What Paints to use For Faux Finishes
Faux Finishes are different painting techniques that give different looks and textures to your walls. The interior of your home can look dramatically different before and after by applying various faux finish techniques. The question comes with faux finishing, what paint type, or finish type, do I use for the various techniques. This is a very real question as there are a variety of paints suitable for use on different surfaces and for achieving different effects. So, in answer, it is important that you choose the right paint for the surface on which you are painting, and to get the look you desire.
Let's go over this in a little more detail.for example, porous surfaces and bare woods require the use of a primer to seal the wall and provide a base for the paint finishes. An undercoat on top of the primer not only protects the surface but also provides a smooth base for the topcoat. Let's look at the typical choice we have for paint. Traditional paints are water or oil based and typically come in four finishes: Matt, Satin, Gloss, and Eggshell, all of which can be referred to with other names such as flat paint, etc. But for our purposes, this is how we will refer to them.
- Matte - Flat finish water based paint used on basic walls. Fast drying and tends to mark easily.
- Satin - Mid sheen oil based paint that is washable and more durable than the matt finish.
- Gloss - Oil based paint with a high sheen finish that is washable and durable, often used in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Eggshell - Faint sheen oil based paint that tends to show marks.
These four finishes of paints also come in two types, oil based or acrylic: Acrylic paints are water based and can be added to other water based paints for decorative motifs and embellishments. Enamel paints are oil based and are used on metal surfaces and other surfaces requiring a tough finish. Both acrylic and enamel paints come in a wide variety of colors.
So, from this information, you can see that for your faux finishing decorative painting, you will likely want to use an acrylic paint. This is going to be great for you for a number of reasons, one of which is clean-up. Acrylic paints are easier to clean out of the rags and sponges you might be using for your painting technique. So, with the question of, "Do I use oil or latex based paints for my faux finishes?" The answer is LATEX.
However, this is not the only question. Now, of all the latex paints out there, what finish do I use, matt, satin, gloss, or eggshell? The answer to this question is simple as well.use whatever you would use if you were just applying a basic layer of paint. So, if you are painting your faux finish on a highly used area of the house, you want a glossy paint, as it is easier to clean. If you are painting your faux finish on the ceiling, a flat paint such as a matt will work fine. So, the type is not as much determined by the technique used as by the location in your home of the wall being painted.
If you have any questions about what paint is best for your project, you should consult a paint professional. Remember, regardless of the paint type and finish you choose, you should always buy the highest quality for the best durability and results. You can find high quality paints, and paint tools at PaintingSuppliesDirect.com
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