The Homeowners Guide To Choosing The Right Paint
Painting may well be one of the simplest and most effective ways to add value or transform a space.
With many different types of paints to choose from, it takes a lot more than slapping on a couple of coats. Fortunately, we have a few tips to help you pick the right type of paint to get the job done!
Flat Paints
Also known as ultra flat, matt acrylic and matt, flat paint has almost no shine and is great for an amazing finish. This paint is suitable for unsightly walls as it’s coarse pigments deflect light, making any imperfections in the underlying surface a lot less visible. But due the quality of paint, it’s also prone to marks and scuffs so it isn’t suitable for areas that see a lot of traffic. It should also be noted that these same pigments that hide imperfections can eventually be worn down by cleaning leaving you with shiny patches.
Low Sheen
As the name suggests, this type of paint has slight lustre which makes it perfect for living areas and bedrooms. This type of paint is commonly used in Australian homes as it also disguises imperfections. It is also slightly less than flat paints but it is less damaged by cleaning.
Satin
Satin paint is identified by it’s smooth, glossy and velvety look. You can also think of Satin as a mid-sheen paint. Satin paint suits Kids rooms or rooms that have lots of traffic as it takes a lot more wear and tear than flat or low sheens and it doesn’t mind the odd clean. Satin paint is a lot more durable than Low sheen and flat paints.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint works great on skirtings, trims, interior doors and other widely used areas of the home. It is relatively discreet in feel and lustre. To use Semi-gloss effectively the key is preparation as the glossier the finish, the more obvious the underlying imperfections. Sanding is required if you are painting over semi-gloss paint (unless it’s lead-based) to aid the adhesion of the paint. If the surface hasn’t been painted in a few years, you may need to prime the paint before you start.
Gloss
Finally, the shinest paint of all. Just like semi-gloss, this type of paint tends to be used on door and window trims, architraves and doors. Although possible to use on walls, it would be making some type of statement so be careful because if you’re walls are imperfection free, you can forget it. Gloss type of paints are made with water-based technology so it’s a lot less hard-wearing than other paints. Clean up is also easier which is a big bonus.
Although there are many different types of paints, these are the most common types of paints you’ll use when painting your home. Making sure you use the right paint in the right situation will make all the difference!
