The choice of paint for painting

The choice of paint for painting. This is a big decision, also in economic terms.

There is a huge selection of paints with different properties. The trouble may be to choose the right color and color from among the thousands of available options.

Types of paints

Traditional painting of raw wood or metal usually requires three steps: primer, one or two layers of primer and top coat, with light sanding of the surface between the layers. Walls and ceilings are easier to renovate – we put one to three layers of paint. Painting raw plaster may require priming, and the wall color changes from darker to lighter – applying a primer. The development of technology has made, that the paints have become less messy and more environmentally friendly. There are more and more water-based paints, and some are even labeled as organic. Colors, which do not contain solvents or other harmful chemicals, are biodegradable, and some lounges let the walls "breathe". The choice of paint depends primarily on the type and condition of the surface, what we want to paint, and our preferences.

Paints can be divided into two main categories: water-soluble and solvent-based. Such information is provided on the label. In general, there is also a description of the surface, for which the paint can be used, its performance is also given. In general, solvent-based paint can be applied over water-borne paint, but not the other way around.

Water-based paints (emulsion, dispersive) – the most popular is: acrylic, latex (with increased acrylic content) or vinyl.

Water-borne glue paints are used less and less. Dispersion paints are easy to apply, they dry quickly and do not stink. Some are dense and splash less when painted. They can create a matte coating, semi-matt or glossy.

Solvent-based paints These are mainly oil and alkyd paints, made from mixing oils and resins. They dry more slowly, giving a more durable surface. It can be glossy or semi-matt, less often – matte. Such paints, if they thicken, can be thinned with the solvent recommended by the manufacturer, for example white spirit.