Interior Paint

The two major types of interior paint are latex, which is water-based and can be cleaned up with soap and water, and alkyd, which is oil-based and must be cleaned with thinner. Latex is easiest to use.

Paints come in four finishes with varying degrees of shine: flat, satin, semi -gloss, and gloss.

1. flat: no sheen; best on walls in low-use areas, like dining, living rooms, and bedrooms; washable but not scrubbable.
2. satin: slight sheen; good for walls and trim in higher use areas like hallways and kid's rooms; washable and scrubbable. This is the most popular sheen; it is durable and elegant.
3. semi-gloss: medium sheen; good for walls and trim in high abuse areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry; washable and scrubbable.
4. gloss: high sheen; best for trim and cabinets, washable and scrubbable.

When painting walls and trim, use lower sheen on the walls and a higher sheen on the trim.

Also in this Episode

Room by Room : Episode RXR-511
•	Color Basics
•	Working With Pattern
•	Tools for Beginners
•	Easy Window Treatments
•	Interior Paint
•	Floor Coverings