There was once a time when paint was nothing more than plant and flower pigments mixed with egg yolk, or milk mixed with colored pigments, then dried and left ready to be applied. Now, wander down the paint aisle in any hardware store when planning your next do-it-yourself project and be surrounded by the endless paint choices. Glossy, latex, enamels, oil based, water based, primers, cans of spray paint, and an equally large assortment of paint brushes hanging from ceiling to floor. And the colors! Hundreds of shades representing every inch of the color wheel, like simple white paint, are coined with clever names—navajo white, ancient ivory, frosting, cream fleece, ashwood, white heron, moonshine, linen, bone white. Where does one even begin?

When it comes to paint, one size does not fit all. Matching paint with material is essential—so before you hit the paint aisle, and lay out your drop cloth, ready to dip your brush and make a color transformation, here are a few simple things to consider about the endless options out there…

Primer
Primer is your base coat. It is what prepares your surface, giving it a solid foundation for the paint to follow. Primer and sand paper are your best friends when it comes to a revamp with paint. They insure that your surface’s previous flaws are hidden and covered. Primers are available for all surfaces—metals, bare wood, stained wood, plastic—just check to make sure it matches up!

Water-Based
Water-based paint is the favorite when it comes to easy clean-up and fast application. With two coats, your surface can be finished in a day. Water is the “solvent” in the paint mixture—solvent being the term for spreadability. The “binder” in water based paint (or what makes the paint stick to its surface) is acrylic, vinyl, or a mixture of both.

Oil-Based
Oil-based typically take longer to dry. It slowly flattens out, which in turn, hides brush marks much better than a quick drying paint. Oil-based paint is extremely durable in comparison to latex paints, with petroleum as the solvent. What makes oil based paints adhere to its surface are natural oils or resin. Unlike water-based, any clean up requires turpentine or mineral spirits, and the odor midst project is a bit more noticeable. Use oil based on already painted surfaces and primed walls for a rich look.

Gloss
This is the finish. From low to high, the gloss spectrum looks like this: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Flat gloss is dull and hides imperfections where in contrast high gloss gives off shine, drawing attention to any flaws. Before settling with your paint finish, test it out. Dab a bit on a wooden surface and wait for it to dry—this is a sure way to make sure you like what you get!

Samples
You may be indecisive and unable to pick out a paint color for the life of you. Or you may just love a new hue each week, so you are constantly priming and painting everything in sight. So instead of buying paint, you go indulge in frozen yogurt because your flavor and toppings are, in fact, something you can make a decision on. Sound familiar? This is where sample sizes are completely brilliant. Choose a paint swatch, or two, or three, and for under three dollars each, you can walk away with paint samples. Samples do come as matte, so you will not be able to test your finish—but how wonderful to spend little and explore your color options! And myth be busted, paint samples go a lot further than they seem.

Surface Prepping
Another important part of painting is prepping your surface, before the primer and paint even enter the picture. For bare wood, sand until the surface is smooth. For pre-painted or sealed wood, clean with a non-residue cleaner, and roughen the surface with 150-grit sand paper, wiping clean before applying primer and paint—this will assure your new paint color stays put. For metal, remove any rust or flaking with a wire brush, then sand and rinse with water allowing the surface to air dry before applying your new coat or paint. Sand plastic surfaces lightly and wipe clean. Spray paint or acrylic works best on plastic. For fabric painting, wash and allow your material to air dry. Stretch your fabric out and lay flat before applying paint. Most paints “set” on fabric once you’ve sent them through the dryer—and be sure to use a water based paint with fabric!

Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way.” May your painting endeavors be a way for you to express those things you can’t say with words—even if only through a few color hues. No matter your canvas—your kitchen wall, a thrifted dresser, or a set of upcycled chairs—may your coats of paint reflect new life and purpose for the things you put your paintbrush to.