The Most Common Paint Varieties – And Which Is The Best Alternative For You
Painting your house can be daunting with the wide range of paints available. If you find yourself staring at the varieties in the paint section of your local hardware store and feeling incredibly lost, hopefully, this guide will help. It will cover everything from primers, water-based vs. oil-based, indoor or outdoor, and the different gloss levels.
Primers/Sealers
Primers and sealers -while technically not paint- are essential. Primer can help your paint adhere to the surface, ensure the longevity of your new paint job, block stains, and help colours appear more accurate.
It is essential to choose your primer based on the paint it will be used with – whether that is oil-based or water-based. If you are in doubt, our team at Diamond Coat Painting is more than willing to answer any questions.
Oil-based or Water-based
The two main types of paint used today are oil-based and water-based.
Oil-based is sometimes also referred to as enamel paint due to its durability. Oil-based can be prone to discolouration however is long-lasting and durable. It is often used on trims such as door and window frames.
Water-based paints tend to be thinner than oil-based paints, therefore, less durable. However, they are easy to clean and use and generally more flexible than oil-based paints.
Indoor/Outdoor
When looking for paint for a specific area of your house, oil-based is typically used for exterior areas due to its durability. It will survive the elements better. Interior paints are generally water-based.
Levels of Gloss
Another factor to consider when purchasing your house paint is the gloss level. These differences impact where the color is best used, different durability levels, how easy it is to clean, how susceptible to staining, etc
- Flat Paints
Flat paints offer a matte finish with low light reflectivity and are often used in areas without much wear and tear. They are also often used for ceiling paint. Flat paint is great for hiding imperfections in walls but can be challenging to clean and susceptible to staining.
- Satin Finish
The satin finish is sometimes called an ‘eggshell’ finish. It offers a light sheen and is more durable than flat paint. This makes it a better option for higher-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and children’s bedrooms.
- Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint is very durable and easy to clean. It is an excellent option for areas such as the bathroom or kitchen that are frequently cleaned. It is also commonly used on cabinets and wood trims.
- Gloss
Gloss paint is more durable, easy to clean, and complex than the other paint varieties. It gives a very high shine and consequentially makes surface imperfections more prominent. It is best for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, furniture, stairs, railings, cabinets, trims, and floors.
This guide should have helped clarify some of these terms, and we hope you are feeling a bit less lost. We understand the confusion that all of these new terms can bring. Our team at Diamond Coat Painting are experts in all things paint and are always welcome to offer insight or share our expansive knowledge. Feel free to get in touch with us today.
Contact Our Local Painting Specialists For More Paint Varieties
We have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. If you’re unsure where to start, call the professional team at Diamond Coat Painting at 0402 801 097. We will be more than happy to discuss your painting project and develop a solution that best suits your needs.
