When choosing paints, remember that:
• emulsion paints are quicker to apply, dry more quickly and lack the smell of resin- or oil-based paints. They are also cheaper and can be easily cleaned off painting equipment with water
• non-drip paints are best for ceilings and cover more thickly than runny ones, cutting down on the number of coats
• a silk or gloss finish will tend to highlight surface irregularities more than a matt finish
• textured paints are suitable for use on surfaces which are in poor condition since they will cover defects which a standard emulsion paint cannot.