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Choosing the right paint is a very important part of a successful paint job. You can buy a special paint and primer for virtually any material. If you read the back label on a paint can you will find all the information you need to choose the right paint, however, it helps to know where to start.
The first consideration is whether the surface to be painted is inside or outside. Some paints are made for both situations, but most will be specific to one or the other. It's best to use paint designated exterior, outside and interior paints inside. Exterior paint could contain toxic chemicals that are a serious health hazard when used inside. Interior paint used outside will not stand up to harsh weather conditions.
Using the best paint a brand offers will make coverage much easier. It can take as many as four or more coats of some low grade paints to cover completely, while quality paint will cover most surfaces with just one coat. Most paint manufacturers offer a professional quality paint like this in their line of products.
Paint color can also affect coverage. Bright reds and yellows, for instance, can require many, many coats to cover completely. These colors get their bright appearance because a neutral paint base is used. A neutral base has no extra pigment added that would dull the color. This makes the paint more transparent and not good for hiding the surface below. If you must choose a red or yellow try to use one that's not so bright and therefore has some pigment added. The paint clerk can tell you if the color you choose is a "low hide color" with a neutral base.
Before painting, a primer will be required on any bare surface. Wood, metal, plaster, drywall and masonry will all need to be primed before finish paint is applied. Previously painted surfaces do not require priming if the paint is in good condition. But when peeling paint exposes bare wood, etc. "spot prime" these areas with the appropriate primer. The following is a list of commonly painted materials and the primer and paint best suited for each. See Paint Coatings, Primers and Sealers, Wood Bleach, Stain and Clear Coats and Thinners and Solvents for more on coatings.
Aluminum Siding No special paint is needed to paint aluminum. Use a latex or alkyd primer appropriate to the location. Finish coat with exterior latex or alkyd-based paint. There are paints made specifically for aluminum siding that will work as well.
Brick Prime unglazed brick with a latex or masonry primer and finish coat with a latex paint. Use a clear masonry sealer for a natural finish. Glazed brick has a hard smooth finish that will not hold a latex paint finish. This type of brick requires special epoxy paint.
Ceramic A faux finish can be applied to interior ceramic surfaces that won't see a lot of wear. Wipe with denatured alcohol and use a shellac–based primer–sealer to prime ceramic tiles, etc. and then paint with any paint or faux painting glaze.
Cinder Block Use a rubber-based paint to prime and finish coat cinder block. Elements in the block structure will cause it to reject all other coatings. Cinder block paint my be hard to find at home stores but a paint store will usually have this product.
Concrete Floors Allow new concrete to cure for at least 6 months before painting. Etch old concrete floors with muriatic acid (available from paint and hardware stores) before priming with a masonry primer for concrete floors. Finish coat with latex concrete floor enamel. Follow all label directions when using muriatic acid. Wear gloves and use a plastic pail. Where safety glasses or goggles to avoid getting the acid in your eyes.
Drywall Prime new drywall with a flat latex paint or drywall primer. Finish coat with any latex or alkyd–based paint. Never use alkyd or oil–based paint on bare drywall, it will raise the paper fibers and permanently ruin the drywall finish.
Exterior Wood Siding Prime with an exterior latex or alkyd primer. Use latex finish paint on siding with an existing latex finish. If oil paint was used originally it's not absolutely necessary to use oil or alkyd for repainting. In most cases latex will work just fine. Just sand the old finish well and use the best exterior latex paint available to finish coat.
Ferrous Metal Prime with a metal primer containing red lead to help inhibit rust on iron and steel. Always use an oil or alkyd–based finish paint on metal. Latex will encourage rust to form while alkyd will repel water and reduce the risk of rusting.
Galvanized Metal New galvanized metal has an oil coating that will repel paint. This coating must be removed before any paint is applied. After about 6 months exposure to the weather, this coating will wash away naturally. Otherwise, the metal must be washed with soap and water to remove the coating. The metal can then be primed and painted. Prime with a galvanized metal primer and finish coat with an alkyd or oil–based paint.
Glass Glass is not usually painted but if a faux finish is to be applied use a shellac–based primer–sealer or an alkyd–based primer. Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol before priming and then finish with any paint or glaze.
Masonry New masonry will require a curing time of about 6 months for the alkali to wash out before priming and painting. Prime with a latex masonry primer and then use a latex paint to finish coat. Use a long nap roller and go over bare masonry repeatedly for good coverage. A slightly damp surface will make application easier on bare masonry.
Plaster New plaster of paris must cure for 6 months before any paint is applied. Prime water damaged plaster with a shellac–based primer–sealer to block stains before repairing and painting. Prime bare plaster that has cured or new wall patches with flat latex paint or latex primer. Finish coat with any latex or alkyd–base paint.
Plastic Use paint specifically made for plastic on outdoor furniture and other surfaces that see a lot of wear. Use a shellac–based primer–sealer or a general purpose spray paint to prime plastic surfaces for a faux finish.
Pottery Prime with a latex primer appropriate to the location. Finish coat with any latex or alkyd paint or faux finish glaze.
Vinyl Siding Prime and paint with a product made specifically for vinyl siding.
Wood Paneling Prime simulated wood paneling with a shellac–based primer–sealer after wiping the surface with denatured alcohol. This will ensure a good bond to the slick finish of most simulated wood. Prime natural wood paneling with an alkyd–based primer after a light sanding. Finish coat with any latex or alkyd paint.
Wood Trim Molding Prime bare wood with an enamel undercoat then use enamel latex or alkyd–base paint as a finish coat. You could use a latex undercoat but for the most durable finish an alkyd works best.
