When we go to a DIY store, we have the choice between a multitude of paints, each adapted to a type of support and/or environment. To choose the one that will be the most suitable for you, it is important to take into account your needs, but also the constraints related to the painting. (for example, what type of support, outdoor environment, humidity, etc).
In this article, you will discover :
- What are the different types of paint;
- Their composition;
- The advantages of each type of paint.
Acrylic paint, known as water-based
Acrylic paint contains little or no solvents. It is now one of the most popular. This paint is composed of pigments, in order to give it the color of your choice, and of an aqueous emulsion made from synthetic resins that serves as a binder. This paint is generally used for interior walls, but it can also be used on other surfaces (on wood for example). More and more traditional oil-based paints are in danger of being replaced by this water-based paint.
Below is a list of the advantages of acrylic paint:
- It has very little odor when applied and when drying;
- It is quick and easy to apply;
- It gives off very few dangerous volatile compounds;
- It dries quickly;
- The cleaning of the tools (rollers, brushes, etc) is done with water.
It can be used on many types of support. Only the most complex and/or those located outside are not adapted to this type of paint.
Tip: for interior surfaces, an undercoat can help. On a particular surface such as stone, for example, acrylic paint cannot be applied as is. It is strongly advised to start by applying a suitable undercoat which will then allow the paint to adhere.
Glycerin paint, also known as oil-based paint
This type of paint is more traditional. Used for decades, it tends to be replaced little by little by water-based paint which has many advantages. But glycerine paint remains unchallenged in terms of coverage and adhesion. This is why it is sometimes necessary to choose it.
Unlike water-based paint, the binder here is composed of solvents. The content of VOCs (volatile organic compounds dangerous to health) in glycerine paint is therefore significant. It is therefore preferable to ventilate the area for long hours during and after the application of the paint or to reserve its use for the exterior.
Regarding the application of oil paint, it is more delicate and requires handling White Spirit to dilute it, but also to clean the tools.
The advantages of oil paint are as follows:
- It is very resistant to shocks as well as to difficult weather conditions;
- It has a great covering capacity, not letting the support breathe;
- It is durable.
The different application surfaces
In this section, you will discover the different types of surfaces and the most suitable paints.
Painting interior walls
To paint interior walls, we most often use acrylic paint, known as water-based. In addition to making cleanup easier, this type of paint is the most health-friendly (with low VOC content), making it an excellent choice for home interiors. Some of these paints are recommended for bedrooms, especially if it is a baby or child's room. They are often called depolluting or biological paints, because they capture certain chemical molecules present in the air (furniture glue, textile manufacturing residues, etc.) and degrade them. They can be single or double layer depending on the range and brand chosen.
To renovate your walls, you can opt for effect paint, also called decorative paint. More covering and thicker than the classic acrylic paint, it allows to hide the imperfections of a wall and to mask small imperfections without having to smooth and sand. You can choose between:
- A sanded paint ;
- A wax coating;
- A concrete effect;
- A slate-like paint or even a whiteboard;
- Etc.
Painting the floor
During an interior renovation project, you have the possibility in some cases to review the color of the floor. If you do not wish to undertake major work, you may consider painting it. It is important to note that the floor is subject to high stresses, so you should choose a particularly resistant paint, such as those made from polyurethane.
They can be applied on tiles, parquet or laminate and are characterized by their strong adhesion.
It is important to note that it will probably be necessary to renovate regularly so that the paint does not deteriorate over time.
Paint for wood
Wood is a particular support that requires a specific care. This is why it is essential to offer a special wood paint for its renovation. It can be acrylic paints enriched with resin or glycerol paint made from alkyd-urethane, both known for their resistance and durability.
Most of these wood paints are suitable for all woodwork and do not benefit from an undercoat. The only requirement for their application is that the old paint must be perfectly smooth and must not flake.
We also advise you to use microporous paints for your doors and shutters. These allow the wood to breathe and prevent the paint from peeling over time. Water and humidity are easily evacuated and do not cause the paint to blister as is the case with other paints.
Paint for metal surfaces
If you want to paint or repaint a metal surface, the choice of a good paint is crucial. We advise you to choose a rustproof paint that will protect your surface. There are two types:
- Those that are composed of water;
- And those which contain solvents and which are much more resistant. The latter will ensure a better hold of the anti-rust paint on your metal support.
Radiator paint
When renovating your interior, it is difficult to ignore the renovation of your radiator. And here again, the paint must be chosen with care because it must be able to withstand the heat when the radiator is in operation. It is therefore essential to choose a "radiator" paint if you are about to repaint one.
Paint for the kitchen and bathroom
Despite the fact that these rooms are inside our living spaces, they require the use of a specific paint. Because the conditions in these places are more difficult than in the living room or a bedroom for example. Kitchen and bathroom paints are therefore designed to withstand different constraints:
- They are designed to be compatible with humidity and water projections;
- They resist the presence of condensation;
- They can be washed;
- Some have anti-mould properties.
Facade paint
To renovate your facades and give them a shine, it is essential to choose a paint called "special facade". There are 4 different types:
- The pliolite paint: it is the most classic and it is composed of solvents. It is washed off and cleaned with White Spirit and offers good coverage and durability.
- The hydro-pliolite paint: it is cleaned with water and offers the same properties as the previous one.
- Acrylic paint: it is recommended for new surfaces, such as during the construction of a house for example.
- Siloxane paint: this is the most resistant. It is capable of withstanding extreme conditions, such as the sea.
Paint designed to renovate furniture
You want to give a new life to one of your furniture a little damaged, or modernize it? You can use a renovation paint for that. It is applied without undercoat and without the need to sand the surface, and offers excellent adhesion. All you need to do is degrease the surface and lightly sand it.
Another advantage of this type of paint is that it can be used to renovate different furniture, including those made of melamine or laminate. It is therefore a solution of choice to cover a kitchen that is a little dated or a damaged credenza.
The advantages of this renovation paint:
- It is very resistant to shocks and stains;
- It is washable;
- Some are designed to resist water projections and humidity.
To conclude
There are many different types of paint to choose from. That's why we recommend that you seek professional advice when choosing your paint. You will be sure to offer the best solution for your purpose.
