A smiling handyman showing a chart of colors representing options for different paint finish for interior apartment walls.

 What paint finish should I use for my apartment?

Choosing the right paint finish for your apartment can be a challenging task. Different finishes have different advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to select the best one for your specific needs. We’ll discuss paint finishes and how to choose the right one for your apartment.

Oil or Water Base Paint?

Identify previous paint type (oil or water-based) when repainting to ensure proper preparation and application. This information is vital in determining the appropriate preparation and application procedures for the new paint.

while most Miami Beach interior walls are water-based painted. Doors, baseboards, and crown moldings may need a different type of paint.

Applying water-based paint over oil-based paint can cause peeling and ruin your hard work. Proper preparation and using the right paint type are crucial for a lasting finish.

Choosing the right paint type and proper preparation is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and additional expenses. It’s essential to take the time to select the correct paint type to avoid wasting time and money.

Test the process on a small area before starting the project and evaluate the results.


Testing a small area first can prevent frustration from completing the project without achieving the desired outcome.

Testing a small area can help you identify any issues and adjust your approach accordingly, ensuring a successful outcome for the entire project.

Not All Walls Are Created Equal

Different wall’s paint finishes can improve the aesthetic and ambiance of each room in your apartment. While flat or matte finishes can create an elegant and sophisticated ambiance, they can be difficult to maintain or may not be suitable for certain rooms. In areas such as the kitchen, an eggshell finish may be a better fit as it is glossier and easier to clean. It is important to consider the function and purpose of each room when selecting the appropriate finish for the walls.

Bathrooms Paint Finish: 

Bathrooms are prone to high humidity, and flat finishes are susceptible to absorbing moisture and getting damaged easily. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a finish with some glossiness that can resist humidity.


Satin finish is ideal for bathroom walls due to its subtle sheen and resistance to moisture and frequent cleaning. Selecting the appropriate finish can help ensure that your bathroom walls remain looking fresh and clean for an extended period.

Kids’ room:

It’s no secret that children can be creative and sometimes a little mischievous. If you tell them not to bounce a ball on the walls, they may end up playing tennis or even creating a beautiful piece of art. In such cases, a semi-gloss finish can be an excellent option as it is easy to clean and can resist crayons and other marks. This finish is durable and can withstand the wear and tear caused by kids’ playful activities, ensuring that your walls remain looking their best for longer.

Paint Finish for Rental Apartments! 

Choosing the right paint finish for your apartment is an essential decision to ensure long-term maintenance and low costs. ( to read a full article about low cost maintenance click in this link “Reduce your condo maintenance cost”

Flat and matte finishes can be challenging to maintain, while eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finishes offer greater durability and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups. However, it’s important to consider the potential consequences of touch-ups on walls.

If the paint color or finish is even slightly different, it can make the walls look worse than before, and repainting the entire unit may become necessary.

Semi-gloss finish on walls is a durable and easy-to-maintain investment for rental properties, resisting stains and saving time.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your tenants and yourself can enjoy a beautiful and low-maintenance living space for years to come.

Doors and baseboards Paint Finish:

Doors are indeed high-traffic elements in any apartment, and as a result, they are more prone to scratches, scuffs, and stains. Hand residues can accumulate over time and damage the paint finish on doors, even with clean hands. A flat or matte finish on doors may be more prone to these damages and may require frequent repainting.

On the other hand, a high-gloss enamel finish is an excellent choice for doors and baseboards. It is more durable and resistant to stains and marks, making it easier to maintain and clean. The glossiness of the finish also makes it more resistant to scratches and scuffs, and it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. High-gloss enamel finish on doors and baseboards can save time and money in maintaining the appearance of a rental apartment.

In conclusion, 

Seeking advice from a professional painter and analyzing the situation before starting a painting project can be very helpful. They can guide you in choosing the right materials, and paint finish for your apartment, and even colors that would work best for your specific needs. By doing so, you can avoid costly mistakes, achieve the desired result, and enjoy a long-lasting and beautiful paint job.

Here at SoBe Painter and Handyman, we offer a free estimate and are always available to answer any questions you may have about your painting project. We’re available to guide you, whether you DIY or hire us, and recommend the best options for your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you!

Tip: prices on good quality paint can be high, and depending on the size of your project it could be very expensive. My advice is to speak with the manager store to see discount options and show him/her different prices for similar products of other brands and see if the prices can be matched.

Outside of Miami beach I recommend “Behr Marquee” from Home Depot see the prices here

In Miami Beach paint store I recommend Sherwin Williams “Duration” See products here.

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