Learn the basics of paints easily and begin your home journey right here, with us.
Paints have the ability to transform your house into a dream house. But you need to know ‘The Different Kind of Paints and Their Uses’ and how do you find the perfect paint for your home project? What would the finish look like? Do exteriors need a different kind of paint? What are the different types of paint you can use?
Understanding various paints and their functionalities is as important as handpicking shades for your wall colour paints and furniture since the quality and finish of your wall paint will bring alive your ideas.
Here is a simple guide created by our experts on the 9 types of paints that are commonly used and their applications.
Types of Paint - "The Different Kind of Paints and Their Uses"
1. Oil Paint
Paints are divided into two categories – oil-based paints and water-based paints.
Oil paints are usually applied as a primer, undercoat and a finish coat. In the past oil paints were heavily relied on because of its durability and longevity on surfaces, however water-based paints are now at par. Known for their gloss and durability, oil paints stand for a rich finish, water-resistant properties and long-lasting abilities.
Application benefits and tips to consider when choosing Oil paint.
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Use on metals, walls, doors, windows, and stained surfaces for durability
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Highly recommended for trim work
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Use in non-humid areas since drying time takes longer than 24 hours
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Easy to clean and easy to apply
Expert Tip : Oil paints are best suited for wooden and metallic surfaces for home projects due to their durability and strong adhesion.
2.Emulsion Paint
Unlike traditional oil paints, majority of emulsions are water-based paints with fast-drying characteristics. It’s the popular choice for paint contractors since it’s alkali resistant, rich in texture and has stronger colour retention abilities, making it a long-lasting paint choice. As a homeowner, your biggest advantage with water-based emulsions is that it does not leave an odor and dries quickly. Acrylic emulsions offer your beautiful home resistance to cracking with its versatile and flexible finish through the years.
Applications, benefits and tips to consider when choosing emulsion paint:
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Mould and mildew resistant.
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Low on VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), making it an excellent non-toxic choice
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Easy to apply on exterior walls and interior walls too
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Offers a range of wall finishes like satin, eggshell, glossy, matt, etc.
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Emulsion-painted walls are easy to clean, so let your kids loose!
- Emulsions vary from weather-protectants to luxury, ultra HD interior finishes (have your pick!)
Expert tip: Water-based, acrylic emulsions are low on VOC, do not emit fumes, and are good for the environment in comparison to oil paints
3. Enamel Paint
As an oil-based solvent, enamel paints are characterized by key qualities of oil paints like slow-drying abilities and hardness. It is an expensive choice for a homeowner, but enamel paints also render high durability, and strong adhesion, provides a glossy finish, and are water and stain-resistant.
Applications, benefits and tips to consider when choosing enamel paint:
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Perfect for humid and wet spaces like bathrooms and kitchen metals
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Best for walls that need protection
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Highly popularized for woodwork, metal work, and window work
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Offers good coverage, hardness, and colour retention
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The long-lasting choice for certain wood surfaces and metal
Expert tip: If you prefer water-based paints, there are water-based enamel paints meant for metal painting and interior sheens to meet your criteria too.
4. Aluminium Paint
Aluminium paint is a type of paint coating that is made by mixing aluminium particles or flakes with oil/spirit varnish. Aditionally, the type of varnish can be used as per the requirement since spirit varnish leads to a shorter drying period. The benefits of using this type of paint is that they are resistant to electricity, weather, and corrosion and are waterproof. Aluminium paints give a silvery finish and are strong and durable paints due to the resins in it,
Applications, benefits and tips to consider when choosing aluminium paint:
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Used for hot water tanks, hot pipes, masonry, oil storage tanks, etc.
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Used for metals and woods too
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Popular for being electricity and corrosion-resistant
Expert tip: If you look around, you might notice most building tanks and radiators have aluminum paint on them.
Now those are the “The Different Kind of Paints and Their Uses”.
