Doing some painting work around the house or outside might seem simple enough, but a quick stroll through the aisles at your local paint store in Seattle can quickly turn an easy chore into a confusing endeavor. It can be a challenge to know which type of paint you should use for different projects. Thankfully, you can follow a few recommendations for paints based on which materials you are working with:
- Bare wood: When you are painting bare wood, it is best to use either alkyd or high-quality acrylic latex primer, especially for exterior wood siding. If you are trying to cover any knots or blemishes in the wood, you can use a pigmented shellac to offer some extra coverage.
- Fences: If you are trying to paint outdoor features or structures, such as fences, gazebos or benches, it is best to use a semi-transparent oil stain. It is an aesthetically appealing option, and although it does not last quite as long as other paints, it is less susceptible to chipping and is easier to recoat than solid stains.
- Smooth siding: When you are top coating smooth siding made of wood or cement board, choose a flat paint made of 100 percent acrylic latex. This is because latex resists the corrosive effects of sunlight and will last longer than oil-based paint. Flat paint works well for siding since it is far more effective at concealing chips, dents and imperfections.
- Smooth trim: Wood composite or other manufactured materials should be painted with 100 percent acrylic latex in either gloss or semi-gloss. This is the longest-lasting paint for smooth trim, and the higher resin content offers increased durability. Because of the size of trim, the glossy appearance created by the increased resin won’t be overwhelming.
- Porch floors and stair treads: A glossy floor paint is an excellent choice for porch floors and stair treads. The resin content of the glossy paint is higher than other outdoor paints, which makes it a much more durable choice.
- New hardboard or cement board: Cement board and hardboard are textured, which can make full coverage a little bit more difficult to achieve. Choosing a high-quality 100 percent acrylic latex flat exterior paint will give you a great look and a durable finish that will last.
- Rough siding: Rough sawn boards and siding or trim made from boards or plywood should be painted using a semi-transparent oil stain. This can be found in a wide range of colors and shades so you can select the perfect stain for you.
- Decks: You can maintain the appearance of decks, posts and railings by painting them with semi-transparent oil stains. These oil stains can also prevent against rot.
When you’re ready to select some paint for your next project, come see us at Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co. We have the experience necessary to provide you with the best advice possible for your home improvement project. Stop by and browse our extensive inventory of hardware, tools, paints and more.