Choosing The Right Paint For Your Home – Here's Our Ultimate Guide

Paint is a popular way to spruce up a space. The best part about it is that is affordable and can make a huge impact on the appeal and feel of your home. If you've ever been to a paint store or checked out the paint section of a hardware store, you've probably noticed the hundreds if not thousands of options to choose from. At MDC Specialists, we know firsthand the big difference a good paint job can make, that's why we've put together this post to share our ultimate guide for choosing the right paint for your home.

Water-Based Paints

The most common type of paint that is used for homes is water-based paint. This type of paint is durable and easy to apply. It can be used on a variety of surfaces and produces a smooth finish.

Benefits of choosing water-based paints

• A lot are self-priming which means you don't have to apply a primer beforehand. This can save a huge amount of time.

• They dry relatively fast.

• They can be applied to practically any surface with ease.

• Mildew resistant.

• Easy to keep clean.

• Low VOCs.

• Less prone to cracking or flaking.

• Anti-fading properties.

Disadvantages of water-based paints

• They can sometimes offer less than ideal coverage, and several coats may be required.

• Not as hard-wearing as oil paints.

• It can peel if exposed to moisture.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are another commonly used household paint. They offer exceptional durability and deep and vivid colour retention.

Benefits of choosing oil-based paints

• They offer a gloss finish.

• Oil-based paints hide imperfections on the surface to provide a flawless finish.

• Long-lasting and durable.

• Perfect for kitchen or bathroom applications where they'll be exposed to high moisture levels.

Disadvantages of oil-based paints

• They typically omit high VOC levels and this can produce a strong smell and even trigger respiratory issues.

• They are messier.

• Very difficult to remove once the paint has dried.

• If you choose to paint over the oil-based paint with water-based paints at a later date, it might not adhere to the surface sufficiently, resulting in a poor-quality finish.

Different types of paint finishes

There are several different paint finishes available and some are better suited to some applications than others. Here are some common paint finishes you can choose from:

Matte paint

• Matte paint offers no shine and an almost velvety finish

• The colours are often lustrous

• It can hide small marks and indentations on the surface

• They are one of the more difficult paint finishes to keep clean

Eggshell and satin paint

• It is slightly glossier than matte

• Provides great durability

• Easier to clean and a good option for moderate to high-traffic areas

Semi-gloss and gloss paint:

• Offers the most sheen of the paint types

• Perfect for high-traffic areas and applications

• Easy to clean

• Good at hiding imperfections in the surface

Other things to consider when choosing the right paint

Where you are painting

Whether you are painting indoors or outdoors will determine which type of paint you can use. Using interior paint outdoors will result in a finish that will not withstand outdoor exposure to rain and sun. If you use exterior paint indoors, it is likely to produce high levels of VOCs, and this can cause a strong smell for an extended period of time, along with eye and respiratory irritation. If you are painting inside your home, make sure you are choosing an interior paint and if you are painting outdoors, use an exterior paint.

Always get some samples before purchasing enough paint for the job

You may have your heart set on a certain colour you've found in the thousands of colour swatches however, it's not uncommon for the appearance of paint to look different when applied on a surface than what it does on the colour swatch. Paint can be expensive, and once you've bought it, it is unlikely that the store you bought it from will give you a refund. Get a couple of different samples similar to the one you want and apply them in sections to the surface you are going to paint. Once they are dry, have a look at them at different times of the day and from different angles. You may find after doing this that you like another colour more than your original first pick.

The technique

There are many ways you can apply paint, some of these are sprayed, rolled or with a paintbrush. The way you apply the paint can have a big impact on how good it looks. Where you are painting will determine which type of applications are best. If you are unsure, speak to a painting professional. 

The equipment you use

Ensure you are using good-quality painting tools when painting your home. Cheap brushes and rollers can leave behind lint and brush hairs in your paintwork and these can be a nightmare to get out. It is likely if you get these in your paintwork, your finish won't look professional when you are done. This can cost more money and time from having to redo it. If you are working at a height, make sure you have all the proper safety equipment.

Consider hiring a professional

Painting a small area is quite achievable for an amateur however, you must prepare the area first and cover anything that's surrounding it to avoid paint splats or spills. If you haven't taken the time to research the right paint, technique, equipment, coats etc, you may end up with a substandard finish that doesn't enhance the look of the space. For a high-end result, it's worth considering hiring a professional house painter or Gold Coast painter. They can collaborate with you to come up with a plan to execute your visions to precision.

Speak to the pros at MDC Specialists

At MDC Specialists, we have more than two decades of painting and decorating experience. We can help with an array of painting projects including wallpaper applications and mould removal. Whatever your painting needs are, we can help! We only use the highest quality paints, equipment and painting processes to deliver a superior finish, time after time. We service all of South East Queensland, and we offer comprehensive quoting and a workmanship guarantee on all our work. Contact us today!