Practical guide to choosing the right wall paint: coverage, washability, and sheen levels per room, plus smart preparation for a flawless finish.
Choosing wall paint might seem simple, but you are quickly confronted with dozens of types in the store: matte, silk-matte, scrub-resistant, moisture-resistant, for new plaster, or for renovation. Which interior wall paint is right for you depends on the room, the condition of the wall, how intensively the wall is used, and the result you have in mind.
In this article, you will learn which properties to look for, which paint suits which room, how to choose the level of sheen, and what to check before you start painting. This way, you can make a choice that suits your home, rather than guessing in the store.
Which properties are important when choosing wall paint?
You will find the data that really matters on the label and in the manufacturer's technical data sheet. In practice, three properties most determine how satisfied you will be with your walls after a few years: hiding power and coverage, durability, and washability.
Hiding power and coverage
Hiding power indicates how well the paint conceals the surface underneath. Paint with good hiding power covers the old color more quickly, which often means you need fewer coats. This saves time and provides a more even result, especially if you are going from a dark color to a light one or vice versa.
Coverage indicates how many square meters you can paint with one liter. This number varies by product and depends heavily on the surface: an absorbent wall, such as new plaster or untreated drywall, absorbs more paint than a previously painted, smooth wall. Therefore, do not just compare the price per liter, but also the stated coverage on the packaging and in the technical data sheet.
Durability of the paint layer
Durability refers to how well the paint layer resists impacts, scuffs, and contact. In a quiet bedroom, a wall is barely subjected to any wear. In a hallway, stairwell, or children's room, bags, coats, hands, and toys come into contact with the wall daily.
For walls that take a lot of abuse, choose a paint that the manufacturer recommends for intensive use or high-traffic areas. Also, pay attention to proper application: a durable paint only performs well if the surface is clean and sound, and the paint has been applied and cured according to the instructions.
Washability
Washability determines whether you can remove stains and fingerprints without the paint becoming shiny or peeling off. On packaging, you will see terms like washable, scrub-resistant, or scrub-proof. Many manufacturers also list a wet scrub resistance class in the technical data sheet, which allows you to compare products with one another.
Keep in mind that even highly washable paint needs time to fully cure. How long this takes is stated in the product's application instructions. It is best not to clean the wall with water during that period.
How do you choose paint for interior walls per room?
Every room in the house places different demands on the walls. Painting an interior wall therefore starts with the question of how the room is used. You can choose the color afterward.
Paint for the living room and bedroom
In the living room and bedroom, the walls are usually subjected to little wear. Here, the emphasis is on appearance: a calm, uniform wall without streaks. A matte or ultra-matte paint is often a logical choice here, as it limits light reflection and makes minor imperfections less visible.
In the bedroom, also pay attention to the odor and application. Water-based interior paint generally has a less strong smell than solvent-based paint. Ensure good ventilation during and after painting, and follow the instructions on the packaging regarding drying time before you start using the room again.
Finishing for the kitchen and hallway
In the kitchen, walls are exposed to grease splatters, cooking vapors, and fingerprints. In the hallway and stairwell, it is mainly about impacts and scuffs from coats, bags, bicycles, or groceries. In both rooms, a washable and durable paint is therefore the primary choice.
- Kitchen: choose a paint that is easy to clean and does not absorb grease easily. Behind the sink and the stove, paint is usually not a full substitute for tiles, glass, or another type of splashback.
- Hallway and stairs: choose a paint suitable for heavy use. In areas that are touched frequently, such as around light switches and along the stairs, you will notice wear and tear first.
- Color: a slightly darker shade or a mid-tone shows signs of wear less quickly than pure white.
Paint for damp rooms
In the bathroom and, depending on usage and ventilation, also in the utility room or toilet, humidity can often be high. Regular wall paint may peel or discolor more quickly in these areas, and mold can form in cold spots. Special moisture-resistant paints are available for these rooms, often labeled as bathroom paint. Some products contain agents that prevent mold growth on the paint layer.
However, paint does not solve a moisture problem. Without proper ventilation, such as a working extractor fan or a window that can be opened regularly, condensation will remain on the walls. You must first thoroughly remove any existing mold with a suitable product, following the instructions for use. Otherwise, the mold may return through the new layer.
Please note: paint does not make a wall waterproof. In areas that get directly wet, such as in and around the shower, a waterproof seal under the tiles or another suitable, waterproof wall finish is necessary; tiles and grout themselves are not waterproof. Paint is intended for parts of the bathroom that are only exposed to humid air.
How do you choose the gloss level?
Wall paint is available in various gloss levels, such as dead flat, matte, satin-matte, and satin. The gloss level not only determines how the wall looks but also influences how the wall performs during use and cleaning. A rule of thumb applies here: the higher the gloss, the more visible imperfections will be.
When is a matte finish suitable?
A matte wall reflects very little light. As a result, minor imperfections in the plaster, seams in drywall, and repair spots are less noticeable. This makes matte suitable for large wall surfaces, for walls with grazing light from a window, and for rooms where you want a calm, warm atmosphere, such as the living room and bedroom.
There are also matte paints that are washable or scrub-resistant. Check the label for this if you want a matte look in a room that is used more intensively.
When do you choose a more durable finish?
A satin-matte or satin paint has a denser surface. Dirt does not adhere as easily, and the wall is usually easier to clean. That is why a slightly higher gloss level is often chosen for kitchens, hallways, children's rooms, and damp rooms.
The disadvantage is that a higher gloss emphasizes every imperfection in the wall. If you choose satin-matte or satin, the surface must be extra smooth and well-prepared. For a wall with many small repairs, a flatter, yet washable paint often produces a better result.
What should you look for before buying paint?
The best time to buy wall paint is after you have carefully inspected the wall. What is the best wall paint? There is no single paint that is best for everything: the right choice for your situation is the paint that suits the surface, how the room is used, and the result you want to achieve. The following points will help you with this.
Suitability for the surface
Not every paint adheres to every surface. The technical data sheet indicates which surfaces a product is intended for. Common situations:
- New plasterwork: must be sufficiently dry first. It is highly absorbent and usually requires a primer or a special paint designed for new plaster.
- Plasterboard: seams and screw holes should be finished first. A primer ensures that the board and filler absorb the paint more evenly, which helps prevent visible patches.
- Previously painted walls: check that the old layer is sound and does not rub off. A chalky surface (where powder comes off on your hand or finger when you rub the wall) must first be treated with a suitable sealer or primer.
- Walls with older solvent-based paint: water-based paint does not always adhere well to this. Sanding and using a suitable bonding primer are often necessary.
- Wallpaper or glass fiber fleece: standard wallpaper is not always suitable for painting over. Glass fiber wallpaper, however, is specifically designed to be painted.
If you are in doubt, test a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Preparing the walls
Preparation determines a large part of the final result. If you want to paint an interior wall with a sleek and durable finish, you will usually need to follow these steps:
- Remove nails, wall plugs, and loose debris, and fill holes and cracks with a suitable filler.
- Sand repaired areas until smooth and make sure the wall is dust-free.
- Clean greasy or dirty spots, especially in the kitchen and around light switches.
- For damp spots and mold, address the root cause before you start painting.
- Apply a primer or base coat where necessary, tailored to the surface and the paint.
- Mask off baseboards, door frames, and outlets, and cover the floor thoroughly.
During major renovations, walls are often replastered or fitted with new panels. In such cases, it is wise to include painting in your schedule to ensure sufficient drying time between plastering and painting. You can see examples of completed renovations in the Bricknest project overview.
Coverage and number of coats
You can calculate how much paint you need based on the wall surface area and the coverage rate specified by the manufacturer on the packaging or in the technical data sheet. Measure the width and height of each wall, subtract the areas for windows and doors, and multiply the result by the number of coats you expect to need.
The number of coats required varies by situation. It depends on factors such as:
- the opacity of the chosen paint;
- the color difference between the old and new colors;
- the absorbency of the surface;
- whether a primer or base coat has been used.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the number of coats and drying time between them. It is best to buy enough paint from the same production batch at once; this reduces the risk of color variations between cans. You can find more practical tips on renovation and finishing on the Bricknest blog.
Bricknest B.V. manages renovation projects in the Netherlands with a personal project manager and independent quality control by an external specialist; wall finishing can also be part of such a project. Additionally, Bricknest works with transparent, task-specific quotes and a digital client portal. The Bricknest Double Guarantee includes a one-year warranty and insurance coverage up to €500,000, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Are you looking to renovate your home with clear agreements on execution and costs?Request a free consultation and a detailed quote from Bricknest.
This article is intended as practical information for homeowners. It does not replace a technical inspection or legal advice for any specific situation.
