The right paint is one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for successfully realizing your ideas with faux painting. The paint you need to buy to create your desired faux painting effects will vary depending on a number of factors. Is it for indoor or outdoor use? What surface is it intended for? Which room in the house is it aimed at? What effect are you trying to achieve?
Numerous paints exist to fulfil particular functions, from priming new plaster to creating water- and steam-resistant finishes and scuff-proof finishes for high traffic areas. A spectrum of basic paint types are typically used for interior paint jobs.
Different manufacturers describe their paint in different ways but the key distinguishing factors are: oil- or water-based paint and degree of gloss. 100% gloss paint creates a high shine finish that will show up any cracks or dents in the surface. High gloss paints can be brittle and chip more easily.
Flat paint is a non-glossy paint with a matte finish, useful for hiding surface flaws. Matte paint is also the name of a type of paint, so be aware of the distinction. Flat paint is not washable and if it gets scuffed or marked will need repainting. If your surface is covered in flat paint, consider repainting, because this is the least favourable paint surface on which to achieve faux painting effects. The reasons relate to the excessive speed at which subsequent layers of paint will dry, and the effect it has on the colour of paint applied on to it.
Matte paint (not to be confused with flat paint) has a matte finish but contains various materials to help repel dirt and stains. It is washable and, as a higher quality product, will cost you more. This is an interior paint.
Eggshell paint has more gloss and reflectivity than matte paint, but rather than being shiny has the low sheen that you can see on your breakfast egg. It is also used for interior painting.
Satin paints and pearl paints are comparable products that result in a more velvety finish and a higher degree of glossiness. Different manufacturers may describe their products as satin or pearl, but they are much the same thing.
Satin or pearl paint is the ideal base for faux painting because it allows the glaze to spread smoothly and dry slowly. These are versatile, easy to clean, multi-purpose paints that can be used on woodwork, such as doors and window frames, as well as walls. They are also water and steam-resistant and are good for bathrooms and kitchens.
Semi-gloss paint is used especially for wood. It shares many properties with satin or pearl paint and is easy to wipe down and clean. As the percentage of gloss increases, so does the ability of paint to cover dents or other surface imperfections. Semi-gloss paint may therefore not be ideal for some surfaces.
Gloss paint is richly glossy, highly reflective, creating a finish as smooth as plastic. It will show up the slightest imperfections so surface preparation - filling and sanding to a very smooth finish - is absolutely vital.
Skimping on paint quality just isn't worth it. If you buy good paint and use it in the right places, you'll save yourself having to buy more to touch up or redo it in a short space of time. For faux painting, choosing the right paint is crucial to achieving the effects you've visualized.