If you happen to be painting your house, then there is a strong chance that you’re going to be looking into many different paints, and you may have a hard time determining which one you should be using. The interior of your home is very important, and the paint job is perhaps the most important part. That being said, let’s talk a bit about the difference between the primers and sealers.
Primers exist simply to seal off the surface of a wall and prepare it for paint, hence the name ‘primer’. These will be used exclusively on bare wood, as well as surfaces that have been painted in the past. If the wall is in poor condition, a coat of primer will most definitely be needed to seal it, and in doing so you will help to ensure the stability of the wall in question. In addition to providing stability, they will actually serve to block stains from water, crayon, smoke, and other substances that would otherwise bleed directly through.
The question you are probably asking yourself right now is whether or not you actually need to start using a primer or sealer on your walls. To be honest, you won’t experience any instability without a seal, but you will find that it is much better to seal before you start painting. So let’s talk about a few of the seals that are commonly used in painting today. You might just be familiar with some of these, especially if you have been painting for some time.
Semi Gloss Paint These paints are extremely durable. They do not easily crack, and they can take a beating from virtually anything that you would find within a normal household. Does this mean that you can take a hammer to your wall and hope for the best? Probably not, but you will find that these are best used in bathrooms or kitchens as these rooms will see the most use and wear over the years either from corrosive materials or simple overuse.
Flat: These are some of the most common types of paints around, but they are actually pretty unremarkable. These are cheap, easy to scratch, and not the most durable in the world. These can be used on ceilings, and they might also be used in rooms that do not see much traffic. Many companies will choose to use this type of paint in their model home, and you should beware that it may give some walls a ‘cheap’ look and feel.
Satin Finish Paint - While this is indeed referred to as satin finish, there are many who call it the eggshell finish, and with good reason. Once applied it does give off a sheen similar to what you would see on an eggshell, and the surface it creates is much harder than that of flat paint. This is the paint that you would be using if you were to paint a child’s room as such rooms would see more wear than others will in their lifetime.
Gloss - This type of paint is quite easy to clean, though it is not quite as durable as the other options. Also take note that it will bring out any imperfections in the wall itself, so determine whether or not you really want that before using this paint. Sure it might give the wall some character, but it could also be downright embarrassing if you are not careful.
As you can see, the paint that you decide to use will ultimately depend on the use that the room will see, and of course how much money you want to spend. Take these pros and cons into account and get to work. It’s about time.
Lance Mohr is a specialist in the Tampa real estate market with more than 13 year experience as a Realtor. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest Realtor give me a call. For details on Tampa short sales or Tampa foreclosures please visit our website at http://www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.