Exploring Different Types of Paint: Benefits of Choosing Mineral and Water-Based Paint for Your Home Project

In today's article, we are focusing on the often-overlooked star of any refurbishment project – paint. Choosing the wrong colour or paint formula, whether due to a lack of knowledge or budget constraints, can easily result in a poorly executed project. It's easy to see how critical the role of paint is for both home improvements and office refurbishments. The right paint can transform your house into the home of your dreams, creating an attractive, harmonious, and cosy space where you'll enjoy spending your time.

And now here come some logical questions:

• How do your paint choices impact the aesthetics, durability, and overall ambiance of your home?

• What should we know about the kinds of paints and which one is suitable, depending on the surface we want to paint?

• What are the main differences between oil-based and water-based paints?

• What are the advantages of using water-based and mineral coatings instead of other paint options like oil-based or specialty ones?

• What factors should you consider when selecting the right design company for your home refurbishment project, especially if you’re seeking UK-based experts?

Not pretending to be exhaustive, but in this guide, we tried to gather all the essential information you need to know when you are on the verge of refurbishing and painting your home or office space. You shouldn't underrate the role of high-quality paint in enhancing the value of your property.

This simple guide to the world of paints aims to educate you and other homeowners on selecting the perfect paint finish for your refurbishment projects. It will help you distinguish your emulsion from your satin and semi-gloss and highlight the advantages of water-based and mineral coatings.

Table of contents:

• Understanding the Basics of Paint

• 5 Advantages of Water-Based and Mineral Coatings

• Steps for Selecting the Right Paint Type for Your Home Refurbishment Project

• Conclusion

Understanding the Basics of Paint

What is Paint?

Paint consists of four essential components: the so-called pigments, binders, solvents, and additives.

What is their specific role in the mixture called paint, we buy from the shop?

Components of Paint: 

• Pigments:

Responsible for giving paint its colour, opacity, and texture. These pigments are finely ground particles that are mixed into the binder or resin to achieve the desired hue and consistency;

• Binders (or Resins):

Keep everything in the paint together. They play a crucial role in defining various characteristics of the paint, such as how well it adheres to different surfaces, its gloss level, hardness, resistance to wear, flexibility, drying time, and overall longevity;

• Solvents:

Act as the liquid medium that disperses the solid elements, allowing the paint to remain in a fluid state so it can be easily applied to different surfaces. After the paint is applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a dry, solid film that adheres to the surface;

• Additives:

Incorporated into the paint, they enhance specific characteristics of the liquid paint or the dried surface, such as adding stain resistance or mould prevention qualities.

Different Types of Paint:

Now that you know what paint is and its components, it’s time to see the different categories of coatings.

1. Oil-Based Paints: 

Solvent-based paints have been a popular choice among professional painters because they create a tough, water-resistant finish that adheres well and effectively prevents and blocks stains. Known for their gloss and endurance, oil paints are also distinct for their rich finishing touch, water-resistant characteristics and long-lasting properties. Oil paint is often the right choice for wood surfaces and it is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Painting your external wooden door or your windows with oil paint is totally ok and acceptable.

However, we shouldn't skip the fact that oil paints have the following drawbacks:

• Application: they are more challenging to apply compared to water-based alternatives;

• Drying time: it takes much longer for the surface, painted with oil paint to dry;

• Durability: white variants of oil paint tend to turn yellow more quickly than other types of paint;

• VOCs: they emit higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are associated with potential health risks.

2. Water-Based Paints: 

Water-based paints have a long history and are regarded as the oldest type of paint known to mankind. What is more important is that these paints have significantly improved over time, becoming nearly as durable as their oil-based counterparts.

And what's more - water-based paints have several distinct values:

• Drying time: they dry significantly faster than oil paints;

• Application: it's easier to apply such paint with a brush or roller; (and this is enough reason to make them a favourite among DIY project enthusiasts);

• Cleaning: clean up after painting activity is simpler and quicker, as brushes and tools can be washed with water;

• Mould and mildew resistance: the additives in it inhibit the growth of mildew, ensuring the paint maintains its clean and fresh appearance over time;

• Odour: they emit lower intensity odours, thus contributing to a more pleasant and environmentally friendly painting experience;

• Water-resistance: once the painted surface is dry, it becomes water-resistant;

• Common resistance: they minimise the risk of cracking and peeling of the paint, especially when exposed to varying temperatures.

Paint commonly comes in the following finishes: satin, gloss, and matt. The well-known acrylic and latex are two varieties of water-based paints, each serving different purposes. Other common water-based varieties like emulsion are very suitable and commonly used on interior walls and other internal refurbishment tasks. 

The following short comparison between acrylic and latex paint will help you make an informed decision on which one to pick depending on your project needs.

Characteristics of Acrylic coating:

Acrylic paint is a water-based paint consisting of binders, pigments, and acrylic resin. Some types of acrylic paint contain additional chemicals that ensure great flexibility. In other words, the paint can adjust itself according to the changing temperatures, thus making it ideal for painting windows or doors and even outdoor surfaces such as house siding and garden furniture. Its durability ensures long-lasting colour and surface protection.

Acrylic paint comes in satin, gloss and matt and also resists mildew, mould, and water once dry, which can make it an excellent choice even for moisture-heavy areas like bathrooms or cellars.

Acrylic paints are mainly used to paint rooms and surfaces like:

• Bathrooms;

• Cabinets;

• Cellars;

• Exterior surfaces;

• Metal surfaces;

• Interior trim;

• Covering rust;

• House siding.

Characteristics of Latex coating:  

Latex paint is a type of water-based paint widely used by not only professionals but also everyone who wants a new, fresh touch to their home. Originally named for its rubber-based components, modern latex paint is mainly water-based, with acrylic polymers and polyvinyl acetate serving as its binders.

With years of development, latex paint is becoming more eco-friendly and easier to clean, typically requiring only water for cleanup. It's totally understandable why it is the first choice of DIYers for their home projects rather than the traditional solvent-based options. Latex paint also offers additional advantages, such as longer endurance, faster drying time, better colour retention and aesthetic appeal, and last, but not least - an excellent adherence to various surfaces.

Latex paint is ideal for interior and exterior paint tasks, and more precisely:

• Indoor stuff, spaces and surfaces like ceilings, walls, and surfaces composed of drywall, plaster, and wood;

• Outdoor surfaces such as concrete, stucco, and siding;

• Concrete-based areas, including cement fiberboard.

3. Mineral Paints: 

Mineral paint is made from natural substances like minerals and pigments. It typically includes components such as limestone, quartz, and clay, which contribute to its unique characteristics. Mineral paint is a wall paint based on mineral binders, and other common names include also the terms silicate paint or inner silicate paint.

When you prefer mineral paints for your high-end home or office refurbishment project, you better eliminate the risk of potential allergic reactions. Compared to most conventional wall paints, mineral paints are a healthier option due to their natural mineral components, which are free from harmful solvents. 

Being incredibly adaptable, mineral paints are often used on a wide range of materials, both indoors and outdoors:

• Wood and Metal;

• Concrete;

• Plaster

4. Specialty Paints:

You may have heard about paints created for specific protective functions. These paints are crafted to safeguard both interior and exterior walls from environmental factors, household wear, and various forms of damage. Their characteristics go beyond those of standard paints, thus providing advantages that regular paints can not. Examples of specialty paints include options like anti-fungal, fire-retardant, textured finishes, heat-resistant, and multi-colour finishes, each tailored to meet your specific refurbishment needs.

Ranging from UV-resistant, water-based exterior paints to comprehensive weather-resistant coatings, these specialised products are eco-friendly interior paints, formulated to create a healthier living environment by avoiding harmful chemicals and fumes.

5 Advantages of Water-Based Paints and Mineral Coatings

No matter how big your project is - from a simple decoration plan, through a refurbishment project, to undertaking bigger renovation tasks, if you're painting, you need to understand the different kind of paint and select the right one for your successful home transformation.

Here we will list and emphasise the advantages of water-based and mineral coatings compared to traditional oil paints, making the choice easier for you.

These 5  advantages make water-based and mineral coatings an excellent choice for luxury refurbishment projects, combining performance, safety, and aesthetic appeal to meet everyone's needs.

Eco-Friendliness and Low VOC

Water-based and mineral coatings are known for their eco-friendly nature, emitting significantly lower levels of the so-called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional oil-based paints. VOCs are harmful chemicals that can have long-term negative effects on our health and contribute to environmental pollution. By choosing these coatings, you reduce environmental impact, promoting sustainability while improving indoor air quality. This is particularly beneficial in urban and polluted areas like Central London, where maintaining high air quality is crucial for your health.

Durability and Longevity

Both water-based and mineral coatings can boast impressive durability. This characteristic makes them very resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling over time. These paints form strong protective layers that withstand harsh conditions, ensuring that walls, facades, and other surfaces maintain their aesthetic appearance for years. One more important benefit is that the longevity factor reduces the need for frequent repaints. And what could be better than saving both time and money in the long run?

Health and Safety first

One of the significant advantages of these coatings is their safety profile, particularly for families with children and those living in densely populated urban settings in the heart of London. Water-based paints contain fewer harmful chemicals, reducing exposure to toxic fumes during application and afterwards. Mineral coatings, with their natural composition, are especially safe, making them a healthier choice for interior spaces, including nurseries and children's rooms or vulnerable individuals. Living with someone prone to allergies like myself, a painting project can be yet another aggravating factor to our loved one's health and well-being so we need to choose wisely. And choosing mineral paint for your walls and ceilings is an appropriate decision, as it minimises the risks of allergies and respiratory issues.

Aesthetic Appeal

Water-based and mineral paints provide a variety of paint finishes, from matte to satin which are available in an extensive colour palette. These trendy finishes are renowned for their versatility making them a perfect match for every project: from huge luxury renovations to simpler high-end refurbishment decisions. The smooth and flawless finish achieved with these coatings enhances the overall visual appeal of the spaces or surfaces to which they are applied. Not without a reason, they are among the favourite choices for interior designers aiming for both timeless elegance and contemporary chic in London homes.

Breathability (for Mineral Paints)

Mineral paints stand out with their high breathability features. This quality allows moisture to escape from walls without trapping them, which prevents the formation of mould and mildew. This characteristic is especially important for older or heritage properties, which require materials that accommodate the building’s natural ageing process. Breathable paints help preserve the structure’s integrity and ensure a healthy living environment at the same time, which is our main goal.

Steps for Selecting the Right Paint Type for Your Home Refurbishment Project

1. Assessing Your Project Needs

Every project is different, as so is every preference too.  First and foremost, you need to carefully assess your project needs. Take the time to establish a solid foundation, as this initial step is crucial for ensuring effective results and guiding subsequent actions.

At this step, you should answer some crucial questions like:

• What is the scope of our refurbishment project:  do we have only some interior walls to be painted, or do we need to paint around the home like various interior and exterior surfaces?

• What are the prevailing surface types we aim to paint during our project? The most common types include wood, metal, masonry, etc.

Our project needs to define the types of paint and finishes we will choose: enamel paint, emulsion paint, primer, matt paint, or maybe gloss paint for that classy finishing touch. It is all up to you and the final result you aim to achieve with your paint transformation project.

2. Choosing Paint Based on Finish and Functionality

Choosing the right paint for your project depends on the functionality of the spaces or surfaces you want to update. High-traffic areas like the main entrance, living room, and kitchen have different paint requirements compared to low-traffic areas such as the cellar. For high-traffic areas, consider not only aesthetic appearance and comfort but also durability and eco-friendliness.

On the other hand, while aesthetics are less critical for low-traffic areas like the cellar, you should still prioritise durability and resistance to mould.

3. Budget Considerations

Time and budget are often the biggest constraints in home refurbishment, renovation, or redesign. There's an old saying that you must choose between something being speedy and expensive or slow and budget-friendly—it's not possible to be both cheap and fast while retaining quality. Balancing high quality with cost and time efficiency in your project is challenging because a paint job involves more than just applying the first paint you find in the store. It requires careful consideration of the entire process.

4. Consulting with Professionals

While you may want to undertake your painting project alone, you should consider the importance of expert advice in selecting the best paint types and professional services for your home or office refurbishment project.

ProPure Design stands out for its expertise in high-end projects, demonstrated through an impressive portfolio of luxury refurbishment projects across Central London. We offer tailored solutions for homeowners, businesses or landlords, providing customised paint selections and application techniques to meet specific clients' needs. We are committed to high-quality and effective work practices and with our in-depth local knowledge, we guarantee that every project is executed with precision and attention to every detail.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect paint from all types of paints available on the market for your home or office refurbishment project is more than just a choice of colour; it’s about enhancing both functionality and aesthetics while ensuring long-term value and well-being.

By understanding the nuances of paint characteristics and applying this knowledge to your specific needs, you can achieve a beautifully transformed space that not only meets your design goals but also supports a healthier, more sustainable living environment. Whether you’re considering a simple refresh or a bigger project, making informed decisions about your paint will set the stage for a successful and satisfying outcome.

With Pantone's Peach Fuzz as the Colour of the Year 2024, a very popular choice for interior walls, you can complete your painting project with a magical finishing touch. Stay tuned for our next article, dedicated to the upcoming trendsetting colour palettes for 2025. Stay ahead of colour trends that will boost your home’s appearance and comfort even further. 

So, what would be the type of paint for your next project? 

Request a free quote from ProPure Design and let us turn your home refurbishment or renovation project into a wonderful journey to a wonderful new home or office.