How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Home

If you are one of the many thousands of homeowners who are choosing to stay put and just make some renovations rather than trying to sell, then this article is for you. Painting is an inexpensive and easy way to breathe new life to your overall look and décor, so why not have some fun with it! Here is some helpful information and tips to get you started.

Consider the type of paint to use….

Water based paint vs. oil based paint. This is one of the first choices you’ll make – which type of paint to use. The basic choices are water based latex or oil based enamel.

Oil Based Paint.

Oil based paints are used often because of their durability and toughness. They are easy to clean and will last longer. However, a disadvantage of oil paint is the drying time and a very strong odor when first applied. This odor can last for awhile. Another major disadvantage with oil paints is VOC’s or volatile organic compounds. It can be harmful to both your health and the environment. There have been some pretty stiff federal regulations concerning VOC’s and therefore, oil paint can be hard to find and has decreased greatly in popularity.

Water Based Paint. Latex or acrylic paints are what most people refer to as water based paint. It has fast drying time, doesn’t have a strong smell, and is generally environment friendly. It’s also much faster to get back to normal living with latex paints due to the quick drying time.

Choosing a paint finish. Paints have many classifications. Among the most important is the kind of finish it has. There are many things that go into making this decision, including what the room will be used for and how you want the light to reflect off the walls. Here are some of the most common paint finishes.

Matte. This finish is a muted look that does not reflect light. They look warm and inviting, rather than shiny and glamorous. They are not easy to clean, so you won’t want to use it in kitchens or kids’ rooms.

Enamel. This finish can be matte but you can wash it easily so if you want those two elements, it could work for you. It would work well in higher traffic rooms. The light will be deflected as well. It does have a strong odor that can last for many days.

Eggshell. This finish can be just a tad glossy, but not much. Obviously, it resembles an eggshell. Dining rooms, sunrooms and even bedrooms would do well with this finish.

Satin. This finish has even more shine than eggshell, which makes them a bit easier to clean. Kitchens or recreation/game rooms would do well with this finish. They look great in any room where you like to entertain.

Semi-Gloss. This finish is tough and durable and has a much higher shine. If you’re looking to be able to wipe the walls clean, then this would be a great choice. Bathrooms and kitchens or baby rooms can do well with this finish due to its ease of cleaning. Mostly it is used for trim, windows and doors.

Gloss. Nobody wants to see all the imperfections in a wall, so gloss finishes are not usually chosen. Light is highly reflected and its shine and gloss makes it unsuitable for interior walls. They can, however, be used for floors in the garage, trim work or doors. This is due to their high durability and tough exterior. They hold up to a lot of damage and traffic.

Please feel free to call us today for more information on paint and its various types.

 

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