Types of Paint
Painting is one DIY job that almost anyone will have a go at. There can be few homes around the country which don’t have at least a couple of half used tins of paint laying around. To get good results, you really need to take your time and prepare surfaces to be painted properly, but using the correct paint for the job at hand also makes a big difference to the finish. Paint technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, and the days of gloss, matt or vinyl being your only choices are long gone.
Undercoat
Undercoat is designed to give you a uniform base onto which the topcoat is applied. It usually contains more pigment than most topcoats, meaning that it will cover dark colours more easily. Don’t be afraid to apply two coats of undercoat if a particularly dark colour is still showing through the first coat. You can buy fungicidal undercoat for areas prone to damp and mould.
Solvent-based Gloss
Gloss is usually used only on wood and metalwork around the home and, as the name suggests, dries to a glossy finish. If applying to woodwork always use a suitable undercoat, as this will result in a better finish by stopping the solvent in the gloss being absorbed into the wood. The general rule of thumb when applying gloss is that it is better to apply two thin coats, than one thick one. Clean brushes with white spirit.
Water-based Gloss
Water-based gloss is also mainly used for woodwork and metalwork, but does not dry to such a high-gloss finish. It does, however, provide a hardwearing finish. Water-based gloss dries much faster than solvent-based gloss and does not require as much ventilation (although you should always ensure some ventilation when using any paint). Brushes are also much easier to clean, requiring only water and a little detergent.
Non-Drip Gloss
This type of paint usually combines undercoat and topcoat, meaning that it is quicker to apply than normal gloss and is sometimes called One-Coat Gloss. It is suitable for painting interior woodwork and will cover most base colours well. However, despite the name, it may be that very dark base colours will need two coats. Wash brushes with white spirit.
Emulsion
Emulsion is designed to be used on very porous surfaces such as walls and ceilings. As it is water-based it is quick drying and easy to apply, but two or more coats may be needed to create the best finish. Emulsion is available in several finishes including Matt, vinyl and semi-gloss, but as a rule, the glossier the finish, the more resistant it will be to dirt and marks. You can buy “solid” non-drip emulsion, which is perfect for painting ceilings. Emulsion is best applied with a good quality roller or paint pad. These can be washed in water and a little soap when you are finished.
Masonry Paint
Designed to be used externally on render and other porous surfaces. Masonry paint is generally available in two varieties: Smooth and Textured, and will seem thicker than interior paints. Textured paint will help to hide small blemishes, but it is not a magic cure for holes and cracks. Modern masonry paint is available in almost as many colours as gloss and emulsion are.
Anti-Condensation Paint
This type of paint is specifically designed for use in areas where steam will cause condensation such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is semi-porous and as such allows moisture to be absorbed and then evaporated back into the air. It is not a cure for ondensation, but simply a way to stop condensation damaging paint and walls. Usually contains at least some fungicidal properties.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is used on metalwork and wood, and provides a very durable finish when dry. Enamel paint is available with gloss and matt finishes. Brushes will need to be cleaned with white spirit.
Specialist Paints
There are numerous specialist paints for use on everything from floors to tiles. If you need to paint something which isn’t metal, wood or a wall, it is worth checking with your local DIY store to see if there is a specialist paint available.
Paint Coverage (per litre)
This is not a hard and fast rule, but should give you a good idea of how much paint you will need to paint any particular surface.
Primer = 8-12m2 (square metres)
Undercoat = 16m2
Gloss = 14m2
Non-Drip Gloss = 12m2
Emulsion = 10-14m2
Masonry Paint = 6-10m2
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