Understanding what paint to use and where

A frequent question that comes up very often is about what paint to use and where.  There are a few things to take into consideration when painting your property and what the possible outcome would be.
 
In this article, we provide a helpful breakdown of how to choose paints and where to use them. We also answer the common questions that come up about paint choices.
 
What are the main types of paint for buildings?
The main types of paints for buildings include:
 
1. Acrylic:
This is the most common type of paint that can be used all over your home. It covers well, is easy to work with and doesn't have a strong odour. Acrylic paint is frequently used for painting interior walls, ceilings and wood trim.
 
It contains no harmful solvents and emits less odours than oil-based paints. It is stronger and more flexible than other types of paint, dries quickly, has a high coverage rate and offers excellent washability; thus making it the best choice for use in homes with children or pets.
 
2. Alkyd:
The most important benefit of alkyd paint is that it provides good coverage over surfaces that have been previously painted or varnished. These paints do not contain any environmentally harmful solvents and can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
 
3. Oil-based or Alkyd Enamel:
This type of paint is resistant to water and steam, helping the paint last longer. It also offers a tough coating that is ideal for floors and surfaces that can come into contact with heavy use such as railings and front doors. Please note that this type of paint is not allowed in homes with a sprinkler system.
 
4. Latex:
Contains no harmful solvents and emits less odours than oil-based paints. It also dries up much faster and offers better coverage than other types of paint. This type can be used on plastered walls and ceilings.
 
5. Water-based:
Also known as lightweight paint, this is one of the most common types used in interior painting. Although it requires more coats to achieve the desired coverage and surface finish, it does emit no harmful fumes or odours and cleans up easily with water. This type can also be used on plastered walls and ceilings.
 
How do I know what type of paint to use for my property?
The type of paint that you should use depends on certain factors:
 
The size and layout of your property. If you have a large house with three or more bedrooms, then we recommend using an oil-based paint since the drying time is much faster than water-based paints and offers better coverage.
 
If you're doing a DIY job, the same rule also applies. If you're covering a lot of surfaces then it would be wise to use an oil-based paint that has a longer drying time.
 
The purpose of painting your property. If you're looking for a surface finish that is resistant to scratches and knocks, then we recommend using a water-resistant paint.
 
The amount of ventilation you have when using the paint. Do not forget that in most cases, your garage door will need to be open in order for the painting process to follow through. Hence, if possible it's best to do so outside or in a well-ventilated room.
 
If there are any cracks on the wall where you intend on painting, we recommend using a filler before moving onto the actual paint. This way, you will avoid the risk of distracting cracks and fissures ruining your final result.
 
The general style and theme of your property. Painting it in a certain colour range or following the latest design trends may be difficult to achieve if you're unfamiliar with the subject. In this case, we recommend that you first consult a professional before doing any painting yourself.
 
Last but not least, consider your budget and how much paint you actually need for the job. Generally speaking, most stores have a standard price per litre/volume of paint used on average to cover a specific surface area (i.e.: 1m x 1m).
 
What type of paint is best for my property?
Most modern paint types are quick-drying and provide a durable, washable surface. Different paints may contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets and children – always read the label before use.
 
Most often we recommend using an acrylic emulsion paint as it provides very good coverage and durability. It's also easy to clean and can be applied with a brush or roller. If you need to paint a dark colour, we would recommend using an oil-based enamel paint as it is designed to absorb light and can cover very dark surfaces with less coats of paint required.
 
What is the best paint to use if I am repainting a wall?
When repainting a feature wall, we would recommend using an acrylic emulsion paint as it provides very good coverage and durability. It's also easy to clean and can be applied with a brush or roller.
 
What if I need to cover existing wallpaper?
Use an oil-based enamel paint, as this could be the only way of covering a textured wallpaper.
 
What type of paint should I use if I want a bright coloured feature wall?
If you need to paint a dark colour, we would recommend using an oil-based enamel paint as it is designed to absorb light and can cover very dark surfaces with fewer coats of paint required. Bright colours are more likely to require more coats, so be sure to check this with your supplier before you start.
 
What type of paint should I choose if I want a high gloss finish?
Use an acrylic lacquer as these paints provide the best high gloss finishes and durability. They can also be used on kitchen cupboards and woodwork to create a hardwearing, wipe-clean surface.
 
I want to cover my walls with wallpaper, but I need the paint to be washable - what type should I choose?
Water-based paints are safe for any wallpapers that are class 1 fire rated (i.e most domestic papers) and can be washed with ease during redecoration. However, they do not provide the same washability as a specialist wallpaper adhesive.
 
I want to paint my exterior doors, but they are really hard to reach - is there anything I can use that's quick-drying?
Yes. A fast-drying primer ensures you can paint your interior and exterior doors in one go, with no waiting for drying times between coats.