Paints
Although there are many different types of paints on the market for as many different applications we will only be referring
to the most commonly used house paints.
House paint is a liquid used to create a protective film. It can also carry rich pigments
allowing for a wide aray of colors. Choosing the proper paint, depending on were it is to be used, is one of the most important
investments you make in the cost of painting. This is were the binders and the sheens play a pivotal role.
The sheen can either hide or heighten any imperfection in your property.
Sufaces that have had a lot of damage over the years and poor preparation
will be better suited by using a flat sheen. A flat sheen will not flash and will hide almost everything.
Trim and doors utilize a
high gloss to protect the woodwork, and frame each room. Gloss sheens will highlight the smallest of imperfection. This is where detailed
preparation will be needed.
Aside from the other supplies and labor, using the right paint for the right job can and will determine
the life of your entire investment. We can not stress this enough. Less expensive paints do not offer enough binders and hardeners
to give you good coverage.
The grade of paint used on an exterior painting project for instance, has to be of a higher quality than that used on an interior one because of the climate changes your property will endure.
Commercially paints have four heading
components
Ø Pigments (coloring agent)
Ø Binders (resins)
Ø Solvents (diluents)
Ø Additives (can change
with the sheen and/or with the desired application)
It is also commonly listed by four classes, which is by their binders
Ø Acrylic
Ø Vinyl
Ø Latex
Ø Oil/Alkyd
These classes are also sometimes combined to create other classes
such as, Acrylic Latex
House paints also come in different sheens
Ø Matte
Ø Flat
Ø Satin
Ø Eggshell
Ø Semi-gloss
Ø Gloss
The main reason we paint is to protect the surface, or it should be. At lest thats our thinking when determining what type of paint to purchase.
