Types Of Paint

Look around and you will see the dominance of colors - in the house, on the road, in a mall and everywhere, the use of paint is almost inevitable. Used by people for centuries now, paint adds color, beauty and meaning to the world, covering the faults of an otherwise drab artificial environment. Paints are the saviors of the objects on which they are applied, adding splendor and magnificence to an otherwise plain and dull looking item Apart from this, paint also acts as a protective shield, providing safety against the hazards. There are different kinds of paints available in the market, all there for you to make your surroundings lively and attractive. Different paints have different uses and qualities. Depending on the need, you can choose one from among the different types of paints available in the market. This article will provide you with information on the types of paints, making it easier for you to choose the one with which you would like to color your life.

 

Distemper is the most common and economical type of painting available today. It can also be called as ‘whitewashing’. Distemper is water based paint and contains chalk, lime, water and some coloring agents, if required.

 

Emulsions are also water based paints. The distinguishing factor about emulsion is that it provides a rich and matt finish to the interior walls. It also provides durability to the painted surface. Emulsions are fungus and mildew resistance, which helps in providing longer life to the walls. Emulsions are washable. As such, most of the stains in the wall can be removed by just wiping with a cloth dipped in a mild soap solution.

 

There are certain paints available in the market that not just decorates the walls, but also have some specific functions like eliminating insects, bacteria, fungus or dust mites. These paints come with an in-built safe and non-toxic mechanism which though harmless to humans, is fatal for insects, fungus and bacteria.

 

Oil based paints are extremely durable and prove to be an excellent choice for inner walls. These paints require mineral spirits for thinning and clean up and are even slow drying. However, oil-based paints have a strong odor that might act as a disadvantage to their popularity.

 

Latex paints are good in quality. They do not fade away easily and contains light odor or smell as compared to oil-based paints. Apart from this, latex paints do not peel off or crack. These paints are fast drying and require just water for thinning and clean up purpose.

 

It is one of the oil based paint, but with better adhesion qualities. It is much durable and stain resistant and provides a smooth and cheerful effect to the surface. Available in dull and glossy finish, the paint can be used in both interior and exterior walls as well as furniture. The main advantage of enamels is that they dry without leaving any brush marks.

 

These are the least expensive paints available in the market and are suitable for most of the interior walls. Vinyl-Acrylic latex paints are durable and come with better adhesion quality.

 

Cement based paints are a kind of water paints that is applied on the peripheral surface of the house. These paints are highly water resistant and give a fine outcome on new concrete surface.

 

Varnish is a paint that resembles oil paints, but does not contain color pigments like oil paints. Varnishes provide a transparent film when dry, unlike oil paints. The paint flows out after it has been applied, removing any brush marks. Made out of linseed oil and a fossil gum, it is ideal for furniture, floors and for exterior and interior woodwork.

 

Lacquer is a paint made from nitrocellulose and gives a very quick-drying finish. This should not be applied over oil paints and varnishes, as it acts as a remover and softens the undercoat. It gives an ideal finish for metal work like brass, which would otherwise tarnish, if left alone.