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Painting is not just updating the exterior and interior of a building to make it look nicer; it serves as a tool for protecting surfaces and reducing damage particularly those exposed to the elements. The process of painting can be more complicated than simply putting a few coats of paint on and not thinking twice about it. Things to think about include the type of surface, weather conditions in your area and the quality of the paint to ensure it lasts as long as possible given the conditions. This could be also 25 years, so you want to make sure you have the right primer, paint and finish. To help give you a general understanding of paint types and their best uses, we have put together a brief explanation of the types of paint and their uses.
Primers
Before you start painting, it’s important that surfaces are carefully cleaned before the first coat of primer or paint. Sometimes, sanding and smoothing out the surface is also required prior to filling any cracks or gaps to ensure a smooth starting surface. It is important to have a smooth surface to start, to avoid imperfections in the finish.
A primer coat is applied after the surface has been prepared and seals the surface and provides a foundation to ensure the paint is applied smoothly. This step is acutely important for surfaces that have not been painted previously. The primer also acts as a protectant for the surface being painted, whether its timber or plaster and ensures the solvents in the paint you’re using don’t evaporate and your paint dries at an ideal rate.
Different primers are appropriate for different surfaces. Whether you’re mixing your own, or buying a pre-made primer, it’s important that you complete your research and make sure the primer you’re using is a primer that matches your paint and surface.
First Coats
Once you’re primed, it’s time to get painting that first coat. The biggest reason for applying one or more coats of paint under the finish coat is to guarantee an even and smooth colour once the job is done. Some painters will apply several undercoats before the final decorative coat, sometimes though, depending on the surface, one coat is enough.
If your finish coat is a dark colour though, you may need those few extra coats underneath. If you don’t, you run the risk of uneven and unsightly surfaces and the final colour may not look as you intended. Keep in mind, there are different interior/exterior first coat options so make sure you pick up the right one!
Finish Coats
Final coats are where you get to decide on the finish you want on the surface you are painting. You’ve probably already decided and used the appropriate undercoats, you’ll still need to consider the paint sheen you want to use.
Matte paint finishes are perhaps the most widely used finished, due to their low-sheen, non-reflective finish giving them a soft appearance, a real winner for the modern look. One of the advantages of matte paint is that they can hide blemishes in the wall quite effectively and are easier to apply for DIY painters. The trade-off here is that the consistency of matte paint finishes are usually dry and chalky, which can make cleaning more difficult.
Gloss finishes are the shiniest of options. Usually glossy paint finishes allow the surface to pop and catch the eye, however, if mixed improperly, the paint can appear to have an uneven sheen, which can be quite unsightly.
Eggshell finishes are middle of the spectrum and are known for durability. They provide a slight sheen and is mainly used on timber surfaces and provides close to a classic, heritage-style appearance.
It may seem like a straightforward task to paint your home either inside, outside or both, and as long as you are prepared it shouldn’t be too daunting. If you are looking to paint any area in your home or business, Adelaide Premier Painters specialise in both residential and commercial painting throughout the Adelaide area. For more info, feel free to speak to Fabs on 0413 310 698 or complete our contact form and we will be in touch shortly