Thursday, January 29, 2009

What Paints Are Best? Faux Wall Finishes

By Debra That Painter Lady Conrad

If you choose the right paint for your faux painting you will have a far greater chance of achieving the look you want. The particular paint you choose will depend on whether it is for use inside or out, the surface (wood? concrete?) and the effect you are looking for.

Numerous paints exist to fulfil particular functions, from priming new plaster to creating water- and steam-resistant finishes and scuff-proof finishes for high traffic areas. A spectrum of basic paint types are typically used for interior paint jobs.

Paint terminology is confusing, partly because it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Key distinctions are whether they are water-based or oil-based and the degree of gloss. 0% is unreflective, whereas 100% gloss gives it a glassy shine. The higher the gloss the more unforgiving a paint is when it comes to masking surface flaws. In fact, high gloss paints accentuate every bump and dent. Some high gloss paints are more brittle and more vulnerable to chipping.

Flat paint (which has a matte finish but is not to be confused with matte paint) is the cheapest kind of interior paint, used as basic cover. It isn't washable and you'll have to touch it up if it gets dirty, though it does hide surface imperfections. It is not recommended as a base for faux painting, since it inhibits the glaze moving. It's a useful paint for areas that aren't going to get dirty and need constant retouching.

Matte paint is higher quality paint, that is also unreflective but which contains ceramic beads and other elements that repel stains and create a washable surface. Suitable for interior use.

Eggshell paint has more gloss than matte paint but it has only a hint of shininess, comparable (as the name suggests) to that of an egg. This too is an interior paint.

Satin and pearl paints are essentially the same thing, but different brands use different names for essentially comparable products. It gives a smooth, velvety finish.

An ideal, washable paint for bathrooms and kitchens, satin or pearl paint is suitable for walls or wood and is the recommended paint for the surface on which faux painting will be carried out. Paint applied on top of this paint will not dry fast, which means that it has the maximum 'spreadability' that faux painting requires.

Semi-gloss paint is used especially for wood. It shares many properties with satin or pearl paint and is easy to wipe down and clean. As the percentage of gloss increases, so does the ability of paint to cover dents or other surface imperfections. Semi-gloss paint may therefore not be ideal for some surfaces.

Gloss paint creates a mirror-smooth finish. Any surface flaws will be amplified, so preparation before painting is vital; in fact, for some flawed surfaces it may not be suitable at all.

To achieve the best possible results, pay attention to your paints. Don't skimp and be sure that you are using the right paint in the right place. Mistakes may cost you dearly. Your faux painting effect will only be as good as the materials you use.

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