PAINTING SURFACES YOU ARE UNSURE OF!

Let’s tackle some painting

Lying on the couch on a Sunday afternoon is probably when alot of us decide a touch of painting wouldn’t go amiss.

Yes repainting those plasterboard walls and the wooden surfaces of old boring furniture can make all the difference to dull and very plain rooms . . . . but have you ever attempted to paint any other surfaces?

Surfaces like metal, concerete, ceramics or even melamine kitchen cabinets? Yes all of these surfaces can be painted, but it all comes down to the preparation and we all know how much we love that!

Plaster

If you are going to paint plaster, you need to make sure any cracks are filled before you even think about applying your primer. If you have any large cracks you will need to invest in some masonary filler which can be purchased from a hardware store.

Concrete

Before you start painting concrete or even brick or plaster you must treat any mould first. Any concrete surface that is older than 6 months will need to be sealed before you start painting. My choice for a topcoat on concrete or brick is low sheen as this hides alot of imprefections. If you are painting steps or pavers you may need to look into non slip paint.

Laminates or melamine

This is where the professional will be able to offer advice. I have seen kitchen completely transformed by being painted . . . . I have seen it look professional and I have seen it look average.Both laminate and melamine need to be carefully prepared using a sealer and applying the top coat with a roller. The sealer helps with the initial adhesion and this will take at least 5 days to cure. Once cured you will be able to clean and wipe down your cupboards but while curing. . . leave well alone!

Wicker, rattan and cane

If your cane or wicker furniture has already been painted you will need to seal, then add two top coats. If new and untouched, start with a quick dry primer. I would suggest using a brush but if you find a spray can easy to use, then go ahead.

What paint do you need for what job Oil Paint

Smelly, extremely sticky, and slow drying is the best description of oil paint, and it also is not the easiest for a home DIYer. Furniture, high-end trim, and most houses built before the 1990s contain an oil-based product of some sort.

It is often used in high-traffic rooms because of its hard enamel finish and ability to withstand dings, scratches, fingerprints, and more. This paint type also looks super polished when properly applied, making it a good fit for a high-end look.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is one of the more versatile types of paint out there, mostly due to its durability and weather-resistant properties. Acrylic paint dries quickly, is an eco-conscious choice (it can be both reused and recycled) and does not emit anywhere near the volume of chemicals that its oil-based counterparts do.

Water-Based Paint or Latex Paint

Most of the time if you are painting inside your house, you will typically be using water-based paint, which is safe to use, easy to clean up, and causes fewer environmental concerns. Latex paint is the standard for homeowners working on interior projects because it is easy to apply and clean up. So wait till summer and things are easier to dry and then let lose all your artistic talents!