What You Should Know about the Different Types of Paint

It can be overwhelming to start a painting project in your home. When you want to make a few changes to your home, you have many decisions to make before you even get started. As you walk through the aisles of the home improvement stores, you may immediately become confused by the many different choices of both types and colors of the paints. As painters in Winter Springs, we are here to help with your paint projects – large or small. When it comes time for you to start your painting project, you need to first know what type of paint is suitable for your project. There are a few different types of paint on the market.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are great for surfaces that are used or touched more frequently, like doors, trim, highly trafficked rooms, floors, or exterior surfaces. When you use oil-based paints, you need to leave a longer period of time for your paint to dry and cure properly. Because it is more durable than water-based paints, it is better for surfaces that take more of a beating. Oil-based paints require you to take more time to clean the brushes by using paint thinners or other solvents, but the end result is much more brilliant and smooth.

Water-Based Paints

When you are painting areas that do not see much attention or traffic, like walls or ceilings, you will want to use water-based paints, or latex paints. Water-based paints do not take nearly as much time as oil-based paints to dry and cure properly, so these jobs can take much less time to complete. Water-based paint, however, is not as durable, so you may need to reapply new paint layers sooner than expected. When cleaning brushes, you will only need soap and water to remove the paint, making the job much easier.

Primers

While primer is not technically paint, it is an important part of the painting process. To prepare your surfaces for painting, you need to apply at least one coat of primer. Primer actually adds longevity and durability to your painted surfaces when you apply this layer first. Some paints are actually made with primer and paint, which means that you do not need to prime any brand new surfaces before painting. This is a good option to save you time without compromising durability.

In fact, when you prime the surface before you paint, it will actually save you money. Primer is often much less expensive than paint. Instead of applying multiple layers of expensive paint, you can use the primer to prepare the surface and give the final result a beautiful and smooth appearance.

By choosing the right type of paint, you can prolong the paint on your walls and keep your home looking great. If you are looking for professionals to assist with your projects, trust our experienced painters in Winter Park. Contact Lakestone Painting to hear about our painting services and get a quote for your job today.