Choosing the right paint types and finishes for your home

Home of the Year winner Jennifer Sheahan guides you through the world of emulsion, high-gloss and eggshell delights

The kitchen in Jennifer Sheahan's home: 'It's painted a dead flat matte finish to hide any fingerprint smudges.' Pictures: Moya Nolan

Picking paint colours can be all-consuming, but don’t forget to reserve some brainpower to decide on your paint type and finish.

It turns out all paints are not created equal, and knowing which to use takes some understanding of their different components and attributes. Paint types can affect how the colour appears with different lighting, how it holds up over time, and how well the paint will adhere to your surface.