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The
two major groups are "oil" and "Alkyd"
and Latex or "Acrylic". The major characteristic
of Oil based paints is that they must be thinned and cleaned
up with mineral Spirits. Latex paints can be thinned with
water. This makes them more "user friendly", and
allows for easier cleanup (warm soapy water) and also makes
them kinder to the environment.
Most
paint research today is performed on water based paints, and
the improvements in workability and durability has made them
the preferred choice for the majority of jobs. Nevertheless,
there may be occasions when an Alkyd is preferred (e.g. highly
humid environments).
Specialty
finishes, such as Urethane varnished and Wood Stains are now
found in both water and mineral spirit thinnable types. Your
retail supplier can assist you to make the correct choice
if you are uncertain as to which base to choose.
Special Notes
- "Acrylic"
paints are formulated from an especially formulated variety
of latex resins. Unfortunately the term "100% Acrylic"
is used by some manufacturers to describe blends that are
not truly what they claim to be. Denalt’s "100% Acrylic"
paints are guaranteed to be exactly as described, and are,
we believe generally superior to competitive offerings.
- Descriptions
in this document are based on DENALT products only. Other
manufacturers may use different terminology or claims.
Gloss
Levels
"Gloss",
also known as "Lustre" or "Sheen" describes
the shininess of the finish, regardless of the type of paint.
The amount of gloss is measured in degrees, the higher the
number, the more shiny the finish. Generally speaking, the
higher the gloss, the more durable and washable the finish.
On the other hand, shinier paints reflect more light, and
tend to show up more imperfections in the underlying surface.
Before
selecting the gloss level, then, consider the lighting in
the room (long walls can show many defects,) and the usage
(bathrooms and kitchens can need many washings). Again your
dealer is a valuable source of assistance.
Typical
Gloss Levels
Matte
Flat Finish:
Ideal
for soft pastel colours requiring little maintenance.
"Ceiling
Flat":
Almost
dead flat finish specifically designed for ceilings, which
usually require no maintenance and can reflect considerable
light. Not recommended for bathrooms unless well vented with
ceiling fans.
Satin
Finish:
With
a very low gloss, this finish is ideal for low traffic areas,
such as dining room and bedroom walls. It tends to provide
a warm atmosphere.
Velvet
finish:
A
more washable, yet still warm and rich finish, this is a very
popular "middle or the road" choice for the average
room.
Eggshell
Finish:
This
populair paint appears flat when viewed "head on",
but provides a slight "glow" when seen form the
side.
Pearl
Finish:
Ultra
smooth, this highly scrubbable paint represents the best choice
for hallways, children’s rooms and other high traffic areas.
Platinum
Finish:
Popular
in some parts of the country, this finish lies in between
pearl and eggshell.
Semi
Gloss:
This
is a perennial favorite in bathrooms and kitchens. It has
a very dense finish, which resists scrubbing, and is less
sensitive to humidity than the lower lustre finishes.
High
Gloss:
This
one common finish is now seldom used except in specialty accents,
or on the exterior of the home. Ultra resistant is the most
hardy of all the finishes but tends to magnify all imperfections.
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rights reserved © 2000 Denalt Paints
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