Choosing the Right Paint for Your Home DIY Project
Painting your home can add a visual appeal, give you a fresh look, make your rooms appear larger and enhance the use of space in your home. To achieve these benefits, especially if you are undertaking the project yourself as a home ‘do it yourself’ project, you will need some help choosing the right paint.
There are many different types of paint to choose from, including:
Latex paint
Latex paint is a water based paint which is generally preferred for most homes because it is both odourless and it dries quickly. Cleaning up after a latex paint job is very easy, all you need is some soap and water to remove the paint and there is no need for cleaning agents to dispose of it properly. This makes it a great safe and easy choice for do it yourself projects.
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paint is resistant to moisture and is best used on wooden walls and furniture. Oil-based paint gives off a strong odour that can be a problem for more susceptible occupants including asthmatics, children and pregnant women. Drying time can also take up to 24 hours which can make it inconvenient to use. Cleaning up spills can also be difficult as oil-based paints require a paint thinner for proper removal. Of course there are times where nothing but an oil-based paint will do, in these cases simply follow the instructions carefully and take all the proper precautions.
Paint also comes in several finishes, including:
Matte or flat finish paint
Matte or flat finish paint offers a non-shiny finish which is great for hiding imperfections such as wall bumps, cracks and for touching up scratches and marks that can occur after the paint job. Just make sure you keep a small can of the same colour paint at home for quick and easy touch ups.
Eggshell finish paint
Eggshell finish paint offers a hint of shine that makes it great for walls that may require occasional cleaning.
Satin finish paint
Satin finish paint has a glossy and a soft velvety appearance, this finish is best suited for window surrounds, doors and ceilings. More shine also means that it is easily cleaned and can be used for children’s bedroom walls and places where stains and marks are to be expected.
Satin finish paint has a reflective quality similar to enamel or plastic that is best used for cabinets, trims and furniture in both formal and contemporary settings. Because a glossy look can appear cold and uninviting, many avoid using this on walls and limit it to smaller areas like an accent on a wall or on frames. Shine can also highlight imperfections so preparation and sanding is essential for that perfect flawless finish.
Mastering the different paint finishes can be a challenge for homeowners doing some home DIY work, so here are some tips to help you choose what you need:
Cleanable surfaces
Shiny surfaces are easy to clean. The shinier the finish, the easier it will be to wipe down when necessary. In contrast, matte and dull finishes are more difficult to clean. You should take into account the amount of cleaning a surface will require when choosing the correct finish.
Camouflage for imperfections
A matte or non-shiny finish can minimise imperfections and provide a seamless touch-up for unsightly dents, scratches and marks. You should use matte paints for living room walls, ceilings and large surfaces where imperfections are inevitable.
Careful preparation
Glossy or shiny finishes tend to highlight imperfections so it is best to prepare the area first and sand it well to give a smooth and even surface for your paint. Many people choose painting as their favourite home do it yourself project because it gives instant results and can transform a whole room in a matter of hours.
