Interior Painting in Greenwich, New Haven, Hartford, & New London

Long-Lasting Interior Paint

How many different paints would you useon a children's room? Ask a painter, and the answer may surprise you.

This is because a professional painting contractor will know that while the walls of a children's room may need to be stain-resistant, durable, and scrubbable, your children aren't likely to reach the ceiling any time soon. They're likely to choose a thinner, less-expensive paint there to save you unnecessary expenses.

Similarly, a higher grade of paint may be called for in areas where there is a lot of casual contact and wear and tear. A painter is likely to choose a high-grade paint for a doorway, for example, which will be in constant contact with oils from fingers, and impacts from rings. Use a low-grade paint, and constant maintenance will be needed to keep up the appearance.

Mold- & Moisture-Resistance

Some rooms -- such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements -- are much more humid than others! Unless the paint you use is designed to resist the potential damage caused by moisture and mildew, your newly painted space could be quickly ruined.

Paints used in "damp" areas are specially formulated to hold up in humid conditions, and will often have antimicrobial properties that will help it resist mildew and bacterial growth.

In a basement, your paints will need to deal with moisture in a very different way. When in contact with damp earth, water vapor can make its way through masonry of many kinds (brick, stucco, fiber cement, cinder block, etc).

This water can react with the high PH of the masonry to hydrolyze the vinyl acetate portion of paint binders, which will badly deteriorate the coating films.

This moisture can also create a buildup of a white, powdery mineral salt known as "efflorescence" behind the paint. Together, these forces combine to cause improperly selected paints to peel, blister, and crack off surfaces. Which paints work best for dealing with each type of moisture? At Scholar Painting & Restoration, we can consult with you and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each choice!

A Sophisticated, Professional Appeal

Is your paint designed for the maximum impact for the room it's going on? A well-lit area such as a sun room will need a paint that's able to hold up to UV rays without fading its colors, while a semigloss paint is ideal for doors, windows, trim and shutters -- providing added protection and visual appeal.

If you're painting a surface with many imperfections, you'll find that it's best complemented by paint that has a matte finish. This type of paint minimizes the reflective light that tends to highlights flaws in the wall, keeping your space looking as good as possible.

Consumer Reports (June 2007) warns that companies are constantly reformulating their paints and stains -- particularly as the EPA tightens its safety regulations. An experienced, painter will be up-to-date on evolving brands.

Paint With Acceptable VOC Levels

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reports that most conventional paints and coatings contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) that are off-gassed from the paint.

These compounds are added to the paint to enhance product performance and shelf life, or can by the byproducts of the drying process. Examples of these chemicals include benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene.

Individuals who are sensitive to VOC's may experience a variety of adverse health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, nausea, and even damage to internal organs. Some VOC's are also classified as carcinogens).

A paint that is used primarily outdoors may have a high VOC level that makes it inadvisable for indoor use.

An experienced painting company will be able to advise you on the potential health hazards of these chemicals, which products are safest, and how to best manage any VOC risk that may occur.