A fresh coat of paint can refresh the interiors and exteriors of your home more than you can imagine!
While painting isn’t much of a chore, choosing the right type and shade isn’t as easy as it may sound. And if you’ve undertaken a painting project for the first time, things can get overwhelming.
Using the right paint can make your space visually appealing and transform it drastically. But for that, knowing about the different wall paint types is important; otherwise, how would you know which is suitable for your client’s space?
To save you from the hassle, we’ve put together a guide on the different interior and exterior paint types you’ll find on the Australian market. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into the deets!
Different Types Of House Paint And Their Uses
1. Oil-Based Paint
Also known as solvent-based paints, oil-based paints score high on durability and deliver a shiny, water-resistant finish. Oil-based paints are popular among professional painters because of their hard coating that resists rust and stain over time. What’s more, they are easy to clean, which is why they are perfect for high-traffic areas.
Oil-based paint is excellent for coating stained surfaces and metals prone to rust. So, oil-based paint would be the best bet if you live in areas with heavy rainfall.
2. Acrylic Paint
Need help deciding which paint would be perfect for sprucing up the walls and ceilings of your house? Acrylic interior paints can help you get sophisticated interiors that catch the eye.
Thanks to its durability and longevity, you can also use acrylic paint as exterior paint of a property. There’s no shortage of variety in acrylic paint, such as:
- Acrylic latex enamel
- Acrylic enamel
- Acrylic latex
Matte, gloss, or semi-gloss paint– you can choose between various finishes, so you’re spoilt for choices.
3. Water-Based Paint
As against oil-based paints, water-based house paint is matte, thinner and dries quickly. Water-based paints are highly popular among DIYers because they contain a low amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hence, water-based paints aren’t harmful to human health and don’t emit much odour.
Also, it is easy to clean, so you won’t have to scrub walls for hours to remove stains. Water-based paint is popular for commercial or housing projects because it dries to touch within 24 hours of application
4. Latex Paint
All non-oil-based paint is referred to as latex paint; this easy-to-work-with paint is typically used for exterior surfaces. As such, you can apply it to areas constantly exposed to direct sunlight because they can handle moisture created by harsh weather conditions.
Latex paint is excellent for metals that rust quickly and properties in regions experiencing heavy rainfall.
5. Enamel Paint
Prefer a glossy finish paint? A coat of enamel paint brightens up any dull surface with its high-gloss finish. You can use enamel paints anywhere, from railings to outdoor grills.
Unlike semi-gloss paints, it offers a glass-like finish to surfaces, which is why some people use it on floors.
Different Types Of Paint Finishes
Did you know that paints are available in a variety of finishes? We’ve discussed some of the most popular options to help you pick the right one for your next house painting project.
1. Flat Finish
Want to add a refined and luxurious finish to your interior walls? Then you must select paint that offers a flat finish, creating a low-reflecting surface and adding a sophisticated look to the space.
Flat paint is ideal for surfaces that aren’t at risk of getting knocked by furniture and out of reach of dirty hands, like high walls and ceilings. It is a popular option among DIYers because it isn’t expensive.
2. High Gloss Finish
You must apply a high gloss finish paint to achieve a shiny and stain-resistant surface. High gloss finish paints are easy to clean, which is why they are ideal for surfaces that need to be cleaned more often than not. As such, you can use them to paint skirting boards, cabinets and other furniture.
3. Matte Finish
Don’t you like the finish that flat paint imparts to your surfaces? Matte paint will be ideal for use on both interior and exterior walls because of the effect it creates.
What makes matte paint a popular pick among homeowners is that it’s highly durable, so you won’t have to recoat walls and ceilings every now and then. Matte finish paints are ideal for hiding flaws, and imperfections from surfaces, so matte paint would be perfect for walls full of scratches and bumps.
4. Semi-Gloss Finish
Looking for interior paints that add a slight sheen to walls and surfaces? Look for semi-gloss paint that offers a semi-gloss finish after drying.
Due to their high resistance, semi-gloss finish paints can be scrubbed to eliminate dirt and stains. For this reason, they are a perfect choice for the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, and high-traffic spaces.
So, you won’t have to worry about staining the walls with grease, coffee or harsh chemical detergents.
5. Satin Finish
Though adding a nice sheen, the surface to which satin paint is applied is velvety and smooth in appearance.
Satin paints are washable and stain-resistant, which is why it’s most commonly used in dining spaces, kids’ bedrooms, kitchens and other spaces. Satin finish paints are glossier than eggshell paint, providing a super-satisfying balance between high-gloss and flat paint.
6. Eggshell Finish:
Eggshell finish paints are low in lustre and perfect for adding a decorative touch to walls and surfaces.
Eggshell paints are washable, which means you can wash the walls to clean stains or eliminate imperfections. Though similar to matte, eggshell finish paints are glossier and don’t wear quickly. Hence, they are ideal for areas with plenty of traffic, like living rooms.
Other Paint Types
You’ll find some other specialty house paints on the market, which can be used if none of the above-mentioned options meets your expectations.
1. Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint delivers a matte look, offering excellent coverage without prepping the surface. This water-based paint is low in VOCs, so it won’t leave an obnoxious smell in whichever room you use it.
2. Spray Paint
Spray paints supply a smooth finish but are used in specific areas like shelving, side tables or appliances. Unlike other paints, they can be used in hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise be impossible with a brush or roller.
The Benefits Of Using The Right House Paint For Your Home
If your home’s dull and lifeless walls irk you, it’s time to repaint them to invigorate the space.
Picking the right colour comes secondary– the first and foremost thing is to understand the type of paints available on the market. When choosing a paint for your house, make sure you ask for samples instead of relying on shade cards. Apply the sample on any interior or exterior walls and check it after 24 hours to see the stain before making a decision.
That said, we do always recommend speaking to a professional before completing a DIY project. At Master of Paint, you’ll find professional painters in Melbourne who can help you choose the right paint for your home. So if you need assistance, reach out to our team!
It’s time to call it a day. Hopefully, you learned a thing or two about the different types of house paint.
Until next time!
