OIL OR ACRYLIC? ACRYLIC OR VINYL WATER BASED PAINT? WHAT KIND OF FINISH? Good quality paint costs more per litre than so-called bargain paints, but you’ll actually save both time & money over time using the better paint. A quality paint adheres to the surface better, it hides imperfections in the surface, and provides better scrub resistance and stain removability than economy paints. For our recommendations about selecting paints for specific surfaces and jobs, click on our 'Choose the Right Paint' section.   OIL OR ACRYLIC? It depends upon your preference and what you are painting. Here’s what you need to know to make your choice: Interior acrylic paints provide better long-term resistance to cracking, chipping and yellowing. They dry more quickly, emit less odour and solvent than oil-based paint, clean up with water and are not flammable. They also come in a wide range of sheen levels and generally a wider range of colours than oil based paints. Oil-based interior paints may offer better one-coat hiding and better adhesion to difficult surfaces such as those not thoroughly cleaned. They also allow more time for the paint to be brushed before it sets. <<TOP<<   ACRYLIC OR VINYL WATER BASED PAINT? Not all water based paints are 'acrylic' paints. Water based paints are made either with 100% acrylic binder or with vinyl / acrylate binder. 100% acrylic paint provides the highest quality performance because, compared with vinyl based paint, it adheres better in damp conditions, resists peeling, blistering and mildew growth. 100% acrylic paint also is more resistant to staining, even to foods like mustard, ketchup and coffee, and is better for washability. <<TOP<<   WHAT KIND OF FINISH? Flat Finish Paint is good for a uniform appearance across a large area. It helps hide dents & dings, but it can trap dirt and create an environment where mildew may grow. Flat paint tends to burnish more than higher sheen finishes. It is often used for painting ceilings. Low Sheen Paint offers a subtle, elegant sheen to wall areas, without looking shiny. The slightly higher sheen than a flat paint, provides better washability, and generally, the higher the quality of low sheen paint, the better the stain resistance and burnish resistance. Semi Gloss Finish Paint tends to resist dirt and mildew but its shiny appearance accentuates imperfections in the surface. It's resistance to moisture makes it a good choice for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Semi gloss paints are also a good alternative for timber trim like doors, cupboards and skirting boards if a high gloss appearance is not desired. Gloss Finish Paint accentuates trim, windows and doors with more shine than a semi gloss. It is now available in acrylic formulas as well as oil-based. Ceiling Paints are specially formulated to diffuse light from lamps and windows. They have excellent spatter resistance, but since they do not hide stains well and have low scrub resistance, they are not recommended for walls. Standard flat finish paints are also appropriate for ceilings. <<TOP<<