There are basically two types of paint: oil-based and latex. Oil-based paint requires paint thinner for clean up, while latex needs only soap and water. But the surface of oil-based paint lasts longer.

Each type of paint is available in several finishes:

• Flat:

• Eggshell:

• Satin:

• Semi-gloss and high-gloss:

Painter’s Tip:  Whatever your paint choice, be sure to keep a record of the brand name you’re using, the color, and the store where you bought it, so that when it’s time to touch up or re-paint, you’ll have all the necessary information.

Flat: for walls and ceilings/hides dents, absorbs light

Eggshell: for walls and ceilings/slightly more of a sheen than flat

Satin: for walls and trim/more durable than flat

Semi-gloss and high-gloss: for trim, doors, kitchens and baths/tougher finish and washability

Decorative Painting: Besides the usual method of painting walls with solid colors, decorative paint finishes have become very popular and may be achieved through oil-based glazes applied over an already painted wall. Some of the more common finishing techniques include: Sponging: dabbing a glaze-dipped natural sponge over a base coat of paint; Rag-Rolling: rolling a crumpled rag over a wet paint glaze; Stippling: removing a portion of a wet glaze using a brush or other tool; Marbleizing: simulating the look of marble through a glaze; Combing: running a rubber or metal comb over a wet glaze to make striped patterns.