Confused
about which paint is best for your project? Don't skip the research. The type
of paint you choose is just as important as the color,
and can have a major effect on the character of your room. Read on
to learn more about each type of paint — and potentially prevent a time- and
money-consuming mistake.
WATER-BASED PAINTS
The
majority of wall paint sold today is water-based, but oil-based paint
remains popular for glossy woodwork, doors, and furniture, as well as demanding
surfaces such as floors.
Be
cautious when switching to a water-based paint if the surface has previously
been coated with an oil-based product, as the new paint may not stick. In this
situation, Sherwin-Williams recommends washing the surface and then
roughening it all over with a medium to smooth grit
sandpaper—making it clean, dry, and dull in order to prevent peeling of the new
coat.
Advantages of water-based paints
·
low VOCs (low levels of
toxic emissions)
·
easy cleanup with water
·
quick drying
·
an elastic, flexible
finish resistant to cracking
·
stable color over time,
without yellowing
OIL-BASED PAINTS
For those instances when an oil-based paint would traditionally be
preferable, but you desire a water-based product, a number of companies have
introduced "waterborne enamels" or "waterborne alkyds."
These paints look and behave much like oil-based options because they have good
leveling qualities for a smooth finish.
Advantages of oil-based paints
·
attractive gloss
·
good "leveling" (brush strokes fill themselves in to
create a smooth finish)
·
hard, durable finish
PAINT FINISHES
Sheen options vary by manufacturer, but share some common
characteristics.
As durability improves across all sheen levels with newer paints,
many people are finding creative ways to mix and match them. "We've
noticed that customers are becoming more experimental in their use of paint
finish, to create real impact and texture within a scheme," says Farrow
& Ball director Sarah Cole. "Try painting a stripe of full gloss on a
matte wall in the same color to create a striking, textured look," she
suggests.
Matte paint:
·
is the least reflective
sheen available
·
has a velvety texture
·
helps hides
imperfections in walls and ceilings
·
offers great depth of
color
·
is generally considered
the standard sheen for walls
·
can sometimes be
difficult to clean
Eggshell and satin paint (satin is slightly glossier than
eggshell):
·
have some reflectivity
·
offer improved durability
·
are frequently used in demanding
environments, like kitchens and bathrooms, where easy cleanup without
a highly glossy finish is desired
Semi-gloss
and gloss paint:
·
are the most reflective sheens
·
are highly durable and stand up to
multiple cleanings
·
are traditionally used on
baseboards, moldings, and doors
·
can make a statement, but also
highlight imperfections
Sue
Kim, color trend and forecast specialist at Valspar, recommends trying
an accent wall with a gloss sheen, while painting the rest of a room
matte. But at the end of the day, "It's all about how you want to set the
atmosphere of your home," she says. "A matte sheen gives you a calm
and serene feeling, because of that textural element." On the other end of
the spectrum, gloss adds energy and excitement.
As for eggshell and satin, Kim likes to use them in smaller spaces
with little natural light. "I always say that a satin finish is great in a
powder room," she says. "It reflects the light to bring out the
color."
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