Introduction
Picking the right paint is a lot of work. There are so many different brands, types, and finishes to choose from that it can be hard to narrow down your options. But not all paints are created equal: there are some things you should avoid when picking an interior wall paint. Here’s my list of five materials that you should avoid when painting your walls—and why:
Latex paint
- Latex paint, which is water-based, washes up easily and cleans up quickly.
- Latex paints are great for interior painting services because they don’t require the same kind of intense maintenance that oil-based paints do. They’re easy to touch up and can be applied at any time without having to wait weeks or months for it to dry thoroughly first—all you have to do is clean the brush regularly!
- Latex paints aren’t as good for woodwork as oil-based paints because they don’t have enough “body”–that is, they don’t stick very well.
Prepaint primer
If your main goal is to get the paint to adhere to your walls, don’t use prepaint primer.
- Drywall: Preprimers are designed for masonry and other surfaces that have a rough or porous surface. They help fill in gaps that can cause paint to peel off of the wall when it dries. Because drywall does not have an inherently rough or porous surface, using a prepaint primer on drywall will cause it to look dull and chalky instead of smooth and shiny.
- Metal: If you’ve got metal walls (or doors), avoid using any kind of primers at all because they’ll cause rusting over time and turn the metal green! If you want something more protective than just regular paint (plus some extra shine), try Rust-Oleum Specialty Metal Primer instead! This stuff is made especially for protecting metals from corrosion by creating a barrier between them and their surroundings so water doesn’t reach any vulnerable parts underneath…
Water-based stain-blocking sealer
Water-based stain-blocking sealers are not a good choice for interior wall paint because they don’t provide a good enough barrier to protect the wall from stains. A water-based sealer will not adhese well to oil-based paint or primer, so any oils in your hands or dust particles will have an easier time getting through the top layer and into the drywall. This makes it harder to clean up any messes you might make with your touch or fingerprints, which can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Oil-based primer
Oil-based primer is a great choice for exterior walls, but it’s not ideal for interior painting services. This type of primer can yellow over time and it’s harder to clean up than water-based primers. If you’re looking for an economical way to prime your interior walls, try using an acrylic latex paint instead of oil-based products.
It’s also important to keep in mind that no matter what kind of paint you’re using—water or oil base—you should avoid applying multiple coats of primer right on top of one another (unless there’s a specific reason why).
Paint thinner or mineral spirits
Paint thinner and mineral spirits are not the same. Paint thinner is an oil-based paint solvent that can be used to thin oil-based paints, while mineral spirits are a petroleum distillate used for cleaning and degreasing. If you mix them together, you will make a mess!
Eggshell/satin paint finish
Eggshell, or semi-gloss, paint is a finish that’s slightly softer than flat paint but not quite as shiny as high-gloss. When it comes to painting walls in your home, eggshell/satin paints are usually the most popular choice for home painting services because they create a beautiful finish that is durable and easy to clean. The downside?
The biggest issue with an eggshell/satin finish is that it won’t last as long as other finishes—especially when exposed to moisture—and may peel or flake over time. This means that if you want to use an eggshell/satin finish on your interior wall paint (which we don’t recommend), you’ll want to make sure there’s no possibility for moisture exposure like near showers or bathtubs. Otherwise, you could end up with unsightly peeling!
Flat enamel paint finish
Enamel paint is not as durable or resistant to scratches as other finishes. It can also be difficult to clean and repair if it gets damaged, especially if you’re new to home maintenance tasks like repainting walls.
If you’re looking for a flat finish, consider using an eggshell instead of enamel. Eggshells tend to be more flexible than the harder enamels, which means they’re less likely to chip when bumped or knocked around during normal wear and tear. And while they still don’t hold up quite as well under heavy use (like in kids’ rooms), they’ll last longer than a basic flat finish without needing special treatment—just wash them with soap and water!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to know the differences between paint types and finishes. This will help you choose the right materials for your interior painting services and avoid problems down the road.
