While interior paints can be water-based latex or oil-based alkyd formulas, most paint sold today is latex, and that's the type experts say is best for most situations. Latex paints adhere well to most surfaces and resist cracking, chipping, peeling, blistering, chalking and fading. It is also non-combustible, and it goes on smoothly and evenly, with less brush drag and less odor than oil-based interior paint. Latex paint also dries quickly (in one to six hours), which permits quick recoating. Water and a little soap are all you need for cleanup.

Flat and matte paint finishes have no real sheen when the paint has dried. Rather than reflect light, flat and matte paint finishes absorb it. Both paint finishes are good for hiding small surface imperfections and imperfections in application, such as brush or roller marks. Flat and matte finishes are good choices for interior walls in rooms that receive little traffic or for painting ceilings. Both paint finishes are generally poor choices for kitchens, baths, and kids' rooms because they do not wash as well as other paint finishes.

An eggshell paint finish is similar to a matte finish but has a tiny amount of sheen to it when dried. It is a good choice for interior walls and washes slightly better than flat wall paint. Eggshell paint finishes are sometimes interchangeable with matte paint finishes in certain brands of paint.

A satin paint finish is often the glossiest paint finish a decorator will recommend for any room save the kitchen and bath. It is not a high-gloss finish, but does have a smooth, velvety shine to it when dried. Satin paint finishes do not hide imperfections in surfaces or application as well as the aforementioned finishes, but they are forgiving enough for novice painters to use. A satin paint finish will reflect more light than eggshell and is a great choice for kids' rooms and trim as it stands up well to washing.

Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint finishes are at the other end of the spectrum and reflect the most light of any paint finish when dried. Semi-gloss is a great choice for kitchens and baths as the finish can stand up to water and frequent cleaning better than other finishes. Many people also choose to paint trim with semi-gloss paint for the same reasons. High-gloss paints are not generally popular choices for walls, but many people choose gloss paint for painting furniture, especially for a modern look or durable paint finish.