The walls of your home are bright white, right? Or some unsightly color that needs a change?
And instead of seeing them as the perfect blank canvases to create a masterpiece, you see them as a laborious assignment you must tackle in order to improve the look of your décor.
Like the rest of us you probably do everything to liven up your home—hang pictures, throw down a rug or two; everything except taking on what you believe will be the intolerable task of painting.
This is understandable. Because there is so much conflicting information out there about painting you likely don’t know what to listen to. Well fret no longer. You have stopped on the right page.
Here you will receive some of the best tips that will make painting your interior walls as painless as possible.
First Things First (What You’ll Need…)
The supplies you’ll need to adequately paint your walls are as follows:
Disposable rubber gloves 3-inch flat brush Small angled brush to paint the trim and/or corners Newspapers, plastic or a canvas drop cloth to protect floors from paint spills and splatter
The blue painter's tape that won’t take paint off with it when you remove it Spackle (to fill in holes and imperfections on the wall) Putty knife Sandpaper (to sand down the spackle to a smooth, “paintable” surface) Turpentine (for oil-based paint) Pail to wash out your brushes Cleaning rags Paint Roller with extension rod to reach tall walls and ceilings Paint tray Primer
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Foam Brushes and Rollers Foam brushes and cares to be taken
Foam Brushes and Rollers Foam brushes come in many widths, are inexpensive, and are great for small jobs or touch-ups.
Foam paint rollers work well, don't spatter the paint, and are easy to use when you want a really smooth wall.
Don't try them on rough surfaces, though, as they will not hold up. Pad PaintersSmooth pad painters offer simple and neat paint application and easy clean ups.
Don't apply too much paint to the pad, as it will drip.
You'll have to take it apart, clean it, dry it thoroughly, and start over.
Paint RollersA paint roller with a plastic core will last longer than one with a cardboard core. Select a roller "nap" (fullness of the covering) according to the texture on your walls.
Use a flat, smooth roller for flat, smooth walls and a thicker, more plush roller for rough textured walls.Water-Based or Latex PaintNew latex paints are formulated to be environmentally-friendly.
Drying time is short (usually about 1 hour) and clean ups are easy with water. Apply water-based paints with rollers, pads, or synthetic bristle brushes. Latex paints tend to get a "skin" of paint in the can when they begin to dry out, so keep the can covered as much as possible.
Pour paint into another container to work from and close the can.Oil-Based PaintMost professional painters prefer oil-based paints, especially for cabinets, furniture, and trim.
New formulations do not harm the environment and are not toxic. Because they dry more slowly, oil-based paints allow for better coverage and work well in warm, dry climates where water-based paints would dry too fast.
Apply oil-based paints with pads, rollers, or natural bristle brushes. Clean up with paint thinner or other solvent.
Drop ClothsThe best material for a drop cloth is a heavy canvas cloth. It's not as slippery as plastic and covers better than newspaper. Fold the cloth to fit any size room and tape down the corners to prevent paint from oozing over the edge.
To prevent scratching, be sure to vacuum hardwood floors before you put the drop cloth down.Tinted PrimerMost paint jobs work better when you use a primer or base coat. Have the primer or base paint tinted to match your surface paint color. You may be able to avoid a second coat of finish paint.
For ceilings, try paint that is specially formulated for ceilings. Some brands go on light blue and change to white when dry. This makes it easier to see where you've already painted.Painter's Blue TapeIf you've never used painter's blue tape, why not? It has a waxy coating to keep paint from seeping through, is available in several widths, and provides a perfect straight edge for painting.
It will not pull up the paint on the surface it's stuck to, and the seal is activated when you put it down onto a smooth surface. Its special properties don't last forever, so don't leave it on the wall more than a couple of days.
Foam paint rollers work well, don't spatter the paint, and are easy to use when you want a really smooth wall.
Don't try them on rough surfaces, though, as they will not hold up. Pad PaintersSmooth pad painters offer simple and neat paint application and easy clean ups.
Don't apply too much paint to the pad, as it will drip.
You'll have to take it apart, clean it, dry it thoroughly, and start over.
Paint RollersA paint roller with a plastic core will last longer than one with a cardboard core. Select a roller "nap" (fullness of the covering) according to the texture on your walls.
Use a flat, smooth roller for flat, smooth walls and a thicker, more plush roller for rough textured walls.Water-Based or Latex PaintNew latex paints are formulated to be environmentally-friendly.
Drying time is short (usually about 1 hour) and clean ups are easy with water. Apply water-based paints with rollers, pads, or synthetic bristle brushes. Latex paints tend to get a "skin" of paint in the can when they begin to dry out, so keep the can covered as much as possible.
Pour paint into another container to work from and close the can.Oil-Based PaintMost professional painters prefer oil-based paints, especially for cabinets, furniture, and trim.
New formulations do not harm the environment and are not toxic. Because they dry more slowly, oil-based paints allow for better coverage and work well in warm, dry climates where water-based paints would dry too fast.
Apply oil-based paints with pads, rollers, or natural bristle brushes. Clean up with paint thinner or other solvent.
Drop ClothsThe best material for a drop cloth is a heavy canvas cloth. It's not as slippery as plastic and covers better than newspaper. Fold the cloth to fit any size room and tape down the corners to prevent paint from oozing over the edge.
To prevent scratching, be sure to vacuum hardwood floors before you put the drop cloth down.Tinted PrimerMost paint jobs work better when you use a primer or base coat. Have the primer or base paint tinted to match your surface paint color. You may be able to avoid a second coat of finish paint.
For ceilings, try paint that is specially formulated for ceilings. Some brands go on light blue and change to white when dry. This makes it easier to see where you've already painted.Painter's Blue TapeIf you've never used painter's blue tape, why not? It has a waxy coating to keep paint from seeping through, is available in several widths, and provides a perfect straight edge for painting.
It will not pull up the paint on the surface it's stuck to, and the seal is activated when you put it down onto a smooth surface. Its special properties don't last forever, so don't leave it on the wall more than a couple of days.
Use Natural or Synthetic Brushes
Every year, new products come on the market to help make painting more enjoyable. You'll want to select the best ones for your job.
Natural or Synthetic Brushes
Paint brushes with natural bristles are meant for oil-based paints. Natural bristles will soak up the water and go limp in water-based paints. The newer synthetic bristles were designed for water-based or latex paints, but can be used for anything. Densely packed bristles that taper to a chisel edge help with painting a straight edge, cutting in or tipping. Split ends or “flags” hold more paint and spread it more evenly and smoothly. Choose the right brush for your job.
Natural or Synthetic Brushes
Paint brushes with natural bristles are meant for oil-based paints. Natural bristles will soak up the water and go limp in water-based paints. The newer synthetic bristles were designed for water-based or latex paints, but can be used for anything. Densely packed bristles that taper to a chisel edge help with painting a straight edge, cutting in or tipping. Split ends or “flags” hold more paint and spread it more evenly and smoothly. Choose the right brush for your job.
wall painting tips
A room looks wonderful with a fresh coat of paint. But if you have a "Love-Hate" relationship with painting, you'll want to read our tips on getting a great finished product. You might even enjoy the project as much as the finished product!
Start Out Right
You'll enjoy the job more if you get everything together at the start. Organize a tool station in the middle of the area you'll be working in. Gather together your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, rags, paint can opener, and drop cloths.
Plan a Day for Prep
Don't try to get everything done in one day. Use the day before painting day to gather furniture in the center of the room, patch cracks and holes, put blue painter's tape around doors and windows, and cover wall and ceiling light fixtures (light bulbs removed, of course!) with large plastic bags.
Clear the Decks
If you can, clear out all the furniture and accessories. Take everything off the walls. If you can't move everything out, place the furniture and lamps in the middle of the room and cover them with a good drop cloth. Be sure that you tape the cloth around the furniture. Then put a second cover of plastic or old sheet over everything.
Remove All Hardware
It may seem easier to paint around door knobs or cabinet hinges, but unless you're a professional, very experienced painter, you're bound to get drips around. So carry around some zip top bags and remove all cabinet knobs and hinges, door knobs, light switch plates and outlet covers, and light fixtures. Place the pieces together in separate bags and clearly mark the contents and location (top left cabinet, bathroom door, etc) you took them from. This is a great time to clean the hardware! Put them back when you're done painting.
Get Yourself Ready
No matter how hard you try, you're bound to get drips (or more) of paint on whatever you're wearing. So take off all jewelry. Reserve some old, but comfortable, clothes for your painting jobs. Slip-on shoes are easy to take off if you need to leave the room. You won't have to worry about tracking drops of paint into other rooms. When you paint the ceiling, put a scarf, shower cap, or old baseball hat over your hair and some plastic over your eyeglasses.
Don't Paint Over Problem Walls
If your walls have holes or cracks, fix them before you start with the paint. Any home center or paint store has knowledgeable personnel to guide you to the best products for the job. Wide cracks and large holes can be "bridged" with fiberglass tape, spackle will fill small holes and cracks, and texturizing products are available to match your existing wall finish.
Start Out Right
You'll enjoy the job more if you get everything together at the start. Organize a tool station in the middle of the area you'll be working in. Gather together your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, rags, paint can opener, and drop cloths.
Plan a Day for Prep
Don't try to get everything done in one day. Use the day before painting day to gather furniture in the center of the room, patch cracks and holes, put blue painter's tape around doors and windows, and cover wall and ceiling light fixtures (light bulbs removed, of course!) with large plastic bags.
Clear the Decks
If you can, clear out all the furniture and accessories. Take everything off the walls. If you can't move everything out, place the furniture and lamps in the middle of the room and cover them with a good drop cloth. Be sure that you tape the cloth around the furniture. Then put a second cover of plastic or old sheet over everything.
Remove All Hardware
It may seem easier to paint around door knobs or cabinet hinges, but unless you're a professional, very experienced painter, you're bound to get drips around. So carry around some zip top bags and remove all cabinet knobs and hinges, door knobs, light switch plates and outlet covers, and light fixtures. Place the pieces together in separate bags and clearly mark the contents and location (top left cabinet, bathroom door, etc) you took them from. This is a great time to clean the hardware! Put them back when you're done painting.
Get Yourself Ready
No matter how hard you try, you're bound to get drips (or more) of paint on whatever you're wearing. So take off all jewelry. Reserve some old, but comfortable, clothes for your painting jobs. Slip-on shoes are easy to take off if you need to leave the room. You won't have to worry about tracking drops of paint into other rooms. When you paint the ceiling, put a scarf, shower cap, or old baseball hat over your hair and some plastic over your eyeglasses.
Don't Paint Over Problem Walls
If your walls have holes or cracks, fix them before you start with the paint. Any home center or paint store has knowledgeable personnel to guide you to the best products for the job. Wide cracks and large holes can be "bridged" with fiberglass tape, spackle will fill small holes and cracks, and texturizing products are available to match your existing wall finish.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
This is very important specially if siblings share the room. Each one can have a corner for them and they can choose their colors and theme. 3) Decorative shelving is another way of adding functionality and the charm to kid’s room.
Buy simple, plain and inexpensive shelves or make them out of plywood. Paint them in desired color and decorate them with designs, motifs or stickers. Fix them to the brackets.
They are great for displaying books and soft toys. Add few colorful knobs and all the things like bags belts, caps can go there. 4) For a temporary storage get some black or white metal carts that can be stored away when not in use. 5) As a rule of thumb storage in kid’s room should be accessible to them.
If you have less floor space vertical storage becomes necessary. Then you can store all less frequently used items on top. 6) Inflatable furniture is a quick and inexpensive way to fulfill changing needs for furniture. It comes in variety of colors and designs and is appreciated by kids of all ages.
It is also easy to store away when not in use or when more floor space is needed. 7) For preschoolers and toddlers, hang a large black board or white board on the wall at their level. This satisfies their need to write on the wall without actually doing so.
Buy simple, plain and inexpensive shelves or make them out of plywood. Paint them in desired color and decorate them with designs, motifs or stickers. Fix them to the brackets.
They are great for displaying books and soft toys. Add few colorful knobs and all the things like bags belts, caps can go there. 4) For a temporary storage get some black or white metal carts that can be stored away when not in use. 5) As a rule of thumb storage in kid’s room should be accessible to them.
If you have less floor space vertical storage becomes necessary. Then you can store all less frequently used items on top. 6) Inflatable furniture is a quick and inexpensive way to fulfill changing needs for furniture. It comes in variety of colors and designs and is appreciated by kids of all ages.
It is also easy to store away when not in use or when more floor space is needed. 7) For preschoolers and toddlers, hang a large black board or white board on the wall at their level. This satisfies their need to write on the wall without actually doing so.
Decorating kid's rooms
Planning a kid’s room is important. It’s a quite complex process where parents have to incorporate all the safety features and blend them with childlike fantasy.
The difference between child and an adult is that kid's ideas and liking change more rapidly thus they need a flexible environment.
Thus kids’ room decor needs to be less expensive and easily changeable.
Kids need separate areas for sleeping, playing and studying. They need more elbow space compared to adults. Similarly, younger kids need more floor space to spread out while playing.
Thus a typical room needs a bed, study table and storage. These three things are fairly stable provided they are designed futuristically. Thus it is wise to invest in these stable furniture pieces.
However, while decorating a room you can be as thrifty as possible.
Here are some ideas for low cost décor.
1) Preschoolers and toddlers love primary colors. These bright colors and complex patterns engage them for a longer time. The most inexpensive way to decorate their room is using paint. However, their tastes change too fast so it is not a good idea to paint the walls or furniture in primary colors.
The key is to keep these in neutral color. Instead,
a) You can make large murals on poster boards with complex patterns and colors and hang them.
If you are not comfortable with painting it on your own you can just stick pieces of colored paper and some pictures form the magazines or stickers.
These murals are not costly. They can be changed easily. You can make three or four of them and change them every week or fortnight thus giving your child the change of environment.
b) You can also hang posters discussing some science phenomena or some theme depending on the age of the kid.
2) Addition of a colorful area rug is another way of adding the color to the room. These rugs come in all sizes. Pick one most suitable to your kid’s need. Create a cozy corner with rug and lots of pillows. The kids love to snuggle down for reading or quite games there. You can also place a bookshelf next to it to define the purpose of the place. Kids of all age love something like this.
Play-mat is another alternative for rugs. They can be made at home from a twin bed-sheet with batting placed between two sides. You can make reversible play-mat by painting different designs on both the sides. Kids themselves can make these.
The difference between child and an adult is that kid's ideas and liking change more rapidly thus they need a flexible environment.
Thus kids’ room decor needs to be less expensive and easily changeable.
Kids need separate areas for sleeping, playing and studying. They need more elbow space compared to adults. Similarly, younger kids need more floor space to spread out while playing.
Thus a typical room needs a bed, study table and storage. These three things are fairly stable provided they are designed futuristically. Thus it is wise to invest in these stable furniture pieces.
However, while decorating a room you can be as thrifty as possible.
Here are some ideas for low cost décor.
1) Preschoolers and toddlers love primary colors. These bright colors and complex patterns engage them for a longer time. The most inexpensive way to decorate their room is using paint. However, their tastes change too fast so it is not a good idea to paint the walls or furniture in primary colors.
The key is to keep these in neutral color. Instead,
a) You can make large murals on poster boards with complex patterns and colors and hang them.
If you are not comfortable with painting it on your own you can just stick pieces of colored paper and some pictures form the magazines or stickers.
These murals are not costly. They can be changed easily. You can make three or four of them and change them every week or fortnight thus giving your child the change of environment.
b) You can also hang posters discussing some science phenomena or some theme depending on the age of the kid.
2) Addition of a colorful area rug is another way of adding the color to the room. These rugs come in all sizes. Pick one most suitable to your kid’s need. Create a cozy corner with rug and lots of pillows. The kids love to snuggle down for reading or quite games there. You can also place a bookshelf next to it to define the purpose of the place. Kids of all age love something like this.
Play-mat is another alternative for rugs. They can be made at home from a twin bed-sheet with batting placed between two sides. You can make reversible play-mat by painting different designs on both the sides. Kids themselves can make these.
find discount while procuring building supplies
Finding discount home building supplies
If you don't care how much your home building supplies are going to cost, chances are that you are not like the rest of us who have to carefully plan and budget our spending.
Most people shop around to find the best deal possible before buying something especially if it means the potential savings of thousands of dollars by finding discount home building supplies.
Home building supplies can be as simple and inexpensive as a box or nails or as custom and expensive as cabinets or countertops. Being sure that you find the best price will save you money now that you can save or spend on something else later.
If you don't care how much your home building supplies are going to cost, chances are that you are not like the rest of us who have to carefully plan and budget our spending.
Most people shop around to find the best deal possible before buying something especially if it means the potential savings of thousands of dollars by finding discount home building supplies.
Home building supplies can be as simple and inexpensive as a box or nails or as custom and expensive as cabinets or countertops. Being sure that you find the best price will save you money now that you can save or spend on something else later.
One of the most heavily advertised home building supply discount provider is called DirectBuy. Chances are that you have probably heard of DirectBuy from their numerous television commercials or by hearing the testimonials and referrals from satisfied DirectBuy customers.
DirectBuy offers products that are directly form the manufacturer and are therefore available at wholesale prices. DirectBuy offers custom items for home building projects and home furnishings for when the project is complete. To find and receive a free visitor's pass to a DirectBuy showroom in your area, you can visit the DirectBuy website.
tips for cutting costs
Things you can do yourself in a remodel to cut costs
No matter how you look at it, remodeling jobs are costly. From materials to labor to unexpected costs, remodeling jobs, from laying tile to adding a wing on to your house, can be expensive.
However, you can cut costs during a remodel by doing some of the work yourself, regardless of how inexperienced you may be. This can help to save you a lot of money while you learn new skills that may come in handy again some day.
No matter how you look at it, remodeling jobs are costly. From materials to labor to unexpected costs, remodeling jobs, from laying tile to adding a wing on to your house, can be expensive.
However, you can cut costs during a remodel by doing some of the work yourself, regardless of how inexperienced you may be. This can help to save you a lot of money while you learn new skills that may come in handy again some day.
Estimating the costs to build your dream house
There are a lot of people building their home any more. There are many advantages to building your own home.
You can have exactly what you want, including floor plan, wall coverings and carpets. But to build your own home you will first want to estimate about how much it will cost to build it. Some companies will do this for you with pre-approved floor plans. You can also hire someone to make your exact floor plan for you. No matter which way you go you need an estimate or budget.
To begin your home building estimate you need a floor plan. Depending on how big a house you want your estimate will be different. Have an idea of where you want to build and how much the lot will cost. This will be added into the estimate.
Depending on where you live the lots will vary in price. Once you have these two main selections your estimate will be divided into hard costs and soft costs. You should have a meeting with your architect, contractors and suppliers for a budget analysis meeting.
You can have exactly what you want, including floor plan, wall coverings and carpets. But to build your own home you will first want to estimate about how much it will cost to build it. Some companies will do this for you with pre-approved floor plans. You can also hire someone to make your exact floor plan for you. No matter which way you go you need an estimate or budget.
To begin your home building estimate you need a floor plan. Depending on how big a house you want your estimate will be different. Have an idea of where you want to build and how much the lot will cost. This will be added into the estimate.
Depending on where you live the lots will vary in price. Once you have these two main selections your estimate will be divided into hard costs and soft costs. You should have a meeting with your architect, contractors and suppliers for a budget analysis meeting.
Friday, February 6, 2009
paint your house is to improve its appearance
Through my title I have tried to give the reasons why one has one’s house painted. One is certainly to strengthen the house. Second reason why you may paint your house is to improve its appearance, very often drastically.
Thirdly, you might paint your house because you may feel like it. Believe me the third reason is often the most important. Lest you think I am making jokes we did get our house painted less than fifteen days back.
Before you start the painting you must be very sure of what you want. It helps to plan in advance as to which rooms will be painted on which day.
Very often painting is combined with renovation, so that has to be managed too. Each kind of paint has a certain finish but emulsions I believe are good for all requirements.
People choose different colours for different rooms. But my idea is to have the same colour for the whole house. It reduces wastage.
It helps to maintain good relations with the painters. After all you are putting your house in their hands. If they are treated well they are likely to do less harm to your possessions, inadvertently anyway.
The less you have in the house, the easier it is to get it painted. House-painting is a good excuse to purchase new furniture and new art facts to decorate the well-dressed home.
In conclusion, choose your painter carefully. Go for a man who has artistic sensibility and will finish his job well on time.
Thirdly, you might paint your house because you may feel like it. Believe me the third reason is often the most important. Lest you think I am making jokes we did get our house painted less than fifteen days back.
Before you start the painting you must be very sure of what you want. It helps to plan in advance as to which rooms will be painted on which day.
Very often painting is combined with renovation, so that has to be managed too. Each kind of paint has a certain finish but emulsions I believe are good for all requirements.
People choose different colours for different rooms. But my idea is to have the same colour for the whole house. It reduces wastage.
It helps to maintain good relations with the painters. After all you are putting your house in their hands. If they are treated well they are likely to do less harm to your possessions, inadvertently anyway.
The less you have in the house, the easier it is to get it painted. House-painting is a good excuse to purchase new furniture and new art facts to decorate the well-dressed home.
In conclusion, choose your painter carefully. Go for a man who has artistic sensibility and will finish his job well on time.
Colors
This is a subjective matter and Akisha has a marvellous review on it. I would suggest that you give it plenty of time and thought, discuss this with all concerned, take stock of other accessories in the room, specially the upholstery, curtains and the furniture.
Fortunately it is easier to order a particular shade today. Most paint manufacturers have Color Shade Cards and the dealers will be happy to give you a bunch from where you can choose your ’’ Mera wala cream’’ or for that matter any red, blue or green.
Insist on taking the color card home and matching shades to other objects in room. In Indian conditions I would avoid using strong, dark colors on walls. They will make the room look smaller. Choose bright clean hues.
Although the colour palette today offers thousands of shades, I would personally stick to soft and muted Pinks, mauves and creams.It would not be a bad idea to try the a small sample of the shade in a small patch on the wall before you commit yourself to it.
On choosing the roller or the brush. Again if you want a rather smooth finish choose the brush. The roller will give a slightly mottled appearance which many houseowners may not like.
The PainterUse only a trusted painter! Specially if you plan to use the luxury emulsion. This is a highly skilled job and not all painters can give a satisfactory results.
Your painter should touch the brush only after you have thoroughly examined the surface and declared it fit to receive the final coating of paint. Usually three to four coats are needed.
And always use ’’Brilliant white’’ shade of the same quality of paints as you have used for walls, for the ceiling. A brighter, whiter ceiling will make it appear higher and the place roomier.
Never compromise on the paint for ceiling. Many painters will insist that cheaper finishes could be used for the ceiling. Dont fall into that trap. Its worth the extra cost.The BrandMost manufacturers offer a full range of top coats and accessories.
In my house I have used ICI’s ’’Velvet Touch’’ and Berger’s ’’Silk Splendour’’ and I found them to be good in terms of surface finish, opacity and durability.
Fortunately it is easier to order a particular shade today. Most paint manufacturers have Color Shade Cards and the dealers will be happy to give you a bunch from where you can choose your ’’ Mera wala cream’’ or for that matter any red, blue or green.
Insist on taking the color card home and matching shades to other objects in room. In Indian conditions I would avoid using strong, dark colors on walls. They will make the room look smaller. Choose bright clean hues.
Although the colour palette today offers thousands of shades, I would personally stick to soft and muted Pinks, mauves and creams.It would not be a bad idea to try the a small sample of the shade in a small patch on the wall before you commit yourself to it.
On choosing the roller or the brush. Again if you want a rather smooth finish choose the brush. The roller will give a slightly mottled appearance which many houseowners may not like.
The PainterUse only a trusted painter! Specially if you plan to use the luxury emulsion. This is a highly skilled job and not all painters can give a satisfactory results.
Your painter should touch the brush only after you have thoroughly examined the surface and declared it fit to receive the final coating of paint. Usually three to four coats are needed.
And always use ’’Brilliant white’’ shade of the same quality of paints as you have used for walls, for the ceiling. A brighter, whiter ceiling will make it appear higher and the place roomier.
Never compromise on the paint for ceiling. Many painters will insist that cheaper finishes could be used for the ceiling. Dont fall into that trap. Its worth the extra cost.The BrandMost manufacturers offer a full range of top coats and accessories.
In my house I have used ICI’s ’’Velvet Touch’’ and Berger’s ’’Silk Splendour’’ and I found them to be good in terms of surface finish, opacity and durability.
tips to paint your house
Remember this:
The more expensive paint you plan to use, the more elaborate surface preparation will be required.
All cheaper distempers have a large percentage of clays and fillers, which actually fill up the surface very well, so a good surface preparation is not called for.
Paints:
If you are doing it on a budget use a good quality synthetic Distemper. Next in Line is The Emulsion Paint. And finally the Luxury Emulsion. The emulsion is a water based synthetic polymer to which Pigments have been added. It is these pigments that provide the all important Colour and Light Reflection.
The Polymer merely is a film former that forms the coating. The luxury emulsions are expensive, but they contain a large percentage of true pigments, specially the white
pigment Titanium Dioxide.
Finish
While the cheaper distempers give a dead matt finish, the more expensive emulsions provide a fashionable ’’egg-shell’’ finish.
The latter reflect more light, have purer and cleaner colors and are aesthetically more appealing. The luxury emulsions also fare better on the washability front. But be warned!
Dont be misled by the washability advertising! No matter how good the paint is, it is still never fully washable. Even if you wash it with cold water and a mild soap, it still will leave traces of stains and what is worse, washing marks.
So it is best to avoid a situation where washing may be called for.
The more expensive paint you plan to use, the more elaborate surface preparation will be required.
All cheaper distempers have a large percentage of clays and fillers, which actually fill up the surface very well, so a good surface preparation is not called for.
Paints:
If you are doing it on a budget use a good quality synthetic Distemper. Next in Line is The Emulsion Paint. And finally the Luxury Emulsion. The emulsion is a water based synthetic polymer to which Pigments have been added. It is these pigments that provide the all important Colour and Light Reflection.
The Polymer merely is a film former that forms the coating. The luxury emulsions are expensive, but they contain a large percentage of true pigments, specially the white
pigment Titanium Dioxide.
Finish
While the cheaper distempers give a dead matt finish, the more expensive emulsions provide a fashionable ’’egg-shell’’ finish.
The latter reflect more light, have purer and cleaner colors and are aesthetically more appealing. The luxury emulsions also fare better on the washability front. But be warned!
Dont be misled by the washability advertising! No matter how good the paint is, it is still never fully washable. Even if you wash it with cold water and a mild soap, it still will leave traces of stains and what is worse, washing marks.
So it is best to avoid a situation where washing may be called for.
