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Interior paints
Primer sealer undercoat (water-based): This is a water-based preparation coat for interior (and exterior) surfaces. It’s suitable for plasterboard, timber, masonry and previously painted surfaces without the need for sanding. Choose a product that has good hiding, stain and tannin blocking and resists rust from metals.
Sealer binder (oil-based): This is perfect if you need to seal porous and chalky surfaces in preparation for your topcoats. It is suitable with water or oil-based topcoat paints. Before you apply it, scrape off loose and flaky paint and wash down with sugar soap. Fill any holes and cracks with an appropriate filler then sand smooth, before dusting down. For new and previously unpainted masonry or plasterboard surfaces, allow 1 month after completion before applying as directed.
Metal primer (water-based): Look for a fast-drying, low odour, water-based primer with excellent adhesion to all metal surfaces and which will inhibit rust and corrosion. If you’re painting over rusty metals, first remove the rust and flaking by scraping, sanding and wire brushing then wipe clean with mineral turpentine. To prepare other metals for priming, including galvanized iron, wrought iron, steel, aluminium, copper, brass and stainless steel, check the product’s surface preparation specifications.
Tile, laminate, melamine and glossy surface primer (water-based): A primer base coat designed to bond with surfaces typically resistant to paint, eliminating the need for pre-sanding. Before application, ensure your surface is completely clean. Finish with tile paint or a satin finish laminate paint in your desired colour.
Matt paint (water-based): This is an excellent topcoat which helps reduce the appearance of wall imperfections. As for application, you can roll, brush or spray.
Low-sheen paint (water-based): A popular low-sheen topcoat for interior walls suitable for plasterboard, cement render, bricks, timber and furniture.
Semi-gloss paint (water-based): Featuring a mid-level sheen, semi-gloss paints are hard-wearing making them ideal for use as a topcoat on windows, doors, architraves, skirting. You can brush, roller or spray it on.
Gloss paint (water-based): When a gloss effect you can roll, brush or spray onto your doors and architectural trims is preferred, look for a hard-wearing, non-yellowing topcoat paint that resists chipping and wear and tear. Remember to prepare your surface according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Ceiling paints (water-based): There are several types of flat ceiling paints on the market, many of which you can have colour tinted, including paints suitable for damp areas with mould inhibitors. And for those who want to ensure they never miss a spot, look for a paint that appears as a colour on application but which dries white.
Exterior paints
Acrylic exterior paints in matt, low sheen, semi gloss and gloss (water-based): Self-priming, you can apply it to bare surfaces in most cases.
Acrylic gloss and semi-gloss enamels (water-based): Use as an alternative to solvent-based enamel paints, choose a brand that is quick-drying and non-yellowing suitable for your exteriors (and interiors). You’ll find they are as tough and durable as oil-based enamels. Brush, roll or spray on doors, architraves, skirting, windows and timber trims. It can be tinted to a wide-range of colours.
High gloss enamel (oil-based): When an ultra bright and glossy sheen is required for your doors and windows, there’s no substitute for a high-gloss paint. Select a colour to suit from an extensive range. Have mineral turpentine on hand for clean up.
Texture paints: There’s an extensive range of exterior finishes on the market which you can apply with a roller or brush in most cases although a lambswool hand mitt may be called for a bagged effect. Use on clean bricks, render and fibrous cement surfaces. Types of finishes include: fine sand, bagging, traditional render, soft washed or grain effect.
For more advice, have a chat with the team member in the paint section of your local hardware store.
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