Thinking of repainting a room in your home? Or perhaps you’d like to repaint your entire interior? Before you get your roller out, you should first carefully consider what type of paint you need. Interior paints come in many colours and textures, and can be made from different substances which can affect everything from durability to sustainability. This post explores some of the important factors to consider when choosing the right paint for your interior project.

Colour

Let’s start by choosing the colour. There are an endless variety of tones to choose from that can greatly affect the mood of a room. Blues, greys and greens have a calming quality, making them ideal for relaxing spaces. Reds, oranges and yellows can bring a burst of energy to a room, making them more suited to social party zones. Whites and off-whites are meanwhile a safe and neutral choice that can make a room feel brighter, more spacious and potentially increase resale value. Some paint companies can provide sample pots or testers, allowing you to compare different colours to identify the exact shade you need. 

Cleaning

Got kids or pets? Choosing a paint that is easy to remove marks and stains from could be important. Dirt and substances tend to cling stubbornly to matte paints, so avoid these types of paints in mess-prone areas. Look instead for paints that are marketed as ‘washable’ or ‘scrubbable’ – these paints have a glossier finish that can be more easily cleaned when dry. 

Reflectiveness

Some paints are designed to be reflective. Gloss finishes catch the light and can make a wall appear more shiny. Matte paints on the other hand absorb light in order to prevent shine. Gloss paints tend to be better for adding energy or making a room feel brighter and bigger, whereas matte paints are more calming and can reduce glare in rooms that already get a lot of sunlight. For a middle ground, choose a satin or eggshell finish. 

Durability

Some paints last longer than others. Generally speaking, if you want a durable paint that will last for decades, it’s worth investing in a higher quality paint from a well respected brand. Ingredients like acrylic and titanium dioxide are more commonly found in premium paints and can help the paint bind longer. How long your paint lasts can also be affected by how well it is applied. Making sure the wall is prepared properly and using multiple coats can improve the finish quality. Hiring professional painters is recommended if you want a long-lasting finish and have little to no decorating experience. 

Sustainability

Finally, it could be worth considering sustainability. Some paints are made from all natural ingredients, while others contain lots of synthetic chemicals that may be harmful to the environment. The volatile organic compound (VOC) level of a paint can be worth looking into if you care about the air quality in your home. Low or no VOC paints are better for respiratory health and the planet, because they release less toxins into the air.