Which Paint is Best, Oil-based or Latex?
If you're planning to complete the painting and decorating work as a DIY project, and you're not an experienced painter decorator, then you will most likely achieve the best finish by using a Latex paint. Latex paint is ideally suited to DIY work and novice painters as it is extremely easy to apply, there is a huge range of color options available and the final finish is highly durable.
If you're considering hiring a professional painter decorator, or you have good experience working with paintings, then oil-based paints are a great option. The finish you will get from oil-based paints is particularly deep and exudes luxury, vivid colors are stunningly vibrant. The reason that oil-based paints require more skill to work with is due due to the added chemical in the product, it is essential that the painting area is well ventilated and the surface is completely dry. You will also require strong chemicals and solvents to clean up any drips and spills.
The final consideration between the two types of paint is drying time, Oil-based paint can take a full day to dry. whilst latex paint is reliably quick drying.
To Gloss, or not to Gloss
Once you have decided on oil-based or latex paint then the next step is to pick which finish is best suited to the living space. You have a range of options, from matt to satin, semi gloss to gloss – each different finish has its advantages. If you have a room which will get a lot of use then you will find that semi-gloss and gloss paintings are more durable, they will maintain a great looking finish finish years of hard wear. On the other hand, if the painting surface has imperfections that you'd like to disguise then a matt paint would be the best selection due to the low reflection. Satin paintings have been steadily growing in popularity as they are harder wearing than matt finishes, and less shiny than gloss.
The best plan to achieve a great finish is to obtain a number of samples from your local paint store, or hire a professional decorator to advise you.