Choosing the right paint for your interior can be an overwhelming task, given the countless brands, finishes, and shades available in the market today. The quality of paint you choose can dramatically affect your space’s aesthetics, durability, and overall atmosphere.
This blog post will guide you through the process of selecting the best paint for your interior, considering various factors like durability, coverage, finish, and environmental friendliness.
Table of Contents
Understanding Paint Basics
Before diving into specific paint brands and types, let’s understand some paint basics:
- Finish: Also known as sheen, the finish of paint can drastically affect how a color looks and how well the paint will hold up. From flat to high gloss, the finish options include flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Each of these finishes offers different levels of shine and durability.
- Primer: This is a preparatory coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better paint adhesion to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the painted material. This is true whether you are using oil-based or water-based paints.
- VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that are released into the air as the paint dries. Many paints today are low-VOC or non-VOC to be safer for both the environment and your health.
- Paint-and-Primer in One: This is a newer type of paint that combines the primer and paint into one product. The convenience factor is high with these products, but they may not be suitable for all applications.
4 Top Quality Paint Brands for Interior Walls
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore has been a respected name in paints for over a century. Their Regal Select line is widely hailed for its excellent coverage, vast color selection, and impressive durability. Its low-VOC formulation means it’s safer for you and the environment.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex is a popular choice for its smooth, buttery finish that hides minor imperfections on your walls.
It’s available in flat, low-luster, and medium-luster finishes, providing a variety of choices to suit your needs.
Behr
Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra is a paint and primer in one that covers in fewer coats. It’s known for its durability and stain resistance, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Valspar
Valspar’s Signature line offers excellent coverage and a broad selection of colors. It’s also highly resistant to mildew, making it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-humidity areas.
By thoroughly researching specific product lines and considering customer feedback, you can make a more informed decision regarding the best paint brand for your interior walls.
Additionally, some brands offer sample sizes or swatch that you can test on your walls to see how the color and finish appear in your space before committing to a larger quantity.
Remember that personal preferences and project requirements may vary, so what works well for one person may not be the ideal choice for another.
Taking the time to explore options and gather information will ultimately help you find the brand that aligns with your vision and delivers the desired results for your interior painting project.
Choosing the Right Finish
Once you’ve chosen your brand, it’s time to select the right finish for your space:
- Flat/Matte: This finish offers a low-sheen look and is ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings.
- Eggshell/Satin: Slightly glossier than matte, eggshell and satin finishes are perfect for higher-traffic areas like living rooms. They are easy to clean and maintain.
- Semi-Gloss/High Gloss: These are shiny finishes best suited for kitchens, bathrooms, doors, and windows. While they show imperfections more readily, they are highly durable and easy to clean and can be used to waterproof wood furniture for the outdoors easily.
Environmental Considerations
For the eco-conscious homeowner, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of your paint. Look for paints with low-VOC or no-VOC formulations.
Some brands, like Clare and ECOS Paints, even offer vegan, cruelty-free paints that are free from harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
The best paint for your interior depends on your needs, the room you’re painting, and your personal preferences.
Take into consideration the room’s traffic, exposure to moisture, and the look you’re aiming for when choosing your paint. And remember, no matter what paint you choose, proper preparation of your walls is key to achieving a professional, long-lasting finish. Happy painting!
