resinous matter, and petroleum spirit. Soon after application, their formation into a tough, impervious, decay-resistant enamel-like surface protects it from being affected by acids, alkalies, fumes and gas, hot and cold water, etc.

Water-based (Latex) Paint

Latex paint is the most standard type of paint for home use for numerous reasons:

Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint is not usually used in home painting applications. Instead, these paints were the norm for bathrooms and other “wet” areas since they were easy to scrub, had a higher gloss, and were more durable than the early latex paints. However, that is no longer true as many latexes paint now equal and occasionally outperform alkyd paints.

When used in the home, alkyd paints are generally reserved for locations subject to heavy wear or prone to influence. These include trim, floors, and occasionally cabinets. Another benefit to alkyd is it has a more extended drying period than latex paint, so it does not display brush strokes as much. This is a benefit when painting trim, woodwork, and cabinetry.

Paint Sheen

Another concern in selecting the proper paint is a factor called paint sheen. Paint sheen refers to how glossy the dried paint exterior becomes when dry. There are four basic sheens:

1. Matte/Flat

These water-based paints have the slightest reflective sheen with a matte-like, velvety consistency. For this reason, they conceal imperfections on the wall nicely. However, such paints can be challenging to clean as they may just come off on the cloth or sponge being used. This doesn’t make them the most stable choice and is perfect for areas with minor traffic — try your ceilings and walls that are likely to remain untouched.

Tip: Spread as many coats of flat paint as required for even coverage. And choose a reputed brand to avoid a strong odor.

2. Eggshell

While water-based again, these have a touch of gloss or shine and are more reflective than matte, marks may still show through. Though slightly more durable, these are good for common areas like the living room and the dining room, where not too many people (tiny kids!) are likely to touch the walls.

Tip: Two coats will usually give an even color; use a primer and first coat as required.

3. Satin

These are obtainable in both water-based as well as oil-based solvents. Narrowly glossier than eggshell and with a satin-like consistency, these are among the best picks as they have just the right quantity of shine and can hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing. Hence, these can be used for high traffic areas like a kitchen, bathrooms, halls, bedrooms, and window and doors trims. It seems like a no-fuss winner to us!

Tip: One coat is enough, but a second coat is required if the paint is thin.

4. Gloss and Semi-gloss

Like satin, both of these are also water and oil-based. The most reflective of all finishes, the polished texture of gloss and semi-gloss emulates that of enamel or plastic. While a superb pick if you’re looking to make a statement, they don’t hide flaws well. Hence, though they can be used in busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms, you should preserve these for baseboards, moldings, trims, doors, and cabinets, where one needn’t worry about exposing any flaws.

Tip: Gloss is typically applied as a single coat over one or two coats of primer.

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