Repainting a home before selling? A lot of people think it’s just about the colour. While the right shade definitely helps, the type of paint you use can actually play a much bigger role than most folks realize. It’s not just about what looks good on day one. The finish, durability, and type of paint can affect how long that new look lasts, how easy it is to keep clean, and whether buyers see it as an upgrade or something they’ll have to fix. When someone walks through your house during a showing, they’re not just noticing bold colours or neutral palettes. They’re also seeing subtle details like surface texture and the quality of paint on the walls and trim.
If you’re selling in Ottawa, getting the right type of paint matters in every room. Paint that chips easily or shows streaks may make a buyer think twice about your place, even if everything else is in great shape. This piece takes a closer look at different types of paint, how finishes can change the feel of a space, and what local house painters already know: choosing smart paint options can leave a stronger impression and possibly bring in more value when it’s time to sell.
Different Paint Types and Their Impact
Not all paints work the same way, and picking the wrong kind can lead to more touch-ups, rough finishes, or walls that fade too fast. Local house painters often have to fix jobs where the wrong type of paint was used in the wrong room. Understanding your options can help you make better decisions when you’re getting your home ready to list.
Here are the most common types of paint used in Ottawa homes:
1. Latex Paint
- Easy to clean
- Dries quickly
- Often used for walls and ceilings
- Works well in family spaces like living rooms and bedrooms
2. Oil-Based Paint
- Very smooth and durable
- Great for high-traffic areas and trim
- Takes longer to dry
- Can give off stronger smells during application
3. Acrylic Paint
- Strong and flexible, doesn’t crack easily
- Resists fading more than latex
- Good for both interior and exterior
- Typically used where a long-lasting finish is needed
Each type has its place. For example, oil-based paint on kitchen cabinets can give a solid, professional finish that resists daily wear. Latex, on the other hand, might work better in a child’s bedroom where you’ll want easy clean-up and low odour. High-use areas like hallways or doors might benefit from a tougher paint that holds up to scuff marks and frequent cleaning.
If you’re not sure what kind of paint was last used in your home, it’s worth checking with a local house painter before jumping into any repainting plans. They’ll often know what’s best for your situation and how well certain options hold up in Ottawa’s seasonal conditions.
Paint Finish Matters
The finish of the paint is just as important as the type. It changes how the paint feels, looks, and holds up over time. Using the wrong finish in a high-use area could mean extra scrubbing, fast wear, or an uneven look after just a few months.
Here are the main kinds of paint finishes you’ll usually find:
- Flat or Matte: No shine, hides minor wall flaws, but marks and smudges can be tough to clean. Best for ceilings and guest rooms.
- Eggshell: Low sheen. A nice middle ground with a soft look. Easier to clean than matte. Works well for dining rooms, hallways, or living spaces.
- Satin: Light, smooth shine. Durable and quite easy to wipe down. Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry areas where moisture is common.
- Semi-Gloss: Noticeable shine. Strong and can handle a lot of cleaning. Great for baseboards, trim, and kitchen cabinets.
- Gloss or High-Gloss: Very shiny and reflective. Very durable, but it shows every little bump or brush stroke. Usually used for doors or specialty furniture pieces.
Getting the finish right brings out the best in any space. A bedroom might feel more calm and restful with a flat finish, while a bathroom will benefit from the stain- and moisture-resistant nature of satin or semi-gloss. When picking finishes for resale, aim for balance with something that adds style while still being practical. Buyers will definitely notice when a paint job looks fresh, polished, and well chosen.
Colour Choices for Increasing Resale Value
Paint colours can influence how someone feels in a space. When buyers walk through a home in Ottawa, especially during the fall market, they’re often drawn to colours that feel calm, balanced, and move-in ready. Bold reds or deep greens might work for personal taste, but for resale, neutral shades usually have more staying power.
Sticking with soft greys, beiges, and whites helps create a blank slate. These kinds of tones not only brighten rooms but also help buyers picture their own furniture and style fitting into the space. Warm neutrals, like light taupe or creamy off-white, add warmth without feeling dated. They work with both natural light and artificial lighting, which is helpful as daylight changes heading into shorter seasons.
Here are a few colour zones that make a strong first impression:
- Entryways and Hallways: Pale greys or soft beiges keep these areas clean and airy. They make transitions between rooms smooth and consistent.
- Living Rooms: Warm greys or greige tones work well with most décor styles. Bonus if the colour highlights natural flooring or trim.
- Kitchens: Whites or soft warm tones like sand or bone make kitchens feel bright and open. They reflect light and can help smaller kitchens seem bigger.
- Bathrooms: Light blue-greys or crisp whites feel clean and fresh. These are often go-to choices that aren’t too personal or trendy.
- Bedrooms: Soft taupes, sage greens, or muted blues create a relaxing mood without overwhelming the space.
While accent walls can work, it’s usually best to stick with consistent colour schemes when trying to sell. That small pop of navy or charcoal might look sharp now but could narrow appeal if the tone feels too bold. Local preferences in Ottawa tend to favour tone-on-tone palettes that feel intentional but not distracting.
Professional Painting for Maximum Value
Even if you’ve chosen the right paint types and colours, a rushed or messy job can make all that planning fall flat. Clean lines, smooth surfaces, and proper application tell buyers a home’s been cared for. Most buyers can spot brush marks or uneven edges pretty easily, and those small flaws can leave a lasting impression.
Working with experienced local house painters helps make sure the work looks right from every angle and holds up over time. Interior walls, trim, and doors all take wear differently, especially in homes with regular cooking, pets, or kids. A house might need just one coat in a hallway and a primer plus two coats in a bathroom. That kind of judgement only comes with experience working across different home styles in Ottawa.
If you’re comparing painting services locally, here’s what to look for:
- Local reputation: Check local reviews or ask neighbours if they’ve worked with the business before.
- Experience with similar homes: Whether it’s a century house in Hintonburg or a new build in Kanata, each type of property has different paint needs.
- Clear prep and cleanup: A neat, careful paint job always starts with solid prep work. Taping, patching, and sanding are signs that the painter takes it seriously.
- Product knowledge: Understanding what separates one primer from another can affect the final result and how long it lasts.
- Insurance and workmanship guarantee: Protecting your property is just as important as getting a smooth finish. Make sure the service comes with coverage and reliability.
Even if the colours are right, the wrong application can lead to peeling, streaks, or fast fading. Avoid the need for re-work by getting it done right the first time. A clean, professional finish doesn’t just look better. It gives your home more credibility and appeal to buyers.
Raise Buyer Appeal with the Right Paint Choices
The right type of paint, finish, and colour can create real, impact-driven value in a home. When it’s time to sell, buyers notice those details, and they often affect how comfortable they feel making an offer. It’s not just about laying on a fresh coat. It’s about choosing the right one and applying it with care.
Whether you’re updating one room or doing an overhaul across your whole home, professional painting from trusted local house painters in Ottawa can lift the entire feel of your space. Small decisions like finish type and colour tone can stick in a buyer’s mind just as much as layout or lighting. So if you’re looking to make those showings count, make paint a top priority.
To make sure your home stands out in the Ottawa market, rely on the expertise of local house painters. The team at PrimeTime Painters understands how a well-done finish can transform the look and feel of a space. With sharp attention to detail and quality materials, we can help create a warm, inviting atmosphere that brings out the best features in your home. Reach out today to chat about your next paint project.