Picking out wall paint involves more than just deciding on a color. There are different bases as well as different finishes that you can use. This article will discuss some of the different types of house paint.
When choosing house paint, the main decision you'll need to make is between oil and latex. Latex is water-based and offers a variety of benefits. It dries faster than oil-based paint. Latex paints are also more resistant to mildew and fading.
One of the downsides of using latex wall paint is that it's susceptible to weather changes causing it to peel, break, or flake. The paint will contract in cold weather and expand in hot weather.
Oil-based paint has less shrinkage while it dries. It's also more durable, so you should consider using it in high-traffic areas. Unlike latex paint, it won't be affected as much by weather changes.
The problem with using oil-based paint is that the color will fade faster. Cleanup is also more difficult since you'll need to use solvents when working with oil-based paint.
Besides the base, you will also need to decide on a finish for your interior paint. Your choices include matte, gloss, and eggshell. Matte or flat finishes don't reflect much light, so any damage on the surface of the wall won't be as noticeable. However, any damage that appears on the paint itself like scuff marks will be easily visible.
Another choice for an interior paint finish is gloss or semi-gloss. These finishes are typically used on cabinetry to make it stand out. They reflect plenty of light, so any damage will need to be fixed prior to application.
Eggshell or satin finishes reside between gloss and matte finishes. Satin finishes have a bit of shine and don't show damage since they don't reflect as much light as gloss finishes. You can also clean any soiled areas since the finish can withstand light scrubbing.
Exterior paint can also have chalking qualities. The surface of the paint will oxidize slowly over time and help keep the surface clean thanks to rainfall. However, this type of paint isn't a good idea if you live in a dry climate since the rain won't wash the chalk off on a regular basis.
These are some of the different types of exterior and interior house paint. If you're looking for ease of application and faster drying times, then latex is definitely the way to go. Oil-based paints are more durable however. Your interior paint can also have a variety of finishes based on your needs.
Author Resource:
Edison Chase lives in Boston MA and writes on home improvement, DIY projects, finding house painters and interior design tips .
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