Revamping your walls?
Painting is a cost-effective and quick way to transform interiors and exteriors. The right colour can make spaces look larger or cozier.
Should I paint myself or hire a professional?
Painting can be an exciting DIY project, but requires time, commitment, and patience. Extra materials can also make it costlier than expected.
If you have the time, patience, and willingness to experiment, go for it. Otherwise, consult BBX; we will meet your needs efficiently, especially if you're busy.
Choosing your paint.
Choosing the right paint type, colour, and finish can be overwhelming regardless of your decision.
When in doubt, consult a professional. At BBX, we'll help you choose the right colours and paint.
Before we get started.
You need to make sure that the wall is prepped and ready for painting. Before you start, you need to take many steps and prepare the wall, such as sanding it to ensure it is flat and adhesive. If your wall is dark or you plan on changing the colour to something lighter, you need to make sure your wall is primed and ready to go.
What is primer?
Primer is a preparatory coating applied before painting to improve adhesion, enhance durability, and create a uniform surface. It seals pores, blocks stains, and promotes better paint coverage, resulting in a smoother finish. YOu may see some primers being sold within the paint, this would have the exact same effect as a regular primer.
Types of paint: oil base vs water base.
What is Water-Based Paint?
Water-based, or latex, paint uses water as its primary solvent, making it easy to apply, quick-drying, and simple to clean with soap and water. It contains colour pigments, binders like acrylic or vinyl resins, and performance additives. Eco-friendly with low VOCs, it's safer for indoor use, versatile, durable, and available in many colours and finishes.
Types of water-based paint:
1. Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint known for its versatility and durability.
Acrylic paint is water-based and known for its versatility and quick drying time. Due to its durability and ease of use, it's commonly used in home decor. It can also be used on exterior walls due to its durability and resistance to weather conditions.
Advantages:
Quick Drying: Ideal for projects that need to be completed quickly, from a couple of hours to dry.
Durability: Resistant to cracking and fading, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Easy Cleanup: Since it's water-based, cleaning brushes and spills is a breeze.
Pleasant, clean smell that fades away in 24-48 hours.
The cost of acrylic paint is a very
Different characteristics: mold-resistant, washable, etc. Disadvantages:
Less Smooth Compared to oil-based paints, add a photo - name the photo acrylic vs oil
Less Coverage: Multiple coats may be required to achieve a solid colour.
Acrylic paint is one of our favourite paints at BBX for walls and ceilings.
2. Latex Paint
Latex paint is also water-based with acrylic resin and is one of the most popular choices for home interiors. It’s known for its excellent coverage and ease of application.
Overview: Latex paint is easy to use, dries quickly, and cleans up with water. It is versatile, eco-friendly, and comes in various colors and finishes, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor projects.
Advantages:
Durability: Resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Easy Cleanup: Brushes, rollers, and tools can be cleaned with soap and water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.
Great Coverage: Typically requires fewer coats than acrylic.
Non-toxic: Low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it safer for indoor use.
Elasticity: Expands and contracts with the wall, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
Availability: Due to its popularity, you can get them in any colour and finish.
Cost-Effectiveness: It is more affordable than oil-based paint, making it a cheaper choice for large projects
Disadvantages:
Not Ideal for Metal: Can cause rust when applied to metal surfaces without a proper primer.
Drying Time: It takes longer to dry compared to acrylic paint.
Odder: If latex paint is used outdoors, there will be no smell, but if used indoors, it can have a minor, non-toxic smell.
Latex paint can be used over oil paint, but to ensure its adhesion, you need to prepare the surface by sanding and applying a primer properly.
What is Oil-Based Paint?
Oil paint is a slow-drying, richly coloured paint known for its smooth texture and long-lasting finish. It is often used for wood and metal and is known for its smooth, durable finish. It's a traditional choice for woodwork, trim, and high-traffic areas.
Advantages:
Smooth Finish: Provides a glossy look.
Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Good Coverage: Excellent at covering flaws and stains on walls.
Disadvantages:
Long Drying Time: It can take up to 48 hours to dry completely. This is especially relevant when the house is not vacant or during move-ins
Strong Odor: High levels of VOCs mean a stronger smell during application.
Difficult Cleanup requires solvents like turpentine to clean spills. It also requires much more preparation work, which translates into more labour hours and, hence, more costs.
Paint finishes
1. Eggshell and Satin Paints
Eggshell and satin paints are low-sheen finishes offering a smooth, subtle gloss ideal for walls and trim.
Overview: These paints fall between flat and high-gloss paints, offering a slight sheen. They're commonly used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Advantages:
Moderate Sheen: Provides a stylish finish that hides imperfections better than high-gloss.
Easy to Clean: More washable than flat paints, making it ideal for family homes.
Disadvantages:
Less Coverage: May require additional coats for even coverage.
Not as Shiny: Doesn’t have the same reflective quality as gloss paints.
2. Matt and Gloss paints
Matte paint has a non-reflective finish, ideal for a subtle, cozy look that hides imperfections. Gloss paint, on the other hand, offers a shiny, reflective surface, perfect for adding drama and durability to high-traffic areas.
Matte paint:
Also known as flat paint, has a velvety, non-reflective finish that adds depth and warmth to a room. Its subtle sheen minimizes imperfections on walls, making it an excellent choice for older homes or walls with texture and giving it a cozy ambiance.
Gloss paint:
Gloss paint is a reflective finish that adds drama and glamour to any space. Its shiny surface reflects light, creating a sense of openness and brightness. Gloss paint is highly durable and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Factors to Consider
Aesthetic Appeal: Matte paint provides a soft, elegant look, while gloss paint offers a sleek, modern finish.
Durability: Gloss paint is more resistant to stains and moisture, making it suitable for areas prone to splashes and spills.
Maintenance: Matte paint is forgiving of imperfections and touch-ups, while gloss paint requires more upkeep to maintain its shine and cleanliness.
Lighting: Consider how natural and artificial light will interact with the paint finish. Gloss paint can amplify light, while matte paint absorbs it, affecting the room's overall feel.
Making Your Choice
Selecting the right paint type depends on your specific needs, the room you’re painting, and the desired finish. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
For kitchens and bathrooms: Consider using enamel or oil-based paints for durability and moisture resistance.
For Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Latex or eggshell paints provide a good balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.
For Furniture and Decor Projects: Chalk paint can add a unique, vintage touch to your pieces.
Choosing the color.
Light colours make a space cleaner and bigger, while dark colours can make it smaller. Grey is more neutral, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. Make sure to choose the right shade of colour and match it with other accessories, like curtains and furniture.
Elevate your space with Feature walls.
In interior design, feature walls have emerged as a powerful tool for adding depth, personality, and visual interest to any room. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement or simply add a touch of flair, feature walls offer endless possibilities for creativity and expression.
What is a Feature wall?
A feature wall is a single wall within a room that is intentionally highlighted or accentuated to draw attention and create a focal point. It serves as a canvas for showcasing unique design elements.
What should you consider if adding a feature wall?
Bold Paint Colors: Choose a vibrant or contrasting paint colour to make a statement and add drama to the room. Opt for rich jewel tones, striking neutrals, or even daring hues like deep blues or fiery reds.
Eye-Catching Wallpaper: Wallpaper is a versatile option for feature walls, offering endless patterns, textures, and designs to suit any style. From subtle geometrics to bold florals, wallpaper can transform a wall into a work of art
Texture Play: Experiment with textured materials like reclaimed wood, brick, stone, or decorative panels to add depth and visual interest to your feature wall. Texture enhances the tactile appeal and creates a sense of warmth and character
Gallery Wall Display: Create a gallery wall by showcasing a curated collection of artwork, photographs, or decorative objects. Mix and match frames, sizes, and styles to add personality and charm to the space.
Architectural Details: Incorporate architectural elements such as moulding, wainscoting, or panelling to add architectural interest and sophistication to your feature wall.
