House Paint Types
Paint is one of the most common decorating and protection materials used in modern houses today. Most houses have paint used inside of the house for colour, protection and ease of cleaning. Outside paint can be used on most surfaces and protection and durability are the key factors. Most types of house paint fall into two main categories: oil and water based. Oil based house paint is referred to as alkyd and uses turpentine for clean up and thinning. However, Water based paint is called latex or acrylic and can be thinned and cleaned up with water. Clean up on both of these paint types can only be done while the paint is wet. After the paint has dried turpentine or water will not clean up spills or remove paint.
Oil based
Oil based house paint takes longer to dry than water based paint and contains chemical driers or additives to help speed the process up. Also the finish of oil based paint is harder and glossier than that of the water based variety.
Use and features
- Oil based paint is mostly used on doors, architraves, and windows. It is easier to clean and repels dirt and marks more effectively than water based paint.
- It has a harder and glossier finish than water based paint.
- Can be used on many surfaces and with primmer most surfaces can be painted.
- Takes longer to dry and has a strong turpentine smell.
Water based
Water based paint is fast to dry and can mostly be repaint coated after 2 hours. This makes it fast to use and easy to clean up.
Use and features
- Water based paint is easy to clean up and has less fumes than oil based paint.
- Water based can be interior and exterior grade paint.
- It is fast to dry and can be recoated in around 2 hours.
Paint Quality
Most manufactures sell three levels of paint. These levels are based on price and thus quality.
Level one: Project Line
This is the cheapest level and is often used in project homes to save money- It does not cover well and is chalky for water based paints and is softer and has less gloss for oil based paints.
- It does not wash well. If you try to wash your walls and you have project line paint, part of the paint will wash off.
- This paint does not repel dirt and marks badly.
- This paint is not recommended as the quality is just not good enough.
Level two: trade line
This is a general level paint for those on a tighter budget
- This paint will last a number of years and is generally ok.
- This paint does not repel the all marks and stains.
- Trade line paint is washable but not all stains will come off the paint.
Level three: premium line
This is the best type of paint available and contains full stain blockers and repels dirt. This is the most expensive type of paint to buy but also the most cost effective as it will last the longest.
- Will repel most stains.
- Also this paint is very washable and can be cleaned over and over.
- Contains the best colours and pigments.
- This paint covers the best and this is reflected in the results.
Other Specialty paints
Other specialty paints contain UV blockers for outdoor use. Specialty colours and effects are also available to create designs and feature walls. Most of the specialty paints are only available in the premium range.
