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Comparison
Types of paint compared: which one to choose
The right paint depends on the surface, the room and how much wear it gets. This guide explains the main paint types and finishes, what the labels mean and which paint suits which job.
1. Water-based or oil-based?
Most interior wall paints today are water-based (often called emulsion, latex or acrylic paint). They dry quickly, smell less, clean up with water and stay flexible without yellowing. Oil-based (alkyd or solvent-based) paints dry slowly to a very hard finish and level out brush marks well, but they release more solvent fumes, yellow with time, especially in dark rooms, and need white spirit for cleaning.
For walls and ceilings, water-based paint is the normal choice. Oil-based or hybrid water-based enamel paints are mainly used for trim, doors, radiators and metal.
2. Finishes: matt to gloss
The sheen (how shiny the dry paint is) changes both the look and the practical performance:
| Finish | Looks | Cleanability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt / flat | Hides small flaws | Low to medium | Ceilings, living rooms, bedrooms |
| Eggshell | Soft sheen | Good | Hallways, children’s rooms |
| Satin / silk | Visible sheen | Very good | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Gloss / semi-gloss | Shiny, shows flaws | Excellent | Doors, trim, radiators |
The more sheen, the more a surface shows bumps and patches, so shiny finishes need better preparation.
3. Read the label
Three numbers on the can matter most. Coverage (m²/L) tells you how much area one liter covers; interior wall paints usually cover 8–12 m²/L per coat. Hiding power tells you how well one coat covers the color beneath. In Europe, wall paints are often classified under EN 13300 for wet scrub resistance (class 1 is the most washable) and hiding power. Finally, check the VOC content; low-VOC paints release fewer solvents into indoor air.
Use the coverage figure in the Paint calculator to work out how much to buy.
4. Primers and sealers
A primer is not just thin paint. It seals porous surfaces such as new plaster and drywall, helps the topcoat stick to difficult surfaces, blocks stains, and evens out suction so the finish looks uniform. Use a stain-blocking primer over water or smoke stains, a bonding primer over glossy or smooth surfaces, and a primer made for new plaster on fresh walls.
5. Special paints for special rooms
- Kitchen and bathroom paint: more washable, moisture-tolerant, often with mould inhibitors.
- Ceiling paint: very matt and slow-drying to avoid lap marks overhead.
- Masonry and exterior paint: weather-resistant and breathable, for render, brick and concrete.
- Wood and metal paint (enamel): hard-wearing finishes for doors, window frames, radiators and railings; metal usually needs an anti-corrosion primer.
- Floor paint: abrasion-resistant coatings for concrete or wooden floors.
6. Quick choice by room
| Room or surface | Suggested paint |
|---|---|
| Living room, bedroom | Matt or eggshell water-based |
| Hallway, children’s room | Eggshell, high scrub resistance |
| Kitchen, bathroom | Satin kitchen and bathroom paint |
| Ceiling | Matt ceiling paint |
| Doors, trim | Satin or gloss enamel |
| Exterior walls | Masonry paint |
For the painting itself, see How to paint a wall: a step-by-step guide.
Common mistakes
- Using a shiny finish on uneven walls, which highlights every bump and patch.
- Skipping primer on new plaster or drywall, which leads to blotchy, uneven color.
- Painting water-based paint directly over old oil-based gloss without sanding and a bonding primer.
- Choosing the cheapest paint by price per liter; poor hiding power means extra coats.
- Using interior paint outdoors, where it quickly peels and fades.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between matt and eggshell paint?
Matt has almost no sheen and hides flaws best; eggshell has a slight sheen and is easier to clean, so it suits busier rooms.
Can I use water-based paint over oil-based paint?
Yes, after cleaning, sanding the old gloss and applying a suitable bonding primer.
Which paint is best for a bathroom?
A satin or eggshell kitchen and bathroom paint that tolerates moisture and resists mould, together with good ventilation.
What does VOC mean on a paint can?
Volatile organic compounds: solvents that evaporate as paint dries. Low-VOC paints release less of them into the room.
How much paint do I need?
Multiply the wall area by the number of coats and divide by the coverage on the can. The paint calculator does this for you.