How to Buy Paint

If you own a house, you will most likely have to use paint on the inside of it or outside of it in time. Before you do, you should understand the basics about paint. This information will provide you with the confidence to take on any painting venture.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand what paint is made from and how to read the labels. The label on cans of paint will give you the information you need about the paints ingredients. Paint is made with pigments, binders, additives and liquid. The amount of each of these will affect how the paint looks. You will find percentages listed on the cans. The liquid in paint dries and the other ingredients remain. The higher the percentages are shown for the solid parts of the paint, the thicker the paint will be.

2. Use the right type of paint for the job. Paint comes in two common types: oil (solvent-based) and latex (water-based). The liquid part of oil paint is mineral spirits, which is slow to dry. Water-based paint is fast drying and great to use for projects when you don't have a lot of time.

3. Decide from among “Interior," “Exterior” or “Interior/Exterior” paint. You should not use any exterior paint inside your house. This paint is slow drying and emits a powerful scent that should be avoided. Likewise, interior paint should not be used for any outside jobs since this paint will not withstand the elements.

4. Know your sheen level. Choose from among “Gloss”, “Semi-gloss” “Satin” and “Flat”. The more sheen the paint has, the more stain resistant it is.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have the proper items needed for cleaning up after the paint. You will have to use paint thinner or turpentine to clean up oil-based paint. You would need only soap and water for water-based paint.
• The quantity of paint necessary can differ from brand to brand, but this will be listed on the label.
• You should apply a primer prior to paint, if you plan to paint bare or fresh wood, drywall or on top of dark or intense colors.
• Test a color first you buy it. Paint a small segment and check it often over a few days. The paint could look different, depending on the time of day.
• You should always prepare the surface to be painted prior to painting it. Repair, sand and clean all areas first.