Paint - types and choices

The chart below shows you what choices you have for the 'finishing' coats as they are called. These are the top coats designed to achieve the look and level of protection you require. Simply read across from the existing coating to see what finishes are possible. For a description of each finish coat, see the paint systems page.

If you don't know whether the surface has been coated with oil based paint or water based paint, you can use this simple test as a guide:

Take a sponge and wet it. Wipe the sponge over the surface to leave a water residue. Now examine the surface. If the water has formed into droplets like rain on a polished car, the paint is oil based. If, however, the water lays evenly over the surface, it is a good indication that it is likely to be water based.

For help with preparing and priming surfaces, use the links below

• Preparation - general
• Distemper
• Preparation - walls and ceilings
• Preparation - woodwork and trim
• Priming bare surfaces