Whether you’re re-doing an entire house or just painting one wall, it’s important to understand the different types of house paint. The wrong type can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home.
When choosing your paint, think about sheen and tint base. These factors help decide how durable the finish will be and how well it resists stains and dirt.
Emulsion
Emulsion is a water-based paint that contains tiny polymer particles that entrap pigments and then fuse together. Once the paint dries, it cannot be washed off and will last a long time.
This type of paint is also less toxic than other types of house paint, such as oil-based or solvent-based. It can be applied to most surfaces, including metal, wood, concrete and glass, and it does not peel or crack in sunlight.
There are many different types of emulsion, depending on the finish you want to achieve. Some are matte, while others are more glossy and can be more durable. The most common emulsions used on interior walls are flat matt and soft sheen.
They are easy to apply and can be used on any surface, including metal, wood and concrete. They don’t peel or crack in sunlight, and their colour doesn’t fade over time.
Another benefit of emulsion is that it dries quickly. This makes it easier to complete a large paint job in a short space of time.
It’s also a popular choice for a range of projects, from smaller renovation jobs to larger building work. In these cases, the paint is applied over a large area and it’s usually a good idea to use an airless sprayer to ensure a uniform finish.
As with any other paint, it is important to clean the wall before applying emulsion. You can do this with a lily bristle brush, or you can scrub the wall down with warm water and a mild detergent.
Once the wall is clean, it is time to start painting. You will need a good quality paint brush or roller. You should “cut in” the corners with a paint brush and then roll the rest of the wall with a roller.
To achieve a perfect finish, it is best to use a high-quality emulsion. If you aren’t sure which one to buy, try looking for a brand that offers a wide variety of colors and finishes.
Emulsion paints come in a variety of sheens, from matte to silk and satin. You’ll need to choose a sheen that suits your tastes and the environment in which you live.
Eggshell
If you’re looking for a paint finish that has a soft touch but also a little bit of shine, eggshell is the answer. It’s a great option for many rooms in the home, and it’s a popular choice among homeowners.
It’s the middle ground of matte and satin finishes, giving a more moderate gloss that isn’t as shiny as semi-gloss or high-gloss paints. It’s also a good choice for rooms that haven’t experienced much traffic or dirt buildup because it’s durable and easy to clean.
In addition to being durable, eggshell is also a good choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms because it resists stains and mildew better than flat or matte paint. However, you should be aware that it’s less resistant to grease splatters behind your range than satin or semi-gloss.
Another reason to consider eggshell is that it’s a great option for vaulted ceilings and high walls, which are typically difficult to paint. Since this finish absorbs light, you can carry the wall paint up to the ceiling without cutting in, which saves time and money.
One of the biggest pros of eggshell is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to more expensive paint finishes, so you can save a lot of money in the long run. Plus, it’s durable and lasts a long time so you won’t have to paint it again for years to come.
The biggest con of eggshell is that it’s difficult to touch up if you have any nicks or dings in the paint. This is especially true if you have young children in the house, because they’re going to make a lot of mistakes and dents that will require repainting to cover them up.
It can also be hard to hide brush strokes or roller lap marks that you accidentally made during the painting process. These problems are particularly problematic if you’re using a satin-finish surface, which reflects more light than eggshell so you can spot mistakes even when you’re trying to camouflage them.
You can always get professional help with any painting project, whether it’s an interior or exterior painting job. Brick&Batten offers a variety of services to help you with your project, from virtual exterior design to realistic renderings so you can see what your home will look like before you buy the materials and start the work.
Satin
Satin house paint is a type of interior house paint that offers a velvety sheen. It is less shiny than semi-gloss paint but more lustrous than eggshell paint. It is a popular choice for smooth walls in areas with high traffic, such as kids’ rooms and bathrooms. The Old Charleston Painting Company offers the best service when it comes to using this type of paint.
It is durable and resistant to fading, mildew, and water damage. It is also a popular choice for wood trim and doors because it is easier to wipe clean than flat or matte paint.
Although satin is a popular choice for interior walls, it is also used on exterior trim and moldings to add a touch of elegance. Many of the top paint manufacturers, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, offer satin house paint products for interior walls and exterior trim.
As a general rule, satin paint is best suited for smooth, clean, un-textured surfaces, such as walls and ceilings. It is also a great choice for rooms with high traffic, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Another reason that satin is a good choice for high-traffic areas is its ability to resist mold and mildew. Its tight pores are better at soaking up food stains, markers, and liquid than flatter paints, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
When painting a room with satin paint, consider the area’s light. A room that is too dark will be gloomy, while a light room will seem brighter. The color of the paint also needs to complement the neighborhood and landscape.
The sheen of the paint is also an important factor. A matte finish will reflect more light than a satin finish, which can make a room appear smaller or more open.
In contrast, a glossy finish will accentuate imperfections on the surface and in application. It will also show brush or roller markers more than matte or flat finishes.
Regardless of the type of house paint that you choose for your home, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. The information provided can help you get the most out of your paint and ensure that you’re applying it properly.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss paint is a glossy, slightly shiny finish that makes your walls, door and trim more durable. It also provides a crisp, clean look and easy cleaning for the areas that see the most traffic and wear and tear.
Whether you’re painting a room in your home or a piece of furniture, preparing the surface before applying the paint is essential to a great job. It’s best to remove all furniture, clear out any dusty corners, and place plastic sheeting or drop cloths over the area you plan to paint. Then, apply a quality primer to the surfaces and wait for it to dry before painting.
The type of paint you choose depends on your needs. If you live in a humid, highly trafficked kitchen or bathroom, for example, you’ll want to go with a tough, long-lasting finish that can stand up to drips and spills and stay looking fresh.
If you have children or pets, however, you’ll likely need to opt for a paint that’s easier to scrub clean. That’s why many people choose satin or eggshell over high-gloss.
When it comes to walls, satin is often the glossiest sheen that works well for hiding imperfections. But it can also be a little hard to keep clean, which means you may need to do a lot of scrubbing.
On the other hand, high-gloss is a tough and heavy-duty paint that’s best for accent trim, shutters, doors, black metal railings, and other surfaces you tend to touch on a regular basis. But be aware that these paints can be brittle and chip when applied improperly or in harsh weather conditions.
It’s best to consult with a professional house painter if you want to make sure your home is prepped and painted properly. They’ll help you determine the right type of paint and provide expert application so your home looks its best.
The type of paint you choose should depend on the size of the project, your needs and your budget. You can get an idea of what to expect in cost by calculating the square footage of the room you’re painting and comparing it to the coverage rate printed on the can.