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How to choose the right paint for the job

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

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Different surfaces need different paints, so choosing the right paint for your project is crucial. Whether you’re painting interior walls, wooden furniture, metal or plastic, this simple guide will put you on the right path so you always get a great result.

 

If you have any questions after reading this guide, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help. 

 

Preparation

 

It's important to thoroughly clean and sand your surface before paintingIt's important to thoroughly clean and sand your surface before paintingRemember that the key to achieving a great result when painting is preparing the surface properly.

 

It’s always best to sand your surface thoroughly. This slightly roughens the surface and gives the paint something to grab on to.

 

If there is old paint flaking or peeling from the surface it’s best to remove that paint entirely. The connection between the old paint and the surface has become unstable and the paint could continue flaking off, ruining your new paint job.

 

When sanding any surface, make sure to wear appropriate protective equipment like a dust mask. Of course, if there is any chance of asbestos being present, you shouldn't sand at all and instead look for alternative solutions like specialty primers.

 

You might also find that you need to do some small fills and repairs before you begin painting. The extra work you do at the beginning will pay off with better results in the end.

 

Once you’ve finished sanding, use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to remove all dust from the surface (you can also use a vacuum cleaner for this). Don’t use a wet cloth – you don’t want to start painting on a wet surface.

 

Check out this short video for more preparation tips.

 

Oil-based paint vs water-based paint

 

Some new water-based paints are tough enough to use on door frames and skirting boardsSome new water-based paints are tough enough to use on door frames and skirting boardsOil-based paint is typically thicker and tougher than water-based paint, so it has traditionally been used for door frames, window frames, skirting boards and other surfaces that are likely to be knocked or scuffed in everyday use.

 

Water-based paint is much easier to use across large areas such as walls, and it dries more quickly, which means that you might be able to apply multiple coats on the same day.

 

There are now water-based equivalents to almost every kind of oil-based paint. The great convenience of water-based paint is ease of clean-up. There’s no need for turpentine to clean brushes and spills, and no need to use chemical thinners to dilute the paint. If you need to dilute a water-based paint you can just add water.

 

The most common reason for choosing an oil-based product is re-covering an area that already has an existing oil-based paint on it.

 

How to identify paint on existing surfaces

 

If you are painting over an existing coat of paint, it’s important to identify what it is. If you use a water-based paint on top of on an oil-based paint (or an oil-based paint on top of a water-based paint) you are going to have terrible results.

 

A simple way of identifying the kind of paint you have is soaking the end of a clean rag in methylated spirits and then rubbing it against the paint. If the paint comes off on the rag, it’s a water-based paint. If the paint turns shiny and doesn’t come off, then it’s an oil-based paint.

 

Once you know what type of paint you have you can buy a paint with the same type of base and be confident that it will work over your existing paint.

 

Painting interiors

 

A coat of primer seals the surface and gives the paint a stable base to adhere toA coat of primer seals the surface and gives the paint a stable base to adhere toFreshly plastered walls, bricks and timber often need a coat of primer, which seals the surface and gives the paint a stable base to adhere to.

 

These days there are products that contain both paint and primer, such as British Paints 4L White Low Sheen Interior Paint and Prime. These save time and money by eliminating the need for multiple coats.

 

Painting exteriors

 

Exterior paint contains UV stabilisers, which protect it from the sun. Ordinary indoor paint doesn’t have them, so it deteriorates quickly outside.

 

It’s best not to use exterior paint indoors because it might not cure properly, and it might take a long time to dry.

 

As with painting indoors, it’s important to clean and prepare the surface properly. A pressure washer can be helpful in removing dirt and debris.

 

Some older structures might still be covered in lead-based paint. Any removal of lead-based paint is best done by professionals who have the necessary training, safety equipment and safe disposal.

 

Painting furniture

 

Varnish paint contains both stain and varnish so you can finish a project with just one coatVarnish paint contains both stain and varnish so you can finish a project with just one coatIf you are painting varnished or stained furniture it is often a challenge to identify the type of varnish or stain used.

 

Oil-based varnishes often have a yellow tinge that that water-based ones don’t.

 

For stained furniture, you can use a water test. Put a few water droplets on the top of the furniture and if they bead up it’s an oil-based stain.

 

If you want to stain and varnish your furniture in one coat, you can use varnish paint, which contains both stain and varnish. If you’re using lime wash or a chalk, stone or marble effect it’s best to give your furniture a coat of primer so it has a good base for you to work on.

 

Whenever you are upcycling furniture, make sure to sand the surface of the item and then clean it down thoroughly to prepare it for painting, especially if you’re painting over a stained piece.

 

Metals and other surfaces

 

Metals have smooth surfaces, which must be sanded and made rough for the paint to stick toMetals have smooth surfaces, which must be sanded and made rough for the paint to stick toFor projects involving metal surfaces, an integrated paint system such as the White Knight Rust Guard range is perfect. It includes all the separate products you might need for cleaning, treating, priming and painting.

 

Metals have smooth surfaces, which must be sanded and made rough for the paint to latch on to. You can also use chemical etchers that rough up metal surfaces to prepare them for painting as well.

 

Plastic is one of the most difficult surfaces to paint. Because it has a smooth, non-porous surface ordinary paint will just clump together, forming large droplets. The surface of the plastic must be treated with a primer specially formulated for plastic. A good example is Flood 500mL ESP Easy Surface Paint Preparation. It prepares the surface but does not damage it and allows you to paint without having to worry that it will peel off.

 

Raw timber must be sanded down to remove splinters and timber fibres that are on the surface.

 

More help and inspiration for your painting projects

 

Check out this step-by-step guide for more painting advice and please let us know if we can help with your project. We'd love to help ensure you get a fantastic result for your home. 

 

5 Replies
birdie
Growing in Experience

Thanks @EricL for this great guide, very helpful for a beginner like me.

I have a few things I want to paint and I do have a few questions for you, mainly around my intended process (based on your post above) and I'm also hoping you can recommend some specific products for me so I can put my Bunnings online order in :smile:

 1. Wooden Louvre style cupboard doors

I have these older style doors and I want to paint them white. 

Lourve doors.jpg

Process: So I would sand them back, use a primer and then paint them with an oil based paint? 

Any specific product recommendations? Our walls are currently Dulux Vivid white. Also, what grit sandpaper should I use? 

 

  1. Plastic

a) I have some plastic vents I’d also like to paint white 

Vents.jpg

To do this, I’d clean them, then use a primer like the Flood brand you recommended above and then paint over them? Maybe using a spray paint?

Okay, sorry to hijack your post!

 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @birdie

 

You can ask any question you like, there is absolutely no harm in asking it here. The process you've lined up is correct, sand it down, clean it off, paint it with primer and then paint the top coat. I suggest using 240grit sandpaper to sand the doors down and if you feel that it is taking too long, I suggest investing in an Ozito 200W Detail Sander to cut the sanding time in half.

 

If you wish to match your wall colour there is absolutely nothing wrong with using Dulux Vivid White. For ease of application, I recommend using water-based paint instead of oil-based, but I'll leave that choice up to you. 

 

As for the plastic cover make sure to sand the plastic surface with 300 grit++ sandpaper. Using a lower number will damage the surface and leave sandpaper channels on the surface of the plastic. Using the Flood product over the plastic is perfectly fine.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

birdie
Growing in Experience

Thanks so much @EricL you have saved me so much time and stress!

Tyro
Becoming a Leader

Hi @EricL 

I'm wanting to paint over poorly painted sides of  kitchen cabinets.  The inside of the cupboards have the rows of drilled holes and look to be particle board or chip board. I don't know if the outer surfaces are melamine,  laminate or something else.  It looks like only one coat has been applied.  Is ordinary interior paint ok to use?  And do I just prep with a sugar soap clean?

Cheers! 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @Tyro 

 

Would it be possible for you to post a few photos of the kitchen doors and the interior of the cabinetry. This will give our members a chance to assess the type of material you have on your kitchen cabinet. We can then make recommendations on how to paint it.

 

For laminate surfaces, I often suggest using the Dulux Renovation Range. It's formulated to work well with melamine surfaces, and it has a series that is meant to go onto tiles. It basically covers a standard kitchen revamp using paint.

 

If you need a hand posting the photos, please let me know.

 

Eric

 

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