Brushing Up on the Best Paint

Text by Reena Nerbas

Picture a world without colour…a very different image, right? Paint is one of the least expensive ways to dramatize, stylize or personalize your home. However there are some important points to consider in making the best paint choices.

Not all paints are created equal. Paints recommended for exterior use have been formulated and tested for exteriors. Paints recommended for interior use have been formulated and tested for interior use. Recent research and development have brought about many changes and some paints are now made for both exterior and interior uses. Reading the label on the can will help you make the best choice.

People often wonder whether primer is required to provide a proper base for specific topcoats. Primer is essential when painting surfaces such as raw wood, new drywall and various extremely hard surfaces such as plastic and ceramic tile. If necessary, primers may be tinted to provide better hide for topcoats. The Golden Rule for tinting (contrary to popular belief) is that the primer should be tinted darker than the topcoat.

Before selecting a particular paint, one must also decide between oil based and latex. With recent developments in water based latex and acrylic paints there is hardly an occasion to use oil based paint. One of the reasons to use oil-based primers is to seal in tannin bleeding in woods like cedar and pine that have high tannin content. Tannins in these woods are water soluble and may bleed through coat after coat of water based products.

A frequently asked question: Is it okay to apply latex paint over oil paint and visa versa? Yes, it is. However some latex or acrylic paints provide much better adhesion when applied over existing oil paints than others. The proper selection of paint products is one key to good inter coat adhesion. The other key is a thorough scuff sanding of the existing paint. When a thorough sanding is not an option a super adherent primer may be a good alternative. Whenever possible begin by sanding the wall and cleaning it with a product such as T.S.P. (tri sodium phosphate).Your paint will last longer if applied to clean surface.

A good preparation of the surface to be painted is your key to success. Exterior surfaces should be free of dirt and mildew. Use a mixture of 4 parts water to 1 part household bleach to clean walls. Follow this with a rinse of clean water. Remove peeling paint, seal cracks and holes and paint according to manufacturers’ instructions.

When choosing between oil based (alkyd paint) and latex here are a few additional points to consider: Latex paints are fast drying, easy to clean up and generally low in odour. Alkyd paints are slow drying, require mineral spirits for thinning and clean up and often have a strong odour. The breathing properties of latex house paints make them superior to oil based paints because water vapours can escape more easily than through oil based paints.

Selecting the proper grade and sheen for the job are also factors to consider. Paints are rated for hardness and scrubability. Most major paint suppliers offer different grades and price ranges. Premium grades are worth the additional investment and provide longer lasting and a more durable finish.

Lastly, choose the right sheen for the particular application; Flat paints for low contact areas such as ceilings. Eggshell and semi gloss paints are for high wear areas such as kitchen and bathroom walls. Higher gloss levels generally result in higher ratings for hardness. They are scrubbable and therefore are better for high wear areas such as woodwork and furniture.

Choosing the best paint for the job will result in a quality job that you can be proud of for years to come.