No matter whether you’re a newcomer to decorating your home or whether you’re a veteran in the home décor field, it can feel quite overwhelming when you see the array of paints available on the market today. At one time, paints were pretty much the same, with little to choose between them. But today, all of that has changed.
Although having so many options to pick from can be exciting, it can also make it difficult to choose the right one for any specific project. After all, it couldn’t be more important to select the correct paint to use on your chosen surface if you want to achieve the most professional and attractive finish.
So, with this in mind, we’ve put together a simple and speedy guide to selecting the most suitable paint to use on different types of surfaces.
The Different Varieties Of Paint
There’s no such thing as “just paint”. In fact, there are many different kinds of paint out there, and all are best suited to different areas and different purposes. Some of the different paint types include:
- Oil based paints
- Water based paints
- Latex based paints
- Enamel paints
- Chalk paints
- Chalkboard paints
- Spray paints
And that isn’t all. There are also different paint finishes to choose from such as:
- Matte
- High Gloss
- Semi-Gloss
- Eggshell
- Satin
- Flat
Since there are so many types and finishes, let’s take a closer look at these options in more detail.
Oil Based Paints
Oil based paints are suitable for use on almost any kind of surface, so they’re a very versatile option. Even better, they have a rich, attractive finish and are also highly durable, lasting for many years without any excessive sign of wear.
As oil-based paint has excellent water resistance and boasts a lovely gloss finish, it’s a great choice for many projects, but it also comes with a few drawbacks. Firstly, it takes quite a while to dry, secondly, its strong fumes can be powerful and potentially harmful, and thirdly, you’ll need to use turpentine when cleaning paint from your brushes.
Water-Based Paints
Paints that are water based are simple to use and they dry quickly, unlike paints with an oil base. If you haven’t got a lot of time to complete your project, water-based paints are ideal since you can complete several coats in just a few hours, and fixing any mistakes is easy using just water and soap.
Water based paint is more environmentally friendly, too, and it isn’t prone to mildew development. It also has no strong odour due to its low VOCs. Water based paint colours last well and don’t turn yellow or fade if exposed to strong sunlight.
They also resist cracking well, require no pre-treatments, and work perfectly on a range of surfaces, but the downsides are that oil-based paints are more costly and aren’t as durable as paints with an oil base.
Latex-Based Paints
Latex-based paints are easy to apply when compared with oil-based paints, but they sometimes contain chemicals, so it’s important to take care when choosing them. Acrylic latex paints are an excellent choice if you need the highest quality from your paint. These paints make minimal mess and don’t trap any moisture during the application process.
Latex based paint is simple to apply and dries rapidly, so you can easily do touch-ups. It may, however, chip, turn yellow, or rust metal after a while. If you’re applying latex-based paint to woodwork, it also requires effort to sand the surface between coats.
Enamel Paints
Enamel paints are perfect for any surface that must withstand challenging conditions thanks to their durability. They’re ideal for use on the exterior of your home as they can handle wind, sun, and rain without any problems.
Enamel paint is suitable for use on any surface you need to protect. It can also be used on furniture as it dries with an attractive, rugged finish to cover minor imperfections. Enamel paint withstands damage well and will even stick better to dirty surfaces. It’s worth noting, though, that it’s difficult to achieve a smooth coat when using this paint, and as it isn’t breathable it becomes brittle with time. It also isn’t an environmentally friendly choice.
Chalk Paints
Chalk paints are thick in consistency when compared with other kinds of paints, and that means it won’t drip easily. As chalk pain is also water-based, there’s no need to use mineral spirits to clean your brushes. You can just use soap and water instead for extra convenience.
Chalk paint produces a lovely matte finish, often eliminating the need for a primer. But in some cases, a shellac coat is necessary before applying chalk paint to keep water stains from appearing. Sometimes a crème wax is also needed for sealing the topcoat and ensuring its durability.
With this application, the paint may chip easily or form stains due to the absorbency of this paint type. If something is spilled on it, it’s difficult to get rid of the stain unless a crème wax is applied. Chalk paint can also re-liquefy when exposed to condensation, and it’s more costly than other paints. Every 3 years, you may need to re-wax your chalk paint surface, and it could take longer to cure.
On the upside, though, chalk paint dries quickly with no priming or sanding required and it can easily be distressed.
Chalkboard Paints
You can find chalkboard paints in both pre-mixed and powder form. Both types are inexpensive and simple to use, and you can clean up easily afterwards by using soap and water. It’s best to use foam rollers when applying chalkboard paint to your wall.
If you use chalkboard paint, you must sand down the surface before application to ensure it’s smooth. Wiping all dust away before beginning painting is also vital.
Chalkboard paint takes just around an hour to finish drying, and it can also be drawn or written on for a stylish and fun look. Also, it’s resistant to water so it’s ideal for rooms with high moisture levels.
On the downside, chalkboard paint can be expensive, and it can be difficult to hide brush marks when it dries. Three coats are also needed, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and annoying.
Spray Paints
Although spray paints are most commonly used in craft projects and artworks, some people use it to paint their furniture. Unsuitable for use on walls, spray paint is, nevertheless, quite useful when completing certain DIY projects, but due to their noxious properties you must be careful when using them. You cannot use them in enclosed spaces, and you must wear a mask for protection against the fumes they produce.
Matte Paints
Matte finishes are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their excellent durability. Although matte finishes are similar to flat finishes, matte paint is more durable and glossier. It’s ideal for use on ceilings since it can easily hide flaws and mistakes. Gloss paint, conversely, highlights imperfections whenever light hits your surface.
Satin Paints
Satin paints are relatively matte, but also have a smooth and velvety appearance. They strike the perfect balance between a flat finish and high gloss finish and, as a result, they’re popular and practical. Satin finishes are perfect for hallways, bedrooms, and dining rooms, but they can work equally well in most rooms.
Satin is fairly durable, lasting for several years, but it should never be scrubbed clean since that will damage the surface.
Eggshell Paints
This kind of paint boasts a finish inspired by nature that is an excellent balance between matte and gloss. It’s a good choice for living spaces thanks to the low-level, durable sheen it produces. Simple to wash with just a damp cloth, eggshell paints look good while also protecting surfaces.
High Gloss Paints
High gloss finishes are ideal if you want a glamorous look for your surface. Attractive and eye-catching thanks to its sheen, it’s also lower maintenance as it can be cleaned easily due to its stain-resistance and ability to be scrubbed easily. Classy and appealing, high gloss paint looks good on walls as well as cabinets and furniture. The high shine, however, makes imperfections more noticeable.
Semi-Gloss Paints
When you need a paint that holds up well against moisture whilst also reflecting the light perfectly, semi-gloss paints fit the bill. Providing the optimal finish for environments that have a high moisture level like bathrooms, it’s simple to clean and can withstand scrubbing without causing damage. Semi-gloss paint is also ideal for use in areas of high traffic thanks to its robustness, and it works well on woodwork thanks to its ability to dry with a hard, resistant finish.
Flat Paints
Flat paints, as you can imagine from their name, lack texture, with no reflective qualities in their finish. That makes flat paints prone to damage and not especially durable, so they shouldn’t be used in any high traffic areas like bedrooms and kitchens. Flat paints don’t clean well, so if there’s a risk of food splatters or fingerprints, flat paint isn’t the best option for your surface.
How Do I Choose The Best Paint For My Project?
Before selecting the right paint for your project, you need to bear several things in mind such as:
Traffic:
Busy rooms and areas of high traffic like hallways, kitchens, playrooms, and bathrooms need more durable paints and stronger finishes. Less-used areas can get away with a less durable paint.
Surface:
Some paints work well to hide imperfections, so if you’re painting a wall that has many nail holes and patches, a finish that is less glossy is best. Matte and flat paints mask imperfections so surfaces appear smoother.
Colour:
Of course, you’ll choose the paint colour that suits your preferences best, but bear in mind that neutral colours are a popular choice in all kinds of spaces if you’re considering selling your property soon. Accent walls are a great way to add pops of colour to your space.
Lighting:
The lighting in your room can affect the way a paint looks when applied to a surface. In rooms that have lots of natural daylight, strong paints prevent the space from appearing muted and bland. Natural light makes dark colours appear brighter, so if you use a light colour in a room with lots of natural light, you may find your space is too bright.
On the other hand, if your space is naturally dark, with small windows or even no windows, using light colours brightens the space and creates the illusion of spaciousness.
Paint features:
As well as considering the space and surface that you’ll be painting, don’t forget that certain paints have extra features that make them especially suited to certain projects. Fade and stain resistance, durability, and washability are just some of the features that are integrated into paints today, so consider these before you buy. Some features to be aware of include:
- Short drying time
- Weather resistant
- Easy application
- Non-cracking
- Safe to use
Which Paint To Use On My Walls?
When you’re painting walls inside your home, you’ll probably find a latex-based paint your ideal choice. This popular paint type is ideal for use in many rooms as it can easily be cleaned up and it’s also very durable. Latex-based paint is also resistant to fading while having more breathability than oil-based paints.
If you’re painting walls outside your home, you will need to choose a weather resistant paint such as an enamel paint that can withstand harsh climates.
Which Paint Should I Use On Furniture?
Upcycling furniture has become a popular trend in recent years, and painting furnishings is an excellent way of giving them a fresh lease of life. Adding character and personality to your home is a breeze if you paint your tired old furniture items. However, you must use the correct paint if you intend to do this.
You must choose a paint that is labelled as being suitable for use on wood and metal. A water-based paint is advisable if you want your furniture to dry quickly, but you also need to consider in advance the finish you need to achieve. Satin finishes provide an appealing silky touch while chalk or matt finishes are perfect for the contemporary distressed look.
Gloss paints make furniture look cutting-edge and modern. Don’t forget, though, if you’re painting furniture for outdoor use, you’ll need to check to make sure the paint you choose is weather-resistant.
If you’re painting wooden furniture for use either indoors or outdoors, you must use a primer first. Bare wooden furniture needs one coat of special wood primer as well as a paint undercoat before being left to dry. When surfaces that you’re painting have already been varnished or painted, you should be a multi-surface primer.
If you’re painting flat surfaces like counter tops or table tops, you should finish off with a single coat of varnish as they will add additional protection while disguising any marks or scratches.
Which Paint Works Best On Woodwork?
Whatever surface you’re painting, you want to be sure that the finish you achieve is smooth and attractive. If you’re painting window frames, doors, fences, or internal woodwork in your home, you need your surface to not only be easy to clean, but also highly durable.
High gloss paints designed for outdoor use are perfect for use on external woodwork, while satin paints work especially well on indoor woodwork thanks to their durable finish which renders marks and scratches less visible. If you’re painting a staircase banister, though, a traditional latex-paint is ideal.
Which Paint Should I Use On Plastic Surfaces?
If you’re eager to freshen up the exterior of your home, you may consider painting its plastic surfaces. Replacing UPVC doors, furniture, downpipes and windows can be expensive, but you can bring new life to them by using the right type of paint. Due to plastic’s inherent nature, you need to use a paint that is designed specifically for use on this type of surface to create high-quality, long-lasting results. A paint for use on plastic must be flexible, UV stable, and be strongly adhesive.
Multi-surface paint or gloss paint is the best option for your plastic exterior surfaces. Multi-surface paint self-primes and is available in many different finishes and colours. You can apply it to surfaces that have previously been painted, and it also can be found with features like anti-fungicide and quick-dry added in. Alternatively, a standard exterior gloss paint can be used on top of an undercoat and primer.
Which Paint Should I Use On Metal?
It isn’t always easy to paint metal as paint and metal don’t bond especially well together when compared with other surfaces. You can use either an oil-based or a water-based paint when painting metal surfaces.
Metal paints can come in different containers, including spray cans. They can also boast unique formulas that combat rust and heat.
For metal items outside the home, an oil-based paint is best as it is more durable, stain-resistant and can repel water effectively. Make sure, though, to choose one that resists degradation and cracking as otherwise it will fade with time.
A water-based paint, meanwhile, is best reserved for metals that aren’t used often, and won’t see a lot of wear and tear. As water-based paint dries rapidly, it’s also ideal for projects that must be completed quickly. Best suited to indoor use, water-based paint is ideal for use on bedside tables and bed frames.
Water-based paints for use on metal dry quickly, and they’re flexible as well as being resistant to chipping, fading and cracking, but they are also quite vulnerable to mildew and mould so they shouldn’t be used in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas prone to high levels of moisture.
Do I Really Need To Use A Primer?
Primers, sometimes known as sealers, aren’t actually a separate paint type. Rather, they are an undercoat or paint base. The primary function of a primer is polishing the surface to get rid of impurities while aggregating the materials in order to create the perfect finish after the paint has fully dried.
Not all painting projects require a primer, but most do. Applying a generous coat of primer is especially important if you’re painting a tough surface or unfinished wall. You must apply the primer before beginning your paint job in order to seal the surface.
Nevertheless, considering the kind of paint you’re using is vital before you select a primer. That’s because not all primers work with every type of paint. As an example, latex-based primers are only suitable for use with latex-based paints, while oil-based primers should only be used with oil paints.
The primer you choose needn’t be an exact match with the colour of paint you’ve chosen. In fact, it’s often grey or white in colour. The purpose of the primer is to fill in pores, thus ensuring that the surface you’re going to paint is smooth.
If you’re painting a surface that has already been painted and the new colour is darker than the previous one, adding a coat of primer isn’t always essential. But if you’re planning to paint a light colour on your wall over a dark shade, you should always add a coat of primer first to prevent the darker shade from showing through once the paint has dried.
Although some people think that it’s a good idea to use a white paint instead of a primer, that is never a good idea. Primers have a higher solids concentration and an adhesive binder to act in the role of a sealant. High-quality primers are often used as a way of giving the new coat of paint a better surface to bond with when compared with painting the bare original surface.
Now that you know more about the different types and finishes of paint available, you’ll be in a better position to choose the most suitable paint for your project, no matter what you’re planning to paint, and whether you’re painting an item for inside or outside the home.