Different Types of Paint
What Type Of Primer Should I Use?
Primer is usually an off white or grey color and is used as a base coat to seal the surface, protecting the new wall color from any discoloration that might show through from the old paint.
If the new paint is similar in color to the existing paint on the walls, it is not always necessary to prime. A good consideration for the wallet, a coat of primer can save the expense of having to apply additional coats of paint (more expensive), to prevent the existing paint from showing through.
Note: An easy rule to remember, always use an oil based primer under an oil based paint, and a latex primer under a latex paint.
What Type Of Paint Should I Use?
The main thing to consider when choosing a paint finish is how reflective you want it to be. The different options cover the complete spectrum from a high shine to completely non-reflective. Expect to pay more as the level of glossiness increases.
The main thing to consider when choosing a paint finish is how reflective you want it to be. The different options cover the complete spectrum from a high shine to completely non-reflective. Expect to pay more as the level of glossiness increases.
- Undercoat is a coat of paint used to prepare a surface before the topcoat is applied. It helps to even out the surface and can help prevent stains or dark underlying colours from showing through the topcoat.
- Matte also known as Flat Paint is the least reflective and will likely be the least expensive. This most matte type of finish is great for rooms or areas with low traffic, such as a living room.
- Satin is the next step up on the glossiness ladder. It is still a matte finish, but it has a hint of sheen to the finish.
- Eggshell was designed to provide a good balance between matte and glossiness. The amount of sheen will undoubtedly vary from one manufacturer to another. This is an easy paint to clean with a damp cloth due to the amount of gloss it contains.
- Semi-gloss is great for areas with high traffic. It reflects and bounces light more than an eggshell paint and is extremely well suited for kitchens and bathrooms. You will be able to find specially formulated semi-gloss paints for use in these high-moisture areas.
- Gloss or High-gloss finishes are as you would expect the most reflective paint finishes. Due to their reflective and more decorative nature, they are typically used on wood trim and molding. The high level of gloss also means they are the easiest to clean.
Many professional decorators recommend the classic combination of satin or eggshell for the walls and semi-gloss on the woodwork.
If after achieving a professional looking paint job on all your woodwork your plan is to complete the transformation with wallpaper, we suggest you use WallpaperBuddy™, as it makes wallpapering easy.
The WallpaperBuddy™ tool holds wallpaper away from the wall at an ideal angle for aligning and smoothing, and helps to reduce bubbles and creases. Its telescopic design allows you to progress down the wall easily and efficiently, working with both hands free the entire time. At a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional, why not give WallpaperBuddy™ a try.
We hope you found this article helpful, and we would appreciate it very much if you shared it with someone else you feel might benefit from it.
For more painting tips:
What Order Do You Paint A Room
