Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
In Partnership With Dulux
  1. Home
  2. Decorating

Understanding the different types of paint and finishes

So you’re ready to tackle your next paint project? - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 08 Aug 2017
Understanding the different types of paint and finishes
Thinkstock

While it might be tempting to hit the hardware store, pick a colour and get started, it’s worth taking a minute to think about the type of paint you need.

Choosing the right paint for your surface can transform a room, making it important to have the right paint for your surface.

Below is a run down on the different types of paint and finishes.

Water-based paints

Water-based paints are a popular choice for many reasons. They have reduced odour, fumes and VOC levels. As well as that, they are quick drying, can be easily cleaned up with water and are resistant to cracking.

Oil-based paints

Oil-based paints are more durable but they take longer to dry. Cleaning up requires turpentine or paint thinner. Additionally, oil-based paint tends to have a smoother, glossier finish but is more prone to cracking.

Do I need a primer?

New surfaces need an appropriate primer before applying a topcoat. If you’re re-painting an area, then it’s recommended you apply a primer first. Ordinary paint may not stick to smooth or gloss surfaces without a specifically formulated adhesion promoting primer.

Dulux’s  PRECISION Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer has been formulated to bond to a variety of ‘tough to paint’ surfaces which typically resist coatings.

It’s suitable for use under water and oil based topcoats on interior and exterior surfaces including glazed tiles, glass, laminate, uPVC, glossy enamels, aged enamels, fibreglass, galvanized steel, glazed brick, chalky paints, masonry & metals.

Sanding of the primer is recommended prior to top coating with oil based enamel paints.

Finishes

Matte or flat - Smooth and velvety, a flat or matte finish soaks up light rather than reflecting it. This makes it the perfect choice for hiding imperfections. However, matte paint can be difficult to clean.

Low sheen - As the name suggests, low sheen is a no shine finish similar to that of an eggshell. The easy-to-clean paint is considered durable and is often used in high traffic rooms like the kitchen or bathroom.

Satin - Glossier than eggshell, satin is often described as velvety and is also easy to clean. It does have a tendency to reveal brush strokes, though. A satin finish is a good choice in areas where the walls might need to be cleaned frequently.

Gloss and semi-gloss paint - High gloss and semi-gloss finishes are the shiniest and most reflective. They’re also the most durable and easiest to clean. High gloss reflects the most amount of light and is often used on doors and trims. The same can be said of semi-gloss, however, the finish is a little less shiny. This type of finish is often used in the bathroom and on kitchen walls.

 

  • Decorating
  • Painting Ideas

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to paint your front door in a statement shade

How to paint your front door in a statement shade

How to paint an indoor plant basket

How to paint an indoor plant basket

Get crafty with your garden pots

Get crafty with your garden pots

How to paint iron and steel

How to paint iron and steel

{headline}

{headline}

Photo finish: How to paint your garage floor

Photo finish: How to paint your garage floor

How to paint your laminate cabinetry

How to paint your laminate cabinetry

Know your painting lingo

Know your painting lingo

{headline}

{headline}

Maintain your painting equipment

Maintain your painting equipment

Painting tips and tricks

Painting tips and tricks

How to make the most out of your paint job

How to make the most out of your paint job

Transform any room with a fabulous feature wall

Transform any room with a fabulous feature wall

How to select the right white and get painting

How to select the right white and get painting

What paint where?

What paint where?

3 weekend paint projects to put the wow into your garden

3 weekend paint projects to put the wow into your garden

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription