Paints are used to add color, durability, and decoration to many elements in an interior, but
they are especially appropriate for walls, as they offer a lot of impact for relatively little expense. All paints are composed of four main ingredients: pigment, binder, drier, and solvent. Pigment forms the color of the paint. The binder, typically a resin surrounds the pigment and when dry, creates the paint film. The drier speeds up the drying time of the binder. Lastly, the solvent allows the paint to flow from the brush or roller onto the surface, where it evaporates, leaving only the dried pigment and binder. Coverage-the area that a paint can conceal-is defined by the amount of solvent in the mix: the less solvent, the better. Other additives to the paint can also aid in the durability of the product.
Types of Paint
Primer paints: With all finish paints, the success of the final surface depends on the preparation of the wall or object being painted. It is common practice to prime a wall prior to painting; adding a few drops of the paint color into the primer allows for better concealment and coverage. Primers are also necessary when changing from one sheen to another. Primers should be used for the following conditions: all uncoated surfaces, wallpaper, patched/repaired areas, paneling, stained areas, existing oil-based paint, and dramatic changes in color.
Latex paints: Latex paints are made with a synthetic polyvinyl material that is water soluble, allowing for easy clean up. Latex paints dry more quickly than oil-based paints and release less odor as they dry. Their fast drying properties permit quicker recoating. Latex paints are also more elastic than oil-based paints therefore making it less prone to cracking.
Oil-based paints: Oil-based paints tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Made with an alkyd base, they dry much more slowly than latex paints. Consequently, they produce smoother finishes since brush strokes and other discrepancies tend to disappear as the paint layer levels itself.
Enamel/Epoxy paints: Enamel paints dry to an extremely hard and durable finish. This finish is usually made by adding varnishes and other hardeners to a base paint. Enamels/Epoxys are used on walls but also on appliances, signage, floors and other items that need a waterproof coating.
Stains and Varnishes: Stains, an alternative to paint, are color finishes that absorb into the material they are being applied to - usually wood. Stains are unsuitable as finishes alone and need to be varnished to create a durable surface. Varnishes are transparent films and are available in several sheens.
(Credit: The Interior Design Reference and Specification Book)