HDB housing facilities are a popular option for those living in Singapore, but when moving in, you might want to spruce up the look and feel of your new residence with a fresh coat of paint. However, with the wide variety of paints available, it can be a little daunting to pick the right type of paint for your HDB painting project. Each type of paint has its own unique features and specific application. While the best option always is to consult a provider of HDB painting services in Singapore to help you with the process, having an understanding of the different paint types is beneficial for you. Let us walk you through the basic paint types and their specific applications.
Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints, also known as latex paints, are the most common type of house paint used in Singapore. Useful for both interior and exterior applications, these paints come in a wide range of colours. Water-based paints are easy to clean up, have a minimal odour, and are eco-friendly. They also dry quickly – typically within four to six hours – making them ideal for a quick HDB painting job.
Water-based paints can be applied on various surfaces such as plaster, drywall, concrete, and brick. They are suitable for rooms that are exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They also work well for children’s rooms, since they emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is what people tend to refer to as the “new paint smell,” making them safe for indoor use.
While a coat of water-based paint typically resists fading and cracking over time, unless you are a professional painter, achieving an even finish can be a challenge. This is where a provider of HDB painting services would be able to support you by using the right equipment to ensure a smooth application. Odourless, washable water-based paints are one of the most popular paint options used in the interiors of homes and offices.
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints are known for their durability and glossy finish. They are ideal for exterior applications because they can withstand harsh weather conditions. They are also suitable for interior applications, especially on surfaces that experience a lot of wear and tear, such as baseboards and trims.
Oil-based paints take longer to dry than water-based paints, but they offer better coverage and protection against moisture and mildew. They emit more VOCs than water-based paints, making them less eco-friendly. However, well-experienced providers of professional HDB painting services in Singapore, such as Painting Pro, will be able to recommend low-VOC or zero-VOC oil-based paints that are safe for indoor use.
As oil-based paints dry harder than water-based ones, they are more likely to become brittle over time, which may result in cracking. Thus, when using this paint, it is important to ensure that the surface being painted is dry and evenly levelled, or it may result in the paint eventually peeling off.
It is highly recommended that an oil-based sealer be used as a base coat, as it offers a myriad of benefits. It primes the surfaces to be painted, covers existing colours, stains, dirt, and material such as putty, kills germs and mould spores on surfaces, and fills in hairline cracks, while allowing the new coat of paint to adhere better.
Textured Paints and Special Effects Paint
Textured paints are ideal for creating special effects on walls and ceilings. They come in a wide range of textures, from rough and sandy, to smooth and velvety. Textured paints can be applied with a roller, brush, or spray, and are the ideal option to cover up imperfections in a wall, or to make a space more interesting.
Textured paints are ideal for rooms that are frequently used, such as the living room, as they can hide dirt and scuffs. They are also suitable for walls with cracks or uneven surfaces. However, these paints need to be chosen and applied with care, and you may want to consult HDB painting services for this purpose. This is because while the right paint can add dynamics to a room, the wrong choice can leave it looking messy or cluttered.
Painting Pro also offers special effects painting, where each featured wall is hand-painted using special metallic, glossy, or matte paint in a colour of your choice, with special brush strokes that create a unique, one-of-a-kind wall that is guaranteed to make any room stand out.
Anti-Mould Paint
Anti-mould paint, as the name implies, is a specialised type of paint that is designed to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. They typically contain fungicides or similar chemicals that will inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause mould growth, while being safe for humans. Anti-mould paint is available in a variety of colours and finishes, so it places no limitations on the design of your home.
This paint is especially useful for bathrooms and kitchens, where damp and humid conditions are commonplace, as it helps maintain a hygienic environment. A provider of HDB painting services in Singapore would typically recommend this type of paint for use in such spaces, but may also identify other areas that require anti-mould paint after assessing your premises.
They would also take special measures to prepare the painting surface to ensure the paint adheres properly and provides lasting protection. Our painting experts also provide customised advice on mould prevention based on each individual customer’s needs and lifestyle.
How Painting Pro Can Help You Choose the Right Paint
With all the paints and brands to choose from, it can be challenging to select what finally adorns your walls. You’ll have to balance between the colours and textures for the mood you want, and the right type of paint to suit your usage and surroundings.
This is why we recommend that you rely on the professional HDB painting services in Singapore provided by Painting Pro. We are not only familiar with the varieties of paint and their applications, but we can also choose the right brands to suit your budget. In doing so, we guarantee the use of genuine paint from the particular brand you want, without diluting or substituting products to cut corners.
Contact us today for a site visit and quote, and we’ll give you a free-of-charge estimate for your next HDB painting project with a full breakdown of the costs involved!
