How Well Do You Know the Different Kinds of Paint?
Find out which kind of paint suits your needs most before heading to the hardware store
What’s the best paint to use for the outdoors? How about the best choice for your room? Take note of the different kinds of paint before you make a purchase.
Primer
Applied to the surface before the actual paint. Paint primer covers up the flaws of a surface, like dents and cracks, and acts as a sealant for porous materials—like wood, so your paint comes out smooth and even.
Latex Paint
A water-based paint that contains acrylic resin. It dries quickly and is easier to clean up than oil-based paint. It can be used for interior or exterior.
Enamel
They are oil-based paints that form a hard, usually glossy surface when it dries. They are durable and are commonly used for doors, windows, and outdoors because they can withstand heavy wear and tear.
Levels of Gloss
·    Flat Paint
This gives the surface a matte finish. Given that it easily attracts dirt, flat paint is often used for areas not subject to wear and tear like ceilings.
Satin Finish/Eggshell Finish
Like that of an eggshell, a satin finish exhibits a smooth, faint luster. It is more durable than flat paint, so it can be used for children’s rooms, hallways, and heavy traffic areas.
Semi-gloss paint
Durable and stain-resistant. It is also very easy to clean up, and is recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, and cabinets. It’s also an excellent finish for walls.
High-gloss Paint
Like semi-gloss, high-gloss paints are very durable and stain-resistant. However, flaws on the surface become more evident with high gloss because it reflects more light. This is ideal to use for areas subject to wear and tear, like entryways and the outdoors.
RL Tip: Make sure that the area to be painted is WELL-VENTILATED. Open all doors and windows to let the air circulate.
