Water-based and oil-based paint, primers and the five common sheens, from flat to gloss, and where each belongs in a home.
Choosing paint starts with two decisions: the type of paint and the sheen. Most homes today use water-based acrylic or latex paint for walls, ceilings and exteriors, because it dries quickly, cleans up with water and has lower odor. Oil-based and alkyd paints are still used for some trim, doors and metal, since they level smoothly and cure hard, though they smell stronger and dry more slowly. Hybrid enamels aim to combine the smooth look of oil with the convenience of water-based products.
Sheen describes how much light the surface reflects. Flat or matte hides wall flaws and suits ceilings and low-traffic rooms. Eggshell has a soft glow and is a favorite for living rooms and bedrooms. Satin is easier to wipe and suits hallways, kitchens and kids rooms. Semi-gloss stands up to scrubbing and is common on trim, doors and baths. Gloss is the toughest and shiniest and shows every flaw underneath, so it needs careful prep. In Nashville, humidity makes washable finishes useful in kitchens and baths.
Quick drying, lower odor and easy cleanup.
Smooth leveling and a hard cure, with stronger odor.
Hides flaws on ceilings and low-traffic walls.
Soft glow and better wipeability for living areas.
Hard, scrubbable finishes for trim, doors and baths.
Helps paint stick and covers stains and color changes.
Interior PaintingCareful interior painting for walls, ceilings, trim and doors, with real prep, clean lines and a tidy finish…Explore 
Living Room and Bedroom PaintingPainting for the rooms you live in most: soft color, smooth walls, crisp trim and a finish that…Explore 
Kitchen PaintingKitchen walls, ceilings and trim painted with washable finishes that stand up to grease, steam and daily cooking.Explore 
Bathroom PaintingMoisture-resistant bathroom painting that handles steam, humidity and daily use without peeling or mildew.Explore 
Ceiling PaintingSmooth, bright ceiling painting with stain blocking, patching and clean edges, including high and vaulted ceilings.Explore 
Trim, Baseboard and Crown Molding PaintingCrisp painting of baseboards, window casings, crown molding and chair rail with smooth, durable semi-gloss finishes.Explore 
Interior Door PaintingSmooth, durable painting for interior doors, frames and hardware areas, brushed or sprayed for a factory-smooth look.Explore 
Accent Walls and Feature WallsBold color and feature walls planned for light, scale and balance, with sharp lines and perfect coverage for…Explore Check problems, pick a sheen or ballpark a budget.
Wall and Paint Problem CheckerPick what you see on a wall, ceiling or exterior to get likely causes, what to do first and the service page that fits.Try it 
Paint Sheen and Finish PickerChoose the room or surface and see which paint sheen and finish usually fits, with reasons and care tips.Try it 
Painting and Drywall Budget PlannerPick a painting or drywall job, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for your project.Try it Eggshell and satin are the most popular for living areas and bedrooms. Flat suits ceilings and rooms where hiding flaws matters most.
Yes, for some trim, doors and metal, although modern water-based enamels have replaced it in many homes.
Yes. A common plan is flat ceilings, eggshell walls and semi-gloss trim.
Topic guidePaint, Stain and SealerHow paint, transparent and solid stains and clear sealers differ for decks, fences, siding and interior wood.Learn more 
Topic guideDrywall Types and ThicknessesStandard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, lightweight and soundproof drywall, and where quarter-inch to five-eighths-inch board belongs.Learn more 
Topic guideDrywall Finish LevelsWhat finish levels zero through five mean, which to choose for your paint and lighting and why smoother…Learn more 
Topic guideDrywall Texture TypesSmooth, orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, slap brush and popcorn textures compared for look, upkeep and repair.Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will walk the space, explain the prep and give you a clear written estimate.
