Choosing the Right Paint for Your Home Painting Project

When it comes to painting your home, it's important to choose the right type of paint for the job. Different types of paint are designed for different purposes, and selecting the wrong one can lead to a less than satisfactory result. Working with a professional paint contractor can help you make sure that you get the right paint for your project. Exterior paints need to be able to expand and contract with the changing climate, so they don't use stiff resins.

Primers and rust-proof paints are good options, as they contain additives that prevent rust. It's also important to keep the blinds in a protected location for five days after painting, such as a garage, to ensure that the paint is completely dry. Cement paint is a water-based product that uses white cement and other additives to make it resistant to fading from ultraviolet light. Professional painters often use this type of paint because of its uniform flow when using a brush or roller, and because its color tinting system provides great coverage and uniform pigment from one gallon to the next.

When painting indoors, it's important to choose paints with low VOC content in order to reduce fumes. A primer is also recommended when going from a dark color to a light one. Durable latex and acrylic paints with a high-gloss finish are a good combination, as they are easy to clean and among the most resistant types of paint. Investing in good brushes and roller covers, and learning how to clean them properly, will help you get more use out of them for future painting projects. Finally, it's important to consider the shelf life of the paint.

Also known as “shelf life in a pot” by professional painters, this is an indication of how long the paint will last on a surface. A layer of primer can make the paint look better and ensure that it adheres properly to the surface for more durable results.