Looking for paint and boggled by the different types available? Understanding a bit about paint will make it easier to choose the correct one for the job.
Paint is made up of four basic contents:
Pigments give the paint its color.
Binders hold pigments together and make the paint adhere to a surface.
Additives give paint properties such as moisture resistance, flow and splatter resistance.
Liquid mix the pigment into the paint.
Once a room is painted, the liquids will evaporate and the pigments, binders and additives will stay on the surface. Paint with a higher percentage of pigments, binders and additives will be thicker and provide better coverage. Read labels and compare percentages before making your selection.
The liquid in solvent-based (oil or alkyd) paint is mineral spirits and can take up to 24 hours to dry. You'll need turpentine or paint thinner for cleanup.
Water-based (latex) paints have a water liquid making them fast drying. Cleanup is also fast and easy with soap and water. Latex paints are less odorous and wear better over time.
There are a variety of sheens or finishes available. Sheens describe the degree of light reflection paint has. Usually the less sheen it has, the less stain-resistant it is. Some sheens are better for different areas of your home:
Flat paint is ideal for use on ceilings, walls and areas with surface imperfections. Stains are harder to remove from this type of finish.
Lo-lustre, satin and eggshell paints are good for areas you want to shine. Use it for hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms. It also holds up under repeated washings, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint and enamel paints are used on shelves, kitchen cabinets, furniture, doorjambs, windowsills and railings. This paint shows surface imperfections.
Paint is made up of four basic contents:
Pigments give the paint its color.
Binders hold pigments together and make the paint adhere to a surface.
Additives give paint properties such as moisture resistance, flow and splatter resistance.
Liquid mix the pigment into the paint.
Once a room is painted, the liquids will evaporate and the pigments, binders and additives will stay on the surface. Paint with a higher percentage of pigments, binders and additives will be thicker and provide better coverage. Read labels and compare percentages before making your selection.
The liquid in solvent-based (oil or alkyd) paint is mineral spirits and can take up to 24 hours to dry. You'll need turpentine or paint thinner for cleanup.
Water-based (latex) paints have a water liquid making them fast drying. Cleanup is also fast and easy with soap and water. Latex paints are less odorous and wear better over time.
There are a variety of sheens or finishes available. Sheens describe the degree of light reflection paint has. Usually the less sheen it has, the less stain-resistant it is. Some sheens are better for different areas of your home:
Flat paint is ideal for use on ceilings, walls and areas with surface imperfections. Stains are harder to remove from this type of finish.
Lo-lustre, satin and eggshell paints are good for areas you want to shine. Use it for hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms. It also holds up under repeated washings, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint and enamel paints are used on shelves, kitchen cabinets, furniture, doorjambs, windowsills and railings. This paint shows surface imperfections.
