Planning to give your house a little uplift? What better way to do it than to apply a fresh coat of paint? We are not talking about the colors, but the type of paint that can be used on your interior or exterior walls, your furniture or any other surface that needs a refreshing touch.
Zillow recently conducted a study on upgrades in relation to house sale value and found out that painting the front door with a dark color such as black or maroon can increase the selling price of the house by $6,000. That’s a lot! Imagine how this will impact the house if you paint the interior walls with a warm color.
They say that the first impression is the last impression, and if you want to impress the potential buyer coming in for a house tour, then there are two things you need to take care of: staging and nicely-painted interior or exterior surfaces.
It’s funny how this small upgrade can transform the interior or exterior of your house. All you need is a bucket of paint, a paint roller, and paint brush, and you can go to town.
There are primers and finishes that give the paint a uniform and clean look, which we will discuss also in this article.
With so many types and brands of house paint available, it can be somewhat confusing to know where to begin buying paint for a new project. Here’s our guide to different types of paints for homes for both interior and exterior surfaces.
Primer
Primer isn’t a type of paint. However, it is required for most painting projects, and you might have come across it when searching your local hardware store’s paint aisle.
Primer is actually what you apply before doing anything else. Generally, it helps paint in adhering to the surface and makes sure your color comes out well.
Primers can be water (latex), oil-based or shellac. So, if you’re painting, you’ll need to use one that matches the specific type of paint you’re using. For instance, when you’re painting with water-based paint, use a water-based primer.
Whitewash
Whitewash is a must for a new house. Most builders go with basic whitewash so that the homeowners have a choice of painting the walls with a paint and color of their liking. Plus, whitewash is like a white canvas. It is ready to be painted on without any kind of scrubbing or sand papering.
It has a low cost due to the way it is made, which is a mixture of powdered chalk or slaked lime. If you are not familiar with paint-lingo, then you probably don’t know what size is. It’s a liquid which is used to fill pores and seal the wall surface so that it is less absorbent.
Whitewash is used to whiten concrete walls, brick walls, and other wall surfaces. Pigments can also be added to whitewash for colorful walls.
Water Based
The two classic paint types that are known for their affordability and ease-of-use are water-based paints and oil-based paints (although there are some other special types used mainly for furniture). Let’s starts with water paints first.
The majority of the paints are sold as water-based because they are easy to apply on the wall. If you are applying it on a bare wall or one that has been whitewashed previously, then you don’t need to do any cleaning.
However, if the wall had been painted on with an oil-based paint, then you will need to wash the surface, roughen it up with a medium, and then smooth over the bumps with sandpaper.
Water-based paint doesn’t usually have a smooth finish and tends to peel off after a period. Today, water-based paints are available in the form of waterborne alkyds and waterborne enamels. These paint types behave like oil-based paints and give a smooth finish.
Oil Based
Coming to oil-based paints, they are long-lasting, have a rich finish, and are much more durable than water-based paints.
However, this type of paint takes longer to dry and leaves behind a strong smell. Where a wall with water-based paint can be cleaned using a wet cloth, you will need paint thinner to clean a wall with oil-based paint.
Matte Paint
If you don’t want any shine and sheen, then matte paint will be perfect for your surfaces. Most homeowners use this type of paint when they don’t want any distractions.
Even though it is easy to apply, the paint does not have much substance, which is why the coat needs to be thick in order for the color to fully emerge.
The paint covers imperfections quite well, and any marks on the wall can be cleaned using a damp cloth. However, the paint does require regular retouching.
Matte Enamel
There’s not much difference between matte enamel and regular matte. The former is far more durable, very easy to clean, and does not require retouching. The visual effect is similar to matte paint. This paint type works great in the kitchen as this area is susceptible to sauce stains.
Gloss Paint
Matte paint and gloss paint are the two different types of wall paints for homes that are quite common but different in looks.
Gloss paint has a high shine and, therefore, most people prefer it when going for a luxurious interior look. Since glossy paint shows imperfections clearly, the wall should be primed properly. Plus, glossy paint is used more than matte paint and requires double coats.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss has a hard finish and is quite easy to clean. It has less gloss than full-gloss paint, but it also covers the wall in a single coat. Before applying glossy paint on an imperfect wall, use a primer to hide the signs.
Satin
What do you know about satin wall paint? That it’s smooth, shiny and …? Most people don’t really understand satin paint wall. It’s not all glossy, but a combination of matte and gloss. It has a soft, low sheen, but because of its soft look, it should only be applied on clean walls.
Eggshell
Eggshell paint also has a soft and subtle shine, but it does not compare anywhere to smoothness of satin paint. Therefore, it can be used on surfaces with imperfections. You can cover the surface with a single coat and the color will still be clearly visible.
Latex-based paint
Most people assume that water-based paints and latex-based paints are the same. Most of the time, you will see the terms being applied interchangeably, and this can result in a bit of confusion.
Certain types of latex-based can also be considered as water-based. You can also find latex-based paints that utilize chemicals.
Therefore, there’s a difference between the two. In general, latex paint is applied to a lot of exterior applications.
The main benefit of this type of paint is that it’s relatively easier to work with compared to oil-based paint.
Since it is water-based, it is pretty easy to apply, it dries quickly, and never makes as much of a mess. What’s more, it’s resistant to the adverse effects of direct sunlight.
Also, the paint contracts and expands with the siding on the house and never traps moisture. Strictly speaking, acrylic latex is the best quality latex paint, and is ideal for any building material – metal and masonry included.
Enamel Paint
This type of paint is perfect if you want something that will be quite rugged. Enamel paint is known for its durability and can withstand much punishment.
Mostly, this type of paint is applied for the exterior of people’s houses since it can withstand the elements. If you need to protect something, it would be a prudent idea to use this paint.
For instance, enamel paint is usually applied in the exterior of a house or on kitchen cabinets. The enamel paint will maintain the cabinets looking nice, and you never have to be concerned about them being dinged or bumped into.
Emulsion Paint
Emulsions are a mixture of two different liquids that do not blend well. Generally, two non-blending liquids can create various types of emulsions.
For instance, water and oil can create two types of emulsions, water-in-oil emulsion, and an oil-in-water emulsion.
Emulsion paint is often used for both internal and external surfaces. Generally speaking, they’re one of the most popularly used types of exterior paints used as of now, after cement-based paints.
Bituminous Paint
This type of paint is made of asphalt bitumen or even coal tar that is dissolved in naphtha or mineral spirit. Although bituminous paints are often black, you can add suitable coloring pigments for the desired color.
The paint is perfect for use in places where an effective weatherproof, waterproof, corrosion, and chemical-resistant protective layer is needed.
Since this paint is alkali-resistant, it’s feasible to apply them for weather protecting steelwork, underwater structures, concrete, wood, waterproofing, and potable water tanks.
It’s also ideal for any sort of exterior ironwork and metalwork, including shafts, fire escapes, and ladders.
Aluminium Paint
It’s a coating material that’s made by a mixture of aluminium pigment and oil varnish in the form of thin flakes that overlap in the paint film.
Not only does it reflect the sun’s radiation perfectly, but it also maintains the heat in hot-water or hot-air pipes or tanks.
The aluminium flakes usually give the paint this shiny metallic finish. The paint can be applied to a variety of materials, such as wood, metals, and masonry.
Furthermore, aluminium paint is useful in painting radiators, oil storage tanks, marine piers, hot water pipes, and gas tanks.
Cement-based paint
Cement-based paints are basically water-based paints whereby the cement acts as the base. In this type of paint, cement is the primary constituent, and it’s responsible for the durability and hardness of the painted surface.
Typically, cement paints don’t need oil or other organic matter. Cement paints can be used on both the interior and exterior of walls.
Essentially, it’s painted on the wall surface’s exterior to prevent water penetration and minimize the dirt collection. It’s ideal for coating concrete and decorating outdoor and indoor walls.
Epoxy Paint
This paint is made from epoxy resin. Epoxy resins are simply thermosetting synthetic resins consisting of the epoxide groups, and they’re created by cross-linking reactions of different epoxide groups.
Typically, they’re available in the pure form or with modified properties. Primarily, you can use epoxy paint as a floor covering or even on kitchen countertops.
And, upon application, it leaves a hard and shiny surface. They’re highly feasible for industrial floors, commercial buildings, especially the pharmaceutical industry, garages, operation theaters.
This is mainly because of its strength and resistance to chemicals and damage. They’re preferred when a bacteria-free flooring or jointless flooring is the priority.
Flat Paint
You should pass on the flat finish when you’re considering painting your bathroom, kitchen, or kid’s bedrooms. Why? Because it doesn’t clean well.
You will need to paint over grease splatters, grubby fingerprints, and more if you need those messes to disappear. However, flat paint is a sophisticated and luxurious finish.
Mostly, it’s great for interior walls and ceilings. For those who have noticeable surface imperfections, this paint would also be a good option since it forms a low-reflecting surface, which diminishes the appearance of imperfections.
Distemper Paint
Distemper paints are basically water-based paints. They’re also identified as cement paint since they can be used directly on walls that have a plaster finish without applying the primer.
In general, distemper paints are a relatively cheaper option, and they often last for more than four years. The main constituents of distemper are water, lime, chalk, and a few coloring pigments if need be.
They’re usually available in paste and powder form and can be regarded as an improved version of whitewash. This type of paint is perfect for both the exterior and interior walls of your property.
Textured Paint
It comprises of coarse grains (like sand or gypsum), leather, lace, ribbon, and metal. A water-thinned binder is applied for giving a rough effect on a wall.
For some time now, textured paint has grown to be one of the most preferred trends when it comes to the home decor segment. The main reason behind this is because it renders an attractive appeal to your wall.
Generally, such type of paint simulates two senses: touch and sight. Since it leaves an artistic look to a wall, you could use this textured paint as a substitute for wallpaper. Besides, it is an excellent solution to hide imperfect and uneven wall surfaces.
Metallic Paint
In general, a paint that comprises flecks of copper, aluminium, stainless steel, bronze, or any other metal has a metallic appearance. “Metallic paint” is the term used for such type of wall paint.
Metallic paints are often more feasible when it comes to painting metallic surfaces such as light fixtures, vehicles, and hardware.
Choosing a suitable paint for your property isn’t as simple as it seems. Undoubtedly, there are several factors one should consider.
Final Words
Regardless of what you’re planning, knowing the various types of paints applied during building and construction will be useful. Use this guide as you plan to take on a home refurbishment project.
This brings us to the conclusion of different types of paints that you can use for homes. Depending on how you have decorated the interior of your house, you should choose the paint type accordingly. If you are looking for more informatory articles like this, then have a look at our home improvement category here.
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