Things to consider before starting a painting project

From interior to exterior paints, few projects are the same, which means there needs to be different paints to handle every type of surface. For example, paint you use for interior jobs have different properties than paint used for exterior work. Of course, there are also the aesthetic preferences that differ between industries, property types and personal style, which is why paint manufacturers dream up every possible color under the sun.

Through our project experience, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge about interior paint. We have worked several properties, both commercial and residential. Regardless of how complex your job might be, we know which paints to use to get the most value, best look, and longest lifespan.

The top three things you need to know when considering paints:

– Cost is usually a good indication of how durable your paint will be and how good it will look on your surfaces. If there is a bargain basement price tag on it, just remember that you get what you pay for.

– Choosing high-quality paints will add value to your project.  Not only do they look great, but they will also last a long time.

– Sunlight will diminish gloss and color over time.  Higher quality paint will not lose its color or gloss as quickly as paints of a lesser quality.

Paint serves many purposes. One of the most important being, it protects surfaces, adding years and years to the life of a structure. Another important reason paint is applied to structures is for aesthetic reasons. Choosing the right colors can enhance the overall appeal and appearance of a space or structure.

When it comes to choosing the right type of paint, it can become difficult because manufacturers can use different terminologies. To clear that up a bit, know that most paint is made up of six ingredients: base, pigment, filler/extender, binder, thinner/solvent and various additives that improve the quality of the paint for special situations. On top of that, there are 20 different types of paint, from latex to oil to enamel and many other types in between, each having a specific purpose. Working with the right painting contractor will ensure that your project utilizes the exact paints your property requires.

Characteristics of interior paint

Painting indoor surfaces differs from exterior jobs in several important ways. First off, indoor environments are more sensitive to paint fumes than exterior jobs.  Choosing a lower VOC paint is important. While all painting projects should be as clean as possible, spatter matters more in an indoor job, which means contractors usually work with low-spatter paint.

The following are more characteristics of interior paint:

• It is stain resistant and will also hide brush marks or roller marks.
• It is washable, meaning spills and scuffs can be cleaned without impacting the look and durability of the paint.
• Interior paint is often abrasion resistant, as it is more likely to be touched, especially in high traffic areas.
• It lacks fade resistant properties, as it is not in constant contact with the elements, including harsh sunlight.
• Interior paint is low VOC, which reduces exposure to potentially harmful fumes.
• It can cure without the aid of direct sunlight.
• It contains no fungicides.

While all paints are made with similar ingredients, the adjuncts/extra additives are what differentiate exterior from interior paint.

Paint finishes

When you see the variation of finishes available in paints today, you realize there are almost as many finish options as there are paint colors. While personal preference plays a role in how you make your decision, it is also important to consider the function of your paint as well.

Paint finishes make a huge difference in the look of your surfaces and in how long your paint will last. For example, it is far easier to clean glossy finishes than matte finishes. So, if you have a high traffic area that will need to be scrubbed on occasion, choosing a glossy finish will benefit you because it will hold up better than other finishes over time.

In an office, you probably won’t be scrubbing the walls down like you would in a high traffic area, so going with a matte or eggshell finish is completely acceptable. Furthermore, offices are generally thought of as “quiet areas” where employees can concentrate on their work, which is another good reason to use paint with a matte finish.

Finishes range from flat to glossy. Flat finishes lack sheen, whereas glossy finishes are the shiniest. Eggshell finishes have a lower amount of sheen, the next step up is statin and then semi-gloss. Keep in mind that while glossy finishes are easier to clean and hold up to frequent scrubbing, they also reveal surface imperfections.

The following are the five categories of finishes:

Matte or flat finishes

Matte finishes are flat, containing basically no sheen at all. They are considered bold and deep, but they are among the least durable paints, which means they should be used in low traffic areas where they are unlikely to be touched. Fortunately, matte finishes do a great job of hiding stains and covering up imperfections.

Eggshell finishes

Another finish that doesn’t reflect as much light is the eggshell finish. This is also an option that hides imperfections, making it a good choice in areas where using a glossy finish would require hours of repair and prep work prior to painting. A more durable finish than matte, eggshell is often used in living rooms and dining rooms.

Satin finishes

In the hands of a skilled expert, satin finishes can be applied to surfaces and look as flawless as eggshell or matte. However, it is less forgiving when being applied and will show even the slightest errors. Easy to clean and durable, satin finishes do well in children’s rooms and hallways – areas where traffic is considerably higher.

Semi-gloss finishes

Moisture and paint do not do well together, which is why you need a higher sheen in rooms where moisture is common, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Semi-gloss finishes are among the shiniest, making them easy to clean and durable. If you know a surface is going to take a fair amount of abuse, semi-gloss is a good option.

High gloss finishes

If you’re going for a highly reflective look, high gloss finishes do the trick. They are also the most durable and easiest to clean. Be aware that any surface imperfection will stand out under a finish like this.

Rewynd Property Services has worked on all types of surfaces and know what type of finish to recommend depending on the project. We work closely with our clients so the look and feel are right, but we also focus on value, ensuring that new paint job will last a long time.

Benjamin Moore paints

A heavyweight in the paint industry, Benjamin Moore is headquartered in New Jersey. It is consistently ranked at the top or near the top for its customer satisfaction scores, is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as one of the top “green” companies for years.

Rewynd Projects chooses to use this product for its durability and long lasting color vibrancy. Contractors who have worked with just about every brand consistently choose Benjamin Moore over the competition. Remember, you get what you pay for.  While it is true that there are plenty of less costly paints out there, they are inferior to what this brand brings to the table, which is durability, a stunning look and plenty of value!

Contact Rewynd today for your next paint project! We would love to help!