Learn which paint types work best for each room from Leggett and Sons Painting. Get expert tips on moisture resistance, durability, and finish selection for your home.
After over 15 years of running Leggett and Sons Painting, I’ve seen just about every paint disaster you can imagine. You know what’s worse than having to repaint your kitchen three times because the paint keeps peeling? Having to pay someone like me to do it! That’s why I’m sharing what I’ve learned about choosing the right paint for different rooms. “We Paint So You Don’t Have To”, but when you do, I want you to nail it the first time.
Kitchen and Bathroom Paint Selection
Let’s get real about kitchens and bathrooms – these rooms are moisture magnets. Last week, I had a client who used flat paint in their bathroom, and within six months, it was covered in mildew. Here’s what actually works:
For kitchens, I swear by semi-gloss paint with antimicrobial properties. Sherwin-Williams Duration Home or Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa are my go-to choices. They’ve got this amazing technology that helps resist water stains and makes cleaning grease splatters a breeze.
For bathrooms, you absolutely need paint with high moisture resistance and mold-inhibiting properties. I typically use a satin or semi-gloss finish with a paint+primer combo rated for high-humidity environments. The extra $15 per gallon is worth every penny.
Living Room and Bedroom Paint Choices
Your living room and bedrooms don’t face the same moisture challenges, but they’ve got their own quirks. In living rooms, I recommend an eggshell finish – it’s got just enough sheen to be wipeable without looking too glossy under your fancy lighting.
Pro tip: If you’ve got those beautiful big windows in your living room, avoid using super dark colors unless you’re ready to touch up more often. UV exposure can cause faster fading, something I learned the hard way with a navy blue accent wall project last summer.
Bedrooms
For bedrooms, I usually suggest a flat or matte finish. These finishes hide wall imperfections better, and since bedrooms typically see less wear and tear, durability isn’t as crucial. Just remember to keep a bit of extra paint for touch-ups.
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High-Traffic Areas Need Special Treatment
Here’s where I see most DIYers make mistakes. Those hallways, entryways, and mudrooms need paint that can take a beating. At Leggett and Sons Painting, we exclusively use scuff-resistant formulas in these areas.
My current favorite is PPG Breakthrough – this stuff is like armor for your walls. It dries hard as nails and stands up to constant abuse. Yeah, it’s pricier at around $45 per gallon, but it’ll save you from repainting every couple years.
Children's Rooms - The Ultimate Paint Challenge
Parents, listen up – this one’s crucial. For kids’ rooms, you need paint that’s:
– Washable (trust me on this one)
– Low-VOC or Zero-VOC
– Durable enough to handle creativity gone wild
I recently painted my grandson’s room with Sherwin-Williams Harmony. It’s got zero VOCs and cleans like a dream. Plus, it actually helps reduce indoor air pollutants. Worth every penny when you’re talking about your little ones.
Basement and Moisture-Prone Areas
Basements are tricky beasts. You’re basically fighting moisture 24/7. I always start with a moisture test – you can grab one at any hardware store for about $10. If you’ve got high moisture levels, you absolutely need to address that before painting.
I recommend using a masonry water proofer for basement walls first, then topping it with a high-quality paint designed for humid conditions. KILZ Basement & Masonry Water proofer has saved my bacon more times than I can count.
Conclusion
Remember folks, painting isn’t just about picking a pretty color. It’s about choosing the right tool for the job. At Leggett and Sons Painting, we’ve learned these lessons through years of experience – sometimes the hard way!
While We Paint So You Don’t Have To, I want you to have this knowledge in your back pocket.
Got questions about specific paint choices for your home? Drop us a line at Leggett and Sons Painting. We’re always happy to share our expertise, even if you’re tackling the project yourself.