There are different times and different occasions for different types of paint. This post will show you 5 different types of paint and how I used them on different projects.
Do you get confused as to which paints to use on what materials? I am going to help you take the guess work out of it and show you how to pick the perfect paint for your project.
Today we are talking about:
- Spray Paint
- Chalk Paint
- Acrylic Paint
- Latex Paint
- Outdoor Paint
Let’s get started!
Spray Paint
I have to admit that spray paint is my favorite paint. It is fast, easy and comes in a gazillion colors plus it is inexpensive.
Depending on the type you purchase spray paint can be used on metal, wood, plastic, glass and more. It is so versatile.
Just be sure to read the label. Or…just give a try and see if it works for your projects.
Here are a few of my spray painted projects.
Spray Painted Projects
These projects have all be painted partially or totally with spray paints.
Spray Paint Your Way To A Gorgeous Game Table
The major part of this table was sprayed with a paint sprayer but the game table squares and text were created with stencils and spray paint as well as the metal file drawer for all of the pieces. Wood and metal are perfect for spray paint.
How This Painted Red Table Is The Talk Of The Town
This wood table was painted with two different colors of spray paint then sanded for a slightly distressed look. Spray paint made this a quick project and it looks fantastic!
How To Create Your Own Glass Cupcake Stands
Spray paint was the perfect choice for these glass candle holders upcyled to make individual cupcake stands.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is/was all the rage. I do love the look of chalk paint but it can be a little tricky sometimes. It was made to be used on surfaces that are slick like a laminate wood and you aren’t supposed to have to sand.
I have found this works most of the time. I have had a few issues when sanding was absolutely necessary.
Another issue I have had is with it going through the paint sprayer nicely. I find it clogs more than other types of paint. It works and I have done it but it doesn’t always go as smoothly as I would like.
I love the matte look of the chalk paint and I love the creme wax that goes over it. When it is buffed out it leaves the perfect semi gloss finish.
Here are a few projects that were completed with chalk paint.
Chalk Paint
These are a few of my favorite chalk painted projects!
Mod Podge Dresser Update From Boring to Burlap
The burlap was added with mod podge but the dresser was painted with chalk paint. The dresser was a wood laminate so it worked perfectly on this surface. It still looks amazing to this day!
Vintage Bathroom Scale Update!
The green paint on this metal vintage bathroom scale is chalk paint. This was a great project and the chalk paint was the perfect choice.
Restore Your Furniture Back to Fabulous!
This was one of my best chalk paint projects. I think a good brand of chalk paint is key to a long lasting finish. These two colors were both chalk paint and the dresser, again, was a wood laminate and the chalk paint worked really well.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is more of a craft project paint. I do a lot of crafting and most of them need paint. Acrylic paint is definitely my “go-to”. It is perfect for small wood projects, fabric with the addition of a textile medium and it is perfect for dry brushing to add and aged look or dimension.
Acrylic Paint
Little bottles of acrylic paint are perfect for small projects and there is a HUGE array of color choices. Plush they have now created some with glitter and texture that can be so fun for the right project. All of these projects have been decorated with acrylic paint!
Holiday Decor Ho Ho Ho Pillows
Red, green and white acrylic paints have been used with a small amount of textile medium to create a fabric paint that is perfect for throw pillows. I love to make pillows from drop cloths and stencil or paint using acrylic colors or just plaint black.
Valentine Mason Jar Marbling With Acrylic Paint
Not only can acrylic paint be used to paint surfaces it is fun to experiment with different ways to apply it. This marbling technique was fun and made the perfect valentine jar gift.
How To Make Creepy Skeleton Wine Glasses
I used two colors of acrylic paint on these creepy Halloween glasses. The metallic silver was the perfect color to make bones look more realistic.
Latex Paint
I always think of latex paint when I am needing to cover larger areas. It comes in a variety of sizes and these days, a ton of colors.
The best paint for my sprayer is latex. It usually works like a dream and I have usually have little to no clogs in the nozzle. If you get a good brand then the coverage is beautiful as well.
Here are a few of my latex paint projects.
Latex Paint
You can find latex paint at any hardware store. It is easy to come by, inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors. Plus you can get the larger sizes if you need to cover a larger area.
A Pretty Headboard That Will Make Your Head Spin
This headboard needed a primer then the paint. This was a post for the HomeRight paint sprayer, my favorite one, and the latex paint was the perfect choice. It didn't clog and went on so smoothly.
Giving A Vintage Turntable Cabinet A Much Needed Make Over
This vintage turntable cabinet was so fun and I actually used a combination of paints. The bulk of the cabinet though, was the white latex paint. It was perfect for this and really gave it a nice finish.
Sweet DIY Vanity Chair Makeover
This sweet vanity chair needed some love and latex paint was just the answer. I found this pretty teal color and sprayed a couple of coats with the paint sprayer. It came out really nice.
Outdoor Paint
This probably shouldn’t be it’s own category because most outdoor paints are either acrylic based or latex based. I love the Outdoor Living by DecoArt. I have used it on a couple of projects and with all of the rain we have had this summer these projects still look amazing.
The outdoor/exterior paints usually have a sealer built in so you don’t have to add one. This is a huge time saver for me. I plan to paint some trim on my house and my doors with some outdoor paint soon.
Outdoor Paint
Even though outdoor/exterior paint is usually acrylic or latex based it still has it's purpose. The extra properties added to the paint make it durable and weather resistant. This doesn't have to be just on the exterior of your home. It can be for other projects as well.
Rejuvenate Painted Planters For Your Flowers
These flower pots were dull and worn but the outdoor paint in the bright colors really added some color to my backyard patio. The water just rolls off of them too. I love it.
Outdoor Footrest Makeover
This is the same paint that I used in the flower pots but on a totally different type of project. The legs on this footrest are metal and the paint looks beautiful and should last a long time.
So there we have 5 different types of paints and how they are used. I hope this was helpful in deciding which paint to choose for your next DIY project.
If you are in doubt, you can email me or just read the labels and ask at the paint department of the store. If you have the right paint, your project should be a breeze!
Happy painting,
Michelle
