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Paint Types & Finishes Guide

Choose the right paint type and finish for your project

Paint Types

Understanding different paint types and their applications

🎨

Interior Latex Paint

Water-based paint perfect for most interior applications

Best For:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Hallways
Ceilings
Drywall
Coverage:

300-400 sq ft per gallon

Dry Time:

1-2 hours

Cleanup:

Soap and water

Price:

$25-60 per gallon

Pros:

  • Easy cleanup
  • Low odor
  • Quick drying
  • Flexible
  • Breathable

Cons:

  • Not as durable as oil-based
  • Can show brush marks
🏡

Exterior Latex Paint

Weather-resistant paint designed for outdoor surfaces

Best For:

Exterior walls
Siding
Trim
Shutters
Fences
Coverage:

250-350 sq ft per gallon

Dry Time:

2-4 hours

Cleanup:

Soap and water

Price:

$30-80 per gallon

Pros:

  • Weather resistant
  • UV protection
  • Mildew resistant
  • Easy cleanup

Cons:

  • More expensive than interior
  • Requires proper surface prep
🛢️

Oil-Based Paint

Durable paint with excellent adhesion and durability

Best For:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Trim
Doors
Cabinets
High-traffic areas
Coverage:

300-400 sq ft per gallon

Dry Time:

6-8 hours

Cleanup:

Paint thinner or mineral spirits

Price:

$35-70 per gallon

Pros:

  • Extremely durable
  • Smooth finish
  • Excellent adhesion
  • Stain resistant

Cons:

  • Strong odor
  • Difficult cleanup
  • Longer dry time
  • Less flexible
🎨

Primer

Base coat that prepares surfaces for paint application

Best For:

New drywall
Bare wood
Stained surfaces
Color changes
Problematic surfaces
Coverage:

300-400 sq ft per gallon

Dry Time:

1-2 hours

Cleanup:

Soap and water (latex) or paint thinner (oil)

Price:

$20-45 per gallon

Pros:

  • Better adhesion
  • Improved coverage
  • Stain blocking
  • Surface sealing

Cons:

  • Extra step
  • Additional cost
  • Extra time
🎨

Chalk Paint

Matte finish paint that requires no sanding or priming

Best For:

Furniture
Cabinets
Decorative items
Vintage pieces
Coverage:

100-150 sq ft per quart

Dry Time:

30 minutes - 1 hour

Cleanup:

Soap and water

Price:

$40-80 per quart

Pros:

  • No prep work
  • Distressed look
  • Easy to use
  • Quick drying

Cons:

  • Limited color selection
  • Requires wax finish
  • More expensive
🥛

Milk Paint

Natural, eco-friendly paint made from milk protein

Best For:

Furniture
Craft projects
Eco-friendly projects
Vintage restoration
Coverage:

100-150 sq ft per quart

Dry Time:

30 minutes - 1 hour

Cleanup:

Soap and water

Price:

$25-50 per quart

Pros:

  • Natural ingredients
  • No VOCs
  • Authentic look
  • Easy cleanup

Cons:

  • Limited availability
  • Requires mixing
  • Shorter shelf life

Paint Finishes

Choose the right finish for your project

Matte/Flat

No shine, completely flat finish

Best For:

CeilingsLow-traffic areasHiding imperfections

Durability:

Low

Cleanability:

Difficult

Sheen Level:

0-5%

Eggshell

Very low sheen, subtle luster

Best For:

Living roomsBedroomsDining rooms

Durability:

Medium

Cleanability:

Good

Sheen Level:

5-15%

Satin

Soft sheen, easy to clean

Best For:

KitchensBathroomsHallwaysKids' rooms

Durability:

High

Cleanability:

Excellent

Sheen Level:

15-25%

Semi-Gloss

Moderate shine, very durable

Best For:

TrimDoorsCabinetsHigh-moisture areas

Durability:

Very High

Cleanability:

Excellent

Sheen Level:

25-35%

Gloss

High shine, maximum durability

Best For:

DoorsCabinetsFurnitureAccent pieces

Durability:

Maximum

Cleanability:

Excellent

Sheen Level:

35%+

Popular Color Palettes

Explore trending color combinations

Popular Colors

Pure White

Sherwin-Williams

#FFFFFF

Agreeable Gray

Sherwin-Williams

#D1CBC1

Repose Gray

Sherwin-Williams

#C8C2B8

Alabaster

Sherwin-Williams

#F2F0E8

Sea Salt

Sherwin-Williams

#B8D4C1

Tricorn Black

Sherwin-Williams

#2F2F2F

Neutrals

Warm White

Behr

#F5F5DC

Cool Gray

Behr

#8C8C8C

Taupe

Behr

#B8A082

Cream

Behr

#F5F5DC

Charcoal

Behr

#36454F

Beige

Behr

#F5F5DC

Blues & Greens

Navy Blue

Benjamin Moore

#000080

Sky Blue

Benjamin Moore

#87CEEB

Teal

Benjamin Moore

#008080

Sage Green

Benjamin Moore

#9CAF88

Forest Green

Benjamin Moore

#228B22

Mint

Benjamin Moore

#98FB98

Ready to choose your paint colors?