CHOOSING and using paint is one of the areas where you can be a fashion victim more than almost any other.

If all your friends are using a wonderful (and expensive) premium brand paint called "belly of snake" or some such then you may feel you should too.

Before you do, however, bear in mind that paint is not cheap, and you need to do your sums before embarking on a buying spree with premium brands. Firstly, think about coverage: how many coats you need to get sufficient coverage from your chosen colour? If you buy a dark colour you will probably need more coats, which will make it more expensive.

The majority of companies have the same types of paint (emulsion, eggshell, gloss and so on). Thanks to recent EU legislation limiting the amount of CFCs (potentially harmful chemicals) in paint it is now much easier to find eco-friendly paint for your home.

If you are employing a professional painter agree from the outset who is supplying the paint. If your painter is buying it you should specify in advance which brands, or you may be hit with an extra bill for using premium paints.

If you're doing it yourself, remember that it is vital that you spend time on the preparation - this is the biggest difference between a professional and an amateur job. Start by clearing your space. Decorating is a very dusty process. Move out as much as you can and seal the rooms not being decorated with polythene as well as dust sheets. The dust will still get in, but be less invasive.

Before starting to paint walls and woodwork, pay attention to rubbing down, filling and masking: this is all part of the process. Also, make sure you follow the instructions on paint tins. It is easy when you are trying to get a room painted as quickly as possible to think that skimping won't show, but it will - for years.

A professional specification might read: "Strip existing paper where necessary, make good walls and line with RD 1200 lining paper. Make good ceiling, prepare and reline if necessary, with RD 1200 lining paper. Apply two coats of vinyl matt emulsion to walls and ceiling. Make good all previously painted woodwork and prepare and apply one undercoat and two coats of eggshell."

Selecting paint

When considering different paint types always check with your supplier that your chosen finish is suitable for the area. It is also vital to check that the base coats are compatible with the top coats. You do not want to find that your beautiful acrylic eggshell premium brand colour for the woodwork cannot be used with the oil based white gloss left by the previous owner.

You can also buy organic paint and the range is improving all the time. Anyone building a passive house or looking for finishes suitable for small children or asthmatics should certainly consider them. The most used paints are:

Matt emulsion

This is the basic and most often used paint for walls and ceilings. It has an opaque, slightly chalky look, spreads easily and dries quickly.

Eggshell

This paint has a durable, low-sheen finish, and can be used for both walls and woodwork. It is particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens, and is also used as a foundation for broken colour work. It is available in both oil- and acrylic-based versions, the former being more durable and the latter more environmentally friendly.

Gloss

Personally I avoid this indoors wherever possible. It creates a harsh, unforgiving finish. I prefer to have something with a much gentler sheen.

Special finishes

Limewash, distemper and milk paint are specific matt finish paints which are available from specialist suppliers. These have wonderful chalky effects which suit the traditional interior. If you are doing the work yourself you need to understand how to use them as they are more fragile than more common products.

Tips

l Try paint samples on the wall in both natural and electric light. You also need to use the same type of light - comparing paint samples with your old 60-watt bulb will not be the same as your new LED fitting. Tiny paint samples are very deceptive. I usually create large samples on lining paper and carry them from wall to wall to check the effect depending where the light falls.

l When it comes to neutrals, I suggest you experiment with different shades of white to soften your rooms, and try using different strengths of the same colour for ceiling, walls and woodwork. I particularly dislike white on the ceiling as it has a tendency to look grey in poor light.

l Never assume that you will get away with the minimum number of coats specified. Dark colours may require more.

l When buying brushes you are better to use a trade supplier than a DIY warehouse. Professional brushes are more flexible and durable.

l And finally ... paint colour changes over time, so there is no point storing old cans for more than a few months. Make sure you dispose of it carefully, however: unused paint can sometimes be passed on to friends or given away through sites such as Freecycle. If you must throw it out, check with your local council for advice on safe disposal.

Mary Leslie Interior Design, The Bothy, Rait Antique Centre, Rait, Perthshire. PH2 7RT. 01821 670776 www.mhleslie.co.uk