Are you about to embark on some painting and need a quick run down on all things paint? This blog post is for you, so keep reading...
Water-based paint (also known as latex paint)
Can clean up mess with soapy water
This paint type typically contains fewer VOC's
Faster drying than oil based
Oil based paint
Very durable
Generally more expensive than water-based paint
Typically higher in VOC's
To clean up you will need mineral spirits or paint thinner
What paint sheen should I use and where?
There are certain paint sheens that are recommended for certain surfaces. The following is suggested:
Walls: Low Sheen (velvety finish that is hard-wearing and easier than a matte finish to keep clean)
Ceiling: Flat (the least amount of sheen and hides imperfections well)
Skirting and Architraves: Semi-gloss (hard wearing, offers washability and moisture resistance having a slightly gloss finish)
Should I use a primer?
The short answer is yes - you should use a primer, as it ensures the surface has a better adhesion for the paint and therefore more durability longterm.
Why you shouldn't buy paint just based on the price tag
Cheaper paints are generally higher in solvents and lower in particle pigment and resin, which ultimately means you need more coats of paint. So keeping this in mind, it doesn't mean it's a more affordable option if you need to purchase double (for double the amount of coats) in order to achieve the same coverage.
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