Although a garage will serve the critical function of offering you the storage for your tools, yard equipment, vehicles, and other belongings, it might be the latest room that you can consider when it comes to improving the aesthetics of your home. However, you might find it challenging for the type of paint that suits your garage walls. Fortunately, with a simple coat of paint, you can transform your garage into an attractive space. This guide highlights more about the best paint for garage walls.
What is the best type of paint for your garage walls?
The best type of garage paint depends on the kinds of walls that you have. Typically, garage walls are constructed using brick, drywall, concrete, or wood materials. For every material, you can use latex or oil as the primary basis of paint.
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paint can be ideal for the exterior walls of your garage. That is because it is more durable than latex or water-based paints and can take longer to dry. The paint can be made of natural(linseed) or synthetic(alkyd) oils. You can best use oil-based paint when trimming your garage wall. The paint will work because the trim of walls will take lots of beating from excess use of garage walls and can last for an extended period.
Latex-based paint
Latex paint is the most popular choice that most people use when painting their garage walls. Below are some of the reasons why latex-based might be your ideal option.
It is non-toxic
Latex-based paints are less toxic and have a limited odor than oil-based paints. However, regardless of the paint, you use for your garage wall, it is critical to have adequate ventilation. When it is used, its odor will dissipate faster after it has dried on the interior walls.
It is non-flammable
Most oil-based paints have highly flammable components. Such components are considered toxic, and you are supposed to dispose of them according to state regulations. Fortunately, latex paint is more environmentally friendly, meaning it is not hazardous and can be disposed of like regular waste.
Dries up quickly
If you need a second coat when painting your garage wall, you will be required to wait less than one hour to apply the second coat.
Latex-based paints are easy to clean up and need an inconsiderable effort to achieve the desired finish. There are three major types of latex paints, including 100 percent acrylic, alkyd-modified latex, and vinyl-acrylic. The 100 percent acrylic paint has the highest performance, and it can retain color for an extended period and provide good adhesion. The vinyl acrylic is the most affordable and best suited for interior garage walls, while the alkyd-modified latex paint is ideal for exterior wall painting, especially when siding the ones that might have been peeled or chalked.
Tips when choosing the best garage paint
Color
The color of the pain should reflect your mood and personality. The most popular color paints you can choose include neutral green, beige, neural blue.
No volatile organic compounds (VOC)
You should avoid paints that release harmful VOC compounds after they dry off. If you overexpose yourself to VOCs, you can irritate your throat, nose, and eyes, contributing to nausea, skin rashes, and dizziness.
Durability
The durability of paint depends on the type and quality of ingredients used to design it. Typically, the paint will consist of pigments, a binder, and a base. Water-based paints tend to be a film that will enable water vapor to pass through, while oil-based paint can trap water vapor, causing the paint to crack and peel off. For that reason, water-based paints are the best for unfinished garage walls that experience high humidity and heat, while oil-based paint is more resistant to physical damage. In summation, high-quality latex paints with 100 percent acrylic binders and a high percentage of solids tend to be more durable.
You need to know that the best paint for garage walls will depend on the type of garage that you have and your needs and preferences. Generally, getting lighter-colored paint can assist in improving the lighting conditions of your garage. It is also critical to use more resilient and durable paint if you experience condensation issues in your garage.