Discovering Paint Types: A Guide To Identifying Paint Materials

Paint is used to decorate, protect, and prolong the life of materials. There are various types of paint, and it is important to figure out the right type of paint for the material you want to paint. For example, you can't use the same paint on all surfaces, and some paints are more durable and versatile than others. The type of paint you use will depend on the material you are painting, the function of the paint, and the finish you desire.

Paint types: latex, oil, emulsion, acrylic, enamel

There are three main types of paint: oil, acrylic, and latex-based paints.

Oil-based paints have become less popular over the last 15 years, with acrylic and latex now being the main options. Oil paints use vegetable oils as a vehicle, whereas acrylic and latex paints are water-based. Acrylic paint is made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer solution and acrylic resin, whereas latex paint uses acrylic resins or vinyl as binders suspended in water.

Acrylic paint dries quickly, is flexible, and can be cleaned with water but remains permanent once dry. It is also resistant to mould and mildew. It is more expensive than latex paint and has a higher acrylic polymer content. Acrylic paint is also more elastic than latex paint, which makes it more resistant to peeling and cracking.

Latex paint dries quickly, is easy to clean, and emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than oil-based paints. It is also durable, retains colour, and is resistant to mildew. It is widely used for interior and exterior painting.

Enamel paint is another type of paint that is traditionally oil-based. It dries slowly but produces a hard, glossy finish.

Lacquer is another type of finish that dries quickly. It is not as hard as enamel but is often used in commercial cabinet shops.

Paint finishes: satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss

When choosing a paint finish, it's important to consider the final look you want to achieve. Satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss paints each have distinct characteristics and are suited to different applications.

Satin paint has a sheen that reflects light, but less so than semi-gloss or high-gloss paints. It is shinier than pearl, eggshell, and matte finishes but is flatter than semi-gloss and high-gloss. Satin paint is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to mildew and fading. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, especially in areas exposed to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. It is also suitable for high-traffic areas like children's bedrooms and playrooms. However, satin paint may not be the best choice for walls as it can show imperfections. It is more affordable than semi-gloss paint and easier to apply.

Semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen than satin, reflecting more light and giving rooms a shiny, sleek appearance. It has a higher resin-to-pigment ratio, resulting in a shinier and more light-reflective finish. This paint finish is durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and spaces with higher humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It is commonly used for baseboards, door and window casings, crown moulding, cabinets, and doors. However, semi-gloss paint may not be the best choice for walls as it can highlight imperfections and brushstrokes.

High-gloss paint has the highest level of reflection, providing a high-shine, glass-like finish. It is the most durable and easiest to clean of all the finishes. It is commonly used for doors, cabinets, moulding, and trim, as well as outdoor spots like shutters and window casings.

When choosing between satin and semi-gloss, consider the level of shine, durability, and ease of application and cleaning that you require. Satin paint provides a more subtle finish and is more forgiving of imperfections, while semi-gloss offers a higher sheen and added protection, making it ideal for areas that require frequent cleaning.

Paint ingredients: binder, diluent, pigment, additives

Paint is a mixture that forms a film-like layer when applied to a solid material and allowed to dry. The ingredients of paint include binders, diluents (also called solvents or vehicles), pigments, and sometimes additives.

Binders are the film-forming component of paint and are always present in paint formulations. They hold the pigments together and adhere them to the surface being painted. Gum Arabic, a water-soluble substance derived from the acacia tree sap, is a common binder in watercolour paints. Binders can also impart a slight gloss to the paint.

Diluent, solvent, or vehicle refer to the liquid base of the paint, which can be either oil or water. Oil-based paints, also called solvent-borne paints, use organic solvents as the diluent, including aliphatics, aromatics, alcohols, ketones, and white spirit. Water-based paints, also called water-borne emulsion paints, are better for the environment than solvent-borne paints.

Pigments provide colour to the paint and come in various forms, such as natural or synthetic, and can be organic or inorganic. Titanium dioxide is the most common inorganic pigment, providing over 70% of total pigments used. It has a high refractive index and gives a 'gloss' to the paint. Other pigments include iron oxides, zinc oxide, carbon black, and powdered metals such as zinc.

Additives are optional ingredients added to improve performance or provide specific effects. Some common additives include dispersants, which stabilise pigment particles, thixotropic agents, which give paints a jelly-like consistency, and fungicides and algaecides, which protect exterior paint films from moulds and algae.

Paint surfaces: brick, fabric, cement, wood, vinyl

Painting different surfaces requires different types of paint and preparation. Here is a guide to help you get started on painting these various surfaces:

Brick

Painting brick surfaces can be a great way to revamp a space and make it feel more welcoming and warm. It is also a cost-efficient way to cover up brick that is not in the best condition. Before painting brick, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface with a wire brush and soapy water to remove any dirt or deposits. If the brick has mildew or efflorescence, a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water can be used, but be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Once cleaned, let the brick dry for 24 hours. The next step is to apply a latex primer to the brick, and if necessary, fill any gaps with a high-quality acrylic caulk. After the primer is dry, use a roller or brush to apply masonry paint or latex paint.

Cement

When painting concrete or cement surfaces, it is important to use the right type of paint to ensure it can withstand wear and tear. The best paints for concrete contain binders that allow the coating to contract and expand with the concrete as it cools and warms. Epoxy-based paints are highly durable and stain-resistant, making them ideal for garage floors and outdoor areas. They can withstand hot tire pickup and are resistant to chemicals, oil, and gasoline. Acrylic latex porch paints are also suitable for concrete, as they are designed to conceal imperfections and resist fading, scuffing, and cracking.

Wood

There are various ways to paint wood, including using gel stain to create a faux wood-grain effect. This technique can be used on surfaces like MDF or particleboard to make them look like real wood. When using gel stain, apply as many coats as needed, blending the strokes until you are happy with the results. If you are painting wood furniture, you can use a variety of paints, such as stain and finishing oil or regular paint.

Vinyl

Painting vinyl can be tricky as it may sometimes resist paint or become sticky. It is recommended to use a product like Ultra Grip to help the paint adhere better. After painting, you can apply a topcoat, such as beeswax or a tough coat, to protect the surface.

For all surfaces, it is important to choose the correct paint and prepare the surface properly to ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Paint preparation: priming, sanding, cleaning

Paint preparation is essential to achieving good-looking, long-lasting results. A properly prepared surface is clean, solid, and dry, without cracks and imperfections. Here are some important steps to follow when preparing a surface for painting:

Cleaning

Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface to be painted. This includes removing any dirt, grease, soap scum, or oil buildup. For exterior surfaces, such as brick, use a wire brush to remove dirt and grime, being careful not to damage the surface. Then, scrub the surface with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. For interior walls, address any mildew by cleaning with a solution of water and bleach. Wear protective gloves and goggles during this process. Finally, rinse the walls with clean water and allow them to dry completely before proceeding.

Sanding

Sanding is an important step to ensure a smooth finish and better paint adhesion. Use sandpaper or a sanding block to dull any uneven surfaces and smooth out rough spots. If you are painting over a previously painted surface, it is crucial to remove any loose paint, cracking, or flaking by sanding or scraping. For water-based paint, use fine-grit sandpaper, and for oil-based paint, opt for medium-grit sandpaper (100- to 150-grit). After sanding, wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry thoroughly.

Priming

Priming provides a foundation for the paint and helps ensure better adhesion. Prime all bare surfaces, patched areas, and bare wood. If you are painting over a previously painted surface, you may need to determine whether the existing paint is oil or latex-based. This can be done by feeling the paint's texture or using a paint deglosser. If you plan to use latex paint, priming may not be necessary, but if you switch from latex to oil paint, priming is essential. For cement or masonry products, use a primer specifically formulated for these surfaces.

Frequently asked questions