Introduction
Painting your house involves more than just picking a color and applying it to your walls. Understanding the different types of house paint and their purposes is crucial for achieving professional and long-lasting results. At Wade Paint Co., we specialize in providing expert exterior painting services tailored to each homeowner’s specific needs. In this guide, we will explore the various types of house paint and offer insights on how to apply them effectively.
Oil-Based and Water-Based Paint
The two most basic types of house paint are oil-based and water-based. Oil-based paints, primarily used for cabinets and new construction trim and doors, offer exceptional adherence but are not recommended for furnished and occupied homes due to challenges with application and cleanup. We see oil-based paints being used on the most heavily used parts of the home. If you run a preschool, then one application might be applying it to the walls since they would regularly take a beating from the kids.
On the other hand, water-based acrylic latex paints have become increasingly durable and versatile over the years, making them suitable for general use on both interior and exterior surfaces. They have grown to be the gold standard for house painting (1) in many areas where oil-based paints were dominant.
Selecting the Right Paint for Each Part of Your Home
Exterior and Interior Walls
- High-quality acrylic latex paints are ideal for exterior (2) and interior wall painting, providing durability and resistance to outdoor elements.
- Water-based paints offer quick drying times, easy cleanup, and excellent UV light resistance for handling direct sunlight.
- Water-based paints do a good job of holding and displaying the pigments of the paint, giving you a bright, vibrant finish that can be further emphasized through the finish.
Trim, Doors, and Fixtures
- For heavily handled or humidity-exposed surfaces, oil-based paints still serve as a robust option due to their durability and tough finish.
- Water-based paints can also be considered for trim and doors, especially with the availability of alkyd-based oil paints that offer faster drying times and ease of use.
Understanding Paint Finishes
Different paint finishes determine the level of glossiness or shine on your surfaces. If at any time this information becomes confusing, you can reach out to our expert team at Wade Paint Co. for clarification or talk to one of the reps at your neighborhood paint store.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common finishes and their applications:
- Flat/Matte: Ideal for certain exterior walls, interior ceilings, and walls, but not recommended for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to grime.
- Eggshell: Slightly glossier than matte, suitable for main living spaces.
- Satin: Offers a balance between glossiness and ease of cleaning, making it suitable for walls that are frequently touched.
- Semi-gloss: Recommended for areas with high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and for furniture.
- Gloss: Used for detailed trim, doorway edges, and certain furniture pieces, available in both oil-based and water-based options.
- Enamel: Similar to a gloss finish but typically applied to oil-based paints, although some high-quality brands offer water-based enamel options.
The Importance of Primers
Primers are essential for certain painting situations , acting as sealants, adhesives, and protectors for paint application. That means that using a primer is an extremely important part of the painting process and should not be skipped or done lightly. The primer should be used in the following scenarios:
- When painting bare surfaces for the first time.
- When applying acrylic paint over existing oil-based surfaces.
- Anytime you want to maximize the life of your paint.
Conclusion
Choosing the right house paint is crucial for a successful painting project. By understanding the different types of paint and finishes and the importance of primers, homeowners can make informed decisions about their projects that give their paint the lifespan they expect. Trust the experienced professionals at Wade Paint Co. to provide personalized guidance and deliver exceptional results to your Charleston area home.
Contact us now to schedule your free painting consultation and embark on your painting journey with confidence.
Reference:
(1) https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/kem-tone.html
(2) https://www.pcimag.com/articles/83903-acrylic-latex-paints-still-the-gold-standard-for-exterior-performance
Hire Your Local Professional Painters
When undertaking your upcoming painting project, consider seeking the expertise of Wade Paint Co. Our experienced professional house painters can guide you through selecting the best paint options for each part of your home. Contact us today for a free painting consultation and let us help you achieve outstanding results that combine aesthetics with durability.
