Which paint to use for painting and decorating and where to use it?
There are many different types of paint, and from my many visits to the paint shop, I can hear that some people out there are not sure which paint to use or where to use it.
Types of paint for interior painting and decorating
Interior Paints
Matt Emulsion
Silk Emulsion (soft sheen)
Eggshell (oil or water-based)
Satinwood (oil or water-based)
Gloss (oil or water-based)
Undercoat (oil or water-based)
Primer (oil or water-based)
Above are the most common paint names you will see on paint tins in your local paint shop, but what are they and where do you use them?
Which paint to use and where to use it?
Matt emulsion is used on walls and ceilings, generally in rooms and areas that do not get too much human traffic such as dining rooms, bedrooms and your home office, for example.
Silk emulsion or soft sheen may be used in areas of high traffic, such as hallways, staircases and stairwells so that they may be washed down when grubby. You can also use these paints on bathroom walls and kitchens walls where there may be moisture and condensation. Again, these are “easy wipeable” paints.
Eggshell, satinwood and gloss are generally used on woodwork. This also depends on what finish you want in your home. If you want a super shine on your woodwork then use gloss paints. If you want slightly less shine then use satinwood paints. If you want a near flat finish, then use eggshell paint. All of these are hard-wearing and “wipeable” paints.
Gloss paints would be the tougher finish for areas with a lot of wear and tear. If you have a hand-finished kitchen we generally use eggshell paint as it suits bespoke kitchen cabinets better than a higher sheen. But this is subjective and is entirely up to the person who is living in the space which is being painted to determine what they like.
Lastly, undercoats and primers are used for the preparation of wood before painting. You can read more on our blog.
So the next time you are in your local paint store you will know which paint to get for each painting job!
Expert Painters and Decorators in Dublin
If you are thinking of painting and decorating your house and want expert painters and decorators, then call Paul on 087 270 4879.