What Type of Paint
Is Best for a House?
House Painters in Ann Arbor, MI
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Summary
1. Painting your house with the right paint
2. Things to consider when choosing the type of paint
3. What to look for in house paint
4. Types of interior paints
5. Types of exterior paints
6. Painting tools and supplies you’ll need
7. How to avoid common painting mistakes
8. Expert painters in Ann Arbor
Painting your house with the right paint
When it comes to house painting, it’s not as easy as picking the color you want and just going for it. The type of paint you choose will have an impact on the overall look and feel of your home, as well as how long the paint job lasts. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which paint is best for your needs. Paint is one of the most important aspects of a home renovation. It’s what gives your home its personality. But with so many different types of paint available, it can be difficult to decide which type is right for you. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best paint for your next project.
Things to consider when choosing the type of paint
Price and durability are not just the common deciding factors when it comes to what type of paint you should use. The type of climate you live in, as well as the building material of your home, can also play a role in determining which type of paint is best suited for your house. For instance, location. Location to where the paint will be applied, what is the weather like there, and will it be exposed to a lot of sunlight or other harsh conditions? If you are planning to repaint your bedroom, then the type of paint you choose won’t be as big of a deal because it’s not going to have to withstand the elements as if you were painting the exterior of your house.
What to look for in house paint
In addition, here are five important things to consider when choosing the type of paint for your house:
Color richness
The color richness of a wall depends on its ability to reflect light and absorb the color. If a surface absorbs all the light that hits it, it will appear dark. It’s important to choose paints with good color richness for your walls because they will make your rooms appear brighter and larger than those painted with high-absorbency paints.
The best way to determine whether a particular color is rich or not is by looking at its shade range. A large number of shades indicates a rich color while fewer shades mean that it isn’t as rich. For example, if you have a white wall but want something more colorful, then choose a dark gray instead of light gray because light gray tends to look dull compared with dark gray.
Paint coverage
Coverage refers to how much surface area one unit of paint can cover. The higher the coverage rate, the better it is for covering large areas quickly. However, if you have a small room that needs only minor touch-ups, then low coverage would be fine because it will save you time and money in the long run.
Most paints have coverage rates between 350-450 square feet per gallon, but some may offer more or less than this range depending on their type (e.g., latex vs oil-based).
Washability
Washability is a term used to describe how easily an area can be cleaned with soap and water when it comes in contact with dirt or other substances. The higher the washability value, the easier it is to clean. For example, a low-washability wall covering may require extensive scrubbing to remove smears and stains while a high-washability covering requires little or no scrubbing at all.
Paint and primer
A primer is applied first and then covered by a top coat of paint. Primer prepares the surface so that the topcoat will adhere properly and last longer than if it were applied directly onto bare wood or metal surfaces without first being primed. Some paints are offered as “self-priming” which means they don’t need a separate primer but rather work better when combined with another type of liquid such as water or solvent-based sealers (such as varnishes), which help promote adhesion between layers of paint when applied over previously painted surfaces
VOCs
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. It’s a chemical that can be released from the paint during its application process. Some paints have a high VOC content, which can cause health problems if they’re used indoors. Paints with low VOC content are preferred by many homeowners because they are less likely to cause respiratory problems and headaches when used indoors.
Types of interior paints
Interior paints are designed to cover a wide range of surfaces and provide durable protection against dirt, moisture, and other elements. They’re available in gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell, satin, and matte finishes, which vary based on their ability to reflect light.
Flat/Matte
The main advantage of flat paints is their low sheen level. Low-sheen paints are best for areas with lots of natural light because they don’t reflect as much light as high-gloss paints do. This makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms that have large windows or skylights. They are extremely versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces including drywall, wood, and vinyl siding.
Eggshell
Eggshell paint has a slight sheen level between matte and semi-gloss finishes but still retains some texture on the surface when it dries. It’s an excellent choice for most interior walls because it’s easy to clean and has a nice luster to it without being too glossy or shiny like high-gloss paint is.
Satin
Satin is a low-gloss finish, which means it has a slight sheen and a subtle reflection. It’s generally used in rooms where you want to give off a more sophisticated look, such as your bedroom or living room. It’s also ideal for bathrooms because it allows the light to pass through easily without any glare.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss paint provides a moderate amount of sheen and reflection, making it ideal for areas that get lots of sunlight. This type of paint is commonly used for trim since it gives off an elegant look with minimal effort and maintenance.
High-gloss
High-gloss paints are used mainly for kitchens and bathrooms. They have a glossy finish, which makes them more resistant to moisture and stains. This type of paint is also very popular among homeowners who want to add some flair to their living space.
Types of exterior paints
Exterior paints are designed for use outside on houses and other structures such as siding, fences, and decks. These paints can be applied in any weather conditions and will withstand high temperatures without cracking or peeling off during hot summers or freezing winters.
Latex
Latex is the most common type of exterior paint and has many advantages over oil-based paints. It is easy to apply and dries quickly. Latex also cleans up with soap and water, which makes it easier to maintain than oil-based paints. If you have any doubts about your latex paint’s ability to hold up against the elements, check its label to be sure it says “all-weather” or “exterior.”
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints are also known as alkyd paints or alkyd resins. They are typically used on the trim or other areas on the exterior. They can last longer than latex paints but tend to yellow after a few years in direct sunlight. They may be slightly more difficult to clean up than latex paints, but they’re often considered more durable when exposed to sunlight or rain because they don’t yellow as latex does over time.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints are water-based, which means they clean up easily and apply to various surfaces easily, too. They’re also non-toxic, making them a good choice for families with young children or pets. Acrylics can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic. They’re available in a wide range of colors, including both glossy and matte finishes.
Painting tools and supplies you’ll need
Painting can be a tricky business, and while it’s not rocket science, it does take a little bit of know-how. If you’re painting a room or renovating your home, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right tools and supplies on hand.
Here are some must-haves for any homeowner who wants to paint their house or room:
- Paint roller
- Paint tray
- Painter’s tape
- Roller brushes
- Paintbrush
- Drop cloths
- Tape measure
Whenever you are shopping for painting tools and supplies, make sure to opt for quality over quantity. It’s better to have a few good-quality tools than a bunch of cheap ones that will break or wear out quickly. With the right tools, you’ll be able to get the job done right and avoid any costly mistakes.
How to avoid common painting mistakes
There’s no denying that painting a room can be a daunting task. Even if you’re not an artist, there are some basic steps to follow that will help you avoid making common mistakes.
Picking the wrong paint color
You might think that picking a color is as simple as choosing from a palette of swatches or paint chips. However, it’s important to know that the color in the paint chip may not always match the color on your walls. This is because the actual color of your walls can vary depending on lighting conditions (natural sunlight vs artificial lighting), age, and the type of paint used before you painted them.
Not preparing the surface properly
Make sure you clean off any dirt or grease from your walls before you start painting (especially if they’ve been painted before). Also, make sure they’re free of any cracks or holes so they’ll take the new coat of paint well — otherwise, it will look patchy and uneven once dried.
Applying the paint too thin
You want to apply a lot of pressure on your brush and release that pressure while you’re painting so that you don’t drag or push any excess paint onto the wall or window frame. This will help to prevent over-saturation of your roller or brush as well as transfer more paint than necessary onto your surface. On the other hand, if you’re applying too little pressure on your roller or brush, you won’t be applying enough material to create an even coat of paint on your surface. This will lead to visible brush strokes, streaks, or uneven coverage over time.
Painting in direct sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade paint quickly, so it’s important to use paint that is specifically designed to resist fading. One type of paint that is particularly good at resisting fading is acrylic latex paint. This type of paint forms a strong barrier against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, providing protection for your paint job.
Not using primer
Painting over existing paint causes the old paint to chip off, leaving a mess and an uneven surface behind. To avoid this, always use a primer before painting over old paint.
Using the wrong brush or roller
When choosing brushes or rollers for your project, be sure they are appropriate for the type of surface you are painting. If you’re painting drywall, don’t use a roller because it will create unsightly marks in the paint. If you’re using a brush, make sure it’s not too stiff — otherwise, it will leave brush marks on your wall that look like streaks of dirt!
Expert painters in Ann Arbor
Painting can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know what you’re doing before you start. With the right tools and supplies, as well as a little bit of knowledge, you can avoid making common painting mistakes. And once you’ve mastered the basics, who knows? You might even find yourself enjoying the process! If you need help with your painting needs, contact Paint It Right in Ann Arbor today! Our team of professional painters will be more than happy to assist you.
Painting for Homes
Paint and Prime in Ann Arbor, Michigan.