Home Decorating: Modern paints

Read article 1 about traditional paints and decorating with paint in your home

Oil paints

Used on interior, exterior wood and metalwork, floors and exterior walls. In most EU countries it’s no longer allowed to use solvent-based paint on interior surfaces. In fact, in many countries solvent based paints are banned. However, on external woodwork it’s still more durable than other high-performing yet water-based alternatives..

Gloss

Traditionally, gloss paint was used on internal and external woodwork. It has a shiny finish. It is durable and hardwearing, but because of the oil, it tends to yellow in time. It is not suitable for walls.

Eggshell

Eggshell has a more subtle finish than gloss – it’s matt but not flat. It’s also wipeable and hard-wearing. It is suitable for walls, woodwork and radiators. It’s especially suitable in kitchens and bathrooms or any other rooms which are exposed to humidity and condensation. Although traditionally it is a solvent-based paint, these days they make water-based versions that are mostly acrylics.

Primer

Primers provide a proper binding surface for the next coat of paint as well as sealing any surface stains, tannins etc. It’s very important to use primer on bare wood or porous surfaces such as fresh plaster.

Undercoat

It’s not only cheaper than the first coat of paint, but helps to cover existing surfaces and provide an even finish. You should not use undercoat as an alternative to a primer –  they have different purposes. You can substitute an undercoat with acrylic paint.

Water-based paints

Emulsion

This is the paint most commonly used on interior walls and ceilings, stone and brickwork. You can also use it as a base for special effects (such as paint effects, or the trendy sparkling glitters & pearly shimmers ) Emulsion is water-based paint, therefore  it dries more quickly, smells less and is more environmentally-friendly and healthy than oil-based paints.

They are normally available in three finishes: matt, soft-sheen & sheen. The matt finish has a flat, non-reflective finish suitable on ceilings and to create a country or rustic feel. Soft sheen and sheen emulsion are wipeable so they are more suitable on walls of heavily used areas. Also they reflect light, so use these instead of matt finish in small and/or dark rooms.

Acrylic paint

It’s a similar finish to the soft-sheen emulsion but the acryl (i.e. plastic) mixed in it makes the paint more durable, stain & mould resistant. It also retains colour and sheen over time, as well as being properly wipeble (i.e. the paint won’t thin after much wiping). It’s a very good choice for bathrooms and kitchens – a good alternative to eggshell. Actually, the water-based eggshell paints are acrylic paints.

Satinwood

Similar to eggshell, it has a subtle sheen. It is suitable to use on woodwork (sometimes on radiators too) that require a touch of shine. It’s easy to clean.

One-coat paints

They are thicker than normal paint and supposed to need only one application. In my own experience this type of paint is a con, you’ll always need a second coat, even if you’re painting over light or white colours. Not worth the money.

Kitchen and Bathroom Paints

They are normally acrylic or eggshell paints that include a fungicide to prevent mould in humid places. Also, they are made to be tough and wipeable  – and to withstand damage caused by household cleaners.