Latex paint is best for most jobs, including walls and trim. It’s easy to clean up (because it’s water-based), has less of an odor, and dries more quickly than oil-based paint.
Oil paint has a very durable finish, good for wood surfaces in high-traffic areas (like doors or hallway trim) or high-moisture areas (like a bathroom). It's difficult to clean up, if left to dry more than 1 hour.
Flat finish is a no-shine finish, good for covering imperfections on your walls. It won’t wash well, so it’s not good for high-traffic spots.
Eggshell finish has a slight sheen, good for busy areas because blemishes can wash away. Use in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and hallways.
Semigloss finish is shiny and washable, good for setting apart doors and windowsills from surfaces with flat paint. Use for trim, shutters, bathroom, and kitchen.
High-gloss finish is super-shiny and very durable. Used mostly for trim and floors.
by Miles Stiverson
6/19/08
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