Wall Paint Styles
All paints are not created equal, so choosing the right one for your walls is essential to a quality finished product. The type of paint you choose will differ drastically depending on the particulars of your project, be it indoor or outdoor, large-scale or small, or for a dwelling with small children or for grown-ups only. Research and forethought will help your painting project go smoothly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Interior Paint
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Interior paint typically comes in four finishes: flat, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss. The names refer to the reflectivity of each paint style once it is dry, with flat being the dullest and high-gloss being the shiniest. Matte paints are also great for interior walls but tend to absorb stains. Satin (also called eggshell) is easy to clean and good for midsized rooms (bathrooms, closets, dining nooks). All gloss paints show surface irregularities, so they are best used on sills, trims, doors and windows. All of these finishes come in a rainbow of colors.
Exterior Paint
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Latex and alkyd are the two most common kinds of exterior wall paint. Water-based paints are called latex paints, allowing for quick drying times and little to none of the "wet paint" smell that follows alkyd paints. Latex paints cannot be applied during temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit because the high water content will cause the paint to freeze and affect the quality of the finished product. Alkyd paints have a smoother, more even application and are very durable; however, drying times are slower and alkyd paints contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds, which cause a distinctive paint odor to linger for some time. When using alkyd paints, make sure your area has adequate ventilation.
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Stains
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An alternative to paints, wood stains allows you to preserve or alter the color and finish of your exposed woodwork. Stains are excellent for the places where you might use glossy paints and are also an excellent option for your floors. Make sure to use stains on plain, untreated woodwork that has not been painted. If your house has wooden paneling and you would like to create old-world ambiance, consider using a wood stain. Do not apply to walls with faux-wood laminate paneling; the stain will not absorb and you will be left with a mess.
Special Effects
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Once your walls are painted, consider using additional paint to add decorative effects. Stencils allow you to paint words, images and patterns on your walls for a customized effect. Sponges give your wall a mottled finish that can mimic terracotta, moss or any number of organic designs. Check your local home-improvement store or craft center to see if any decorative paint classes are offered, or ask paint specialists at either site for their recommendations.
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References
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