Tips for Choosing Interior Paint

Flat, satin, semi-gloss, gloss — the variety of interior paints available can be mind boggling. The good news is that keeping a few simple things in mind, choosing the right paint for your project is easy. Here's how.

Know Your Finishes
Interior paint is available in four basic finishes also known as "lusters," which refers to how much light the paint reflects, or how shiny the paint is. Each luster has different qualities which make them the optimal choice for various rooms or surfaces in the house.

• Flat. Also called "matte," a flat finish reflects the least amount of light. A flat finish is best for hiding surface imperfections, but is also harder to keep clean. The best places to use a flat finish are ceilings and low-traffic areas such as formal dining rooms.
• Satin. Satin has a low luster and doesn’t reflect as much light as a semi-gloss finish. However, a satin finish shows imperfections more readily than a flat finish but makes up for by being easier to keep clean. Satin is ideal for family rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
• Semi-gloss. A semi-gloss finish has a high luster and will accentuate any imperfections. However, semi-gloss holds up well under repeated scrubbing, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
• High Gloss. Glossy finishes have the highest luster and shine. They are usually reserved for trim and accents but are also popular choices in the kitchen as high gloss, much like semi-gloss paint, is extremely durable and easy to clean.

Know Your Needs.
Which paint you use for your San Diego interior painting project depends largely on three things: how much natural light the room gets, quality, and budget. Remember that spending a little more on higher quality paint now will ensure your project looks better and won't have to be repainted later.