Although paint manufacturers are continually improving their products, there is no single type of paint that works for all situations. A paint may be oil based (alkyd) or latex ( water based). There are also primers and specialty paints to consider, as well as stains and sealers.
Latex paints. Latex paints are easier to use because
you use water for clean up and thinning. They dry
quickly and can be repainted in an hour or two. They
are particularly suitable as a covering for interior walls
and ceilings where you want a flat finish. Latex paints
are also available in semi-gloss finishes which, although
not as durable as oil-based paints, wear well under
normal use.
Exterior latex paints hold their color longer than alkyds
because the paint forms a coating of resin over the
color pigments. However, when this coating wears off,
the color can change dramatically. Latex paints also
have the advantage of being semi-permeable, allowing
any moisture to escape through the exterior wall
coating. Thorough surface preparation is essential
because latex adheres to the surface rather than
penetrating it. Latex paints work well on masonry,
such as stucco or concrete block, and can even be applied under slightly damp conditions such as on a surface covered with morning dew.
Primers. Primers can have an oil or latex base. Choose a primer with the same basic formulation as your top coat. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations; primers are formulated to adhere to a specific surface and to provide adhesion to a specific top coat. In some cases, primers penetrate the surface and change the composition of old paint to provide better "tooth". Painters usually use oil-based primers to repaint wood and save latex for plaster, drywall, and masonry.
sticks without running off, it is probably too thick and require more paint than necessary to complete the job.
After you have decided, buy all your paint at once. Batch buying ensures a good color match. Buying in 5 gallon buckets will save you money. Calculate your needs by measuring the square footage to be covered. Have the dealer to convert square footage to gallons. Typical coverage is 300 square feet per gallon, but this varies according to formulation. Buy extra for unexpected porous surfaces and forgotten nooks and crannies.
Latex paints. Latex paints are easier to use because
you use water for clean up and thinning. They dry
quickly and can be repainted in an hour or two. They
are particularly suitable as a covering for interior walls
and ceilings where you want a flat finish. Latex paints
are also available in semi-gloss finishes which, although
not as durable as oil-based paints, wear well under
normal use.
Exterior latex paints hold their color longer than alkyds
because the paint forms a coating of resin over the
color pigments. However, when this coating wears off,
the color can change dramatically. Latex paints also
have the advantage of being semi-permeable, allowing
any moisture to escape through the exterior wall
coating. Thorough surface preparation is essential
because latex adheres to the surface rather than
penetrating it. Latex paints work well on masonry,
such as stucco or concrete block, and can even be applied under slightly damp conditions such as on a surface covered with morning dew.
Primers. Primers can have an oil or latex base. Choose a primer with the same basic formulation as your top coat. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations; primers are formulated to adhere to a specific surface and to provide adhesion to a specific top coat. In some cases, primers penetrate the surface and change the composition of old paint to provide better "tooth". Painters usually use oil-based primers to repaint wood and save latex for plaster, drywall, and masonry.
sticks without running off, it is probably too thick and require more paint than necessary to complete the job.
After you have decided, buy all your paint at once. Batch buying ensures a good color match. Buying in 5 gallon buckets will save you money. Calculate your needs by measuring the square footage to be covered. Have the dealer to convert square footage to gallons. Typical coverage is 300 square feet per gallon, but this varies according to formulation. Buy extra for unexpected porous surfaces and forgotten nooks and crannies.
Buying paint. Always buy a high quality paint which usually bears the designation "premium". Major brands are usually more reliable than lesser known brands, although some local paint manufacturers are able to offer high quality paints because they distribute only through their factory. Avoid discount paints, that sometimes carry the designation "professional"; they are the lowest in price and quality.
One simple way to judge the quality of paint is to drop a stick into a well stirred paint can and lift it straight out. Ideally, 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the paint should cling to the stick, while the rest runs off. If too much runs off, the paint will not cover; if the paint simply
Choosing And Buying Paint
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