Painting is one DIY job that almost anyone will have a go at. There can be few homes around the country which don't have at least a couple of half used tins of paint laying around. To get good results, you really need to take your time and prepare surfaces to be painted properly, but using the correct paint for the job at hand also makes a big difference to the finish. Paint technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, and the days of gloss, matt or vinyl being your only choices are long gone.
Undercoat
Undercoat is designed to give you a uniform base onto which the topcoat is applied. It usually contains more pigment than most topcoats, meaning that it will cover dark colours more easily. Don't be afraid to apply two coats of undercoat if a particularly dark colour is still showing through the first coat. You can buy fungicidal undercoat for areas prone to damp and mould.
Solvent-based Gloss
Gloss is usually used only on wood and metalwork around the home and, as the name suggests, dries to a glossy finish. If applying to woodwork always use a suitable undercoat, as this will result in a better finish by stopping the solvent in the gloss being absorbed into the wood. The general rule of thumb when applying gloss is that it is better to apply two thin coats, than one thick one. Clean brushes with white spirit.
Water-based Gloss
Water-based gloss is also mainly used for woodwork and metalwork, but does not dry to such a high-gloss finish. It does, however, provide a hardwearing finish. Water-based gloss dries much faster than solvent-based gloss and does not require as much ventilation (although you should always ensure some ventilation when using any paint). Brushes are also much easier to clean, requiring only water and a little detergent.
Non-Drip Gloss
This type of paint usually combines undercoat and topcoat, meaning that it is quicker to apply than normal gloss and is sometimes called One-Coat Gloss. It is suitable for painting interior woodwork and will cover most base colours well. However, despite the name, it may be that very dark base colours will need two coats. Wash brushes with white spirit.
Emulsion
Emulsion is designed to be used on very porous surfaces such as walls and ceilings. As it is water-based it is quick drying and easy to apply, but two or more coats may be needed to create the best finish. Emulsion is available in several finishes including Matt, vinyl and semi-gloss, but as a rule, the glossier the finish, the more resistant it will be to dirt and marks. You can buy "solid" non-drip emulsion, which is perfect for painting ceilings. Emulsion is best applied with a good quality roller or paint pad. These can be washed in water and a little soap when you are finished.
Masonry Paint
Designed to be used externally on render and other porous surfaces. Masonry paint is generally available in two varieties: Smooth and Textured, and will seem thicker than interior paints. Textured paint w...
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