Tips for choosing the right paint (that nobody tells you about)

Have you ever looked at a room in your home and thought it needs some sprucing up?

If you’re thinking “Yes!”, then it’s probably time for a fresh coat of paint because this is the simplest way to change how your home looks and feels.

Before you dive in, there are a few things to consider regardless of whether you’re doing the job yourself or working with professional painters.

As someone who’s been in the industry for a while, there are a few things I’ve learned about making each paint project a success. Here are a few little-known tips (beyond choosing the right color for your walls!), that will make sure you’re happy with the final outcome 🙂

1. Pay attention to the chemicals in the paint

Almost all paint products include certain chemical compounds that may not be too good for your health. As I’ve written before, there are collectively called VOCs and these enhance your paint’s longevity.

These chemical compounds emit harmful gases that can cause a multitude of health problems including nausea, dizziness, skin and eye irritations, and asthma-related problems, especially when used in indoor painting projects.

Paint that includes high levels of VOCs is harmful to the environment too because it produces a surface-level ozone gas.

The good news is that products that contain less than 50 grams of VOCs are generally considered safe for human health and the environment. That’s why I recommend that you choose low-VOC or no-VOC paint, which carry a green seal certification mask to minimize VOC exposure. If you’d like to know more about this, click here.

I can’t recommend doing this more if you or your loved ones are hypersensitive to chemicals used in normal paint.

2. Consider the finish

Did you know that there are different types of paint finishes like flat, matte, eggshell, satin, half-gloss, and high gloss? Each of these come with different benefits and work well in different parts of your home.

Generally, flat and matte finishes are great for rooms that don’t have that much activity, as these types of paint aren’t all that long-lasting and stain easily. That said, they’re great at hiding imperfections on the surface because they reflect very little light.

Glossy finishes like satin, half-gloss, and high gloss are better for rooms with a ton of activity. They can also be cleaned because they have a smooth and reflective finish.

Eggshell paint is more durable than flat and matte paint but not as durable as glossy versions. They are also less reflective than glossy finishes, so while they still hide imperfections, it’s not as great as matte and flat. This is why I always recommend eggshell paint for rooms with a moderate level of buzz and activity!

Cost-wise, flat and matte finishes offer the most value because they are cheaper and cover more surface area than their glossy counterparts.

3. Pay attention to lighting

Do you consider the lighting in your space when you’re choosing paint? This is something most people don’t do, but it’s an element that has a major effect on the outcome of your project.

Most paint colors look different in various light settings, which is why it’s a good idea to pay attention to your sources of light.

If you are looking to brighten up a dim room, for example, you might be better off choosing a lighter colored paint with a glossy finish that will reflect any natural light in your space.

Transform how your home looks and how it makes you feel with the right paint!

A paint job is one of the simplest and easiest ways to freshen up how your home looks (and change how you feel about it).

When you’re working with your painter, weigh in on the type of paint your home needs. When you choose the right color, right finish, and make sure your product has healthy compounds, half the hard work is over!