A fresh coat of paint can transform a room and is one of the most cost-effective home renovations you can undertake. Here are our suggestions on the best household paint options for your home.

Priming

Always begin by preparing your surface. Fill any holes and scrub or sand as necessary. Then wash your walls down with sugar soap. Next, apply a primer or undercoat. Choose between a primer, sealant or basic undercoat, or buy a three-in-one product. A primer provides adhesion, inhibits moisture and prevents stains and tannins from coming through the top coat. Sealants can be used instead of primers. They provide adhesion, as well as sealing off the surface to create a uniform finish. For wet areas like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens use a primer to act as a sealant and stain inhibitor. Also choose one that contains fungicides to help prevent mold and mildew.

Sheen

Generally, the flatter the paint, the better it will hide surface imperfections. Flat or matte paints are recommended for walls and ceilings. Low sheen and eggshell finishes work well in main living areas like bedrooms, lounge and dining rooms. Satin’s higher gloss content means it is more durable and is good for children’s rooms, hallways, kitchens and bathrooms, and on doors, windows and woodwork.

Gloss and semi-gloss paints. Use gloss or semi-gloss paints on skirting, trims, doors and windows, or any detail you would like to highlight like architraves or cabinetry. Semi-gloss or gloss paint are good for wet areas as they stand up well to cleaning and damp.

Enamel v Acrylic

Gloss and semi-gloss paints tend to be enamel, while low sheen paints are generally acrylic based.

Traditionally enamel paints are more hard-wearing as they dry harder and have a much tougher finish.

Acrylic paints are water based and dry in several hours, while enamel or oil-based paints often require overnight.