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How to Select The Right Paint

Member
By Toelken
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
Selection of Paints
Selection of Paints

How to choose the proper paints for specific applications.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1
    Oil Based Paints
    Oil Based Paints

    First you need to decide what type of application it is that you desire to paint. There are many different sheen's of paints. There are high gloss,semi gloss,flats,eggshell,and satin. Also different types of paints like latex and alkyd oil based paints.

  2. Step 2
    Satin Paint
    Satin Paint

    For Painting walls in a kitchen or Bathroom area. You would want to choose a satin or semi gloss paint. These paints are more durable and can withstand often scrubbing. Satin or semi gloss paints have a lower sheen.

  3. Step 3
    Flat Paint
    Flat Paint

    Eggshell and flat paints have nearly no sheen and are more difficult to clean. Therefore using these paints in areas that don't get much abuse. Flats and eggshell's are perfect paints for living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, and Dining rooms. Flats and eggshell's are forgiving and can help hide imperfections in the drywall.

  4. Step 4
    High Gloss
    High Gloss

    Flat ultra white or a brilliant ceiling white are perfect choices for any ceiling. You can use a semi gloss or high gloss for your wood trim. Baseboards, window, and door trims and some other applications where you might want a very high sheen.

  5. Step 5
    Concrete Floor
    Concrete Floor

    Alkyd and oil based paints are mainly used on basement or garage concrete floors. Some outdoor wood trims are also perfect for an oil based application. Oil based paints are very strong and durable and can withstand the elements for many long years.

  6. Step 6
    Primer
    Primer

    Always before painting any project you need to choose the right primer for each project. Make sure the area to be painted is cleaned free of any dirt and debris before priming. Prime before you paint and you will always get a more satisfactory outcome.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you don't prime the application first you can end up with bubbling and peeling paint.

Comments  

roseanne09 said

Flag This Comment

on 5/25/2009 great article!!! 5*

sonni57 said

Flag This Comment

on 5/19/2009 Thanks for the information on choosing paints I'm not good at painting.

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