2 Major Paint Types for Your Interior House Painting Project

The paint industry has come a long way from using clay, berries, and flowers to create the first paints, and binding them with animal fat, cow's milk, and eggs. We have cleaner binders, multiple finishes, and almost limitless colors today. With so many options available, understanding the different types of paint is crucial for making the best choice.

Besides the type of paint, consider your budget and whether you'll be working with an interior house painting contractor in Bowmanville.

General Tips for Painting

Interior paint differs from exterior paint. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, or updating your entire home, it's important to research the best paint type for your needs.

Reading paint labels carefully is crucial, as terms can be confusing and brands may use them differently. Understanding the differences between water-based and oil-based paints, and their best uses, is essential.

If you're planning a DIY paint job, equipment and prep work are key to a successful result. Watch how-to videos and consult painting professionals before starting. Being unprepared can make fixing mistakes more costly than hiring a pro.

Water Based Paints

1.    Latex Paint

The first patent for water-based paint was granted in 1865, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that latex paint transformed the industry with improved water-based options.

Latex paint remains the top choice for indoor projects and is the most eco-friendly option. It dries faster than oil-based paints and is easy to clean with soap and water. However, it is less durable and is best suited for areas with light use, such as walls and ceilings.

2.    Acrylic Paint

Latex and acrylic paints are often used interchangeably for water-based paints. They’re quite similar in composition. However, acrylic paint generally contains more acrylic polymers than latex paint.

Always read the label when buying paint to ensure you know what you're getting, as these terms can be confusing. Due to its higher polymer content, acrylic paint is typically more durable and expensive than latex paint. This makes it a better choice for surfaces that endure more wear and tear, such as cabinets.

Oil-Based Paints

1.    Alkyd Paint

Oil-based paints, often using alkyd oil as a base, are less common than water-based paints but offer some advantages. They’re more durable and can provide a smoother finish without showing brush or roller marks. This makes them ideal for high-use surfaces like floors, doors, and furniture.

However, oil-based paints have a stronger odor and take longer to dry than water-based paints. Cleanup is also more challenging, requiring harsh chemicals like paint thinner or turpentine to clean brushes.

2.    Enamel Paint

"Enamel" refers to a highly durable and long-lasting paint that can withstand wear and tear. While it is more commonly used for exterior applications, it can also be used indoors.

Historically, enamel paints were mostly oil-based, but recently some water-based paints have adopted the enamel label as well. Always read the paint description carefully to know exactly what type of paint you're purchasing.

Paint Finishes

There are multiple paint finishes as well in both types of paint. Some of them are mentioned below

-          Flat or matte paint has no shine and hides bumps but isn’t very durable.

-          Eggshell paint has a soft sheen and is good for medium-use rooms.

-          Satin paint is durable and easy to clean, good for high-traffic and wet areas.

-          Semi-gloss is shiny and great for bathrooms, while high gloss is very shiny, durable, and best for trim.

To Sum Up

Choosing the right paint for your home is important. Latex paint is fast-drying and eco-friendly, while acrylic paint is more durable. Oil-based paints like alkyd and enamel are very strong but harder to clean.

Paint finishes vary from flat to high gloss, each suited for different uses. Contact New Tone Interiors for professional interior house painting in Bowmanville.

Our experts will guide you through the latest interior house painting ideas and trending colors to make your home more attractive.