There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint and a change in the colour palette to freshen and transform your home. But, long gone are the days when you would decide on a colour, grab a can of paint and start, nowadays there is an abundance of choices to be made by the homeowner, decisions involve not just the colour chosen, but sheen, texture, washable or non-washable properties and a range of different types of paint to choose from. There are also different types of paint to be used if you are painting the outside or the interior of your home.
What comes next in the article?
- Different types of paints. Which is best for you?
- Do interior walls need special paint?
- The best paint finishes!
Different Types Of Paints
The two main groups of paints are those that are oil-based and those that are water-based. These two groups then divide into many more options. Different types of painting jobs require different types of paints.
OIL-BASED PAINT
Oil-based paints are as the name suggests made from oil! They are very durable and long-lasting and also cheaper compared to water-based paints. On the downside, they take a long time to dry, approximately 24 hours per coat and are significantly more difficult to clean compared to their water-based counterparts. They also give off much stronger fumes compared to other types of paint and when you have finished, your paint brushes need to be cleaned with turpentine or white spirit, which produce more unpleasant fumes.
WATER-BASED PAINT
Water-based paint is more expensive in comparison to oil-based paint, but it is much easier to use and clean. The time taken to paint is also much quicker as multiple coats can be applied in a day. Other advantages include water-based paint being fade and crack-resistant and containing less VOC (volatile organic compounds) that are hazardous to your health, than oil-based paint. This is why water-based paint has a significantly less strong smell and emits much fewer fumes.
ENAMEL-BASED PAINT
Enamel-based paint can be water-based or oil-based depending on your purpose. It is highly durable and fantastic for protecting the surface of kitchen cabinets, bathroom cupboards and doors and other areas that have heavy use and need frequent cleaning. It is the best paint for kitchen cupboards. It is often used outdoors because of its weather-resistant properties. It is, however, more difficult to use than other water-based paint, especially if you want a smooth, brush-stroke-free finish.
Once you’ve decided upon the colour and type of paint you want to use for your project, the last step is deciding upon the finish you want. There are a variety of finishes available from matte, eggshell, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes.
The Best Emulsion Paint for Interior Walls
If you are painting the interior of your home, many professionals recommend that water-based emulsion paint be used, it has all of the benefits already mentioned, and it is available in a huge selection of colours and finishes. Emulsion paint is a water-based paint that contains resins, that give it easy workability, high durability and quick drying properties. Vinyl and acrylic may be added. Emulsions are available in a variety of sheen finishes, as a rule of thumb, the higher the sheen the higher the durability and usually the more washable the paint is. Matte painters have the lowest level of sheen, followed by the eggshell, satin and then gloss with the highest sheen.
What Emulsion Is Best For Walls?
Satin and gloss emulsion paints are commonly used on interior trim, such as door frames and skirting. Matte and eggshell emulsion paints are more typically used on walls and ceilings. The best emulsion paint for interior walls is a highly debated subject, each professional tends to have their favourites. Each paint has its own pros and cons and ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. It is important if you are planning on decorating your home to remember it’s not only the colour you choose that transforms your home but also the finish. Whichever finish you chose will add to the effect the impact that your painting will have.
Different Types Of Paint Finishes
As previously mentioned, different paint finishes have different sheens which affect the paint’s durability and washability. The higher the gloss the more stain-resistant and washable it is
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MATT FINISH
Paint with a matt finish is non-reflective, light does not bounce off it so it is without shine. Matt paints are the most highly pigmented which means they provide a rich colour. They are also useful for hiding blemishes and imperfections in your walls. Matt finish paint is the hardest to clean and the easiest to stain.
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EGGSHELL FINISH
Eggshell paint has a higher sheen compared to matt paint, therefore it has higher durability and still provides a rich velvet colour and a mostly non-reflective finish. It can be used in high-traffic areas such as the living room and bedrooms.
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SATIN FINISH
Increasing in glossiness, Satin paints are glossy and durable, although the colour they provide is still strong. These paints are easy to clean, making them suitable for any room in the house. This finish should definitely be included in children’s room paint ideas.
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SEMI-GLOSS FINISH
These paints have a high-shine finish and are moisture-resistant
and highly durable. They are an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens and other areas where there is a lot of moisture or humidity.
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HIGH-GLOSS FINISH
High gloss paints have the shiniest of finishes. They are able to withstand heavy wear and tear and so are often used on doorways, skirtings and windowsills.
