Vinyl emulsion paints are the most commonly used types of paint for painting walls and ceilings. They are easy to apply and come in a wide range of colours. You will usually have a choice of three finishes: matt, silk, or gloss. There are also textured paints which are increasing in popularity, particularly for ceiling use.
These are vinyl emulsion paints with added ‘body’ so they can be applied more thickly and then given a decorative textured finish. Oil-based eggshell paints can be used where a more durable surface is needed or where you want to use the same colour on both walls and woodwork.
Resin-based gloss paint is used occasionally also on walls and ceilings, particularly in humid rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. You should choose paint carefully. The fact that one make is half the price of another may indicate that it has only half the covering power and you would therefore need to apply two coats of the cheaper paint. Also, if you’re using white paint, you may find that one brand is noticeably ‘whiter’ than another.