Choosing the right type of paint for your project can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision.
This article will cover the most common types of paint available for both interior and exterior use, along with their unique properties and benefits. We will also delve into the various paint finishes available, from matte and eggshell to satin and gloss, and discuss how to choose the right one for your painting project.
We’ll also consider factors such as paint color, brush strokes, and the type of surface you’re painting, whether it be interior walls, dining rooms, or any other painted surface. This guide should help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect paint for your project and ensure an extremely durable and beautiful finish.
Common Types of Paint for Interior and Exterior Paint Project
All paints are not made equal. Each paint type has different composition and mixtures suited for different painting jobs. Here are the different types of paint and their intended usages::
Oil paint
Oil paint is a traditional type of paint that is used for interior and exterior projects. It is made of pigment mixed with oil, usually linseed oil. It is known for its durability and longevity, and it provides a glossy finish. However, it takes longer to dry and requires solvents for cleaning.
Oil paint is ideal for surfaces that require high durability and resistance to wear and tear, such as cabinets, doors, and trim. It also provides a glossy finish that is great for highlighting details and creating a luxurious look. Oil paint is also recommended for use on wood, metal, and other non-porous surfaces.
Latex paint
Latex paint is a water-based paint that is commonly used for interior projects including interior walls, ceilings, and surfaces that require frequent cleaning such as kitchens and bathrooms.
It dries faster than oil paint and has a low odor. It is easy to clean with soap and water, and it is environmentally friendly. It comes in a variety of finishes, including matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.
Emulsion paint
Emulsion paint is a type of water-based paint that is used for interior projects. It has a smooth and creamy texture and dries quickly. It is easy to clean with soap and water, and it is known for its durability. It comes in a variety of finishes, including matte, eggshell, and satin.
This type of paint is ideal for use on interior walls and ceilings, providing a smooth and even finish. It provides a low-sheen finish that is great for concealing imperfections and creating a soft, subtle look.
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint that is used for both interior and exterior projects. It dries quickly and is known for its durability and flexibility. It is easy to clean with soap and water, and it like other types of paint mentioned above, comes in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and high gloss.
It is great for use on both interior and exterior surfaces, including walls, trim, and furniture and provides a flexible, durable finish that is resistant to cracking and peeling. Acrylic paint also dries quickly and can be cleaned up with soap and water and suitable for a variety of design styles.
Cement Paint
Cement paint is a type of paint that is designed to be used on concrete, masonry, and other cement-based surfaces. It is a water-based paint that is composed of cement, water, and pigments. It is known for its breathability, which allows moisture to escape and prevents the paint from cracking and flaking. It is also resistant to fading, chalking, and weathering.
It is ideal to use for coating and protecting exterior walls and fences and waterproofing concrete surfaces in construction. It can also be used as a base coat for other types of paints and gives a textured or stucco finish to walls.
Anti-Corrosive Paint
Anti-corrosive paint is a type of paint that is designed to be used on metal surfaces that are exposed to moisture and corrosion such as piping, machinery, and industrial equipment. It is composed of special additives that provide a protective layer that prevents rust and corrosion from forming.
This type of paint also comes in a range of finishes, from matte to high-gloss and offers excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to weathering and abrasion.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is a type of paint that provides a hard, glossy, and durable finish. It is made by adding enamel to oil-based paint. It is commonly used on metal, wood, and other surfaces that require a hard, durable finish. It is resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling, and it can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces.
This type of paint offers good adhesion, durability, and resistance to chipping, cracking, and peeling and can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces.
Synthetic Rubber Paint
Synthetic rubber paint is a type of paint that is designed to be used on concrete and metal surfaces that require a durable and flexible finish such as floors, roofs, and walls. It is composed of synthetic rubber, which provides a waterproof and weatherproof coating that is resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and abrasion.
This type of paint offers good adhesion to the surface and provides a matte finish, easy to apply and dries quickly.
Different Types of Paint Finishes
There are also different types of paint finishes that provides different textures and look depending on where you apply the paint.
Flat Paint Finishes/Matte Paint Finishes
Flat paints or a matte finish paint offer a non-reflective and smooth finish with excellent hiding abilities. It is most commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms and ceilings throughout the home.
Eggshell
Eggshell covers wall imperfections better than a flat paint, while still offering an elegant, low-sheen finish. An eggshell paint finish is often used in dining rooms and hallways where the environment is slightly more active.
Satin Paint Finish
This is a smooth and slightly shiny finish, often used in moderate to high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Satin paints are also an excellent choice for trims, doors, and cabinets.
Semi-Gloss Paint Finish
This is an ideal finish if you are looking for a slightly shinier and more durable finish. Semi-gloss is most often used for trim, doors, and cabinets as it stands up to scrubbing and cleaning better than other finishes.
High Gloss Paint Finish
High-gloss paints are highly durable and extremely shiny, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and trims. However, they will show scratches and imperfections more easily than other finishes, so they may not be the best choice for walls.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint Finishes
Your interior paint finish should be based on different factors to achieve the desired look and feel. Consider the following when making your selection:
Traffic
One of the main factor you should consider is how much traffic the area will get. High-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, usually require more durable finishes like semi-gloss or high-gloss. Low-traffic rooms, such as living rooms, can use any finish from flat to high gloss.
Paint Sheen
Another factor to consider is paint sheen. Sheen refers to the amount of light reflected from a surface. The more reflective the finish, the higher its sheen and glossier it appears. This can affect how your walls look in different lighting conditions and create an atmosphere that suits your tastes.
Surface Imperfections
Lastly, you should consider any surface imperfections in the area you’re painting. If your walls have small nicks and scratches, for example, then a flat finish may be a better option as it will help to mask these imperfections. Similarly, if you want to emphasize texture and depth on your walls, then choosing a higher sheen could be a good choice.
The Bottom Line
There are many different types of paint available for you to choose from if you opt to do DIY painting. You should also consider the different painting finishes and desired sheen when choosing the right paint for a job–such as the type of surface, its intended use.
By familiarizing yourself with these basics, you will be equipped to make the best decision for your project and ensure that your walls look perfect when you are finished.
But, if you want to have a professional painter to handle the job, then that could be the best option for you. At Chandler 480 Painting, we offer both interior and exterior painting services in Chandler, AZ and other surrounding areas.
From providing you with expert advice on what paint to choose and how much of it you will need, to removing any existing wallpaper or old coats of paint, we can help make your painting project a success. Our skilled team of painters uses only high-quality materials and techniques that deliver beautiful results that last for years.
So if you are looking for a reliable painter in Chandler, AZ, then contact us today to learn more about how we can help.