The painting of a home can seem confusing at times. The shops offer a variety of paints, leaving the homeowner with varied choices. The style of paint you buy to decorate your home matters, in that the wrong choices can give disappointing results. This article is written with the new homeowner in mind, to help them make the right decision about which paints suit which purpose.

Undercoats.

Undercoats are used to get walls and woodwork ready to take the finished coat. Look for good quality, as a cheap undercoat will not have the same protective qualities, and may not cover well. For woodwork which is being painted in dark colors, you will need a battleship gray undercoat, because this helps the topcoat to cover well and is the standard for finishes intended to be done in dark colors.

For lighter colors, you have a choice of buying white undercoat and coloring it with tubes of colorant to get the same shade as the topcoat, which helps to prevent chipping of the painted surface showing or you can use white. Look to see that the paint is suitable for indoors or outdoors, as this is vital to the integrity and lasting value of the finished paint surface.

When buying an undercoat for metal surfaces or radiators, ensure that the paint is specifically one which does not encourage rust.

Primers.

Primers are only used to seal. If newly plastered walls need a sealing coat, a primer can be produced by thinning an undercoat. Primers on woods are used to seal the wood, so that seeping does not occur, although if there are knots, you will also need a knotting compound.

Gloss.

Gloss paint is not fashionable within the home interior. It is, however, recommended for outdoor windows and doors. The reason for this is that it is longer lasting against the harmful effects of sunlight, and will give better wear. The reason gloss isn't good indoors is that it casts reflections and an eggshell or satin is a preferable choice for indoor wooden surfaces.

Flat paints.

Flat or mat paints are super for all interior walls. They are used because of their non reflective qualities, and will hide imperfections in a wall better than shiny paints will. Mat paints can also give a room an ambiance of calm better than all paints which reflect.

Kitchens and bathrooms.

In kitchens and bathrooms which have a higher density of dampness please be aware that emulsion paints will wear quickly. It is better to choose an eggshell paint which has a tougher finish.

Special effect paints.

The paints above form the basis of most paints you will see in the shops. However, you can use emulsion flat paints for doing marvelous sponge effects. When using them in this manner, use the background paint in the main color being used for the room, and a contrasting paint, either darker or lighter, depending upon your tastes to sponge onto the surface, to give a less uniform finish than flat paint.

The paints you use within your home should be lead free. If painting a child's room, be careful that the paints you use are safe for a child.

When you have chosen your colors, remember that you will need good quality brushes, dust sheets, dusting brush and sandpaper, and that all surfaces which are to be painted are appropriately filled. By taking these precautions, you can be assured of a great finish, and make your home a show piece you are proud of.

Learn more about this author, Rachelle de Bretagne.
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