Why not paint the house myself?

Choosing a paint which doesn’t fit the application or applying it incorrectly can lead to higher costs and mistakes which can require large amounts of time to repair.

Painting contractors specialize in identifying and addressing common specification and application issues before starting a painting project, and can help optimize the performance of paints and coatings.

What determines a good paint? 

Paint has three components: the binder, the pigment and the liquid. The best paints contain a higher volume of solid materials. Pay close attention to the solid content. For example, a $13 gallon of paint with a solid content of 19 percent might cover about 200 square feet, while a $20 gallon of paint with 41 percent solid content will cover about twice that amount. The binder is the most important factor in the durability. Some paints also have additives to enhance their performance, such as mildewcide. 

What are the advantages of latex paint? 

In addition to being thinnable with water, latex paints feature: 

• Less odor

• Water cleanup

• Non-flammable

• Faster drying

• Ease of touch up

• Ease of application

• Better gloss

• Less fading on exteriors

• No yellowing on interiors

• Less likely to crack or peel

What is an oil-based paint? 

These paints have resins and thinners in them that evaporate when the paint dries. This process forms a hard coating and provides heavier coverage on the first coat, effective penetration and excellent adhesion. They are particularly good for chalky surfaces and those that already have several layers of oil-based paint. 

What does the term ‘gloss’ mean? 

It refers to how shiny the paint is. Manufacturers use terms such as flat, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss to describe their paints, but there are no specific industry standards. 

What type of paint should I use in my kitchen? 

High-gloss paints are great for high-traffic areas because they provide a tough, washable finish that also resists water and grease. Use them on kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, doorjambs and windowsills. Be aware, the gloss will make surface imperfections more noticeable, so you will have to work a little harder to ensure a good finish. A semi-gloss provides a little less durability but is more forgiving during application. 

Where should I use a flat paint? 

These are also called matte finishes and they are good for walls and ceilings in lower-traffic areas. Flat paint is harder to clean.

What is an eggshell finish? 

It's a paint that has a little more sheen than a flat paint, which makes it easier to clean and gives it a more lustrous appearance. It can be used in place of semi-gloss to provide a less shiny finish. Some manufacturers market a satin or silk finish, which is usually a little shinier than an eggshell but less shiny than a semi-gloss.