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When it comes to home improvement, one of the easiest ways to give your house a fresh look is by painting the walls. Painting not only adds colour and character to your walls but also protects them from damage and wear and tear. Today, the paint industry offers a wide variety of finishes, an infinite range of colours, and cleaner binders. With so many options, it is essential to know the different types of paint to make the best decision for your home improvement project.
General Paint Tips
Here are some general paint tips to keep in mind:
- Prepare your walls before painting. This includes cleaning the walls, filling any holes or cracks, and sanding the surface to create a smooth base for the paint.
- Use high-quality paint, it will require fewer coats and last longer.
- Choose the right finish. Flat finishes hide imperfections, while glossy finishes are more durable.
- Consider the room’s purpose. Certain rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, require a paint that can withstand moisture and stains.
Main Types of Paint
There are 3 main types of wall paint popular for homes:
- Emulsions: A Long-lasting Beauty
Emulsion paint, also known as latex paint, is a popular choice for walls due to its versatility and ease of use. It’s water-based and dries faster than oil-based paint. It’s also resistant to fading and yellowing.
- Oil Paints: A Resilient Choice
Oil-based paint is a popular choice for walls due to its durability and resilience. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas and rooms that experience high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Oil paint for walls is also resistant to staining.
- Enamel Paint: A Selective Choice
Enamel paint is a type of oil-based paint that has a glossy finish. It’s ideal for surfaces that require high durabilities, such as doors, trim, and cabinets. Enamel paint is resistant to chipping, fading, and scratching, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
Paint Finishes
The finish of paint determines its sheen, and it is essential to choose a finish that suits the intended purpose of the painted surface. There are 5 common finishes:
- Flat or Matte
Flat or matte paint has no shine, offers non-reflective, smooth coverage, and can disguise surface blemishes such as nail holes.
- Eggshell
Eggshell is one of the most popular finishes for indoor wall paint. It provides a low level of sheen and a smooth finish, is more easily washable than a flat paint, and is more likely to resist stains and scuffs.
- Satin
Satin paint is considered the most versatile and best paint for indoor walls. It has a soft sheen finish, high durability, resists mildew and fading, and is easier to clean than flat and eggshell finishes.
- Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss has a shiny appearance that offers more reflectivity than a satin finish. It has high resistance to moisture and is an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- High Gloss
High gloss paints are the most expensive due to their high sheen. High gloss finishes are best suited for cabinets, doors and trims.
Choosing the Best Paint for You
When choosing the best types of paint for walls, consider the following factors:
- Room Function: Consider the function of the room and the type of wear and tear it will experience.
- Colour and Finish: Choose a paint colour and finish that complements your room’s décor and lighting.
- Budget: Paint can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a paint type.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, choose a paint type that suits your personal preferences and needs.
