Blog Article

4 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Type of Paint for Your Home

24 March 2023

When it comes to giving your home a new look, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing the right type of paint. The paint you choose will have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of your home, so it is essential to choose wisely.  

At Contrast Painting we are experts in Perth residential painting and have the following four tips to help you choose the right type of paint for your home in Perth. 

1. 1. Consider the climate in Western Australia 

Western Australia has a warm and dry climate, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot. This climate can be challenging for Perth painting because the heat and humidity can cause the paint to fade, crack, and peel. Therefore, it is important to choose a paint that is suitable for the Western Australian climate. 

In general, you should choose a paint that is designed for exterior use, and that can withstand the harsh climate. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for Western Australian homes because it is durable, flexible, and resistant to fading. It also dries quickly and is easy to clean. 

When it comes to choosing interior paint, you should also consider the climate. Western Australia's warm climate means that you should choose a paint that is cool and soothing. Lighter colours are a good choice because they reflect light and heat, keeping your home cool and comfortable. You should also consider a paint that is resistant to mould and mildew, as these can be a problem in humid areas. 

2. 2. Choose the right finish 

At Contrast Painting we have many years' experience as Perth’s top interior painter and know the finish you choose will have a significant impact on the final look of your paint job. There are several types of finishes to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most common finishes and their characteristics: 

• Matte: A matte finish is smooth and non-reflective. It is great for hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings, but it can be difficult to clean. 

• Eggshell: An eggshell finish has a slight sheen and is more durable than matte paint. It is great for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. 

• Satin: A satin finish has a soft sheen and is easy to clean. It is great for kitchens and bathrooms. 

• Gloss: A gloss finish is highly reflective and is great for highlighting architectural features. However, it can show imperfections and is difficult to touch up. 

When choosing the finish, you should consider the room's purpose and the amount of traffic it will receive. For example, a glossy finish may look great in a living room, but it may not be suitable for a child's bedroom. 

3.  3. Consider the type of surface you are painting 

The type of surface you are painting will also affect the type of paint you choose. For example, if you are painting a wooden surface, you will need a paint that can adhere to wood and withstand the elements. If you are painting a metal surface, you will need a paint that can resist rust and corrosion. 

In general, you should choose a paint that is suitable for the surface you are painting. Most paint manufacturers will provide guidelines on which type of paint is suitable for which surfaces. 

The surface you are painting on can significantly affect the choice of paint. Different surfaces require different types of paint to achieve the best results. Here are some examples: 

Interior walls 

Interior walls are usually painted with latex or water-based paints. These paints are easy to apply, dry quickly, and are low in odour. They are also easy to clean up with soap and water. However, if you are painting a wall that has previously been painted with oil-based paint, you may need to use a primer before applying the latex paint to ensure good adhesion. 

Exterior walls 

Exterior walls are exposed to harsh weather conditions and require a durable, weather-resistant paint. Acrylic or latex paints are often used for exterior walls as they are resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. These paints also allow the surface to breathe, preventing moisture build-up and reducing the risk of mould and mildew. 

Wood surfaces 

Painting wood surfaces requires a different type of paint than painting walls. Oil-based paints or stains are often used for wood surfaces as they penetrate the wood grain and provide a long-lasting finish. These paints are also resistant to moisture and insects, making them ideal for outdoor wood surfaces like fences, decks, and siding. 

Metal surfaces 

Painting metal surfaces requires a paint that can withstand rust and corrosion. Therefore, oil-based paints or enamel paints are often used for metal surfaces as they provide a durable, long-lasting finish. These paints also offer good adhesion to metal surfaces, preventing flaking and peeling. 

Masonry surfaces 

Painting masonry surfaces requires a paint that can withstand moisture and temperature changes. Acrylic paints are often used for masonry surfaces as they are resistant to water and provide good adhesion to the surface. These paints also allow the surface to breathe, preventing moisture build-up and reducing the risk of mould and mildew. 

In conclusion, the surface you are painting on can have a significant impact on the type of paint you should choose. It is important to choose the right paint for the job to achieve the best results. If you are unsure which type of paint to use, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional painter or the manufacturer's recommendations. 

4. 4. Choose The Right Colour 

Finally, you should choose a colour that complements your home's style and decor. In general, you should choose a colour that is consistent with the overall colour scheme of your home. If you are unsure about which colour to choose, you can consult with a professional designer or decorator. 

When choosing a colour, you should also consider the room's purpose. For example, if you are painting a bedroom, you may want to choose a calming colour like blue or green. If you are painting a dining room, you may want to choose a warm colour like red or orange. 

Choosing the right colour paint for your home can be a challenging task, as there are so many options available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colour for your home: 

Consider the mood you want to create 

Colours have a significant impact on our moods and emotions. Therefore, you should consider the mood you want to create in each room of your home. For example, if you want to create a calm and relaxing bedroom, you may want to choose colours like blue or green. If you want to create a vibrant and energetic living room, you may want to choose colours like red or orange. 

Look for inspiration 

There are many sources of inspiration for choosing paint colours. You can look at home decor magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. You can also take inspiration from nature, art, or your favourite clothing items. 

Consider the lighting 

The lighting in your home can affect the way colours appear. Natural light, for example, can make colours look brighter and more vibrant, while artificial light can make colours appear duller. Therefore, it is important to consider the lighting in each room when choosing paint colours. You may want to test colours in different lighting conditions before making a final decision. 

Think about the colour scheme 

When choosing paint colours, it is important to consider the overall colour scheme of your home. You should choose colours that complement each other and create a cohesive look. One way to do this is to choose colours from the same colour family. For example, if you choose a blue paint colour for one room, you may want to choose a different shade of blue or a complementary colour for the adjacent room. 

Consider the size of the room 

The size of the room can also affect the choice of paint colour. Lighter colours can make a small room appear larger and more open, while darker colours can make a large room feel cosier. If you have a small room, you may want to choose light colours like white, cream, or pastel shades. If you have a large room, you may want to choose darker colours like navy, deep green, or rich red. 

Take your time 

Choosing the right colour paint for your home is a process that takes time. You should not rush into making a decision, as it can be a costly mistake. Take your time to test different colours and see how they look in different lighting conditions. You can also consult with a professional designer or decorator to get their advice on colour choices. 

In conclusion, choosing the right colour paint for your home can be a fun and exciting process if you follow these tips. Consider the mood you want to create, look for inspiration, consider the lighting, think about the colour scheme, consider the size of the room, and take your time. With these tips, you can find the perfect colour for each room in your home. 

Hire The Right People 

Of course, while it is very important to select the right paint, it is just as important to hire the right people to do the job for you. If you would like to find out more or need help with your Perth residential painting, why not contact us at Contrast Painting today? We’d be happy to help you in any way we can.