How to choose paint
with EDWARD BULMER
Lesson 10 of 24
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Understanding which type of paint is needed for different parts of your project can be confusing. Edward walks you through all the factors you need to consider.
From the Lesson Workbook
How to Choose Paint
Early on in any project, you will need to work out the criteria you need to fulfil and the specifications you are working to in order to choose the best, most appropriate paint.
01 What surface of substrate are you painting?
- What are its qualities and do you need specialist paint to suit these?
- Wooden panelling will require a different coating to a metal radiator.
02 How does this surface act?
- Does it expand? Is it susceptible to moisture?
- More often than not, you will be painting a plaster wall. This requires a breathable paint, and I recommend looking for paint containing natural binders such as lime or clay.
- Look into the SD value to determine the breathability of the paint.
03 What are your own criteria?
- Is there anything you are unwilling to compromise?
- What is your budget? How does this impact the paint you can buy?
04 Do you need to prepare the substrate, and how?
- Is a primer required, and if so, which one?
- Every paint will have its own preparatory system, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
05 What sustainability credentials does the paint have?
- Investigate how the paint is made. Even if a paint says it is eco-friendly, you may have to dig deeper.
- Are the ingredients free from fossil fuel derivatives?
06 How durable do you need the paint to be?
- Paint containing binder will fare pretty well against scuffs and splashes.
- Eggshell finishes typically contain more binder.
- Matt emulsion paints that claim to be wipeable will likely contain microplastics which are problematic for the environment.
The main things I look for in a paint
- Below are the three crucial criteria I apply when choosing paint
- Its ability to support and maintain the building it's applied to
- It shouldn't unnecessarily represent an environmental burden
- The occupants of the building should not be adversely affected
Your Assignment
Use the table below to assess the properties of a few different paints and determine which best meets your criteria and specifications.
| | Paint 1 | Paint 2 | Paint 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| What surface is the paint suited to? | | | |
| What is the SD value? | | | |
| How much does it cost per 2.5L? | | | |
| Does it require preparation before application? | | | |
| What are its binders made from? | | | |
| Are any of the ingredients derived from fossil fuels? | | | |
| What is its VOC level? | | | |
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Your Instructor
Edward Bulmer
Award-winning interior designer, architectural historian, paint expert. House & Garden Top 100.
Edward Bulmer is one of the UK’s leading interior designers and architectural historians, specialising in the restoration and decoration of historic buildings. After studying History of Art at university, Edward trained under legendary designer David Mlinaric CBE, as well as working for Alec Cobbe, and Gervase Jackson-Stops OBE, who was architectural advisor to the National Trust. Alongside running his own paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, Edward has led a highly successful design team for over 30 years, working on some of England’s greatest country houses as well as a range of private and commercial projects including Goodwood, the Tower of London, Chequers and the Arts Club.
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