- High-gloss interior paint tends to be more durable and is better suited in households that need painted surfaces to be cleaned. The downside to high-gloss interior paint is that it also tends to reveal flaws in the painting process more so than other types. High-gloss is almost always preferable when painting trim, although the same kind of effect can be accomplished with semi-gloss when applied to surfaces subject to heavy grease buildup.
- Latex paint is popular for interior paint jobs. The reason can be summed up in three words: It cleans easily. Latex paint can most often be cleaned with nothing more than soap and water. Another advantage to latex paint is that it does not produce a strong odor, which makes it great for those subject to paint-related headaches. Latex is also a more environmentally conscious choice.
- Solvent-based interior paints are better known as alkyd paints and are preferred by many because it leaves the smoothest finishes. In most cases you can paint with a brush and not even leave a noticeable brush stroke. The downside is that alkyd paint takes much longer to dry and requires paint thinner for the cleaning process.
- Polyurethane enamel, which may be advertised under the name liquid plastic paint, is best used for painting floors because it possesses an unusually high abrasion resistance. If your floor is bare wood then consider pigmented or dye-colored wiping stain. Apply the stain to the bare wood for about an hour and then wipe it off. If after wiping there is a rough texture to the floor, apply a sander. To get a varnished look, apply a water-based coat of paint; anything from a flat finish to a gloss is acceptable.
- For painting furniture, consider a polyurethane for items such as cabinets and paneling. Any interior furnishing that requires a good deal of durability or where you want the paint to last without having to reapply a coat every few years should be painted with this type.
- When you choose to apply one type of paint on top of another, for instance painting with an alkyd over an existing latex surface, a primer is highly recommended. If the surface was painted previously or is in particularly good shape, the use of a primer may not be necessary, though it is still recommended. A primer is also recommended when the interior surface that is being painted over is porous, such as soft wood.
- Besides the ease with which it cleans up, the move toward latex as the most popular choice for interior paints has to do with the fact that the use of oil-based paints has been restricted in some places because of its toxicity and the way in which its fumes can contribute to smog. The odor and toxic fumes given off by some oil-based paints make them less than ideal for extensive use in the interior of large homes and businesses.
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thecheapaussie said
on 8/25/2009 does it always work out though? I had trouble