When embarking on a large project like painting the exterior or interior of your home, it is crucial that you understand the best type of paint to use for different locations and applications.
Read on to learn more about which type of paint performs best in certain areas of your home, and which ones should be avoided.
Water-Based Paints
Most wall paints on the market today are primarily water-based. This is due to it’s easy application, as water based paints generally do not require a pre-treatment.
Water-based paint is also well known for it’s low toxic emissions, repels mildew and mould growth, is fast drying, and can easily be cleaned up with water after a spill.
Water-based paint will also keep a true color over time, meaning it will not fade or change color over time in direct sunlight.
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints have long been the staple paint of choice until recently when the improvements to water-based paints and tipped the scales in favor of water based.
This is due to some harsher characteristics of oil based paints such as the sting fumes associated with the mixture along with the difficulty to clean up and remove the paint.
Oil based paint cannot be cleaned up with water, instead you will need to use paint solvents such as turpentine to clean up spills, over-strokes and even the brushes and paint equipment you will be using.
Oi-based paints are a good option however in high-moisture rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens due to the durable and hardy finish it provides.
The benefits of using oil-based paints is the rich, thick luxurious finish it can produce, leaving a lasting sheen and shine to almost any surface.
Finish Options
Every type of paint as a sheen or finish option that you can opt for, depending on the overall look you are set out to achieve.
Finishes can also be used to compliment each other to create layers and a more textured look.
The three main types of finish are Matte, Satin & Gloss.
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Matt Finish
A Matte finish is a flat, low-reflective finish that has a velvety hand-feel and is perfect for interior walls and ceilings.
A Matte finish can sometime s be more difficult to clean than a gloss finish.
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Satin Finish
A Satin finish paint has a moderate amount of sheen and reflectivity to it and is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
This is due to being considerably easier to clean than a Matte finish paint and more durable with a nice glossy finish to complement these areas.
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Gloss Finish (or Semi-Gloss)
Gloss and Semi-Gloss finishes have a high shine factor and very durable.
Due to theses characteristics, Gloss finishes are most commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, window trims, skirting boards and base boards, moldings and doors ect.
Gloss finishes can stand up to vigorous cleanings and direct sunlight making this a great choice for the areas listed here.
A common match is internal walls with a matte finish and the base boards painted in a gloss or semi gloss to add texture and aesthetic interest.
Conclusion
Paint choice is a critical component to making your next painting project a success.
If you would like more information about what type of paint would be best for you particular property, reach to to the TSC Home Services team on (802) 383-8433 or book a free quote here.
