the painted surface
Paint Recommendations
A paint for every surface... Paint has been used for centuries to decorate walls, ceilings, buildings, objects, furniture and practically every solid surface imaginable. From castle to cave to canvas, objects of art and decoration, a stately home, hotel room or apartment, there is a paint for everything. Finding and using the proper paint for any surface is not difficult today. If it needs to be painted there is a paint made to do the job. And using the proper paint is very important to achieve a long-lasting and satisfying decorated surface. It is these results that are the motivation to use the appropriate paint. The charts found at “Paint Types and Their Uses” can be a guide to find the right paint or primer for the task at hand.
No rules broken here! The following suggestions are general guides. They apply to the common painting tasks most often performed. When nothing special or unique is required these tips will suffice. They are the rules of which exceptions are made if painting is done "outside the box". These are the everyday uses for paint. Their results are usual, but appealing, typical, but satisfying.
- Interior Rooms...
- Ceilings are painted with white in a flat finish or if a color, one lighter than the walls. A semi-gloss finish of an off-white shade is used on the woodwork and trim. Any color can be used on the walls though it should be exactly the same color as the woodwork or have an obvious amount of contrast. Flat or eggshell finishes look nice on the walls. Cabinets, bookcases or vanities match the woodwork in color and finish, using an oil-based paint provides greater durability.
- Exterior House Trim...
- All surfaces except ironwork like railings and posts are painted with exterior acrylic paint. Never use interior paint out of doors. Colors should complement the roof, brick, siding or exterior facade. Trim painted with a satin finish cleans well and has good adhesion. Glare is reduced on dark colored surfaces if a flat or satin finish is used. Prime rusty metal with red-oxide primer. Natural finish (stained) entrance doors should be varnished yearly, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. Dark colors on trim tend to make the house look smaller.
