Have you found yourself taking on an interior painting project and unsure what the best interior house paint is? That’s the thing with home interior painting—if you don’t use the best interior paint, it can be all for nothing! Which is exactly what you want to avoid. So, let’s dig right into some of the expert-recommended highest-rated interior paints on the market!
Understanding Interior Paints: Beyond Shades and Aesthetics
Interior paint does more than transform a room’s appearance—it can also protect your walls and create a specific ambiance. Therefore, when choosing paint for your interiors, key considerations encompass colour selection to chemical composition, finish or sheen, and, importantly, cost-effectiveness.
For example, you’d want to consider paint with mould and mildew resistance for areas like the bathroom. For living rooms and bedrooms, where aesthetics are crucial, the type of sheen—whether matte or glossy—can dramatically impact the eventual look and feel of the space.
Decoding Paint Labels: VOCs, Durability, and More
Embarking on a painting project is an exhilarating endeavor, yet, confronting a paint can’s label can sometimes feel like deciphering an ancient script. Fear not! We’re here to demystify the jargon, ensuring that you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your vibrant spaces. Let’s simplify the complex:
VOCs: Breathe Easy
What are VOCs? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) refer to chemicals found in various paints that can evaporate into the air at room temperature—a process that could affect indoor air quality and potentially, your health.
Why does it matter? Lower VOC products minimize your exposure to these airborne chemicals, contributing to a healthier living environment.
Look for: Labels indicating low or zero VOC levels. These products are especially beneficial in enclosed spaces or if you’re painting with little ones or pets around.
Durability: For Lifelong Colour
Understanding Durability: This measures a paint’s ability to withstand wear and tear, retaining its colour and finish over time.
Why does it matter? Highly durable paint is less likely to chip, crack, or fade, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to bumps and scuffs.
Look for: Products labelled with durability or performance indicators such as “scrub-resistant,” “stain-resistant,” or specific warranties.
Paint Finishes: The Final Touch
Navigating Finishes: Paint finish (or sheen) impacts the appearance and functionality of your walls. From matte to glossy, each has its unique characteristics.
Matte: Offers a non-reflective finish, ideal for low-traffic areas and hiding wall imperfections.
Eggshell and Satin: These provide a slight gloss, best suited for areas with moderate traffic. Easy to clean without being too shiny.
Semi-Gloss and Gloss: High sheen and easy to scrub, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work.
Why does it matter? Selecting the appropriate and best paint finish for interior walls affects both the aesthetics of your room and how well the paint will hold up under stress.
Look for: The level of sheen that matches the intended use of the room, balancing beauty with practicality.
Latex vs oil-based paint?
A lot of people pause when thinking about the best interior house paint as they try to decide, on latex vs oil based paint? In 2024, latex or water-based paints dominate a lot of the market. First of all, they’re better for the environment, as you can find low VOC or even zero VOC paint options in latex interior house paint. It also dries super fast, so it’s good for spaces where you want to get two coats of paint done quickly. In terms of latex vs oil-based paint, oil-based paint can be a good option for doors and trims. Since they’re a high wear and tear area, oil-based paint is super durable and scratch-resistant. However, for interior painting and the best interior house paint, it’s best to go with latex paint. After all, they don’t yellow over time, they dry quickly and have lower VOCs which results in a low odour (which is also healthier for your family). Latex paints are easier to clean with just the use of soap and water.
Best-rated interior house paint according to professional interior painters
- First, you always want to be sure that you’re using a really good primer prior to doing interior painting. Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start Primer is a great choice for home interior painting. It has low VOC and is fast drying. Plus, you can’t beat the smooth application!
- In terms of the best interior house paint, Regal Select Interior Paint is top-notch. It’s actually a 2-in-1 primer and interior paint. Also, it’s splatter-resistant and goes on really smooth. It also dries super fast and leaves no brush strokes behind!
- If you’re looking for an interior latex paint that works well for both painting walls and woodwork, Ultra Spec Scuff-X is another good choice. It’s a single-component interior paint which possesses a “proprietary scuff resistance formula”.
Behr’s Ultra Scuff Defense Interior Paint is another solid choice for interior house paint. Again, it’s a paint and primer in one. Plus, it goes super velvety and also protects against stains and marks.
- If you’re looking for a good paint that will do well on your kitchen or bathroom walls, Benjamin Moore Kitchen & Bath Paint is one to check out. Of course, kitchens and bathrooms are high moisture areas, so this interior house paint performs well against humidity.
And if you’re on the hunt for supreme low-odour paint, Behr’s Premium Plus Low Odour Paint & Primer is a good choice. The Semi-Gloss works well in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as on cabinetry, trims and doors.
Best interior house paint for trims, doors and cabinetry
When you’re thinking of the best paint for interiors, you have to think a bit differently when it comes to trims, doors and cabinetry. The thing with these areas is that the best interior paints on your trims and doors have to hold up to lots of traffic and wear and tear. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec SCUFF-X In Pearl: This is a high-performance interior latex paint that’s specially made for the toughest and most high-traffic areas. This paint can be used as trim paint, on interior doors and even for painting kitchen cabinets.
Also, be sure to check out INSL-X Primers by Benjamin Moore on your trim and interior doors prior to painting. It’s a fast-drying sealer that works to protect against the toughest stains. It can also add a nice gloss finish.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel works well on giving trims and doors a smooth and luxurious finish. It works to resist yellowing and possesses a strong durable finish.
Savvy homeowners understand that the best paint for home walls isn’t just about the brand—it’s about finding the ideal intersection between functionality, aesthetics, and cost. Every paint selection should be a considered choice, bearing in mind the particular room you’re decorating, the environmental impact, and the longevity of the paint.
Remember, the best interior paint for families is one that aligns with your lifestyle, taste, and budget—proving once again that selecting paint isn’t just a decorating decision; it’s an integral aspect of creating a comfortable, inviting, and durable living space.
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Have we given you a lot to think about when it comes to interior house paint? If the work involved in repairing or interior house painting sounds like it involves too much time and energy to do yourself, let our interior painters handle everything! Call us at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto for a FREE quote. And don’t forget to check us out on our social media channels below!
