Best Paint for Walls: Which Type Is Right for Your Project?

It's easy to feel excited and overwhelmed by the vast array of color options when choosing paint for your home. That said, to pick the best paint for your walls, you should factor in paint sheen, composition, finish—all of which impact the paint’s durability, final look, and level of VOC emissions. If you need help determining which paint type is best for your walls, consult a local interior painter to make an informed decision.

Best Types of Paint for Walls by Composition

The primary options for wall paint are latex, acrylic, and oil-based. Read on to learn more about the key differences between latex, acrylic, and oil-based paint, as well as the pros and cons of each.

1. Latex Paint

Latex paint is a strong choice for indoor painting projects, as it dries quickly and is considered environmentally-responsible. It’s easy to clean with soap and water, but isn’t the most durable option available, which should be a concern if you have kids or pets. Ultimately, it’s best suited for low-traffic rooms or ceiling painting projects. 

Pros of Latex Paint:

• Dries and cures very quickly

• Won’t yellow over time

• Sustainable

• More affordable than other paint types

• Low VOC emissions

Cons of Latex Paint:

• Difficult to transition from a dark color to a light color

• Not suitable for wood

• Less durable than other paints

• Doesn’t adhere well to metal or steel

2. Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is another water-based paint, but it has a higher polymer count than latex paint, making it much more durable. In fact, after application, it expands and contracts, allowing it to withstand temperature fluctuations and periods of higher humidity. These factors make it a great option for bathroom paint. It is more expensive than latex paint, though. 

Pros of Acrylic Paint:

• Water-resistant

• Excellent in varying temperatures

• UV-resistant

• Mold and mildew-resistant

Cons of Acrylic Paint:

• Produces more VOCs than latex

• Requires multiple coats

• More expensive

3. Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are made by mixing pigments with natural oil, such as linseed, or synthetic alkyd (made from polymer). Because it dries with a very hard finish, it’s considered far more durable than acrylic or latex. Plus, this type of paint tends to last longer than others. That said, oil-based paints release a higher level of VOCs, which makes them the least eco-friendly choice—often, they’re better suited to small areas such as trim and molding. 

Pros of Oil-Based Paint:

• Very durable

• Easy to clean

• Stain and scratch-resistant

Cons of Oil-Based Paint:

• High VOCs

• Takes a long time to dry

• Requires chemicals to clean up

• Can yellow over time

Best Type of Paint Finish for Walls

In addition to the color and composition of your paint, it's essential to consider the finish. The finish determines the level of shine, the paint's durability, and its resistance to stains and moisture.

1. Flat/Matte Finish

Flat paint has a non-reflective finish, while matte has a low luster. Both fall on the least shiny end of the spectrum, and paint brands generally offer only one of these options. Flat and matte paints provide excellent coverage and can conceal imperfections, like old nail holes. However, they are prone to damage and should only be used in low-traffic rooms.

Best for: Bedrooms, dining rooms, ceilings

2. Eggshell Finish

Eggshell paints offer a slight shine compared to flat or matte paints, resembling the texture of an eggshell. They are more durable than flat finishes and better at resisting scuffs and scratches. We recommend using eggshell paints in medium-traffic rooms because they are relatively easy to DIY clean.

Best for: Entryways, hallways, living rooms

3. Satin Finish

Satin paint has a slightly more glossy finish than eggshell. Satin paints are popular in rooms with higher humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, because they are easy to clean and highly moisture-resistant. However, one drawback of satin paint is that it can reveal brush or roller marks, making touch-ups more challenging.

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms, family rooms

4. Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paints are on the shiner end of the spectrum; they reflect light much more brightly compared to satin paint. A very durable type of paint, semi-gloss finishes have a high resistance to moisture and mildew but will show imperfections more readily than less shiny finishes.

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, trim, windows, doors

Best Wall Paint Brands

When shopping for interior paint, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the wide variety of brand options. After reviewing several different interior paint brands, here are a few that stood out. 

1. HGTV Home 

2. Valspar Reserve

3. Sherwin-Willaims 

4. Behr 

5. Clark + Kensington

Best Way to Prime Walls for Painting

Paint primer prepares the surface for painting and acts more like a sealant than paint. It's not always necessary to use a primer. For example, you can skip the primer if the old paint is in good condition without chipping or peeling. However, if you notice stains or signs of needed repair, or if you're changing the paint color, primer can be helpful.

There are three types of primer: oil-based, acrylic, and shellac. For interior walls, we recommend using shellac primer because it’s excellent at blocking stains and preventing water and smoke damage. It can be applied to a variety of materials such as wood, metal, plaster, and plastic.

How to Prime Walls for Painting

Once you’ve picked out the best type of paint for your home’s walls, you’ll want to prep your walls before applying any coats for the best application. Follow these tips for excellent results.

1. Clean walls with a sponge and soapy warm water.

2. Wipe them dry with a cloth and allow them to fully dry

3. Look for any signs of mold, mildew, or other issues. Address any problems before painting.

4. Sand any rough spots with sandpaper or a sanding block.

5. Prime the walls that need it.