Whether giving your walls a refresher coat or taking on a whole-home makeover, selecting the proper paint is an important decision. There are many varieties available, so it pays to understand your options. The type of paint you use can significantly impact the look and longevity of your paint job.
A few key factors determine which paint brand or line is the best fit for your home and lifestyle. Your room uses, preferred sheen levels, and budget all play a role in narrowing down the choices. Paint technology has also advanced, with new formulas engineered for better washability, stain resistance and durability.
This guide provides a starting point to help you begin researching the many possibilities. With the right information, you can confidently pick a paint that meets your decorating vision and protection needs for years to come. Let's explore some aspects to consider as you set out to give your interior spaces a fresh new style.
The Different Paint Bases: Acrylic, Latex, and Oil
When shopping for paint, you will notice there are different options for the makeup of the paint itself. Taking the time to understand the main varieties can help you choose the one best suited for your project.
Water-based acrylic paints have gained popularity as they offer the longevity and appearance of oil paints but are easier to work with. Acrylic dries quickly and cleanup is simple with soap and water. It is suitable for most indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Latex paint is another water-based option that is more budget-friendly compared to oil. It dries rapidly and provides good coverage, though it isn't as scrub-resistant as acrylic. Walls and ceilings within a home are good applications for latex.
Oil paint held the standard for generations but emits stronger fumes, prompting many to seek lower-emission paints today. Oil creates a beautiful finish but cleanup involves solvents and it needs more time to dry. Outdoor spaces or high-traffic areas tend to suit oil best.
Considering factors like pricing, working timelines, and features such as durability will aid in selecting the base type tailored to your needs and preferences. Weighing the pros and cons of options can point you towards the most suitable choice.
The Different Paint Finishes: Matte to High Gloss
The paint sheen level refers to how shiny or reflective the dried surface appears. This is determined by the size of the particles in the paint that create different levels of light diffusion.
Matte/Flat: Provides a very non-reflective, matte look. Best for low-traffic areas as it shows scrub marks.
Eggshell: Slightly more shiny than matte but still low sheen. Suited for walls as it hides minor imperfections well.
Satin: A smooth, velvety appearance. Commonly used on walls and trim. Durable with decent washability.
Semi-Gloss: More reflective than satin. Best for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms as it stands up to washing.
High-Gloss: Very shiny finish. Used for durable surfaces like doors, trim, and furniture. Shows fingerprints and requires more maintenance.
Consider factors like lighting, level of traffic, and maintenance needs to determine the sheen type suited for your project spaces. Shinier finishes are easier to clean but show imperfections more.
What is the Best Paint Colour To Buy For Interiors?
Selecting paint colours can seem overwhelming with the massive options available. To pick shades that suit your style and living space, consider these factors:
Lighting:
The amount of natural light in a room is important. Rooms with lots of sunlight tend to look brighter with lighter colours. In darker rooms without much light, deeper shades will make the space feel cosier.
Room Size:
Large rooms typically appear more spacious painted in lighter tones that help "open up" the space. Smaller rooms can look cosy painted in richer, darker hues that make the area seem warmer and more intimate.
Trim/Moldings:
Painting your walls one colour and trim/mouldings a contrasting colour defines the architecture of the room nicely. Darker trim against a lighter wall colour will make the wall seem even brighter. Lighter trim against darker walls offsets the trim.
Furniture/Flooring:
Choose paint colours that complement but don't compete with your existing furniture, fixtures and flooring materials. You want a balanced, harmonious look throughout.
Mood:
Cool shades like blue and green have a calming effect while warmer reds and oranges feel more energising and vibrant. Neutral beiges and taupe tones pair well visually with different decor styles.
Testing Colours:
Before fully committing, paint colour samples on large boards and see how they appear in your home's lighting at different times of the day. Viewing potential colours together helps decide what will work best.
Trendy brights may look chic now but date quickly over time. Classic neutrals never go out of style and are versatile for resale. With some experimentation, you'll find special paint colours perfect for your home.
What Is the Best Paint Colour To Buy For Exteriors?
Selecting an exterior house paint involves different considerations than interior colours. Here are some key factors:
Climate:
In hot climates, darker colours like greys, browns and earth tones work well since they won't show dirt and grime as easily. In cooler climates, lighter shades like light blues, greys and whites allow the home to absorb more warmth from the sun.
Architectural Style:
Traditional style homes often look best with natural, earthy tones that compliment the materials. Modern homes can pull off brighter, bolder shades. Neutral colours like white or cream will match any style.
Siding/Trim Materials:
Wood siding usually looks nice paired with light blues, greys or light creamy colours that make the details pop. Brick or stone foundations stand out against darker, richer colours rather than lighter shades.
Landscaping:
Consider the existing plants, trees and your roof colour when picking the house paint. Choose a colour that enhances the overall outdoor space without clashing with the landscaping.
Durability:
Darker colours absorb more heat from the sun, which causes faster fading over time. Paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish will be more scratch and water-resistant than flat paint.
Trends vs. Timelessness:
Bold pops of colour can give a fresh, trendy look but may date quickly. Neutral whites, greys, and taupes always complement the style and will appeal for many years.
Test sample boards outside your home in both sunlight and shade and at different times of day. See what colour combinations look best. With prep and the right paint, your choice can look vibrant for seasons to come.
How Many Gallons of Paint to Buy?
Determining how much paint you'll need can be tricky, but taking some measurements and doing a bit of calculating will help you purchase the right amount. The best approach is to measure your wall space square footage and factor in extras for touch-ups, cutting in around trim, or any other unforeseen circumstances. As a general rule, one gallon of paint will usually cover about 400 square feet with a single coat, but the porosity of your surfaces may impact that slightly. It's always safer to estimate on the heavier side too. We recommend measuring walls carefully with measuring tape, jotting down the numbers, and then adding 10-15% to your total square footage to account for extras. Buying multiple smaller cans is also smarter than one huge amount in case you need to do any touch-ups later on down the road. Don't buy paint until all surfaces are clean, sanded if needed, and you've tested patches to confirm coverage.
How Many Coats for Indoor Walls?
When painting indoor walls, most surfaces will require applying at least two coats of paint to ensure strong, even coverage without any unseen imperfections showing through. Some conditions may require a third coat as well. Darker colours and very bright shades especially may need that extra layer for full opacity. Newly installed drywall or surfaces that have not been previously painted typically require at least two coats. With walls that have an existing coat in good shape, you may only need one light coat as a refresh. Always wait the recommended drying time between coats, usually about four hours minimum, to allow proper curing. Be sure to carefully remove any dust or lint between coats so it doesn't get trapped and show through your topcoat. With precise measuring, test patches, proper prep and multiple thin coats, you'll achieve a beautifully painted finish that lasts.
Take Professional Help
While selecting the appropriate paint for your surfaces and determining quantities needed are important steps, on larger painting projects it's often best to seek help from painting professionals. Their expertise can ensure a high-quality finish and make the job less stressful.
For hassle-free results from start to finish, our team of Adam Painters and Decorators would love to help out. As a trusted name in the area for many years, we have the experience, skills and attention to detail that homeowners and businesses can count on. Our trained crew understand the latest products and techniques that achieve beautiful, long-lasting paint jobs.
Whether you need a basic refresh or complete renovation, At Adam, we have the manpower and resources to handle any size job efficiently. We expertly prep, apply multiple coats of paint for proper coverage and clean up thoroughly when done. Hiring professionals also provide valuable perks like liability protection and warranty backing.
For your next painting project, feel confident that Adam Painters will deliver professional, superb results. Contact us Today to Get a Free Quote.