Blog Layout

What's the Best Kind of Interior House Paint?

August 5, 2021

What's the Best Kind of Interior House Paint?

Thinking about an interior painting project? It's definitely time to consider colors and styles, but you also need to consider paint finishes. Especially if you're covering high-traffic areas, you need a paint job that can stand up to bumps and scrapes, and is easy to touch up down the road (especially if kids or pets are involved!). 

Today, let's take a look at a few of your traditional paint sheen options and see which is the best fit for your home. 

Quick Tip! Pick Paint Brands Wisely

We love bargains as much as anyone, but please be aware that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to interior paint and paint brands. There is certainly a wide variety of cheap products readily available, but high-quality paint is worth the investment, delivering better color retention, excellent coverage, and a more durable finish.  

Flat, Gloss, or Satin Paint: How Do You Choose?

If we drill down deeper, we find even more options:
  • Flat paint
  • Eggshell finish 
  • Satin finish
  • Matte paint
  • Glossy finish
  • Semi-gloss paint
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't! We'll share some good news in just a minute. 

It used to be that the level of shine your paint had was a direct indicator of how durable and washable it was. For example, ceilings were almost always painted with a flat or matte finish since they're low-traffic surfaces (thanks to, well, gravity). Plus, flat finishes cover blemishes well, absorb light, and are easy to touch up. 

In high-moisture areas, like a bathroom, it was recommended that you choose paint with a glossier finish. The harder surface locked out moisture more effectively, deterring the growth of mold or mildew. Plus it's easy to wipe down.

Glossy paints also found a home on trim, chair rail, doors, baseboards, and cabinets.

Paint for walls in general spaces, like your living room, more often than not were done in eggshell finishes. Eggshell offers a nice balance of softness and durability. 

Now for that good news.

Flatter Paint Sheens Can Be Durable and Washable Too

As the EPA's standards for paint safety changed over the years, paint manufacturers really stepped up their game. If you choose a high-quality paint, today's flat and matte sheens are just as durable and washable as glossier paint.   

That means you get all the benefits of lower-sheen paints, but with the strength you need for a busy household. Plus, flat and matte paint is super stylish right now. Good news all around!

What's the Takeaway?

Talk to your local paint expert and ask what brand of paint they recommend, or will be using for your interior paint job. Or, if you're tackling a DIY project, make the investment in a quality paint manufacturer. You'll be so glad you did, enjoying the performance and style for years to come.

Have any other questions? Contact us at Jondec Painting! We've been the painter of choice for Orland Park and surrounding communities for over 33 years.

Share

Let's Talk Paint!

March 31, 2025
Explore 2025's top exterior paint trends for Chicagoland homes—from earthy tones to bold contrasts—designed to boost curb appeal and withstand Midwest weather.
February 28, 2025
Winter is the perfect time for interior painting! Faster drying times, easier scheduling, and a fresh look—discover why painting in winter makes sense.
January 23, 2025
Discover why winter is a smart time to paint cabinets. Plus, learn tips, benefits, and best practices for a beautiful finish—even in the colder months.
Interior paint color trends for 2025
December 27, 2024
Looking for popular 2025 paint color trends? We've got you covered! Take a closer peek at our recap...
November 29, 2024
Wondering if you can paint furniture or cabinets? Absolutely! Here's a look at a beautiful piece we painted in Lemont, IL...
By Adam Zobel October 31, 2024
Vacuum carpets, clean the house, and put up decorations– that's the typical pre-holiday checklist. But what if there was something that could really go the extra mile in the prep department and knock your guests’ socks off? Oh wait, there is! Paint . If you’re wondering how and where to use interior paint this holiday season before guests arrive, you’ve come to the right place! High-Traffic Areas to Focus On Let's jump right in. When tackling a painting project before the busy holiday season, it’s good to think strategically about “where.” And high-traffic zones are a good starting point. Good candidates might include: The Living Room: This is often the center of holiday gatherings, and it’s where many guests will spend the majority of their time. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can instantly brighten the space and make it feel warm and welcoming. Hallways and Entryways: These areas set the tone for the rest of your home, offering the first impression when guests arrive. Hallways and entryways endure a lot of foot traffic too, leading to scuffs and general wear. Repainting these spaces will make your home look polished and inviting from the moment guests step through the door. Not to mention the extra protection a coat of paint provides for your walls! Guest Rooms and Bathrooms Don’t forget about the rooms your guests will use most—especially the guest bedroom and bathrooms. These spaces might not get as much attention throughout the year, but they play a huge role in making your guests feel welcome during the holidays. The Kitchen – A Hub for Holiday Fun
September 30, 2024
We all know a beautiful church building when we see one, but have you ever wondered what keeps it that way? While there are a lot of factors to consider, painting certainly plays a vital role in protecting and maintaining these important structures. How about a closer look? We’ll share a bit more information below about our approach, plus some photos of a church we just finished painting in Worth, IL. What Makes Church Painting Unique? Technically churches can meet in any building, but traditional structures like this one usually come with some distinct characteristics. Here are a few: High Ceilings: This church, like many, features a soaring ceiling which is not only beautiful but also requires special equipment to reach. No problem for Jondec! The height also demands precision and special techniques to ensure even coverage and aesthetic appeal from every angle. Also no problem for Jondec Painting! Multiple Surface Types: Another characteristic we experienced was working with multiple types of surfaces. Churches are architectural works of art with a variety of materials including brick, wood, plaster, and drywall. Each surface type demands a different approach in terms of preparation, products used, and application method.
how to fix bubbling and peeling house paint
August 27, 2024
Ever wondered how to prevent bubbling, chipping, or peeling house paint? Here's a quick look at what to do (and NOT to do) during your next repaint.
July 30, 2024
Which areas of your home are the most susceptible to premature paint failure? Let's take a closer look...
7 reasons for exterior paint failure
June 30, 2024
Wondering how to avoid premature exterior paint failure? Here's a look at what can go wrong and how to make sure your project turns out right.
More Posts
Share by: