Getting The Perfect Finish When Painting In Your Home

I have been a professional painter and decorator for over 20 years. During that time I have learnt that with the right tools and paint you will achieve a perfect finish every time when redecorating your home inside or outside. I have in the past made the mistake of using a cheap paintbrush or roller. I quickly realises it is not worth it because I would end up having to do the job twice.

This then made me realise that when you are painting, you should use a quality paint brush along with the right paint for the job.

Here is my advice, and some tips for what type of paint to use on different types of surfaces.

1. Emulsion Paint (Silk or Matt)

Emulsion is designed and made specifically for walls and ceilings. So when painting a wall or ceiling you will generally be painting plasterboard or a plastered wall. The reason that emulsion paint is used is because it’s water based which means it’s very good at adhering to that type of surface. There are generally two choices: matt or silk finish. Each gives a completely different finish. A matt finish will give a very smooth finish whereas silk is possibly hardwearing and can be easily cleaned.

2. Metal Paint

When you look around your home you would be surprised at how many things are made of metal. One thing that there are plenty of in everybody’s homes is radiators. These are nearly always made of metal and of course they generate heat to keep us nice and warm in the winter months. The downside is that heat will discolour the radiator.

When painting a radiator it’s vitally important that you use metal paint so that they look perfect. Metal paints are designed to adhere to metal easily and smoothly which will offer a strong protection against corrosion. Metal paint is also perfect for driveway gates or railings around the home and will protect your metal gates and railings against all the elements.

3. Gloss Paint

Gloss paint comes in many different forms and nowadays there is even a water based version. It is usually used on your woodwork such as your doors, skirtings or picture rails. What I have learnt over the years is that it is very important to prepare the woodwork thoroughly and then as I said use a quality paintbrush and your woodwork will have a pristine finish every time.

4. Masonry Paint

Masonry paint has only one particular use which is painting the outside of your home. By that I mean the exterior walls. Masonry paint is a special formula that has certain ingredients that will withstand the elements whether it’s winter or summer. Over the years I have painted many houses outside and the secret is to seal the wall and then apply the first coat of paint with a brush and then use a roller to apply the second coat. As long as you apply it properly it should last for at least 10 years.

So those are my tips and advice for using the right paint for different surfaces in your home.

Do you have any tips or advice when it comes to painting in your home? I would love to hear in the comments below.