What’s The Best Paint To Use?
How to Know What the Best Paints to use are -
Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom, updating kitchen cabinets or tackling an exterior painting project, choosing the right paint makes a huge difference in how your space looks and feels. With dozens of brands and formulas on the market, it can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry here’s some helpful information on what to look for and how to decide what’s best for your project.
First Things First: What Type of Paint Do You Need?
Before you pick a brand, think about your project. Different paints are formulated for different surfaces:
Walls & Ceilings (Interior): Choose a latex/acrylic paint — it’s easy to clean, low odor, and dries quickly.
Trim, Doors & Cabinets: A semi-gloss or satin finish works well. These paints are more durable and easier to wipe down.
Exterior Surfaces: Look for paints designed to resist weather, sun damage, and mildew.
Metal, Furniture, & Crafts: Specialty paints like enamel or chalk paint may be best.
What’s Inside the Paint Matters
Understanding key ingredients helps you know what you’re buying:
1. Binders
Binders are the glue of the paint — they help pigment stick to your surface.
Acrylic/Latex Binders: Most modern interior and exterior paints use these. They’re flexible, long-lasting, and easy to clean.
Alkyd/Synthetic Binders: Stronger and smoother — great for trim or cabinets — but often stronger smelling and require special cleaners.
2. Pigments
Pigments give paint its color and opacity.
Higher-quality paints use richer pigments, meaning better coverage and less streakiness.
3. Solvents & Carriers
These keep paint spreadable.
Water (in latex paints): Easy to clean, low fumes.
Oil/Solvent (in some enamels): Offers a smoother finish but needs mineral spirits to clean brushes.
4. Additives
These are the secret helpers:
Mildew inhibitors (great for bathrooms and kitchens)
UV stabilizers (important for exterior paint)
Thickeners & leveling agents (for smooth application)
What Makes a Paint Brand Great?
Here’s what to consider when comparing brands:
1. Coverage
A good paint covers walls in fewer coats — saving time and effort.
2. Durability
Especially for high-traffic spaces — look for scuff resistance and washability.
3. Low Odor & VOCs
Low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are better for indoor air quality — especially important for bedrooms, nurseries, and people sensitive to smells.
4. Finish Options
Common finishes include:
Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections, best for low traffic.
Eggshell/Satin: Slight sheen, easy to clean.
Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Very durable and shiny — great for trim and cabinets.
How to Choose Based on Your Project
Here’s a quick cheat-sheet:
Project Type Best Paint Qualities Suggested Finish
Living Room Walls Easy to apply, washable Eggshell/Satin finish
Bathroom Mildew Resistant Satin/Semi-Gloss
Kitchen Cabinets Tough, smooth Semi-Gloss/ Gloss
Exterior Siding Weatherproof + UV protection Depends on material being applied to
Metal Furniture Rust inhibitor + smooth topcoat Enamel
Pro Tips for Picking a Brand
Ask at your paint store: Staff can recommend products based on your surface and budget.
Look at samples: Test a small patch first — lighting can change how a color looks.
Read labels: Check for VOC levels, recommended surfaces, and coverage rates.
The “best” paint brand depends on what you’re painting and how you want it to perform. By understanding ingredients, finishes, and your project’s needs, you’ll pick a paint that looks great and lasts for years. Happy painting! Cobb Brothers Company would be happy to answer any of your painting questions. Check out our website or feel free to call 508-655-7910.