There is more to achieving a quality paint job than picking up any handy brush and slathering on the paint available at the best discount. For many people, the most difficult thing about a new paint project is choosing the right paint colors.
What do-it-yourselfers often don’t know about is that a professional-quality paint job can only be achieved when the type of paint being used is the right match for the surface it will be used on.
If this consideration is neglected, results can be far less than satisfying in both appearance and durability.
Two General Paint Types for the Home
There are two general categories that virtually all paints used around the house fall into: water-based latex paints and oil-based or solvent-based paints, often referred to as “alkyds.” In latex paints, most of the liquid is water; and in oil-based paints, the liquid consists of organic solvents such as petroleum distillates. It’s very helpful to know the right paint to use on each surface because there is a big difference in how paint adheres to various materials.
Comparison of High Quality Paints
Below there are specific tips for choosing the right paint for the surface it is to be used on. In some cases, there are options. The following are a few of the qualities of the best-rated oil-based and latex paints.
• Regarding ease of application, oil-based paints are more difficult, due to greater “drag,” but the paint goes on heavier, which makes for more effective one-coat coverage. Latex paints go on evenly and smoothly.
• Oil-based paints have excellent adhesion and perform better than latex on surfaces that are heavily chalked. Latex has better elasticity than oil and superb adhesion to most substrates.
• When it comes to color retention, latex paints are superior, especially when a surface is exposed to direct sunlight. Oil-based paints are more likely to chalk and fade as a result of exposure to the sun.
Matching Paint to Surfaces
Even beyond choosing between water-based and oil-based paints, there are recommended types of paint that can greatly enhance specific paint projects. The following are great tips for using the right paint for the surface being painted:
• Woodwork can be painted with either latex or alkyd paint. Bare wood should always be primed before painting. Semi-gloss finishes are the top choice for surfaces that need frequent cleaning. When wear-and-tear is minimal, satin or flat finishes are best.
• Latex paint is most recommended for properly primed drywall, masonry, and wood; the paint is easiest to work with.
• Latex can be applied directly on galvanized metal and aluminum, whereas oil-based paint needs to be applied after a primer. Both paint categories work well on steel and iron that has been properly primed.
• Acrylic latex wall paint designed specifically for masonry surfaces is the best choice when painting bricks, concrete blocks, and cement.
• When painting floors, use a product specifically designed for that purpose, to ensure the ability of the paint to withstand heavy scrubbing, traffic, and abrasion.
• Ceilings should be painted with flat ceiling paint specifically formulated for ceilings. Flat paint finish is great because it hides lap marks and irregularities. In addition, the paint won’t yellow over time and there is minimal splatter during application
Contact our paint professionals for advice or to schedule an interior or exterior paint project.
Franklin Painting LLC – Call us Toll Free at 877-646-7774
or at our main office number 860-678-7701
160 Brickyard Road, Farmington, CT 06032