There are several different types of paint, and each serves a distinct purpose. Depending on your specific needs, you need to select accordingly. We shared a detailed guide on all the common paint types, including various paint finishes, that should be considered for indoor remodeling.
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, renovating your bathroom, or undertaking a whole home overhaul, the use of paint can’t be denied. Painting is a crucial decorative element of a home. Achieve a clean, easy finish with just a few coats of paint at affordable prices, and refresh the look of your hallway, bedroom, and kitchen.
Thinking about renovating in Redwood City? View our Eichler remodels in the Redwood City portfolio!
Paint Types for Indoor Remodeling
The comparison between oil-based paints and water-based paints never ends. Different types of paint are recommended for indoor remodeling. Below is a guide to common paint types for indoor remodeling. All with their purpose of use, in addition to the pros and cons of each paint. If you’re looking to choose a paint type for your upcoming remodeling project, you’ll find this guide helpful.
Whitewash
Whitewash is the easiest surface to cover with sealant paint. The whitewash paint is made by mixing the powder with chalk and slaked lime in equal proportions with water. Not as good as the colored dies, but whitewash can brighten up the walls. Whitewash can decorate, sanitize, and protect the walls.
Acting as an insect-repellent whitewash, it provides a non-toxic and safe coating at affordable prices. Mixing whitewash with Fevicol improves the adhesiveness and makes the coats last longer.
Paint Distemper
Distemper paint is made by mixing water as a base with lime and a coloring pigment. You can choose any of the colored pigments depending on your interests. Distemper paints last up to three to five years, while whitewash only lasts for a few months.
Distemper paint has moderate prices. Distemper provides a modern look to your interior and is a great choice for indoor paint, readily available in various colors.
Emulsion Paint
Emulsion paint is a type of paint that consists of synthetic resin bound with a pigment. The paint is called an emulsion because the pigments are dispersed in an emulsifying agent, which increases the durability of these paints. Emulsion paint does not require any pre-surface treatment of the walls; simply wiping out dirt and debris is enough. You can apply emulsion paint using either spraying or brushing techniques.
Emulsion paints are easy to use and have a moderate cost. Emulsion paints can provide both gloss and matte finishes for your indoor spaces with low odor and higher levels of shine.
Cement-Based Paint
Initially, cement-based paints were used to hide out cracks in the concrete. Over time, cement-based paints started to be used in both the interior and exterior of homes. They are the most durable, long-lasting, water-resistant paints. Cement-based paints are available in a wide variety of colors.
For resisting grime accumulation and stopping water penetration inside the interior walls, cement-based paints are widely used.
Anti-Condensation Paint
Anti-condensation paints prevent water condensation on windows and walls, giving them a satin-like finish. These paints contain tiny beads that reflect and repel warm air back into the room, helping to maintain the room’s temperature. Anti-condensation paint coat prevents moisture accumulation in the building. These paints act as water repellents by providing sufficient thermal insulation.
Anti-condensation paints are highly effective and convenient in preventing the growth of harmful fungi. Their moisture-repellent properties make them the ideal choice for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and other utility areas.
Lead Paints
Paints containing more than 5% lead oxide concentration are referred to as lead paints. Lead in paint accelerates the drying time and enhances the durability of the paint. Lead-based paints leave a fresher appearance on the surfaces than non-lead paints. Despite its numerous features, lead paint is banned in some parts of the world due to its adverse environmental effects.
Lead paints are more corrosion-resistant. Different compositions of lead produce different colors in lead-based paints. That’s why lead paints are available in a variety of colors.
Water-Based Paints
- Primary Solvent: Pigment is suspended in water for water-based paints.
- Sheen: Water-based paints have a comparatively lower sheen than oil-based paints. Water-based paints maintain their sheen for longer periods.
- Durability: Water-based paints are more flexible in terms of contraction and expansion, making them better suited for withstanding various weather conditions. Hence, it lasts longer than oil-based paints.
- Surface Tolerance: Water-based paints can absorb moisture and aren’t affected by moisture content over the surface.
- Drying Time: Water-based paints dry faster than oil-based paints. Water-based paints typically take between 30 minutes and a few hours to dry.
- Paint Cleaning: Water-based paints can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
Latex Paint
Latex paints refer to water-based paints that are widely used for interior walls to achieve a high-gloss finish. These paints dry quickly, are easy to clean, and are also inexpensive. Their simple use and availability in a variety of color grades made them the most widely used interior paints.
Acrylic Paint
Latex paint, which contains a higher solid polymer count and an acrylic binder, is referred to as acrylic paint. Artists mainly use them for sketching and painting because they are quick-drying paints. Using acrylic paint for the interior can yield exceptional results. Acrylic paints used on the walls can create a superior and elegant color look with excellent color retention.
Oil-Based Paints
- Primary Solvent: Pigment particles are suspended in oil or oil varnish in oil-based paint.
- Sheen: Oil-based paints have a higher sheen, but that sheen doesn’t last long. It gets dull with time as they attract dirt and debris.
- Durability: Oil-based paints provide a hard finish, which offers good resistance to wear and tear. But this brittle nature can initiate crack formation within the paint coat over a larger period.
- Surface Tolerance: Oil-based paints are water-repellent and therefore don’t adhere firmly to the surface if it contains appreciable amounts of moisture.
- Drying Time: Oil-based paints require more time to dry. Oil-based paints can take anywhere from 6 hours to 48 hours to dry, depending on the paint’s composition and the surrounding environment.
- Paint Cleaning: Oil-based paints are notoriously difficult to clean; they typically require the use of chemicals or mineral spirits for effective cleaning.
Enamel Paint
Enamel Paints are very good at giving a uniform finish while holding the color sustainably. Enamel paints provide a hard-shell coating that offers adequate wall protection against wear and tear. They are challenging to clean up and have a pungent odor. They are very costly, which is the primary reason people usually avoid them and opt for budget-friendly paint options.
The long-lasting and durable nature of enamel paints has made them suitable for adding a protective layer to door casings, barbecue grills, and kitchen walls.
Alkyd Paint
Made from alcohol and mineral spirits, alkyd paint, due to its thick consistency, is suitable for use on floors, doors, and furniture. The strong binder makes the alkyd paints moisture-resistant, so they are also ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Alkyd paints, being a category of oil-based paint, are more toxic to the environment than water-based paints.
If you are opting for applying paint without doing much surface treatment or removing old paint, then alkyd paints are the best choice for you. Alkyd paints can be applied easily over latex paint, but the reverse is not possible.
Paint Finishes
The next step after paint selection in home remodeling is to decide which type of finish you need. There are various types of paint finishes, like eggshell, satin, and gloss, each of which has its own different benefits. The benefits and perks of each finish can only be obtained if you know where and under which conditions the finish is recommended.
To help you understand the appearance and qualities of different paint finishes, we have compiled them below.
Flat or Matte
Nonreflecting smooth paint texture is referred to as a flat or matte finish. The flat has no shine at all, which is perfect for hiding minor wall imperfections, such as nail holes. A single or two coats of paint can produce a flat or matte finish. A few coats of paint are applied to achieve a flat or matte finish; therefore, the finish has low pigment and is less expensive compared to other paint finishes.
Flat or Matte paint finishes are recommended for low-traffic areas, such as adult rooms and powder rooms.
Eggshell
A subtle level of shine and a slight amount of luster are said to be indicative of an eggshell finish. Eggshell has more coats of paint than the matte finish; therefore, it is a washable finish. This type of finish is best suited for areas with medium levels of traffic, such as dining rooms and hallways.
Satin
The high durability and soft, velvet-like texture of the paint is referred to as a satin finish. The satin finish is highly versatile and is recommended for use with a wide range of indoor paints. The finish is easier to clean and more resistant to fading. When dried properly, the satin finish can also reflect specific amounts of light and is glossier than the eggshell finish.
A satin finish can easily withstand dings and scuffs in children’s playrooms, walls, and ceilings.
Semi-Gloss
The semi-gloss paint finish has a shiny appearance and reflects a greater amount of light as compared to a satin finish. Semi-gloss has high moisture resistance, making it suitable for use in kitchens and laundry rooms. Additionally, semi-gloss provides a brighter finish, making it ideal for use in areas with blemishes, such as the ceilings and walls of a sunroom or guest room.
Gloss
The highest levels of shine and sheen gloss finish are the top-of-the-line finishes. The gloss finish is the easiest to clean and maintain. The gloss finish requires a larger number of paint coats and, therefore, is challenging to apply. Coat application can cause errors, so better results are obtained when coats are applied by spraying the paint.
The gloss finish paints are excellent for use at the edges of door frames, cabinets, and room trims.
Final Words
Selecting the correct type of paint can save you a lot of hassle. Paints are essential for both indoor decorative and protective purposes. There are various types of paint with different finishes available, and we have attempted to cover them all above.
Distemper and whitewash paints are low-budget alternatives that are neither washable nor long-lasting. Water-based latex acrylic paints are recommended for interiors to get elegant colors, quick drying ability, and easy cleaning. A flat finish is suitable for areas like powder rooms, and an eggshell finish is effective for dining and hallways. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are for high decorative areas.
If you’re looking for new home construction or home remodeling and need a paint job done, then GMJ Construction Inc. is a perfect fit for you.