Getting To Grips With The Different Types Of Paint

One of the most common DIY home improvements projects people undertake is painting. Whether they’re redecorating their living room, giving their home’s facade a new lease of life or trying to revamp their garden furniture, many will reach for a tin of paint and there is no denying that painting something can completely transform the way it looks.

 

When heading to a paint shop to pick up the supplies they need for their project, many homeowners are shocked by just how much choice they have. Not only are there a huge range of colours and finishes to choose from, but there are lots of different types of paint too. Whilst most types of paint will be fairly self-explanatory, they can still be quite confusing and it isn’t always easy to know what you need to purchase. So, to help you ensure you’re buying the right tin of paint for your project, below we have looked into the different types of paint.

 

Primer and undercoat

 

It can be so easy to overlook the importance of a primer and an undercoat, but more often than not, they are essential to a painting project. You will find that some primers and undercoats are multi-surface and others are designed specifically for one type of surface, but it will always clearly state this on the tin, so you’ll know which to purchase.

Simply put, primers are used to seal a bare surface and they will help to smooth out a surface and provide protection. Undercoats are used on top of primers and they help to prevent inconsistency and discolouration in the paint colour that you’re going to apply. You can buy combined primer and undercoats too and for indoor painting projects, they’re usually suitable.

 

Emulsion paint

 

You may sometimes hear emulsion paint referred to as interior paint and this type of paint is designed for use on walls and ceilings. Emulsion paint tends to be water-based paint with vinyl or acrylic resin added for a more durable finish. You can purchase this type of paint in lots of different finishes, from gloss and satin to eggshell and matte.

 

Different interior paint finishes are best suited to different rooms in the home and the finish you choose will affect things like the reflectiveness of the paint and how easy it is to keep the painted surface clean. So, ensure that you’re choosing the right finish for where you’re painting.

 

Exterior paint

 

As the name suggests, exterior paint is specifically designed for use outside and you shouldn’t ever use emulsion paint outside. The most frequently used type of exterior paint is masonry paint and this is used on exterior walls, including; brick, concrete, stone, plaster and pebble dash. You can also get other types of exterior paint like wood paint and metal paint too.

 

Both oil-based and water-based exterior paints are available, but it is the resins that are used in this type of paint that make it so much more durable. A high-quality exterior paint will be able to withstand all weather conditions and it will resist fading from sunlight as well.

 

Specialist paints

 

It isn’t uncommon for paint shops to supply a range of specialist paints too. These different types of paint will have very specific uses and unlike interior or exterior paints, they won’t be as versatile or suitable for various different applications.

 

Some of the most commonly required types of specialised paint include; floor paint which is specially formulated hard-wearing paint, radiator paint which is able to withstand high temperatures, chalkboard paint which creates an instant writing surface and stain block paint which covers unsightly stains. These paints are brilliant for very specific painting projects.

 

Visiting a paint shop in London

 

Hopefully, the information above will be beneficial if you’re currently planning a DIY painting job and you can ensure that you’re buying the right tin of paint for whatever it is that you’re going to be painting. Of course, if you’re ever unsure what type of paint you need for your home improvement project, it’s always best to turn to an in-store specialist who will be able to provide you with the professional guidance and advice that you need.

 

When searching for a paint shop in London, feel free to pop into the Decor Express Clapham store or the Decor Express Richmond store. Not only do we have an impressive selection of paint types, colours and finishes for you to choose from, but we even offer a paint mixing service too. You can always purchase paint from us knowing that it will be the highest quality and help to give you the professional finished look that you’re wanting.