Here’s How to Choose the Right Paint

A new coat of paint is a quick, affordable and effective way to update the look of your home, inside or out. Create a big impact by painting walls, porches and floors, or add eye-catching updates with painted furniture and accessories. Ready to makeover your space? Let’s talk paint.

Types of Paint Specialty Paint Selecting a Paint Finish

Types of Paint

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Specialty Formulas

Besides common paint types, you’ll find specialty paints designed to make your next project easier and more beautiful. From unique finishes and effects to performance-enhancing formulas, here are some unique paint options.

Chalkboard Paint	Use this ultra-matte paint to transform any wall or door into a writable surface.
Porch & Floor Paint	These durable and long-lasting acrylic or alkyd paint formulas withstand foot traffic and weather extremes.
Cabinet & Furniture Paint	This durable acrylic paint offers a scrubbable surface, designed for heavy indoor use
Garage Floor Paint	Tough epoxy garage floor paint is designed to withstand hot tires, as well as salt, gas, oil or anti-freeze residue.
High-Heat Paint	Designed for barbecues, fireplaces and wood stoves, this paint withstands cracking and peeling, even up to 650 degrees Celsius.

Selecting a Paint Finish

When it comes to completing your room makeover, a paint’s sheen – also known as its glossiness or light reflectiveness – is almost as important as its colour. Here’s how to choose.

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FAQs

What is acrylic paint?

Acrylic or 100% acrylic paint is water-based and offers better performance than a latex paint, most notably in terms of adhesion, stain resistance, and block resistance. For these reasons, acrylic binders are often used in more demanding situations, (e.g. heavy use areas and “high moisture” areas like kitchens and bathrooms). Acrylic paint also offers outstanding durability, elasticity, crack and blister resistance, a harder finish, and better water repellency.

What is latex paint?

Latex paint is water-based and can contain both acrylic and vinyl resins. Lower cost latex paint is ideal for painting interior surfaces such as walls and ceilings and low traffic areas. Latex paint is quick-drying and easy to clean up with just soap and water. It also still offers good scrub resistance, stain resistance, adhesion and hardness.

Do I need to prime before painting?

It depends on the surface. Primer contains adhesive binders that seal the surface prior to painting, providing a clean, smooth area for proper adhesion. You should always apply primer first when painting over glossy or porous surfaces, raw unfinished wood, stains, masonry, or when transitioning from a dark to light colour. Surfaces in good condition may not need priming, such as when re-painting a wall with the same or similar colour. Self-priming paint is also available. Sometimes called “paint-and-primer-in-one”, allowing you to eliminate the priming step from your painting process. But it is always best practice to use a primer and paint topcoat when applying on challenging surfaces.

What paint finish do designers use?

That depends on what surface you’re painting. A flat white paint is a good optionfor ceilings as the non-reflective finish reduces glare from overhead lights and the white colour reflects natural light to make the room feel brighter and bigger. An eggshell finish is ideal for walls and hallways: the soft, low sheen offers good durability and easy cleaning. For trim areas such as baseboards, mouldings, and window frames semi-gloss paint is a preferred choice. The shinier finish offers an attractive counterpoint to eggshell walls, while providing even more durability and stain resistance.

Can you use exterior paint indoors?

Yes. Most exterior paint is identical to interior paint and are low in VOC (volatile organic compounds) due to VOC regulations. Some outdoor acrylic paint contains ingredients for mould and mildew resistance, which makes it ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms.

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Here’s How to Choose the Right Paint

Types of Paint

Specialty Formulas

Selecting a Paint Finish

FAQs

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