6 Types of Paint and How to Choose the Best One for Your Home
Picture this: you’ve finally decided to freshen up your home with a new coat of paint. You pick a gorgeous colour and slap it on the walls, and for a while, everything looks perfect. But a few weeks later, the bathroom paint starts bubbling, the hallway’s covered in scuff marks, and your once-bright exterior looks like it’s aged ten years. Don’t be too quick to blame the colour, as the real culprit is likely the type of paint you used.
Paint does more than just decorate your home. It protects surfaces, sets the tone of each room, and even influences how spacious or cosy a space feels. That’s why, if you’re unsure what type of paint to use, it’s a smart move to turn to house painters Dunedin homeowners rely on, like Three60 Painting. Backed by over 15 years of experience, we deliver expert craftsmanship and a comprehensive range of services, including interior and exterior painting as well as specialty coatings. With our skilled team, you can feel confident that your home is in good hands.
Our team will ensure that your home benefits from using the right types of paint for its specific parts. To get started and keep you involved in the process, we’ve put together an overview of different types of paint and how to choose the right one for each part of your home.
1. Emulsion Paint
Emulsion paint is a top choice for interior walls and ceilings in many Kiwi homes. It’s water-based, meaning it has low odour, dries quickly, and is easy to clean up. It also contains lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that evaporate into the air as the paint dries. Low-VOC options are safer for indoor use, especially if you have children, pets, or anyone sensitive to strong smells.
Emulsion is available in various finishes, including matte, satin, and silk. The matte finish provides a flat, non-reflective surface that hides imperfections well, making it ideal for bedrooms and lounges. For high-traffic areas such as hallways or family rooms, satin and silk finishes offer a light sheen and are easier to wipe clean, which suits spaces that require extra durability.
2. Gloss Paint
Gloss paint has a high-shine finish and is commonly used on woodwork and trims such as skirting boards, doors, window frames, and balustrades. It’s very durable and holds up well to knocks, scuffs, and regular cleaning, which makes it a great choice for busy areas. However, it does tend to show surface imperfections, so careful prep is essential for a smooth finish.
Traditionally, gloss paint has been oil-based, offering long-lasting protection but with a stronger odour and longer drying times. These days, water-based gloss is widely available and favoured for its lower fumes, faster drying, and easier clean-up while still providing good durability for most home projects.
3. Satin or Eggshell Paint
Satin and eggshell paints sit between matt and gloss. They offer a soft, low-sheen finish that adds warmth without being overly reflective. They’re easier to clean than matt finishes, which makes them a great option for areas where you want a balance of durability and subtle elegance.
Eggshell has a gentler sheen and is often used in traditional interiors, on woodwork, or for feature walls. Meanwhile, satin has a slightly glossier finish and is better suited to high-use areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and stairwells. Both finishes are versatile and stylish, and they can be counted on to provide a refined look that can handle the demands of everyday life.
4. Masonry Paint
Masonry paint is made for exterior surfaces like brick and concrete. It’s formulated to handle a wide range of outdoor conditions, which makes it a solid choice for New Zealand homes often exposed to strong sun, coastal winds, heavy rain, and frosty mornings. It also helps protect against issues like mould and mildew while allowing the surface to breathe.
These paints are often thicker than standard ones, a quality that lets them fill small cracks and create a more even surface. Some varieties come with a textured finish for extra toughness and added visual interest. Whether you’re refreshing your home’s facade or protecting older surfaces, masonry paint offers both curb appeal and lasting protection.
5. Bathroom and Kitchen Paint
Standard paint often struggles in damp, humid spaces. That’s why bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and even some entryways can benefit from specialised moisture-resistant paints. These formulas help prevent mould, bubbling, and peeling, which are common issues in areas exposed to heat and moisture.
Most bathroom and kitchen paints come in a soft sheen or satin finish, which is easier to wipe clean than flat paint. They’re ideal for homes with limited ventilation or frequently used wet areas. Using the right paint in these zones helps extend the life of your finish and keeps your home looking fresh and hygienic.
6. Ceiling Paint
Ceiling paint might look like regular white paint, but it’s specially made for overhead surfaces. It’s usually thicker and has a matt finish to hide imperfections and reduce glare from downlights or sunlight. In well-lit homes, especially those with recessed lighting or large windows, a smooth, non-reflective ceiling finish can make a noticeable difference.
Some ceiling paints are tinted when wet and turn white as they dry. This makes it easier to track coverage and ensure a smooth, even finish. Using ceiling-specific paint instead of leftover wall paint gives you a cleaner, more professional result with fewer drips and splatters.
What to Consider When Choosing Paint
Choosing the right paint starts with understanding the needs of each space. Think about where the paints will be used, as different surfaces call for different formulations. Consider how much wear and tear the area gets, since high-traffic zones like hallways need more durable finishes than a spare bedroom. If the surface is exposed to moisture, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, or exterior walls, you should also opt for a moisture-resistant option. Finally, decide on the finish. A soft, subtle look can add warmth, while a glossier sheen offers more durability and is often easier to clean.
The right paint doesn’t just make your home look good; it also helps the structure stand the test of time. If you’re planning a refresh and want to get the job done properly from the start, our team of professionals here at Three60 Painting is ready to help. Reach out today for a free quote, and let us bring out the best in your Dunedin home.