Categories Painting

The Enamel vs Latex Paint Guide 

Enamel vs Latex Paint

When you’re taking on a large DIY painting project, you first need to consider what type of paint will be most appropriate. We’ve created an enamel versus latex paint guide to help you make the most educated decision. Your paint choice will largely depend on the type of surface you’re painting along with several other factors we’ll discuss later on. Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of enamel vs. latex and when it works best to use one over the other. 

If you live in the Boise area and need a professional painter to paint your home, we’ll give you a free estimate! We serve all of Treasure Valley including Meridian, Boise, Eagle, and Nampa!

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Matte Finish vs Satin and Gloss Finish

What are the Differences Between Enamel vs. Latex Paint?

The main difference between enamel and latex paint is that enamel paint is oil-based while latex paint is water-based. Enamel paints are slow to dry but dry hard. For this reason, enamel paints are your best choice for painting hard surfaces. Latex paints are the better choice when painting surfaces that might expand or need flexibility. 

What is Enamel Paint Best For? 

Enamel paint is typically used for painting exterior residential walls. Its hard, glossy finish makes it not the best choice for interior walls. If you live in an area with extreme climate and temperature changes, enamel paint may not be the best for outdoor use. It doesn’t have the give and flexibility that acrylic paint has. 

Enamel paint is well-suited for kitchen cabinets, trim, doors, and other areas that may need to be cleaned frequently. But be sure to consider that enamel paint holds too high-gloss of a finish for interior walls and ceilings. Because of this, it has a tendency to show imperfections, roller marks, or uneven textures on your walls. 

Now that you understand a little bit more about both kinds of paints, let’s go over the advantages of both enamel and latex: 

Advantages of Using Enamel Paint 

  • Longer Drying Time 

A longer drying time may seem like a disadvantage. But in reality, when a paint takes more time to dry, it gives you more time to work with the paint to achieve a smooth finish. 

  • More Flawless Finish

Enamel paint is known for its excellent coverage and smooth, flawless finish. Because of its oil base, it’s compatible with most building materials and is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. 

  • Easy to Clean 

The more gloss or shine a finish has, the easier it is to wipe down and clean. Because of its hard finish, enamel paint works excellent for surfaces that need to be wiped down often as it’s resistant to moisture. It can be used on surfaces such as metal, glass, copper, wood, plastic, and walls.

  • Waterproof 

This type of paint is known for its washable and glossy finish and durable properties against moisture. 

Should You Paint Or Install Floors First?

What is Latex Paint Best For? 

Latex paints are most often used to paint larger surface areas in homes such as interior walls and ceilings. Because it’s water-based and less toxic than oil-based paints, it’s the best choice for areas where you and your family will be residing. 

Advantages of Using Latex Paint 

  • Budget-friendly 

When you need to cover a large amount of surface space such as interior walls, latex is a less expensive option than enamel. 

  • Ideal for Unprimed Drywall 

If you’re planning to paint on unprimed stonewall, brick, or drywall, latex is your best choice. 

  • Best on Surfaces Already Painted with Latex 

Surfaces that have previously been painted with some kind of latex paint will look better when repainted with another latex application.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Enamel vs. Latex Paint

  1. Interior vs. Exterior Use 

Latex paint is ideal for use on interior walls and ceilings. The matte type finish has just the right amount of sheen for an aesthetic and modern look. Because latex paint has a less durable and hard finish, it’s less suitable for outdoor or exterior use. 

Enamel paint is better suited for outdoor use. While it has a tendency to fade or yellow over time, choosing a neutral enamel paint color will be less likely to fade. This would include earthy tones such as tan, cream, or taupe. 

  1. Finish 

If you want to stick with an eggshell or matte finish, you should choose latex paint for your project. If you feel a hard and glossy finish is best, go with enamel paint for your project. Enamel paint is available in a satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish. These sheens are best for high durability and areas of wear and tear. 

  1. Drying Time 

It’s important to keep in mind that latex paint dries fast, motivating you to paint quickly. Enamel paint takes quite a bit longer to cure giving you more time to create the perfect finish. 

  1. Paint Odor and Fumes 

If you’ve ever painted in an enclosed space, you know just how powerful and irritating paint fumes can be. Latex paint gives off a mild odor which makes it the better choice for larger interior projects. On the other hand, enamel paint gives off much stronger fumes and should be reserved for smaller projects or outside use. 

  1. Cleanup 

No one likes the cleanup portion of a project. But because latex paints are water-based, the cleanup will likely require only water and some rags. Enamel paints however, need paint thinner for cleaning out brushes and areas where paint has spilled or splattered. 

Is Enamel Paint Waterproof? 

Yes, enamel paint is waterproof. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best outdoor paint option. Because enamel paint tends to dry to a harder finish, it can become brittle and crack on a surface that may expand and contract when temperatures change. 

Is Latex Paint Waterproof? 

Latex paint is also water resistant. Unlike enamel paint, latex paint dries with some give and flexibility, making it another option for exterior use.

The Enamel Vs. Latex Paint Guide Conclusion 

There is a time and a place for both enamel and latex paints. Determining what type of finish or sheen is best for your project will ultimately make your

decision easy. Go with latex paint when a matte or eggshell finish is desired or enamel paint when a satin or high gloss finish seems appropriate. If you’re looking for a respected residential or commercial painting contractor in the Boise area, get in touch with Boise Home Painting. We are a family-owned business that has years of experience painting throughout the entire Treasure Valley. Both interior and exterior painting are big jobs to take on. Why not turn it over to the professionals who will guarantee their work? Give our office a call today!

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How Long Should you Wait Between Coats of Paint?

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Categories Painting

Alkyd Paint: What is it and When to Use It 

What Is Alkyd Paint?

There are all different kinds of paints, used for different kinds of projects. Before you start any painting project, it’s always smart to understand what type of paint will work best. Alkyd paints are created with a pigment, added to a solution of alkyd resin, and a petroleum-based solvent. The pigment gives the paint its color, and the binding agent keeps everything in place after application. Continue reading to learn more about when it’s best to use alkyd paint and when a different type of paint may be a better choice. 

If you live in the Boise area and need help with your interior or exterior painting, contact us to get your free quote! We serve Meridian, Caldwell, and Eagle too!

What is Alkyd Paint? 

Alkyd paint is an enamel finish that has a similar consistency to oil paint. They usually have thinners made from either alcohol or mineral spirits. However, alkyd quick-dry primers and topcoats can’t be thinned with mineral spirits. The type of thinner used will control how the paint flows as well as drying time. 

Is Alkyd Paint Oil Based? 

Even though alkyd paint is often referred to as oil-based, it doesn’t actually contain oil or behave much like an oil-based paint either. Because it is composed of chemical binders and thinners like oil paint, people often get confused. In alkyd paint, the binder is usually some type of synthetic resin.

What is Alkyd Paint Used For? 

Because the binding agent in alkyd paint is a strong resin, it can be costly and slightly toxic. For these reasons, it typically isn’t used for interior walls, with the exception of high-traffic areas such as hallways and bathrooms. Alkyd primers or paints are commonly used to coat metal and wood as well as doors, trim, and cabinets. 

When Not to Use Alkyd Paints 

Alkyd paints are certainly not considered the most versatile paints. Latex paints are hands down the most popular paint among professionals and homeowners alike. Alkyd paint is more toxic for the environment than water-based paints and can be more complicated to apply as it has a tendency to splatter easily. 

When Professionals Use Alkyd Paint 

Professional painters often turn to alkyd paints because they help level out uneven surfaces, hide roller or brush marks, and are more durable than other paints. Alkyd paints are most commonly used on commercial wall covering, trim, furniture, cabinets, and floors. The resin binder is also resistant to moisture which makes it a great paint choice for the kitchen. It’s an excellent option for trim and cabinets due to the fact that it holds its sheen much longer than other types of paint. 

Alkyd vs. Oil Paints 

Alkyd paint is known to be tougher than oil-based paint and is commonly found to adhere well to wood and metal. When dry, it hardens to a finish that compares to semi-gloss. When you want a smooth, durable finish, alkyd paints cure to a finish that is unmatched by both latex and oil. 

Alkyd Paint: What is it and When to Use it Conclusion 

Alkyd paint is scuff-resistant, goes on smoothly, and has excellent coverage. On the other hand, it takes longer to dry, requires paint thinner to clean up, and can become brittle once dried. While it makes for a beautiful finish, there are certainly times a latex paint makes more sense. If you’re starting a project and aren’t sure what type of paint is most beneficial or you simply want to turn it over to the professionals, contact Boise Home Painting. Our team of experts is committed to top-quality work and knows what they’re doing. For a high-quality painting job done efficiently, you can count on Boise Home Painting.

 

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Sanding Between Coats of Paint: Should You Do It?

When Should You Sand Between Coats of Paint?

There are several factors that will determine if sanding between coats of paint is necessary for your DIY project. Where and what you are painting as well as what kind of paint you are painting with are all factors that will determine if sanding between coats will be beneficial. The good news is, you generally won’t harm anything by taking the extra time to sand. However, with time being a precious commodity, you might not want to throw in that added step unless it will make a noticeable difference in your finished product.

When You Should Sand Between Coats of Paint

The proper amount of sanding can make all the difference in the outcome of your painting project. If the surface you’re painting has peeling or bubbling paint, you’ll most certainly want to sand it down before applying your first coat.

 Sanding serves multiple purposes, such as creating a slightly rough surface which helps your paint adhere better as well as removing any old paint. Taking the extra time to sand when necessary could save you time in the long run. By not sanding, you may end up wasting more time in an effort to correct your mistakes later. But when it comes to sanding between coats, there are some important things to consider because every project is unique.

  • What Type of Paint You’re Using

What type of paint you choose to work with will ultimately be the biggest factor in determining if you need to sand between coats. Some paints adhere extremely well to certain surfaces while others need a rough or scuffed-up area for the best application.

 For example, when working with bathroom trim or kitchen cabinets with semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes, you’ll most definitely need to sand between coats. This is because typically, most paint won’t adhere to a glossy surface. On the other hand, if you’ve already painted your living room with a matte or eggshell finish paint, after adequate drying time, you’re safe to apply a second coat with no sanding at all in between. 

Opting to work with cheap paint is also another factor to consider. Lower-quality paints have more of a tendency to drip, run, bubble, and leave behind brush strokes far more than paints that are of higher quality. You really do get what you pay for. However, sanding between coats can cover up a myriad of imperfections as well as help your paint adhere better. 

  • Where You’re Painting

Sanding can be tedious and messy but well worth it in the end. It can help you achieve the silky-smooth finish we all desire. As a general rule, it isn’t necessary to sand between coats when painting drywall interior projects. Minor imperfections on your wall or tiny bits of debris from your roller won’t be noticeable against a slightly textured wall. However, areas with bright lighting that will spotlight your walls or cabinets are prime candidates for that extra dose of sanding.

  • How Long the Project Will Take

Properly sanding between coats can be a fairly quick addition to your project or can add quite a bit of time depending on the kind of surface you’re painting. A smooth surface will require you to thoroughly sand the entire wall which could take a considerable amount of time. In comparison, sanding a textured area may mean nothing more than sanding down a few areas where you see blemishes or imperfections. 

It’s also important to take into account for proper drying times between coats. You need to allow for a minimum of 24 hours of drying time between coats which could significantly postpone the completion of your project for a few days. If you have the time to sand between coats, it’s probably a good idea. But if you simply need the project completed on a deadline, you may have to forego the extra sanding and decide if the quality of your project or your time constraints are more important.

  • Tools You’ll Need

Make sure you select the sandpaper with the proper grit for your project. Generally, 180-220 grit is a good choice for sanding between coats. These extra fine grits do a great job on most interior walls. Grits of 240 and higher are best suited for projects where polishing is involved. 

Remember that after you’ve finished sanding between coats, you’ll need to wipe down the surface with a rag to completely remove the fine dust left behind. If much dust has settled on the surface, your second coat won’t adhere correctly. 

When You Should Not Sand Between Coats of Paint

There are a few instances when we recommend NOT sanding between coats of paint. Sanding between coats of touch-up paint, primer coats, or clearcoat can often leave you in a bind and unnecessary work. Your basecoat may feel dry but could potentially still be too soft to sand down. No one wants to sand the entire finish down and start over. 

Once you’ve completed your last coat of primer, you should go ahead and sand before applying your first coat of base color. However, there is no reason at all to sand between coats of primer. It will only add more work to your plate with no visible benefits. 

Sanding Between Coats of Paint Conclusion

While sanding between coats of paint is usually of benefit, it’s a good idea to evaluate your circumstances and consider what kind of paint you’re using and the surface you’re working on to help make your decision. If you have a painting project that you want to turn over to the professionals at a low cost to you, call Boise Home Painting. We are a local business that can provide you with the experience and skills you deserve. Whether your project is large or small, we bring passion and quality to every job we take. We serve the entire Boise area including Meridian and Eagle. Click here to schedule your free estimate.

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Can You Paint over Lead Paint?

Can You Paint Over Lead Paint?

Can you paint over lead paint? The answer is yes. Whether you’re flipping an older home for a profit or planning to live there, finding the presence of lead in your paint might feel like a major setback. 

Luckily, as long as you use the correct type of paint, you can paint over lead paint. This is known as encapsulation. Using a type of paint called an encapsulant, the lead paint is sealed off so that it cannot contaminate your home.

How to Paint over Lead Paint

Can you paint over lead paint? Yes. But how? The answer is that it takes a little more work than a traditional paint job. Make sure you follow these steps when painting over lead-based paint. 

  1. Test the paint. If your home was built before 1978, you’ll want to test the paint to determine whether or not lead is present. You can opt for a DIY testing kit, but an analysis from a professional lead testing lab will be more accurate. 
  2. If you have lead paint in your home, you’ll want to look at the condition of the paint. As long as the finish of the lead paint is intact, you can use encapsulation to paint over lead-based paint. However, if the lead-based paint is cracked or otherwise in poor condition, you cannot safely encapsulate it. If this is the case, you’ll need to hire a professional to remove the lead-based paint from your home. 
  3. Remove all household items and furniture from the room you’re working on. 
  4. Seal off the area you’re working on with plastic sheeting to prevent lead-contaminated dust from traveling to other areas of the home. 
  5. Wipe down the surface with a wet cloth. Never chip, scrape, or sand lead-based paint.
  6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your encapsulant to apply the paint. Most of the time, this will mean using a brush, roller, or airless paint sprayer to apply the encapsulant.  

Why Lead Paint is Dangerous

Lead is poisonous for humans, particularly children who are still developing. When lead paint is disturbed, it becomes airborne. You might breathe in the lead-laced particles, or it might settle on your furniture. When inhaled or consumed, lead-based paint causes lead poisoning. 

Mild symptoms of lead poisoning include nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite. Longer-term exposure to lead can lead to severe lead poisoning, which causes memory loss, vomiting, weakness, aggressive behavior, seizures, comas, and confusion. 

Precautions to Take

Because of the dangers of lead poisoning, lead-based paint needs to be handled properly. Even if the lead paint is still in good condition, you need to take precautions to stay safe. 

  • Wear protective gear, including a respirator, goggles, gloves, shoe covers, and coveralls. 
  • Never scrape or sand lead paint. This will release lead particles into the air. 
  • Keep children and adults with at-risk health conditions away from the home until the project is complete. 
  • Use a HEPA filter while you work, as well as for a little bit after, to filter out the lead dust that might have been kicked into the air. 
  • Make sure you wash all of your protective gear at the end of each day. Throw away disposable protective gear. Wash your clothing thoroughly. You don’t want to contaminate other parts of the house with lead dust!
  • Wash your painting tools thoroughly after the project is done. Dispose of all drop cloths and plastic sheets used during the project

Types of Paint to Use

When painting over lead paint, you can’t use typical oil or water-based paint. The toxins from the lead will still seep through typical paints. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a special kind of paint called an encapsulant. Encapsulants are thicker than typical paint and keep the lead protected behind a membrane. Encapsulants are available at just about any paint or hardware store. 

There are three types of encapsulants: 

  • Traditional polymers
  • Epoxy or polyurethane polymers
  • Cement-like products that contain polymers

If you’re taking on the project yourself, you’ll probably want to stick with a polymer and epoxy-based encapsulant. Cement-like products require mixing that can be tricky for DIYers. 

Benefits of Hiring a Painting Company vs DIY

After asking “Can you paint over lead paint?” and finding out that you can, you might be tempted to DIY the project. If you only have one room to worry about or a piece of furniture, painting over the lead-based paint on your own might be just fine. However, hiring a professional painting company to paint over your lead paint comes with many benefits: 

  • Painting companies, like the pros at Boise Home Painting, are trained specifically on how to handle painting over lead-based paint. 
  • A professional painting company can evaluate the condition of your paint to see if it’s eligible for encapsulation. 
  • Professionals have to follow the EPA regulations in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule, which means you can be sure the job is done correctly. 
  • Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of hiring a painting company overdoing it yourself is peace of mind. Lead paint poses a serious safety risk for all occupants of the home. You want to know that you’re safe in your home. 

If you need to encapsulate lead-based paint in your home, you can count on the professionals at Boise Home Painting. We’ll protect your family from the dangers of lead paint and give you peace of mind that’s worth its weight in gold. We serve the entire Boise area with commercial and residential painting including Merdian, Caldwell, and Eagle. Click here to get your free estimate!

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How Often Should You Paint Your House?

How Often Should You Paint Your House?

Painting your home can take lots of time and can also prove to be quite expensive. So, how often should you paint your house? Waiting too long can do costly damage to the integrity of your home. On the other hand, you don’t want to spend money to upgrade your paint if your paint has plenty of life left. Because your home is likely your biggest asset, it’s important to recognize the signs when it’s ready for a fresh coat of paint. 

How Often You Should Paint Your House Exterior 

Most painting professionals agree that you should paint the exterior of your home every 5-10 years. That number certainly isn’t set in stone and may vary depending on the surface of your home and the quality of paint previously applied. Here are some guidelines to follow for painting different surfaces: 

  • Aluminum siding needs to be repainted every 5 years 
  • Wood surfaces require painting every 5-7 years 
  • Stucco should be repainted roughly every 5-6 years 

How Long Does Exterior Paint Last? 

There are some things to consider when it comes to prolonging your home’s exterior paint. If you want your paint job to last for 5-10 years, a lot is riding on the quality and kind of paint you choose. Just like everything, a higher quality paint will likely cost you more but is well worth it in the long run. Do some research before buying to ensure you are purchasing the best paint for your specific surface. You’ll need different paint for stucco, wood, aluminum, or brick. Keep in mind that a high-quality gallon of paint runs around $30. 

How Often You Should Paint your House Interior 

It’s difficult to give a specific time frame when it comes to painting the interior of your home. The level of use in each room is different which means that higher traffic areas will need to be repainted more often than a room that is rarely used. 

On average, most interior rooms may need to be repainted every 5-7 years. Children’s rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms may require painting closer to every 3-4 years. Even if you use the most durable paint finishes, kitchen walls are prone to grease and food splatters and will always require maintenance sooner. Bathroom and kitchen walls require wiping down on a more regular basis, naturally causing the paint to wear down more quickly. Adult bedrooms, as well as formal dining rooms, don’t actually get used very often.

These rooms tend to have more furniture which naturally keeps any traffic away from the walls, prolonging the life of the paint. Children’s bedrooms often function as a playroom as well as a bedroom. This usually means there’s an abundance of activity taking place every day which can lead to not only dirty walls but dented and damaged walls. When painting these rooms, always opt for the more durable paint finishes such as eggshell or satin. Taking advantage of these more protective sheens will prevent dirt from showing and keep your walls looking nicer longer. 

Signs you Should Repaint Your House 

There are various conditions that indicate it’s time to paint your house. Odds are, you may not even remember how long it’s been since your exterior was updated. If it’s been a while, it’s important to self-evaluate the condition of your exterior. You don’t want to be negligent when it comes to such an important matter. Here are a few signs to look for:

  1. Fading Paint 

One of the most obvious ways to detect that it’s time to paint the exterior of your home is fading. Over time, the Boise sun will cause your paint to fade, especially in areas where the sun directly hits your paint the longest. If your home is painted a dark color, you’ll likely notice any fading much sooner 

than with a lighter shade. If you see fading on the shaded parts of your home, you could have a problem with water intrusion. Look for stains dripping downward that may indicate a water leak. Call in a professional if you can’t determine the source of the problem. 

  1. Hardened Caulk 

Caulk used on the exterior of your home is generally designed to expand and contract along with your house. It’s used to seal cracks between doors and windows. After years of exposure to the sun, caulk loses its elasticity and can become hard or start to crack. If you see areas where caulk is missing, hardened, or cracked, it’s time to repaint. 

  1. Patching Stucco

Re-stuccoing your entire home is very expensive. To cut down on costs, patch cracked areas and repaint the entire house. Otherwise, you’ll be left with obvious patchwork areas and unsightly streaks. 

  1. Bubbling, or Flaking Paint 

There are several factors that contribute to bubbling, flaking, or cracking paint. But all are signs that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Generally, all of these concerns are an indicator that the paint is no longer adhering to the house. Somehow, moisture is getting beneath the paint. Extreme humidity, storms, and harsh climates can cause these symptoms in your paint. 

  1. If You Want to Improve Curb Appeal 

Maybe you just purchased your home but don’t love the color. Or you might feel that times have changed and you want a more up-to-date style. If you’re looking to sell, an updated exterior is proven to make your home sell faster and for a better price. Whatever the reason, a fresh coat of exterior paint will most certainly improve the curb appeal of your home.

How Often Should You Paint Your House Conclusion 

Painting the exterior of your home can be a very daunting task. However, letting your exterior paint job go for even a few extra years can result in costly damage to your home. If you live in the Boise area and you’re unsure if your exterior is in need of repainting or you in fact know that it does, contact Boise Home Painting today. Our friendly team of experts can assess the situation and answer all your questions. We serve the entire area including Meridian, Caldwell, and Eagle. Click here to get your free consultation. 

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