Choose the proper paint sheen.
Drywall is well-suited for paint and requires no base primer prior to application. Though you can paint your drywall with most any type of paint, certain types offer added benefits in specific situations that others do not. Learn the differences between each type of paint before settling on a choice for your ceilings and walls.
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint is a durable finish best suited for exterior metallic surfaces. Unlike water-based latex paint, oil-based finishes expel unpleasant fumes during the application process. Oil-based paint is not appropriate for drywall.
Flat Latex Paint
Flat latex paint is appropriate for drywall that is not subject to duress. It dries without any sheen and stains easily. Flat latex paint is well-suited for ceilings. Though you can use flat latex paint on your walls, it will likely tarnish in a relatively short amount of time.
Eggshell and Satin Latex Paint
Eggshell and satin latex paints are preferred for walls, because they offer an attractive sheen and are relatively stain-resistant. Unlike high-gloss paints which provide a large amount of sheen, eggshell and satin paints do not reflect a lot of light and provide attractive, muted color to dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms.
Gloss Latex Paint
Gloss latex paint provides a high-sheen finish and is generally used on interior molding, furniture and banisters. Though you can use gloss latex paint on drywall, most feel that it refracts too much light.
Semi-gloss Latex Paint
Semi-gloss latex paint provides more sheen than eggshell and satin latex paint. On the plus side, it is much easier to clean and is much more stain-resistant than low-sheen paints. Use semi-gloss latex paint on drywall subject to duress, such as children's rooms and work areas.
Considerations
If you use high-sheen paint on your ceilings, they may block water stains. While this may sound like a desirable trait, it can actually lead to significant problems. While water stains bleed through flat latex paint, they may not show through high-sheen paints; this can allow significant damage to occur before you're able to diagnose the cause of the leak.
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