How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Home (Interior vs. Exterior)
Choosing paint might seem simple until you’re standing in the paint aisle staring at hundreds of options. Interior paint and exterior paint serve very different purposes, and choosing the wrong one can lead to peeling, fading, or costly repainting sooner than expected.
Here’s how to choose the right paint for your home and why working with a professional painter can save you time and money.
Why Paint Choice Matters
Paint isn’t just about color. The right paint protects your home, improves durability, and impacts how often you’ll need to repaint. Quality paint paired with proper prep work can last years longer than cheaper alternatives.
Using the wrong paint, especially outdoors, can result in cracking, moisture damage, and premature wear.
Interior Paint: What to Look For
Interior paint is designed for comfort, durability, and cleanability.
Paint Finishes Explained:
Flat / Matte: Best for low-traffic areas. Hides imperfections but is harder to clean.
Eggshell: Slight sheen, easy to maintain. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
Satin: Durable and washable. Great for hallways and family rooms.
Semi-Gloss / Gloss: Moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors.
Key Interior Paint Considerations:
Washability for high-traffic areas
Moisture resistance in bathrooms and kitchens
Low-VOC options for indoor air quality
Exterior Paint: Built to Protect
Exterior paint must withstand weather, sunlight, and temperature changes.
What Exterior Paint Needs to Do:
Resist fading from UV exposure
Handle rain, snow, and humidity
Expand and contract with temperature changes
High-quality exterior paint helps prevent wood rot, siding damage, and long-term structural issues.
Common Paint Mistakes Homeowners Make:
Choosing paint based on price alone
Using interior paint outdoors
Skipping proper surface prep
Selecting the wrong finish for the space
These mistakes often lead to repainting much sooner than expected.
When to Call a Professional Painter
Professional painters understand which products work best for your home’s surfaces and environment. More importantly, they handle prep work, which is where most paint jobs succeed or fail.
Why Professional Painting Makes a Difference:
Proper surface preparation
Clean, even application
Longer-lasting results
Less mess and stress
Thinking about repainting your home? Bubba’s Painting helps homeowners choose the right paint for lasting results.
Contact us today for a free estimate.