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Paint manufacturers are constantly developing products that are not only safer to use, but are also higher in quality. Many of today's paints are lower in toxic chemicals, have less odour, and more eco-friendly. However, traditional paints also have their place, as do the highly specialist lines which allow us to paint almost anything...
Water-based or oil-based
Water-based products are quick-drying, easy to use and have very little odour. They are also environmentally-friendly and often non-yellowing, plus they’re easier to clean and the brushes will wash easily in water.
Oil-based paints take much longer to dry than water-based products and can have a very strong odour. They also have high VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which means that they are not kind to the environment. Plus oil-based (solvent-based) paints do need to be cleaned from the brush with lacquer thinners - another chemical product that is not considered eco-friendly. Oil-based paints need to dry overnight before further coats, but the marks left by the brush are distinctly less noticeable as the paint levels out.
Emulsion
This type of paint is the most popular paint for walls and ceilings, due to the fact that it is water-based and therefore it’s quite easy to apply, has little smell and dries quickly. It’s also available in an assortment of colours and shades, and can be applied directly onto walls that have been previously painted, or on to certain wall coverings such as textured wallpaper.
Usually, emulsion paint comes in two finishes – Prominent Matt and Prominent Satin. Prominent Matt, with its flat non-reflective appearance, is used on walls that have uneven or patchy surfaces. Whilst matt emulsion is washable, satin is the preferable choice for high-traffic areas that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Satin emulsion has a slightly shiny finish that reflects the light and can be washed easily. Both types of emulsion paints can be applied with a brush, roller or paint pad, and is increasingly used as an undercoat for paint effects on furniture such as wood and supawood, but does need a coat of water-based varnish as a protective topping.
Gloss
The perfect finish for painting interior wood, trim and metal, this type of paint is now also available in a water-based formula and imparts a hard wearing finish on wood and metal with a high gloss brush-free finish. With the introduction of Fine Spraying Techniques, such as the Bosch PFS system, you can now paint over almost any surface quite easily using water-based gloss - and clean up is as easy as using emulsion paints. Prominent Paints also offer a Non-Drip Enamel that is easy to apply, as well as water and steam resistant. You can also use this product on gypsum ceilings.
Eggshell
Eggshell paint traditionally refers to an oil-based paint with a low sheen finish that is suitable for interior walls and woodwork that need to be scrubbable and easily cleaned, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Eggshell is suitable for using on wood, metal and plaster, and is a good paint for plasterboard.
Primer
Nearly all bare surfaces need priming first and this is done, not only to seal the bare surface so that the topcoat paint does not sink in, but also to help the paint adhere properly and to give a protective layer. There are many different primers available for different surfaces: tiles, wood, metal, plaster, tiles and supawood – in both water-based quick drying and solvent-based versions. It is important to use the correct primer for the job to achieve the best finish, but there are also some 'all purpose primers' available which are designed for two or more of these surfaces.
Acrylic
These are paints suitable for painting on to walls, ceilings, wood, and other home surfaces. They are available in two finishes – matt for the solid flat colour and satin for light reflective subtle sheen. Similar to emulsion paints in that they are water-based, quick drying and low odour, but their advanced formulation means they have the extra appeal of being tougher and washable with added durability.
Textured
A specialty paint that holds its form and is excellent for covering hairline cracks, small surface defects and imperfections. Each paint manufacturer produces its own variation of this product, which ranges from smooth, sand, or coarse. Another reason to use textured paint is to create dramatic and unique wall designs. There are a variety of tools you can purchase to create a one of a kind design, or you can use things around the house. Tools can include natural sponges, stamps, styluses, or specialized brushes.
Janice Anderssen is Women24 eco-savvy Décor and DIY expert. Click here to ask her a question or visit www.homedzine.co.za
What paint finishes have you attempted in your home? Share your thoughts and tips with other readers in the box below.
Water-based or oil-based
Water-based products are quick-drying, easy to use and have very little odour. They are also environmentally-friendly and often non-yellowing, plus they’re easier to clean and the brushes will wash easily in water.
Oil-based paints take much longer to dry than water-based products and can have a very strong odour. They also have high VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which means that they are not kind to the environment. Plus oil-based (solvent-based) paints do need to be cleaned from the brush with lacquer thinners - another chemical product that is not considered eco-friendly. Oil-based paints need to dry overnight before further coats, but the marks left by the brush are distinctly less noticeable as the paint levels out.
Emulsion
This type of paint is the most popular paint for walls and ceilings, due to the fact that it is water-based and therefore it’s quite easy to apply, has little smell and dries quickly. It’s also available in an assortment of colours and shades, and can be applied directly onto walls that have been previously painted, or on to certain wall coverings such as textured wallpaper.
Usually, emulsion paint comes in two finishes – Prominent Matt and Prominent Satin. Prominent Matt, with its flat non-reflective appearance, is used on walls that have uneven or patchy surfaces. Whilst matt emulsion is washable, satin is the preferable choice for high-traffic areas that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Satin emulsion has a slightly shiny finish that reflects the light and can be washed easily. Both types of emulsion paints can be applied with a brush, roller or paint pad, and is increasingly used as an undercoat for paint effects on furniture such as wood and supawood, but does need a coat of water-based varnish as a protective topping.
Gloss
The perfect finish for painting interior wood, trim and metal, this type of paint is now also available in a water-based formula and imparts a hard wearing finish on wood and metal with a high gloss brush-free finish. With the introduction of Fine Spraying Techniques, such as the Bosch PFS system, you can now paint over almost any surface quite easily using water-based gloss - and clean up is as easy as using emulsion paints. Prominent Paints also offer a Non-Drip Enamel that is easy to apply, as well as water and steam resistant. You can also use this product on gypsum ceilings.
Eggshell
Eggshell paint traditionally refers to an oil-based paint with a low sheen finish that is suitable for interior walls and woodwork that need to be scrubbable and easily cleaned, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Eggshell is suitable for using on wood, metal and plaster, and is a good paint for plasterboard.
Primer
Nearly all bare surfaces need priming first and this is done, not only to seal the bare surface so that the topcoat paint does not sink in, but also to help the paint adhere properly and to give a protective layer. There are many different primers available for different surfaces: tiles, wood, metal, plaster, tiles and supawood – in both water-based quick drying and solvent-based versions. It is important to use the correct primer for the job to achieve the best finish, but there are also some 'all purpose primers' available which are designed for two or more of these surfaces.
Acrylic
These are paints suitable for painting on to walls, ceilings, wood, and other home surfaces. They are available in two finishes – matt for the solid flat colour and satin for light reflective subtle sheen. Similar to emulsion paints in that they are water-based, quick drying and low odour, but their advanced formulation means they have the extra appeal of being tougher and washable with added durability.
Textured
A specialty paint that holds its form and is excellent for covering hairline cracks, small surface defects and imperfections. Each paint manufacturer produces its own variation of this product, which ranges from smooth, sand, or coarse. Another reason to use textured paint is to create dramatic and unique wall designs. There are a variety of tools you can purchase to create a one of a kind design, or you can use things around the house. Tools can include natural sponges, stamps, styluses, or specialized brushes.
Janice Anderssen is Women24 eco-savvy Décor and DIY expert. Click here to ask her a question or visit www.homedzine.co.za
What paint finishes have you attempted in your home? Share your thoughts and tips with other readers in the box below.
