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Picking the best color is only the first step. Knowing the right kind of paint for different surfaces is a must
Using paint, primer, and/or wood finishes is an effective way of protecting and decorating different surfaces. It is also an ideal way to freshen up the look of a space, while not being as costly or as extensive as fully redecorating or renovating a room. Generally, paint adheres to almost any type of surface, but as these differ, so too does the coat best used for each.
Manufacturers make specialty paint for specific applications and the best way to go about painting is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Similarly, it is always a good idea to use the painting tools and techniques recommended by the manufacturer, as this is usually the way to get the best possible finish.
Base Coats
Before painting any surface, it is best to start off with a base coat. This is essential to make the finish last longer, and to make it look as good as possible. Base coats come in two variants.
1. Primer
Suitable for new or never-been-painted surfaces, primer is used to protect the material beneath and provides a good base for further coats. Oil-based and water-based primers are the two most common types, but special kinds are also available for specific surfaces like tiles or melamine.
2. First Coat
This is a specially formulated paint used to build opacity beneath finish coats, with one or two applications required before the final decorative layer of paint. The basic rule is to use pale first coats for pale finishes, and dark first coats for dark finishes. For greater durability, first coats that are designed to be applied to outdoor materials are best, as these are made to withstand the elements.
Finish Coats
Once base coats have been applied to new surfaces, or older finishes have been removed from older surfaces, then the finish coats can be applied. There are three major types of finish coats.
1. Flat
The key characteristic of flat paint is that it absorbs light, making it ideal when aiming for a velvety and saturated look. Due to the finish’s lack of sheen, it is ideal for hiding imperfections like uneven textures, patches, or joints. The only downside to flat paint is that it tends to wear quickly, and when scrubbed too profusely, it can result in an uneven sheen.
Ceilings are a good example of surfaces that are well suited to a flat finish. This is because ceilings tend to have flaws and yet will not get too worn, given their location. Other examples of surfaces that look good with a flat finish are accent walls and walls in rooms that are not touched very often and, therefore, require minimal cleaning. Flat finishes can also be used for outdoor surfaces. This is due to the fact that flat finishes can make surfaces more resistant to moisture.
2. Eggshell or Low-luster
A little more durable than a flat finish, an eggshell finish looks similarly matte when viewed directly, but when seen from an angle, it displays a subtle sheen. It is commonly applied to interior wooden surfaces, and can also be applied to walls that need a hardwearing surface, as eggshell-finish walls are easier to clean than a flat finish walls.
Eggshell is ideal for walls (and even furniture) in the living room, bedroom, and dining room. While it can hide flaws, direct light can still highlight imperfections, so properly repairing and smoothing out any damaged surfaces is paramount before applying an eggshell finish.
3. Gloss and Satin
As the most durable of all finishes, gloss is most commonly used on wooden and metal surfaces. Satin has similar qualities, and is simply a little less shiny. The latter is often used on interior woodwork. Since these coats can highlight imperfections, surfaces using gloss or satin must be prepped perfectly, and each coat must be applied with precision.
The ideal surface for gloss and satin paint includes bathroom or kitchen tiles. This is because tiles tend to be smooth. Other surfaces include doors and outside walls; however, the material of such surfaces is arguably less important because some glosses are specifically designed for exterior use.
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