Specialist Paints
There are many different painting materials available in the modern market. All these find uses in different areas. Some are designed for particular applications while others are meant to give different surface finishes. This makes the selection process quite a daunting undertaking. What some people may not realise is that the colour of the paints depends of the level of light they are exposed to. Having bright celling lights or a powerful outdoor light can make the paint look brighter then it is, when the light is on. And some people find that when the light levels change then they dislike the colour that the paint actually is.
Learn more about celling lights
Specialist Paints
Fire retardant paints are those which contain special additives to help them resist flames. However, they aren't completely resistant to fire. The special formulation allows the fire retardant paint to reduce the spread of an inferno.
Gloss Paints
These are traditionally oil-based paints which contain resin to give them a hard-wearing attribute. Nowadays, water based varieties can be found in the market. Liquid gloss requires an undercoat but it produces the conventional high-gloss finish. It's also less prone to dirt and extremely hard-wearing.
Satinwood is a resilient gloss paint which yields a subtle sheen finish but isn't as hard-wearing as its liquid gloss counterpart. Eggshell produces a flatter finish which isn't entirely matt and is often used for small decorations. Polyurethane is a variety which contains an additional polyurethane resin which toughens it, making it less prone to abrasion than conventional gloss. Combining polyurethane with silicon yields silthane, which is a paint that gives a stronger surface.
Thixotropic Paint
This is a non-drip variety whose consistency is jelly-like and is easier to use if properly used. Its consistency allows one to pick a blob of paint using the brush and apply it on a surface where it spreads out normally. However, this paint variety produces runs if excessive amounts are applied and not laid-off properly, especially when painting around corners. It's however ideal for situations where it's hard to paint without drips falling off the brush.
Emulsion Paint
This is usually water-based, with acrylic and vinyl resins added to make them more resilient. Emulsions produce various kinds of sheen in the finish. More shine results in a more resilient coat. There are also some water-based varieties which are meant for woodwork, though they aren't as hard-wearing as their oil-based counterparts.
Emulsion paint comes in three types, each of which gives a different finish. Vinyl matt yields a non-shiny matt finish which is ideal for hiding minor imperfections on ceilings and walls. However, it's not as hardwearing as other glossier alternatives. Vinyl satin gives a soft sheen finish whose surface is more durable. This is suitable for places which are lightly sponged or washed. The vinyl silk emulsion is the most durable of all emulsion paints and usually yields a high sheen finish. It's great for places that are subjected to high humidity and lots of moisture.
There are other paint types available for specific uses. Primers are oilwater-based which are used to seal bare surfaces to prevent other coats from seeping in. One can find special primers for unique surfaces such as metal, tiles, wood or plaster. There are also other all-purpose types which can be used on multiple surfaces.
Anti-condensation paints are used in humid places such as bathrooms and kitchens. The paint has a special formulation to make the surface less conducive to condensation. A fungicide may sometimes be added to the paint.
Retardant paints are those which contain special additives to help them resist flames. However, they aren't completely resistant to fire. However, the special formulation allows the paint to reduce the spread of an inferno.