Paints and Stains

Painting a house is one of the fastest and least expensive home improvements a person can do. With the proper selection of color and product, you can revive old weatherworn siding while adding a touch of class. Actually painting is often referred to as an instant renovation.

The most important and first decision you must make involves choosing the right paint for your job. Paints are not cheap and you certainly don't want to have to repaint in another year, so care should be taken in this step.

In recent years, federal EPA air-quality related laws have motivated the paint manufacturers to develop new products. Almost yearly, the major paint manufacturers are releasing new products that cover better and last longer and providing the most pleasant colors imaginable.

There are different types of latex paints on the market but keeping it simple, high quality exterior paints will be either 100% acrylic or alkyd-modified latex. Both are excellent types of paint. As you discuss this with representatives of big name companies like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, you'll find differences of opinion. It seems the majority of manufacturers and professional painters today feel acrylic latex paints to be the best for long lasting color and protection.

Besides selecting the correct color, the homeowner also has many sheens of paint to select from. From dull to shiny, they are: flat, eggshell, pearl, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Each company has slight variations in the level of sheen in each category. Most paint companies offer small sample jars to enable the homeowner to see what the color will actually look like in their home.

The glossier a finish, the more durable and washable it tends to be. Flat paint is great at hiding irregularities and surface imperfections for both exterior and interior walls. Eggshell paints are a will partially hide imperfections and are more washable than flat paints. For painting interiors, the best choices are often flat paint for ceilings, eggshell for walls and semi-gloss or gloss on doors and trim. Exteriors typically call for flat or satin wall paints and semi-gloss on trim.

When buying paint, I always recommend staying with the best known brands. Don't waste your time or money on low-quality paint. There are significant differences between cheap and good quality paints, particularly in characteristics such as hiding and durability.

Remember the old adage, "You Get Exactly What You Pay For." These words are found true when purchasing paint. Time and again through the years, I've seen homeowners buy the special at the local XXXmart and then call me to repaint the correct way.

Painting is not rocket science. Proper preparation, followed by proper application of the correct product will give you years of satisfaction.

At first examination, the prospective house painter might be depressed when he realizes the vast amount of products and tools available to the home owner today. He or she might think there really isn't too much demand for house painting anymore. Boy are you wrong!

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