Choosing the right paint is an essential step in any decorating project, and professional decorators have their go-to brands and types for various reasons. But which paints do they use? Let's delve into the world of decorating to find out what paints professional decorators consider their best tools.
Deciding on the perfect paint involves understanding the different types, their features, and the decorators' preferred brands. So, let's begin by exploring the various types of paints decorators typically use.
Water-based Paint
Water-based paints, also known as emulsion paints, are popular amongst decorators due to their ease of application, quick drying time, and low odor. They are perfect for both interior and exterior walls and come in various finishes.
A significant advantage of water-based paints is their low environmental impact. They produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them an eco-friendlier option. Additionally, they are easy to clean up, typically with just water.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint that uses pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It's durable, flexible, and resistant to fading, making it a favorite amongst professional decorators.
decorators appreciate acrylic paint for its versatility. It can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, from walls and ceilings to woodwork and metal. Furthermore, it provides excellent adhesion and can conceal minor surface imperfections.
Vinyl Paint
Vinyl paint is another type of water-based paint that contains vinyl resin for added durability. It's known for its excellent adhesion, stain resistance, and ability to hide imperfections, qualities that make it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Decorators often use vinyl paint in halls, kitchens, and bathrooms due to its hard-wearing and easy-to-clean properties. Moreover, it provides a uniform, long-lasting finish that retains its color even over time.
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paints, or alkyd paints, are solvent-borne, meaning they use organic solvents like mineral spirits as their carrier. They are known for their exceptional durability, flow, and leveling properties, providing a high-quality finish.
Despite their advantages, oil-based paints are not as commonly used as water-based paints due to their long drying time, strong odor, and environmental impact. However, they are ideal for doors, woodwork, skirting boards, and other wood surfaces where a smooth, durable finish is desired.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is a type of water-based paint that mimics the look and feel of traditional chalk paint, popularized by Annie Sloan. It's known for its matte finish, ability to distress, and excellent adhesion on various surfaces without priming.
Chalk paint has become a decorator's staple for shabby-chic and distressed styles. It's particularly popular for furniture painting, allowing decorators to create unique, vintage-inspired pieces.
Specialty Paint
Specialty paints are designed for specific purposes, such as one-coat coverage, exteriors, or high-end finishes. Examples include magnetic paint, exterior masonry paint, and high-gloss paint.
Decorators often use these specialty paints to tackle unique projects, taking advantage of their specific properties to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, magnetic paint can turn any surface into a magnetic one, while exterior masonry paint is formulated to adhere and protect outdoor surfaces.
In the vast world of decorating, the choice of paint often dictates the project's success. Thus, understanding what paint decorators use is a step towards achieving professional results. The next time you embark on a decorating project, consider the above paints and brands recommended by professional decorators. It could be the game-changer you've been looking for.