How to choose the right paint: surface, water-based or solvent-based

The right paint is chosen according to the surface (metal, wood, wall, floor), where you are working (indoors or outdoors) and the base of the product: water or solvent. On iron you use an anti-corrosion primer and then enamel; on wood a wood stain or a finish, including waxed ones; on walls a wall paint. In the collection you will find sizes from 400 ml (spray) up to 12.5 litres, and matt, satin and gloss finishes.

Types

• Enamels: for metal and wood, with a hard-wearing coloured finish. There are enamels for iron, such as the Ferrantico enamel, and touch-up enamels with a small brush.
• Primers and rust-inhibiting primers: they prepare the metal and protect it from corrosion, such as the synthetic rust-inhibiting primer. They are used before the enamel.
• Protective paints: for exposed surfaces, for example the solvent-based aluminium protective paint or the water-based coloured synthetic protective paint.
• Wood stains and wood finishes: wood stains, water-based or solvent-based, protect the wood and leave the grain visible; finishes, including waxed ones, give the final protection. See the water-based wood stain and the solvent-based wood stain.
• Colourants: to change the colour of wood, such as the universal colourant.
• Wall paints: for interiors and exteriors on plaster.
• Spray paints and marking paints: 400 ml cans for touch-ups, RAL colours, line marking and signage.
• Fillers: to prepare the surface before painting.

How to choose for the job

Features to check

• Product type: wood stain, enamel, primer, finish, anti-corrosion primer paint. Each type has a different function: they are not interchangeable.
• Base (water or solvent): a water base has less odour and is cleaned with water; solvent requires thinner and a well-ventilated environment. Check the base stated by the manufacturer.
• Use: indoors, outdoors, metal, wood, plastic. Check that your surface is among those listed.
• Finish: matt, satin or gloss. Gloss highlights surface defects, matt hides them.
• Colour: white, clear, grey, gold, cherry, yellow and others; many products are also available in RAL shades.
• Pack: sizes in ml (250, 375, 400, 500, 750) and in litres (0.75, 1, 2.5, 4, 5, 12.5). Calculate the quantity using the coverage of the product, which you will find on the data sheet.

Common mistakes

• Painting without preparing the surface. Dirt, grease and rust make the paint peel off: clean, degrease and sand.
• Skipping the primer on metal. Enamel alone does not stop the rust, which carries on underneath.
• Applying coats that are too thick. They run and dry badly: two thin coats are better than a single heavy one.
• Not observing the recoating times. Applying a coat too early or too late can ruin the adhesion.
• Using an interior product outdoors. In sun and rain it deteriorates in a short time.
• Mixing products without checking compatibility. Water-based and solvent-based products do not mix, and the primer must be suitable for the finish you put over it: always read the data sheet.

Frequently asked questions

Is water-based or solvent-based paint better?

Water-based for enclosed spaces and for easy cleaning. Solvent-based is often chosen when you need more resistance outdoors or on metal, but it has more odour and calls for more precautions.

Can I paint rusty iron directly?

It is better to remove the loose rust with a wire brush or abrasive paper and apply an anti-corrosion primer, then the enamel.

What is the difference between a wood stain and a wood finish?

A wood stain penetrates the wood and protects it from within, whereas a finish forms a layer on the surface and completes the look. They are often used together.

How long before I can apply the second coat?

Observe the recoating time stated on the pack or data sheet: it depends on the product and on the temperature and humidity of the environment.

How do I calculate how much paint I need?

Measure the surface area in square metres and divide it by the coverage stated on the data sheet, then multiply by the number of coats.

You can find all the paints in the paints collection: to work out which product suits your surface, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or advice.