Unsure which paint is best for your project? Don't skip the research. The type of paint you choose is just as important as the color, and can have a major effect on the character of your room, the quality of your paint job, and the vibe you want to achieve. “There are definitely a lot of factors that you should take into consideration before you decide on a type of paint,” says paint expert Sarabeth Asaff South of Fixr, an online service that helps homeowners make home remodeling decisions. Where the room is located, how it will be used, how large or small the room is, and the overall look you're trying to achieve are the top factors to consider, according to Asaff South. “These factors can all subtly influence things like the sheen of your paint or the saturation, so you need to closely consider them,” she adds.

Read on to learn more about each type of paint—and potentially prevent a time-and money-consuming mistake.

General Tips

“Every paint out there will have a sample,” Asaff South says. “Get as many samples as you can, and get some poster board. Play around with those samples—examine how easily they cover and spread an area, and how easily you can clean them once they’re dry.” While browsing through photographs or reading information online will give you a general idea of how different finishes look, it is only until you test a paint in your desired space that you can get a true sense of how it will work. “The reason you want to do a piece of poster board instead of the wall is because you can move your poster board around the room to look at it with your furnishings in different lights at different times of the day,” Asaff South adds. “This way, you can really feel good about your choice because you’re taking all the guesswork out of it.”

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Water-Based Paints

The majority of wall paint sold today is water-based, primarily because of its ease of use. If your surface has been previously coated with an oil-based product, be cautious when switching to water-based paint as it may have trouble sticking. In this situation, Sherwin-Williams recommends washing the surface and then roughening it all over with a medium to smooth grit sandpaper—making it clean, dry, and dull in order to prevent peeling of the new coat.

For those instances when an oil-based paint would traditionally be preferable, but you desire a water-based product, a number of companies have introduced "waterborne enamels" or "waterborne alkyds." These paints look and behave much like oil-based options because they have good leveling qualities for a smooth finish.

Advantages of water-based paints

  • doesn't require a pre-treatment
  • no mildew growth
  • low VOCs (low levels of toxic emissions)
  • easy cleanup with water
  • quick drying
  • an elastic, flexible finish resistant to cracking
  • can be used on almost all surfaces
  • stable color over time, doesn't yellow or fade in sunlight

Disadvantages of water-based paints

  • don’t tend to be as vivid or rich
  • aren’t as long-wearing as oil or urethane-based paints
  • can delaminate from walls if dampened
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Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paint can be used on almost all surfaces, and is praised for its high durability and rich finish. Still, be cautious, as oil paint emits strong fumes that can be overwhelming, and the paint cannot be washed with water. If you choose oil paint, solvents like turpentine are necessary for washing brushes or other materials with unwanted paint on them.

Advantages of oil-based paints

  • attractive gloss
  • good for high-moisture rooms (ex. bathroom or kitchen)
  • longer dry time (good for making fixes)
  • good "leveling" (brush strokes fill themselves in to create a smooth finish)
  • hard, durable finish

Disadvantages of oil-based paints

  • VOCs can be harmful to breathe in
  • messy process
  • hard to wash
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Paint Finishes

Sheen options vary by manufacturer, but share some common characteristics. As durability improves across all sheen levels with newer paints, many people are finding creative ways to mix and match them. "We've noticed that customers are becoming more experimental in their use of paint finish, to create real impact and texture within a scheme," says Farrow & Ball Director Sarah Cole. "Try painting a stripe of full gloss on a matte wall in the same color to create a striking, textured look," she suggests.

Matte paint:

  • is the least reflective sheen available
  • has a velvety texture
  • helps hides imperfections in walls and ceilings
  • offers great depth of color
  • is generally considered the standard sheen for walls
  • can sometimes be difficult to clean
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Eggshell and satin paint (satin is slightly glossier than eggshell):

  • have some reflectivity
  • offer improved durability
  • are frequently used in demanding environments, like kitchens and bathrooms, where easy cleanup without a highly glossy finish is desired
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Semi-gloss and gloss paint:

  • great for kitchens, doors, window trim, accent walls, and bathrooms
  • are the most reflective sheens
  • are highly durable and stand up to multiple cleanings
  • are traditionally used on baseboards, moldings, and doors
  • can make a statement, but also highlight imperfections
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Sue Kim, color trend and forecast specialist at Valspar, recommends trying an accent wall with a gloss sheen, while painting the rest of a room matte. But at the end of the day, "It's all about how you want to set the atmosphere of your home," she says. "A matte sheen gives you a calm and serene feeling, because of that textural element." On the other end of the spectrum, gloss adds energy and excitement. Remember that darker and richer colors have a naturally higher sheen (due to increased colorant), so you may want to consider a lower sheen when using a darker paint color.

As for eggshell and satin, Kim likes to use them in smaller spaces with little natural light. "I always say a satin finish is great in a powder room," she says. "It reflects the light to bring out the color." Eggshell is also great for covering wall imperfections, and is scuff resistant.

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Finally, it is important to remember that the paint you choose is only as good as the quality of the tools you paint with. Although you may think rollers or brushes are a good place to save money, using high-quality tools will help you achieve the best look. You may also want to consider spray painting your walls, which can be a great alternative to traditional rolling.

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Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.