What's the best paint finish for interior doors?

Choose a durable finish that has a gloss or semi-gloss sheen. These finishes are easy to clean and can handle frequent cleaning.

How long does off-gassing last?

VOCs from paint dissipate six months after application. Other sources, such as particleboard, might continue to off-gas for 20 years or longer.

What is the best paint finish for the bathroom?

Satin or eggshell finishes are recommended for a bathroom.

What's the best way to take off scuffs on painted walls?

Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol. Dab it onto the mark until it disappears. Next, use a toothbrush and white toothpaste (non-gel). Apply a small amount directly to the brush and buff out the scuff mark. Use a wet cloth and remove any residue left on the wall.

What is the best paint finish for walls?

Eggshell and satin are recommended for most interior walls. They're easier to clean than a matte or flat finish.

What is the best paint finish for the kitchen?

Eggshell or satin are your best options, given the likelihood that you'll deal with food splatter or other messes that need to be easy to clean up.

What is the best paint finish for ceilings?

Flat or matte finishes work on ceilings. They won't reflect light and don't need to be easy to clean as walls do as the chances of dealing with staining are slim.

What is the best paint finish for baseboards?

Semi-gloss paint is best, as it offers a bit of sheen and is easy to clean.

Why should I choose low-VOC interior paint?

Paints containing high VOCs can cause respiratory and other health problems for occupants when used inside. They release into the indoor atmosphere in what is called off-gassing. Off-gassing occurs over time, not just when the paint is fresh.

Learn about Low-VOC Interior Paint

Interior paints and coatings provide a personal touch for the interior of your home. Available in thousands of colors.

Look for low-VOC paint, which means the paint has less than 50g/L VOCs. Consider the tint used to color the paint can add significant VOCs, particularly in darker tints. Look for colorants with low or zero-VOCs and ensure that the retailers where you buy the paint are using them.

Recycled paints can be a good choice for reducing waste. Note that they may be from mixed or consolidated paints from partially used containers, and therefore paint performance and VOC levels could vary with recycled paint. Look for assurance of the quality of the product. MPI RR (recycled remanufactured) and GreenSeal certifications include performance requirements for recycled paints.

Low VOC paints ditch many of the harsh toxins present in traditional paints, which can be harmful to the health of you and your family.

People have been telling stories with paint for more than 40,000 years. Paintings found on cave walls, dating from early times, were made with ground minerals like red and yellow ochre, hematite, and magnesium, along with charcoal.