Basic Guide To Paints And Colors For Bay Area Residents

By Author: Nathaniel Martinez
Total Articles: 2
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San Francisco Bay Area is famous for its natural beauty and the same aesthetic sense is found in the residents of the area too. People in Fremont, or Orinda or Walnut Creek are always looking for ways to beautify their homes and painting is an important element of a home’s décor. Read on to know all about paints that you didn’t know.

When you think of adding some warmth, grace and life to your home, the first thing that comes to your mind is paint. And yes, the right paint and color combinations can really brighten up your Union City or Livermore home. For those new to the entire ‘home painting section’ here is a quick guide on the types of paints available in the market:

* Latex Paint or Water based paint: This paint is also known as "acrylic latex" paint because of the plastic component present in it. Latex paint is known to adhere better than other paints. It is used on walls and ceilings and is less toxic than oil based paints. You can choose water based paints from a number of sheen types like glossy, matte or egg shell.

* Oil-Based Paint: This paint is used on walls, wooden furniture, cabinets ...
... and molding. It provides a really slick look (thanks to the oil!) which also acts as a protective coating on the area it is painted on.

* Primer: This product is used as a base on the areas to be painted to seal bare surfaces. After the application of primer, it is easier for the paint to stay fixed on the area. Primer is necessary for spackled walls to stop the spackle from bleeding through the paint. Water-based primer is excellent to be used on new drywall, previously painted walls, galvanized metal and nonferrous metals. For heavily stained walls, under the wall paper, wrought iron and raw wood, oil based primer is a better choice.

These are the common types of paints available out there and you will be asked by the painting contractor to choose a type. The next thing you need to understand in terms of paints and their look is sheen. Sheen refers to the finish of the paint and here are your choices when it comes to the final look of your walls:
Matte/Flat- These is a no nonsense smooth look. This look has no or barely any sheen and is good at hiding surface imperfections. You can use this look for low-traffic areas.

* Eggshell- This look has a velvety sheen which is more attractive than flat look and is far from too glossy. Eggshell sheen is easy to clean and provides hard-wearing and protective coating.

* Satin- As the name suggests, this finish makes your walls look silky. The pearl-like finish is stain-resistant as well as discourages the growth of mold.

* Semi-gloss- This look is what you see on the cabinets and doors and windows. Sleek, shiny and radiant paint finish is effective in controlling mold growth and is easy to clean.

* High Gloss- This finish is akin to glass like and is highly durable and easy to clean. Opt for it to paint trim and molding.

Choosing the right type of paint which will give a suited sheen to your home is an important decision. You don’t want to be stuck in a house with colors you absolutely hate! That is why you need to hire the best painting contractor. Orinda, CA and neighboring Bay Area cities have many painting contractors and you must hire one who has adequate experience in painting jobs and those who will guide you successfully in choosing the right paints, colors and color combinations.

The writer is associated with ColorBlast Painting, an East bay & Tri-Valley areas based painting contractor. Union City, CA and neighboring areas have been served by the company since 1998. They specialize in all phases of residential and commercial painting.

Website: http://www.colorblastpaintingcontractor.com/