Choosing the right paint is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. It’s not just about finding the perfect shade of “Swiss Coffee” or “Navajo White”—it’s about ensuring that the paint you choose can stand up to the daily life of your household.
At Fillo Painting, we believe that a great paint job starts with the right materials. Whether you are refreshing your kitchen or giving your home’s exterior a complete makeover, here is our professional guide on how to choose the right paint type for every project.
1. Understand the Two Main Categories: Oil vs. Water-Based
Most residential painting projects fall into one of two categories:
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Latex (Water-Based) Paint: This is the most common choice for interior walls. It’s easy to clean up with soap and water, dries quickly, and is more environmentally friendly (low VOCs). It also tends to be more flexible, meaning it’s less likely to crack as your home settles.
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Oil-Based Paint: Known for its durability and smooth finish, oil-based paint is often used for high-traffic surfaces like trim, baseboards, and cabinets. It takes longer to dry but provides a “harder” shell that resists scuffs and scratches better than standard latex.
2. Choose the Right Sheen (Finish)
The “sheen” refers to how much light the paint reflects. The rule of thumb is: the higher the sheen, the higher the durability (and the easier it is to clean).
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Flat/Matte: Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms. It hides wall imperfections beautifully but is difficult to wipe down.
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Eggshell: The “all-around” favorite. It has a soft, velvety glow and is durable enough for living rooms and dining areas.
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Satin: A bit glossier than eggshell, satin is ideal for “wet” or high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways because it stands up well to moisture and scrubbing.
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Semi-Gloss & High-Gloss: Best for trim, doors, and cabinets. These finishes are incredibly durable and easy to clean, highlighting the architectural details of your home.
3. Consider the Room’s Environment
Every room in your North Metro Atlanta home has different needs:
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Kitchens & Bathrooms: These rooms deal with humidity, grease, and steam. We always recommend a high-quality satin or semi-gloss paint with antimicrobial properties to prevent mold and mildew.
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Hallways & Kids’ Rooms: You need a “scrubbable” paint here. Look for high-quality interior latex in a satin finish that can handle the occasional stray crayon mark or handprint.
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Exterior Surfaces: Exterior paint must fight UV rays, Georgia heat, and heavy rain. We recommend high-end acrylic latex for the exterior because it expands and contracts with the temperature, preventing peeling.
4. Quality Matters
It can be tempting to grab the cheapest bucket on the shelf, but high-quality paint actually saves you money in the long run. Premium paints have more solids (pigment and binders), which means:
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Better coverage (fewer coats needed).
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Better color retention (it won’t fade as fast).
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Smoother application (fewer brush marks).
5. When in Doubt, Ask a Professional
Choosing between “Eggshell” and “Satin” or “Acrylic” and “Oil” can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Fillo Painting, we don’t just show up with brushes; we provide expert consultations to ensure your vision lasts for years to come.
From selecting the right finish to providing a 5-year warranty on exterior repaints, we are dedicated to making your home look its absolute best.
Ready to transform your space? Don’t let “choice paralysis” stop your project. Contact Fillo Painting today for a free estimate, and let our experts help you choose the perfect paint for your home!