Dulux Heritage Matt 2.5L Green Slate, matt emulsion paint, interior wall and ceiling paint, Heritage finish

Paint decorates and protects walls, ceilings, woodwork and metal. This category covers water-based emulsions for interior walls and ceilings, undercoats and multi-surface paints for wood and metal, and smaller kits for repair and touch-up work.

Choosing a finish

Sheen is the main choice, and it is a balance between hiding flaws and ease of cleaning.

• Matt: little or no shine, so it hides small marks and uneven patches on walls and ceilings, but it does not stand up as well to repeated wiping.
• Eggshell and silk: a low to moderate sheen that is more durable and easier to wipe clean than matt, which suits kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and busy rooms, but shows flaws in the surface more.
• Gloss: a high shine that is tough and easy to clean, used on woodwork, doors and trim. It shows every imperfection, so preparation matters.

Reading the tin

Before you start, check the label for the surfaces the paint suits, whether it is for interior or exterior use, the coverage per litre, the drying and recoat times, and whether a primer or undercoat is needed first. Work out the area to be painted and the number of coats, then divide by the coverage to estimate how much you need.

Old paint and safety

Wood and metal painted before the 1960s may carry lead paint, and small amounts stayed in decorative paints until the early 1980s. If you suspect lead, do not dry sand it, burn it off or use a blowlamp; keep any debris wet, or leave sound paint in place and paint over it. For all paints, follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

For brushes, rollers and masking, see decorating tools and sundries; for exterior timber, see wood care.