Wall paint

 

Latex paints are made by mixing different pigments and binders in water. Clean-up with warm soapy water, shorter drying time, and low odor are the most notable features of latex paints.

  • They dry to the touch quickly (30 minutes in a typical interior application).
  • They have less odor than oil/alkyd paint.
  • Tools can be cleaned with soap and warm water.
  • They retain sheen, gloss and color longer.
  • They’re more flexible than oil-based paint.
  • They resist blistering and peeling because they don’t trap moisture.
One-gallon can of Dutch Boy Platinum Plus Paint & Primer sits on a wood table.

Ceiling paint

 

Ceiling paints have an ultra-flat sheen that helps hide imperfections, deflect and diffuse light throughout a room and eliminate harsh shadows. Their bright white color helps a room look larger and brighter. Quality ceiling paints are formulated to be spatter-resistant, making the paint job easier and neater.

  • Paint the ceiling whenever walls are painted or wallpapered. A dingy ceiling can ruin a newly decorated room – plus it’s more difficult to paint a ceiling after the walls and trim are finished.
  • White is a favorite color, as it’s the lightest tint of any color. White will also reflect the other colors in a room. For example, if the dominant color is blue, a white ceiling will tend to look slightly blue.
  • Although the change between wall and ceiling color may seem stark when viewed side by side, the natural break created where the wall and ceiling meet eliminates this effect. The eye accepts the color change easily.
  • Color on ceilings is becoming more popular. Wall paint can be tinted a light shade of the wall color for the best effect. Medium or dark colors on the ceiling can make a room seem very small. Colors associated with the sun and sky can lend a unique natural feeling inside.
Home entryway-only visible things are the top of deep teal French doors, a pink wall and a white ceiling with crown molding.

Oil/alkyd paints

 

Oil-based paints were the first factory-made paints. The main difference between an oil/alkyd and a latex paint is the vehicle of the resin. In latex paint, water is the vehicle. In oil paint, a solvent such as paint thinner or mineral spirits is used.

Advantages of oil/alkyd paints:

  • They’re exceptionally durable and washable.
  • They adhere, flow, and level well and have good brushing quality.
  • They perform well at lower temperatures.
  • They adhere well even with poor surface preparation.

Oil/alkyds have some drawbacks over latex paints. The solvent vehicles have more odor than latex; they yellow with age, and require solvent for clean-up.

A hand applies grey paint to a white wall using a paint roller.

How To's

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