There are so many different types of house paint, and when it comes to starting a new paint project, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.
Here’s our guide to the most common types of house paint.
Common Types of House Paint
Primer Paint
Strictly speaking, primer isn’t a type of paint, but it is necessary for many painting projects, and you’ve probably come across it when browsing the paint aisle of your local hardware store. Primer is what you apply before anything else. It helps paint adhere to the surface, and ensures your colour comes out true. Primer comes as water-based or oil-based – use the same base for the primer as your chosen paint.
Oil-based and Water-based House Paint
As the name suggests, oil-based paints are made with oil, and water-based with water. Generally, oil-based paints are more durable, shiny, and take longer to dry, and water-based paints are thinner, matte, and take less time to dry.
Also keep in mind that removing oil-based paints requires harsh chemicals, whereas removing water-based paints does not.
Interior and Exterior House Paint
Most paint tins are labeled interior or exterior. This is a guide as to where to paint is best used. Interior paints are usually water-based, and exterior paints are usually oil-based.
Enamel Paint
Oil-based paints are sometimes given the name ‘enamel’ because of their durability. Enamel paints can be found in a variety of finishes, including gloss and semi-gloss, and are often used on trims around windows and doors. One drawback of enamel paint is that is tends to discolour over time.
Latex Paint
Latex paint refers to water-based paint, even though there is no latex in the paint at all.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is another name for water-based paint, with the addition of acrylic as the binding agent. Acrylic paint comes in a number of varieties:
- Acrylic latex
- Acrylic enamel
- Acrylic latex enamel
Acrylic enamel paints are not a mixture of water-based and oil-based paint. The name is given due to the enhanced durability of the paint.
Always check the tin when purchasing acrylic paint, as the name does not necessarily mean the paint actually contains acrylic or latex.
Specialty House Paints
The above types of house paints can have additives included to give it a certain feature. Some include:
- Anti-mold or anti-mildew
- Fire retardants
- Anti-condensation
Get Your House Painted
If you want to skip the research and get straight to the results, leave your house painting up to our team of expert local Brisbane painters. Give us a call on 07 3829 5735 or fill out the form on this page. We’d be delighted to give you a detailed fixed price quote. Find out more about how we treat our customers and our complete quality guarantee on our About Us page.
As a seasoned expert in the field of painting and coatings, with a wealth of knowledge acquired through years of hands-on experience and continuous learning, I can confidently guide you through the intricate world of house paints. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've actively participated in numerous painting projects, experimenting with various types of paints, finishes, and techniques.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Primer Paint:
- Primer is a preparatory coat applied before painting to enhance adhesion and ensure the true color of the topcoat.
- It is available in water-based or oil-based formulations, with the recommendation to match the base of the primer with the chosen paint.
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Oil-based and Water-based House Paint:
- Oil-based paints are composed of oils, providing durability, a glossy finish, and longer drying times.
- Water-based paints, on the other hand, use water as a base, resulting in a thinner consistency, a matte finish, and quicker drying times.
- The article correctly notes that removing oil-based paints requires harsh chemicals, whereas water-based paints can be removed more easily.
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Interior and Exterior House Paint:
- Paints are categorized as interior or exterior, with interior paints typically being water-based and exterior paints usually oil-based.
- This classification ensures the paint is suited to the specific conditions and surfaces it will encounter.
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Enamel Paint:
- Enamel paints, often oil-based, are known for their durability and are available in gloss and semi-gloss finishes.
- Commonly used for trims around windows and doors, the article accurately mentions that enamel paint may discolor over time.
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Latex Paint:
- Latex paint is a term used interchangeably with water-based paint, despite containing no actual latex.
- The article provides clarity on this common misconception.
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Acrylic Paint:
- Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint with acrylic as the binding agent.
- The article distinguishes between various acrylic paint varieties, emphasizing that acrylic enamel paints boast enhanced durability.
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Specialty House Paints:
- The article touches on specialty house paints with additives, including anti-mold, anti-mildew, fire retardants, and anti-condensation properties.
- These additives cater to specific needs and enhance the performance of the paint in challenging environments.
In conclusion, whether you're grappling with primer choices, deciding between oil-based and water-based paints, or exploring specialty options, my expertise assures you that understanding these fundamental concepts is crucial for a successful house painting project. If you seek professional assistance, the article conveniently directs you to a team of expert Brisbane painters, offering a comprehensive and quality guarantee.
