Choosing paints doesn’t just come down to color. There are different kinds of paints for different uses and choosing the right one is vital to ensure a polished paint job. If the words primer, enamel, and the like confuse you, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the kinds of paint available in the market today to make sure you can get the paint job right.
Primer
The Primer isn’t necessarily a paint type but it’s an important component when you’re doing any sort of paint job in the home. Not only does primer allow the paint to adhere better to the surface, it also smoothens out surfaces—covering bumps or small cracks—for a clean finish. Primer is especially necessary for porous materials such as wood and metal as it creates a seal coat that prevents any stains or mold to seep through your top coat.
Enamel
There are basically two types of paint: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based paints are commonly known as enamel paints. Enamel is traditionally more durable because they are denser and dry quite hard. You would normally use enamel paints on doors and windows to withstand heavy wear and tear. Although it’s common to see enamel being used outdoors, it can flake in time due to its thickness. Enamels also takes much longer to dry but creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Latex or Acrylic
Water-based paints are mostly called latex or acrylic paints. Unlike its counterpart, latex and acrylic paints dry much faster. Since they are low-sheen paints, these are what you would normally use to paint your walls and ceilings. Do note that there are acrylic or latex paints available in semi-gloss and gloss finishes. Water-based paints, especially in warmer climates, are also good for outdoor paint jobs.
Finishes
Paint finishes are based off of the amount of sheen the paint produces. Flat or matte finisheshave no sheen and are commonly used on ceilings and walls because this finish tends to camouflage any imperfections on your surfaces. Keep in mind that flat finishes need regular touch-ups because dirt and dust stick to it easier than on a glossy surface.
You can also go for eggshell or satin finishes for walls, especially for rooms that need to be filled with more reflective light. These are the perfect finishes for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, or any space in your home that doesn’t get a lot of natural light. Semi-gloss is a high-sheen finish that is typically used on cabinet doors, trim, and furniture to prevent stain and damage. It also creates a polished look so most wood elements use this finish. Finally, gloss or high gloss is a high-sheen finish that creates a lacquered look or locally called “duco.” You normally see this look on modular kitchen cabinets and counters.