Choosing Residential Paint and Primer in Sherwood, Oregon: All You Need to Know

Whether you want to repaint a piece of furniture, change the color of your walls, or renovate your kitchen in Sherwood, Oregon, you must first choose the right products and properly prepare the surface to be painted.
Before you start, follow these tips, you will get professional results in a jiffy.

Choosing Paint The Paint Base

Water-based paints contain pigments, a binder, a coalescing agent, and water. They are also called latex paints. Solvent-based paints, on the other hand, contain pigments, a binder, and solvents.

Water-based and solvent-based paints are formulated differently and therefore react differently to moisture and dry air.
These differences are used to determine the type of paint that is suitable for the surface to be painted.

In general, water-based paints are easier to use than solvent-based paints. However, in some cases, the benefits of the finished product far outweigh the disadvantages of using solvent-based paint.

If it is a previously painted surface, you must first establish whether the current layer of paint is water-based or solvent-based.

Here’s how to do it:

Lightly rub the surface with an alcohol swab. If it is a water-based coating, the paint will soften and stain the cloth.
Examine the back of peeling paint. If the paint has yellowed, this indicates that it is a solvent-based paint.

Good to know: water-based (latex) paints do not adhere to oil-based coatings. Oil-based paints can however be applied over water-based paint. Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific product specs.

The advantages of water-based (latex) paint:

• Dries quickly
• Cleans with soap and water
• Increased color stability
• Breathe and don’t trap moisture
• Weak odor
• Non-flammable
• Low VOC content
Appropriate uses
• Perfect for drywall, primed wood, and previously painted or primed surfaces.

The advantages of solvent-based paint (oil or alkyd paint)

•  Easy to apply
• Fluidity and superior flow producing a smooth finish, leaving few roller or brush marks
• Very durable finish
• Superior adhesion to surfaces
Appropriate uses
• To paint a previously painted wall with an oil-based paint
• When a very smooth and shiny finish is desired
• When the finish needs to be strong enough to withstand scratches, rubbing, fingerprints or stains, such as woodwork, cabinets, furniture, etc.

The primer

The primer becomes essential if you plan to paint:
• raw wood (the primer is then used to seal the resins);
• rough drywall (the primer penetrates the material and produces a smooth painted surface);
• patched walls;
• bare metal (the primer will promote adhesion);
• rough surfaces (the primer will help make them smoother);
• Stained surfaces (the primer will be used to cover the dye to reduce the number of layers of paint).
Today, several paints have an integrated primer. So you apply primer and paint with the same stroke.

Pro tip: If the paint to be applied is dark, ask the merchant to tint your primer. This will require fewer coats of paint to adequately cover the primer.

Finishes and Sheens

Sheen is a generic term used to express the percentage of light reflected by paint or varnish. Other terms such as “finish” or “luster” are also used to describe appearance. There are different types of finishes: glossy, semi-glossy, matt, satin and eggshell

In addition to determining the amount of reflected light, the appearance determines the robustness of the product.
Glossy products last longer and are more tolerant of moisture because they contain a higher amount of resin. Once the liquid has evaporated, the resins harden in the coating.
This is why they are recommended for kitchens and bathrooms. They are also easier to wash and resist scrubbing and repetitive cleaning.
However, the surface to be painted must be very smooth, because the glossy products reveal the defects of the surface.

Matte products, on the other hand, are much more porous, easily retain dirt, and do not resist humidity, in which microorganisms can form.
However, they are great for hiding surface imperfections and brush marks. They are therefore recommended for walls and ceilings that will not require frequent cleaning, as well as in less occupied areas of the house.

In the end, the choice of finish depends on the use of the part to be painted.

Consult an Expert Painter

If you’re planning for interior repainting in Beaverton, Oregon, our team at Maller Painting Company can help.
We have years of interior painting experience serving the areas of Beaverton, Sherwood, and Tigard, Oregon.
Our team can help you choose the best type of paint as well and paint colors at no extra cost.

To give us a try, book a FREE estimate below or call us on (503) 410-6366 if you have any questions.

Kevin Maller

Kevin began painting houses with his father’s company, C&K Painting, in 1996. His father taught him how to use a brush, roller, and caulk and clean a brush properly. He then worked for several other paint companies, where he learned how to spray oils, lacquers, and all water-based finishes. In 2012, after 15 years of experience, he decided to get licensed and start the Maller Painting Company. His team has focused on providing the best re-painting services to our residential clients in the Beaverton area.