If your project is going to be a success, you have to choose the right paint. Making errors in this stage will result in time and money spent fixing the problems later. The process can be made easier by knowing what type of surfaces you’re dealing with, the ways in which the rooms will be used, your aesthetic needs, the amount of traffic specific areas of the property will see and the maximum amount of paint fumes acceptable in any given area of the structure.
Use the following as your guide to choosing the right paint:
Surface area
Most rooms have four walls and each wall will take a specific amount of paint for it to be fully covered. Paint manufacturers will list how many square feet a gallon of paint will cover based on the type of paint it is.
Types of paint
Some projects will call for a latex paint with a satin finish, while others will require an enamel paint with a matte or glossy finish. Painting on cement will require a different paint than when you’re painting metal. Being knowledgeable of what type of paint matches your needs will ensure your project goes off without a hitch.
Deepness of colour
If the colours chosen are rather deep or rich, this will impact which type of paint is used because some types of paint simply hold rich/deep colors better than others, impacting the way they react to the elements, which is particularly important for exterior paint.
Shelf life/durability
Also called “pot life” by professional painters, this is an indication of how long the paint will last on a surface. It also takes into account how long it takes the paint to double in thickness, which is something that occurs while it dries and is a factor in how durable the paint is.
Reaction to cleaning
Some areas of the structure require more cleaning than others, such as kitchens and hallways, each seeing an abundance of use. The paint you use in these areas needs to be able to stand up to frequent washing.
Sheen
Most paints while they are still wet on the surfaces have a sheen to them, but the true sheen is only revealed after it has dried. In the painting industry there are three token variations of sheen, including gloss, eggshell/satin and matte/flat. The level of sheen can differ from brand to brand, which is why it’s important to know that the gloss you’re expecting from a specific manufacturer lives up to your expectations.
All-in-one primers/paint
The type of primer you use is generally chosen to compliment the pigment of the paint that will go on top of it. Primer seals the surface, providing a more even and stable place for the paint and ensuring it will last longer. In the right situations, an all-in-one paint and primer product can be used.
Binding abilities
The pigment in your paint melds with a binding agent, giving it the ability to stick to surfaces. The type of binder used is determined by the type of paint you’re using. In most cases, oil paints will include binders that differ from those used in acrylic or latex paint. The binders are also used to reach maximum adhesion to surfaces.
The fume factor
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released in paint fumes. Some of these chemicals have a strong aroma/odor and can be unhealthy, which means for specific facilities, such as hospitals or areas where VOCs need to be as low as possible, there are zero-VOC paints available.
Brand preferences
Paint brands can differ wildly, which is why it is important to work with a contractor that has experience with many brands and know what will be a good fit in your facility. At Bath Painters, we work with a whole range of brands and can recommend specific ones for different projects.
The more you know about the different qualities of paint and how they relate to your surfaces, the more successful your painting project will turn out. At Bath Painters, we know the pros and cons of all the popular brands and will make sure your property is covered with the best possible options.