Whatever surface you want to paint, there are two basic types of paint to be aware of – water-based paints and solvent-based paints.
Water-based paints
As implied, these are made using water, are often wallpaints, (commonly referred to as "emulsion paints"). They are generally quick-drying, have a low odour and tend to be more environmentally compatible. Whilst known for use in interior wall and ceiling paints, today’s advances in technology mean water-based products are also suitable for use on wood and metal surfaces. When painting outside, "breatheable" emulsion paints (allow moisture vapour to pass); and give fewer blistering and peeling problems. Take care to apply paint when it is not too hot or too cold to get the best results. During the clean-up stage of painting, brushes and rollers can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
Solvent-based paints
Commonly used to refer to both oil and alkyd based paints, these provide a very hard smooth finish, but tend to embrittle and crack over time. Not as environmentally friendly as water-based paints, are slower to dry and give off more odour. They are more often to be found in gloss paints due to their good adhesion properties, however they are not suitable for use on galvanised metals or fresh masonry. When cleaning your brushes after having used a solvent based paint, you need to use white spirits or turpentine.
Primers
Available as "interior only", "exterior only" and "universal" (ie both interior and exterior). Primers provide "bonding" (helps the top coat stick to the surface) and "stain blocking" (prevent stains from bleeding through). If priming metal, look for anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties on the can; for wood, check on can for stain blocking properties, for walls look for a "primer sealer"
TIP 1: Logic tells us darker colours hide better, this is not true - if you're painting a dark rich colour, use a tinted primer first! If you're priming wood, use a knotting compound to seal all knotted wood before priming.
TIP 2: To check if a primer is needed on an already painted surface, press a piece of transparent tape onto old paint and remove - if the paint comes off it needs priming.
Undercoat
Gives good hiding power – coverage provides an even base for topcoats. Consider a slightly different shade of undercoat to topcoat so you can see where a surface has been painted. Also if painting wood ensure you use a water based undercoat this will be flexible and resist cracking and flaking.
Interior Paints
Paint Type
Where to Use
Advice
Ceiling Paints
Ceilings
Ceiling paints are thicker than emulsion wall paints, so spatter and drip less. They are often solid and come in a tray. Best applied with roller. Coverage per litre: 12 sq.m
Emulsion Wall Paints
Walls (Modern high performance acrylic multisurface paints can also be used on wood and metal)
Quick drying, low odour, easy clean-up paints in matt, silk and satin finishes. Matt finishes tend to hide uneven surfaces better. High quality durable finishes go on evenly and can be wipeable. For touching up ensure you use the same tool used when first applied – this will ensure an even finish. Keep roller reasonably full of paint to ensure even finish. Coverage per litre: 10-13 sq.m
Textured Paints
Walls and Ceilings
Textured paint contains sand or beads which provide a thicker paint of rough texture on application. They have the added benefit of covering cracks and minor imperfections. Apply with a roller.
One Coat Paints
Walls, Ceilings (emulsions), Wood (gloss) and Satinwood
Paint designed to go on in one coat, giving good coverage and saving time. Easy for beginners. Coverage per litre: 8 sq.m
Kitchen and Bathroom Paints
Walls and ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms & high humidity rooms
Often referred to as eggshell paints, kitchen and bathroom paints are applied like emulsion wall paints. Contain fungicide to deter mould growth and are wipeable. TIP: Before painting, remove any surface mould using a water bleach solution (3:1 ratio), then rinse off prior to painting. Coverage per litre: 10-13 sq.m
Childrens Room Paints
Walls, ceilings and wood surfaces
Low odour, quick drying paints that are formulated to be durable – Often based on acrylics the painted surface is wipeable for easy stain removal, and is tough enough to withstand knocks and bumps. Allow 2 weeks drying before wiping for the first time.
NOTE: Most children's room paint ranges offer blackboard paint, glitter glazes and heat sensitive paints as additional ranges. Coverage per litre: 10-13sq.m
Satinwood and Gloss Paints
Interior Wood and Metal
For decorative and protective purposes, they give a tough, durable finish - both satin and gloss finishes are dirt and water resistant. Can be liquid gloss (usually solvent based) or non-drip (water or solvent based). The non drip gloss will appear jelly-like in the can, but will apply more easily with good covering power - never stir before use. Are also sold as 1-coat paints. TIP: Clean brushes in white spirit or water immediately after use. Coverage per litre:10-15 sq.m
Floor Paints
Wood and Concrete
Tough and durable – to withstand heavy wear and tear. Can be water or solvent based and have a low sheen finish. Apply with roller.
Decorative Paint Effects
Wood, Wall and Furniture
Involves applying a glaze to the wall basecoat and then manipulating the glaze to create the effect. These are commonly acrylic-based and fast drying. TIP: Decorative paint effects on furniture mark easily, so apply a protective coat of acrylic varnish on top.
Metallic and Pearlized Paint
Wood, Wall, Metal, Fabric
Easy to use water-based paints, used to create a feature wall. Apply on primed surfaces in thin coats until you get an even finish – this may require more than two coats. Apply with a brush or roller. Check tin for suitability for exterior use. NOTE: Make sure wall is flat and dent free as the shimmer effect created will show up imperfections! Coverage per litre: 8-10 sq.m
Traditional or "Historical" Paints
Wall, Wood and Furniture
Mainly water based, there are various types including • Milk paints, giving a matt finish • Limewash, for an aged effect, • Distemper, powdery, for use on furniture to create an aged effect, and on ceilings or plaster mouldings -usually produced to order due to a short shelf life , Coverage per litre 12-14 sq m.
Specific Use Paints
Heat Resistant Paint
Hearths, Radiators, pipes
Will not degrade and yellow at high temperatures. Important: these paints are not fire resistant. TIP: Apply paint in thin layers and do not paint the control valves etc – they need to be free to turn. Never paint a hot radiator, always make sure it is cold when painting.
Paint for non-porous surfaces
Cork, ceramic tiles, melamine, plastics
Products exist which are often epoxy based often necessary to use in conjunction with a primer. TIP: For a tougher finish, always roughen up the surface using sandpaper – this will help the primer adhere well before the topcoat.
Exterior Paints
Paint Type
Where to Use
Advice
Emulsion Paint
Wall areas of masonry and wood (Modern high performance acrylic multisurface paints are suitable for previously unpainted wood and metal if properly prepared and primed)
Come in matt and satin finishes which give protection and colour. Apply with a shaggy roller for large areas, or use brush. Exterior emulsion paints are commonly water-based, so are easily cleaned up with soapy water. These paints are microporous, allowing the painted surface to breathe, so minimising blistering and flaking otherwise caused by moisture coming from within the building. Brushes or roller are easy to clean up with water. These paints come in one or two coat systems, using primer/topcoats. NOTE: the gloss levels from these acrylic water-based paints may not be as high as solvent based paints – but the finish will be flexible so it is less inclined to crack under thermal or dimensional changes TIP: Don't paint on windy days – dust and dirt will get blown and stick onto your freshly painted surface! Coverage per litre: 12sq.m
These come in smooth or textured finishes and are also available as 1 coat products. Contain fungicide for anti-mould properties. Give a smooth finish which resists dirt pick-up; textured finish will hide minor imperfections. TIP: to check that the existing paint is stable, rub using a dark coloured cloth – if the cloth picks up a chalky deposit, scrub the wall with a stiff brush to remove loose material before painting. Coverage per litre: 7sq. m
Gloss Paint
Exterior Wood and metal
Gives a tough and durable protective finish. Also available as 1 coat paints. Available in satin or gloss. Are dirt and mould resistant, non-yellowing. TIP: Some require a primer so check the tin before starting! Clean brushes immediately after use. Coverage per litre:15-18 sq.m
Floor Paint
Concrete (garage floors), stone (doorsteps)
Tough and durable paints, to withstand heavy wear and tear. Can be water or solvent based. Apply with roller. Ensure loose bits are wirebrushed clean before sealing, priming and painting.
Designed to give protection, they come in gloss or satin finishes. Remove rust prior to painting – use wire brush and fill pitting with epoxy based filler (a rust inhibitor). Degrease the surface prior to painting metal in thin layers using soap and water. If spraying, wear protective clothing, including goggles and a face mask, and ensure the protection of surrounding areas.
Specific Use Paints
Waterproof Paint
Metal gutter/drainpipes and concrete
These are bitumin based to create a waterproof surface. NOTE: Cannot overpaint waterproof paint with ordinary paint – it can only be repainted using another bituminous paint. TIP: Shield the area behind drainpipes etc before painting. Brushes need to be cleaned with paraffin – take necessary safety precautions!
Decorative Effect Paints
Earthenware plant pots, ornaments, etc
Used to decorate flower pots. Verdigris and bronzing effect paint products are also available. TIP: apply direct to substrate, don't apply a primer which would cause blistering.
Protection Products
Wall
Fungicidal washes – these remove mould and algae before painting. Take relevant safety precautions when applying and leave overnight to allow the fungicide to take effect. Always follow instructions on the can. Stabilising Solutions – these seal and stabilise chalking/weathered surfaces and provide a good base for adhesion of the topcoat.
Paint Types