Types of Paint

Paint types

Different paint types use different binders and formulas, which affect surface compatibility, application, drying time, finish, and durability.

Compare paint types

Compare common paint types by project fit, characteristics, application, drying and curing, finish, durability, and their main limitations.

Paint type	Common project fit	Typical characteristics	Common application	Drying and curing	Finish and durability	Main limitation
Acrylic Paint	Art, crafts, décor, and many prepared surfaces	Water-based and versatile; working properties vary by product and medium	Brush, palette knife, pouring, or airbrush and spray formulas	Dries quickly; full curing and safe recoating depend on the product and layer thickness	Matte to glossy; durability varies, and handled or exposed work may need protection	Short open time and variable adhesion on slick, flexible, or heavily handled materials
Oil Paint	Canvas, prepared panels, and other stable art supports	Drying-oil binder with extended blending time and strong color depth	Brush, palette knife, glazing, and layered painting	Dries slowly and may require long intervals before later layers or final varnish	Wide finish range with a durable film on a properly prepared, stable support	Slow drying and the need for appropriate sizing or ground on absorbent supports
Latex Paint	Walls, ceilings, drywall, plaster, woodwork, and prepared masonry or metal	Water-based architectural paint available in many sheens and purpose-specific formulas	Brush, roller, or airless sprayer	Usually dries and recoats relatively quickly, while full cure and washability take longer	Flat to glossy; durability and cleanability generally rise with the formula and sheen	Ordinary wall paint is not automatically suitable for floors, constant moisture, or difficult substrates
Spray Paint	Projects needing fast, even coverage on an approved material	Aerosol coating whose compatibility and performance depend heavily on the specific formula	Several controlled, overlapping light passes from the specified distance	Often surface-dries quickly, but recoat windows and full curing are product-specific	Matte to glossy with durability determined by the formula, substrate, primer, and exposure	Overspray and the risk of poor adhesion or material damage when the formula does not match the surface
High-Heat Paint	Grills, stoves, firepits, fireplace screens, engines, and other heat-exposed metal	Specialty coating formulated to retain its finish at temperatures far above ordinary paint	Brush or spray depending on the system, after exact rust, scale, grease, and contamination removal	Drying and heat-curing are product-specific; some systems use no primer while others require a dedicated high-heat primer	Usually durable and corrosion-resistant when used within the rated temperature and exposure limits	Temperature ratings vary widely, and many products are not suitable for direct flame or interior firebox exposure
Intumescent Paint	Passive fire protection on approved steel, wood, drywall, concrete, and tested assemblies	Specialty coating that expands under high heat to form an insulating char layer over the substrate	Applied as part of a specified primer, intumescent layer, and optional topcoat system at a required film thickness	Drying, recoating, inspection, and required dry-film thickness are system-specific and tied to the tested fire-protection design	Normally smooth in service, then expands dramatically under fire exposure to slow heat transfer	The coating name alone does not establish a fire rating; substrate, assembly, primer, film thickness, topcoat, and tested specification must all match
Conductive Paint	EMI/RFI shielding, grounding, ESD control, circuit work, and electrically conductive surfaces	Conductive pigments such as carbon, graphite, nickel, silver-coated copper, or silver dispersed in acrylic, water-based, epoxy, or other binders	Brush, roller, spray, pen, or other product-specific application with the required film thickness and electrical connection	One-part coatings generally air dry while two-part epoxies cure after mixing; electrical performance depends on the completed film and cure	Functional conductive film whose shielding, conductivity, adhesion, and durability depend on coating chemistry and thickness	Substrate compatibility and electrical performance vary widely, so the coating must match the material and electrical design
Paint Markers	Lettering, illustration, customization, crafts, signs, and detail work on approved surfaces	Opaque pigmented color delivered through a marker tip; water-based and oil-based formulas behave differently	Direct marking, drawing, outlining, lettering, and controlled detail work	Usually quick-drying, while fixation, sealing, and full permanence are surface- and formula-specific	Opaque marks ranging from matte to glossy, with durability depending strongly on the surface and marker chemistry	Smooth nonporous surfaces may remain removable or need a compatible protective finish, and formulas are not interchangeable
Watercolor Paint	Transparent art, illustration, and studies on paper or specially prepared supports	Water-based, transparent, and usually reworkable with water after drying	Washes, glazing, wet-on-wet painting, and controlled dry-brush work	Dries quickly through evaporation but does not become a waterproof cured film	Usually transparent and matte; pigment lightfastness and protected display strongly affect longevity	Water sensitivity, paper buckling, and the need for a watercolor-specific ground on other surfaces
Enamel Paint	Trim, furniture, metal, ceramic, tile, and other hard-wearing approved surfaces	Designed to form a smooth, durable coating; water-based and solvent-based products differ	Brush, roller, or spray depending on the selected product	Surface drying, recoating, and hard curing vary substantially by formula	Usually smooth and hard-wearing, commonly in satin or glossy finishes	The enamel label alone does not establish the formula, approved surface, primer, or curing method
Metallic Paint	Decorative walls, furniture, woodwork, metal accents, and other approved surfaces	Reflective particles create a metal-like shimmer or sheen; formulas range from architectural coatings to specialty finishes	Brush, roller, or spray depending on the selected metallic system	Drying and recoating are product-specific; consistent application helps keep the reflective appearance even	Metal-like satin, shimmer, or reflective finishes with durability determined by the system and exposure	Surface defects, inconsistent application, or the wrong base color can make the metallic finish look uneven
Hammered Paint	Metal furniture, fixtures, décor, tools, and approved multi-surface decorative projects	Specialty coating formulated to create a dimpled hand-hammered appearance; many formulas also emphasize adhesion and rust prevention	Usually sprayed in controlled medium coats, with the application pattern helping the hammered texture develop evenly	Drying and recoating are product-specific; paint-and-primer formulas may not require a separate primer on every approved surface	Durable decorative hammered texture that can visually reduce the prominence of minor surface imperfections	Substrate approval varies by formula, and flexible plastics or vinyl can limit long-term adhesion and durability
Reflective Paint	Nighttime visibility, safety accents, signs, gates, mailboxes, and approved decorative surfaces	Specialty coating that returns direct light toward the viewer rather than storing light for an afterglow	Usually sprayed in several light coats on approved metal, wood, plastic, concrete, or masonry	Drying is product-specific; several light coats build the effect more reliably than one heavy wet coat	Semi-transparent reflective finish whose visibility depends on direct illumination and viewing conditions	It does not glow independently in darkness, and surface approval, primer needs, and reflectivity vary by product and substrate
Iridescent Paint	Art, illustration, mixed media, and decorative effects on acrylic-ready supports	Reflective pearlescent particles create luminous effects that change with light and viewing angle; some interference colors shift more strongly	Brush, airbrush, marker, or mixed-media application depending on the acrylic formula	Dries according to the acrylic formulation; the visible effect depends strongly on the base color and film thickness	Pearlescent, lustrous, metallic-like, or color-shifting effects depending on the pigment and viewing conditions	The effect can change dramatically over light versus dark bases and can be altered by varnish or medium sheen
Chalk Paint	Furniture, cabinetry, home décor, and decorative makeovers	Water-based decorative paint known for a very matte appearance and strong adhesion	Brush, roller, or compatible spray formula	Usually dries quickly, but waxes and protective topcoats add their own curing time	Very matte and decorative; unsealed wear resistance is limited, while a compatible topcoat improves protection	Handled, stain-prone, glossy, or moisture-exposed pieces may still need primer or a protective finish
Chalkboard Paint	Writable walls, signs, boards, furniture panels, and other approved indoor surfaces	Functional coating formulated to accept chalk writing and repeated erasing after curing	Brush, foam roller, or spray depending on the selected product	Requires the stated cure before use and may need initial conditioning by rubbing chalk over the surface	Usually matte and designed for repeated chalk writing, erasing, and gentle cleaning	Surface smoothness, primer needs, indoor-use limits, and curing are product-specific; it is not the same as decorative chalk paint
Dry-Erase Paint	Writable indoor walls, boards, calendars, workspaces, and smooth prepared surfaces	Functional coating formulated to create a hard surface for dry-erase marker writing and wiping	Usually rolled or brushed over a very smooth, properly primed base	Requires the full stated cure before writing or erasing; a white base commonly improves brightness and adhesion	Glossy, hard, writable and erasable when the coating is fully cured and kept within its indoor-use limits	Surface defects show readily, and incomplete curing or unsuitable preparation can reduce erasability and durability
Epoxy Paint	Concrete floors, prepared metal, tile systems, and other demanding applications	May be a true two-part coating or a one-part epoxy-modified paint; the systems are not interchangeable	Brush, roller, or squeegee as directed, with mixing required for two-part systems	Two-part products have limited working time and require a stated recoat and full-cure schedule	Can produce a hard, wear-resistant finish when the complete system suits the substrate and exposure	Demanding preparation, moisture limits, mixing accuracy, pot life, and cure requirements
Anti-Slip Paint	Porches, patios, walkways, pool decks, ramps, steps, and other approved wood or concrete walking surfaces	Textured floor coating formulated to improve traction on properly prepared walking surfaces	Brush, roller, or compatible texture sprayer after cleaning, repairs, profiling, and substrate-specific priming	Drying, recoating, and traffic readiness are product-specific and must be completed before regular use	Textured low-lustre slip-resistant finish designed for foot traffic on approved surfaces	Not every anti-slip floor paint is suitable for garage floors, automotive tires, every substrate, or every wet-service condition
Antifouling Paint	Underwater boat hulls and other approved marine surfaces exposed to fouling	Specialty bottom coating available in hard, ablative, polishing, copper-based, and copper-free systems	Brush, roller, or approved spray application over the required cleaned, prepared, and primed underwater substrate	Drying, recoating, minimum and maximum launch windows, and immersion requirements are product-specific	Underwater fouling-control film; hard and ablative systems differ in wear, renewal, and paint buildup	Biocide chemistry, local rules, water conditions, and hull material matter; some copper antifouling products can seriously corrode aluminum
Gouache Paint	Illustration, design work, studies, and opaque artwork on paper or approved supports	Opaque, water-based, quick-drying, and usually matte and reworkable	Brush application in relatively thin, flat layers with water used to adjust flow	Dries within minutes in thin layers; traditional gouache remains water-sensitive and can be reactivated	Flat, velvety matte color that is best protected from moisture and abrasion	Heavy layers may crack, and traditional gouache is less durable on flexible, wet, or handled surfaces
Acrylic Gouache	Illustration, design, color blocking, mixed media, and opaque acrylic artwork	Highly pigmented acrylic paint designed for an opaque, flat matte appearance without traditional gouache reactivation	Brush application, layering, illustration, collage, and mixed-media techniques	Dries quickly to a permanent, water-resistant acrylic film	Flat matte and opaque, with greater water resistance after drying than traditional gouache	Its permanent acrylic film cannot be reactivated and blended with water after drying like traditional gouache
Fabric Paint	Fabric, denim, garments, accessories, and textile décor	Textile-specific coating designed to remain more flexible than ordinary craft or household paint	Brush, sponge, marker, stencil, or textile spray formula	Must complete the product's drying, curing, and sometimes heat-setting process before use or washing	Flexible and potentially washable when matched to the textile and fully cured	Fiber compatibility, application thickness, and incomplete curing can reduce flexibility or wash resistance
Leather Paint	Leather, vinyl, canvas, shoes, bags, and flexible accessories	Flexible specialty coating, commonly acrylic-based, designed to move with properly prepared material	Brush, sponge, or airbrush, with surface-specific preparation or additives when required	Thin coats dry relatively quickly; full cure and any fabric heat-setting remain product-specific	Flexible, durable color with optional compatible finishers for sheen and added protection	Factory finishes, oils, plasticizers, or the wrong additive can reduce adhesion or flexibility
Vinyl Paint	Vinyl seats, dashboards, upholstery, trim, luggage, furniture, and other approved flexible surfaces	Flexible specialty coating; some products use vinyl resin while others use lacquer or other binders with adhesion promoters	Usually sprayed onto thoroughly cleaned vinyl or another specifically approved flexible material	Many formulas dry quickly, while full cure and handling readiness remain product-specific	Flexible decorative finish designed to resist cracking, peeling, and rubbing during normal movement	Material and exposure approval vary by formula, so interior vinyl coating should not be assumed suitable for exterior, marine, rubber, leather, or every plastic
Glass Paint	Glassware, glazed ceramic, vases, decorative objects, and similar slick surfaces	Specialty coating formulated to adhere to smooth nonporous glass or glazed surfaces	Usually brushed, sponged, marked, or outlined onto thoroughly degreased glass	Air curing or oven curing depends on the product; washing should wait until the stated cure is complete	Transparent, opaque, satin, glossy, frosted, or metallic finishes depending on the formula	Food-contact, dishwasher, heat, and washing claims are product-specific and require exact curing
Ceramic Paint	Ceramic, porcelain, earthenware, and approved decorative glass	Specialty coating formulated for fired ceramic surfaces, including glazed and low-porosity materials	Brush, sponge, marker, or other decorative application on a clean grease-free surface	Some products air cure while others require oven curing for greater wash resistance	Decorative enamel-like, glossy, satin, or other finishes depending on the selected product	Food contact, oven compatibility, porosity, and washing limits must match the exact product and object
Tempera Paint	School art, crafts, posters, and decorative projects on approved materials	Modern ready-mixed tempera is generally water-based, opaque, and distinct from traditional artist tempera	Brush, sponge, stamp, or other simple craft techniques	Usually dries quickly; permanence and water resistance depend on the exact product	Typically matte and decorative, with washable formulas prioritizing cleanup over long-term wear	Ordinary craft tempera is not intended for weather, washing, food contact, or heavily handled finishes
Traditional Tempera	Fine-art painting on rigid prepared boards and wood panels	Artist paint made with an emulsion binder; egg yolk is the best-known traditional binder, but broader tempera recipes also exist	Fine brushwork and controlled layering over a smooth absorbent ground	Generally fast-drying in thin layers, with exact behavior depending on the binder and recipe	Typically matte to softly luminous and durable on a stable, properly prepared rigid support	The word tempera does not always identify the exact binder, so historical or museum records may require more specific material evidence
Egg Tempera	Fine-art painting on rigid panels prepared with a smooth tempera-compatible ground	Traditional paint made from pigment, egg-yolk binder, and water, usually applied in many thin layers	Fine brushwork, crosshatching, glazing, scumbling, and layered panel painting	Thin layers dry very quickly, while the completed painting continues to mature after application	Fine, luminous, durable surface on a properly prepared rigid support	Flexible supports and unsuitable grounds can stress or weaken the relatively brittle paint-and-ground system
Casein Paint	Fine-art painting on rigid, porous boards and wood panels	Water-based paint using casein milk protein as its binder, with a fast-drying matte film	Brush painting, thin washes, opaque layering, illustration, and panel painting	Dries quickly to the touch and becomes increasingly water-resistant as the film cures	Matte, opaque to translucent depending on dilution, and durable on a suitable rigid support	The cured film is relatively brittle, so flexible supports and unsuitable grounds can lead to cracking
Encaustic Paint	Wax painting and mixed media on rigid, absorbent, heat-resistant supports	Pigment suspended in a wax-based medium that is melted for application and fused with heat	Heated brushwork, layering, scraping, incising, collage, and controlled heat fusing	Wax solidifies as it cools; layers are fused with controlled heat rather than cured like ordinary paint	Luminous wax surface ranging from translucent to opaque, with substantial physical depth possible	Requires heat, rigid support, ventilation and fire-safety awareness, and surfaces able to tolerate wax weight and repeated warming
Lacquer Paint	Furniture, cabinetry, woodwork, metal, and approved automotive or decorative surfaces	Fast-drying coating available in nitrocellulose, acrylic, and catalyzed systems	Usually sprayed, with some brush-on products available	Often dries quickly, while recoating, polishing, and full curing remain product-specific	Can produce a smooth, hard finish ranging from matte to high gloss	Solvents and different lacquer chemistries can react with incompatible primers or existing finishes
Polyurethane Paint	Wood, concrete floors, prepared metal, and demanding commercial or industrial surfaces	Durable urethane-resin coating available as clear, pigmented, one-part, and two-part products	Brush, roller, squeegee, or spray depending on the selected system	Two-part products have a limited working time; full hardness and service readiness require the stated cure	Strong resistance to wear, weather, or chemicals when the formula matches the exposure	Products vary widely and may require exact mixing, ventilation, primer, and professional application
Masonry Paint	Concrete, brick, stone, cinder block, and other approved mineral surfaces	Formulated for porous masonry, with location and moisture performance varying by product	Brush, roller, or suitable masonry spray equipment	Drying and recoating are product-specific, and new masonry may require substantial curing before painting	Usually flat or low-sheen with durability tied to substrate condition, moisture, and exposure rating	Active moisture, uncured masonry, efflorescence, or the wrong wall-versus-floor product can cause failure
Elastomeric Paint	Exterior vertical stucco, concrete, concrete block, brick, and approved adjacent trim surfaces	Flexible high-build exterior coating designed to expand and contract and bridge compatible hairline cracking	Brush, heavy-nap roller, or airless spray after curing, cleaning, moisture correction, and crack repair	Requires the stated cure and recoat schedule; primer needs depend on porosity, repairs, chalking, wood, or metal	Low-sheen, flexible, weather-resistant wall finish with greater film build than ordinary masonry paint	Primarily for approved vertical exterior surfaces; larger cracks still need repair and horizontal foot-traffic areas require another system
Textured Paint	Decorative exterior walls and approved concrete, stucco, block, wood, or metal surfaces	Architectural coating formulated to create visible texture and reduce the appearance of minor surface irregularities	Roller, brush, spray, or texture-specific application depending on the selected coating and desired pattern	Drying and recoating are product-specific; a sound, properly primed base is needed for even texture and adhesion	Flat to textured decorative finish whose appearance depends strongly on application method and substrate	Texture does not repair structural defects, and many architectural products are not intended for floors
Emulsion Paint	Interior walls and ceilings, especially drywall and plaster	Water-based architectural coating; the term overlaps with latex and acrylic wall paints	Brush, roller, or suitable sprayer	Usually dries and recoats relatively quickly, while full hardness and washability develop later	Flat decorative finishes through more washable sheens, depending on the selected formula	The name is broad, so damp-area suitability, cleanability, substrate approval, and sheen remain product-specific
Distemper Paint	Traditional interior plaster, ceilings, decorative work, and compatible porous wall surfaces	Water-based traditional coating using mineral pigments with a glue- or protein-based binder	Usually brush-applied in thin coats to a sound, porous, compatible interior surface	Dries by water evaporation; exact sizing, recoating, and curing depend on the distemper formulation	Very matte and breathable, especially in traditional soft-distemper systems	Less washable and abrasion-resistant than modern wall paint and sensitive to incompatible sealed or damp substrates
Alkyd Paint	Trim, cabinets, doors, wood, metal, aluminum, and other hard-wearing surfaces	Known for smooth leveling and durability; traditional solvent-borne and newer waterborne formulas differ	Brush, roller, or spray depending on the formula	Often develops hardness more slowly than ordinary wall paint; recoat and cure vary by product	Smooth, durable finish commonly used where trim, doors, and cabinets receive regular handling	Traditional and waterborne alkyds can differ significantly in application, drying, and approved use
Milk Paint	Furniture, raw wood, porous masonry, rustic walls, and decorative restoration	Traditional-style product mixed from powder and water, known for a matte and naturally varied appearance	Brush application in thin coats, with mixing and occasional stirring during use	Often dries quickly; bonding additives and protective topcoats have their own schedules	Matte and breathable on porous materials; wax, oil, or another compatible topcoat can improve protection	Adhesion becomes less predictable on sealed or previously finished surfaces without testing or a bonding method
Limewash Paint	Absorbent brick, stone, concrete, plaster, and other approved mineral walls	Slaked-lime mineral paint that penetrates porous material and carbonates as it dries	Usually brush-applied in thin coats, with dampening or a prep coat used when directed	Surface appearance develops quickly while carbonation and weathering continue over time	Breathable, very matte, and naturally varied, often with an aged appearance	Traditional limewash needs a compatible absorbent surface and is not automatically suitable for sealed walls or floors
Glow-in-the-Dark Paint	Decorative accents, signs, crafts, and effects on approved surfaces	Photoluminescent coating that stores light and releases it after the light source is removed	Brush-on coats or an approved aerosol and spray formula	Drying and curing are product-specific; the finished coating must be charged with light before glowing	Daytime finish varies; glow brightness and duration depend on the base color, coating buildup, and charge	The glow fades until recharged and performs best with the specified light base and sufficient coating
Fluorescent Paint	Bright art, signs, accents, crafts, and high-visibility decorative work on approved surfaces	Highly vivid fluorescent pigments appear especially bright under strong light and ultraviolet illumination	Brush, marker, or spray depending on whether the product is an artist acrylic or specialty coating	Usually dries according to the underlying paint formula; a white or light base often improves brightness	Very bright color under illumination but no stored afterglow once the light source is removed	Fluorescent pigments can be less lightfast than conventional colors, and surface compatibility depends on the exact formula
Water-Mixable Oil Paint	Canvas, prepared panels, paper, and other oil-ready art supports	Genuine oil paint made with modified drying oils so it can mix and clean up with water	Brush, palette knife, glazing, and layered oil-painting techniques	Dries by oxidation like traditional oil paint; layer thickness and medium affect drying time	Comparable to traditional oil paint when used on a stable, properly prepared support	Water mixability does not remove the need for oil-compatible grounds, layering, and drying time
Silicate Paint	Brick, concrete, stone, plaster, render, and other compatible mineral surfaces	Mineral paint whose potassium-silicate binder chemically bonds with suitable substrates	Brush, roller, or approved spray equipment as directed by the complete mineral system	Drying and recoating are product-specific as the binder develops its mineral bond	Breathable, matte, durable, and resistant to ultraviolet fading	Sealed, non-mineral, or previously painted surfaces may be incompatible without an approved bridging primer
Magnetic Paint	Interior walls, doors, boards, furniture, and other surfaces intended to hold magnets	Functional coating loaded with iron-rich or magnetite particles to create a magnet-receptive surface	Usually rolled or brushed in multiple coats over a smooth, properly prepared interior surface	Drying and recoating are product-specific; magnet attraction generally improves with magnetic film thickness	Typically dark gray before topcoating; compatible decorative topcoats can change the appearance	Heavy topcoats, rough surfaces, weak magnets, or insufficient magnetic coating thickness can reduce holding strength
Bituminous Paint	Metalwork, concrete, masonry, timber, and utility surfaces needing water and corrosion protection	Bitumen- or asphalt-based protective coating that forms a black water-resistant film	Brush, roller, or approved spray application after cleaning, corrosion removal, and substrate-specific preparation	Drying and recoating are product-specific; porous surfaces may require a compatible bitumen primer	Black protective barrier with strong water and weather resistance, though sunlight can alter appearance	Usually limited in color and breathability, with immersion, UV exposure, topcoating, and substrate approval varying by product
Cement Paint	Concrete, plaster, brick, masonry, and other compatible mineral surfaces	Cement-based or cementitious decorative coating that bonds to prepared porous mineral substrates	Brush, roller, or system-specific application after mixing and substrate preparation	Mixing, dampening, curing, recoating, and bonding requirements vary significantly by product	Usually matte and mineral-like with durability tied closely to substrate condition and moisture	The term varies by market, and sealed, flexible, damp, or non-mineral surfaces may be unsuitable

Browse paint types

Browse individual paint type references for concise definitions, typical uses, surface compatibility, preparation, application, and curing guidance.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint made with pigment and an acrylic polymer binder that forms a durable film on many prepared surfaces.

Oil Paint

Oil paint is a slow-drying art medium made with pigment and a drying-oil binder that allows extended working time, smooth blending, and layered application.

Spray Paint

Spray paint is a liquid coating packaged in a pressurized can and applied as a fine aerosol rather than with a brush or roller.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is a water-based architectural coating made with a synthetic polymer binder and commonly used on interior and exterior building surfaces.

Enamel Paint

Enamel paint is a broad coating category formulated to produce a durable finish, with modern products available in both oil-based and water-based systems.

Watercolor Paint

Watercolor paint is a water-based art medium made with pigment and a water-soluble binder, typically applied in transparent washes on absorbent paper.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is a water-based decorative coating that dries to an ultra-matte finish and is commonly used on furniture and other interior decorative surfaces.

Epoxy Paint

Epoxy paint is a durable resin-based coating, with two-part formulas mixing resin and hardener before use and one-part products using epoxy-modified binders.

Water-Mixable Oil Paint

Water-mixable oil paint is oil paint made with modified drying oils that allow mixing and cleanup with water while retaining the working properties of traditional oils.

Gouache Paint

Gouache paint is an opaque, water-based art medium made with pigment and a water-soluble binder, drying to a matte finish that can be reactivated with water.

Fabric Paint

Fabric paint is a flexible coating formulated to bond with textile fibers and add lasting color or designs without making the material excessively stiff.

Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint is a resin-based coating that levels to a smooth, durable finish and is available in both traditional solvent-based and newer waterborne formulas.

Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paint is a common UK term for water-based wall and ceiling paint, usually made with acrylic or vinyl binder and formulated for a durable finish.

Lacquer Paint

Lacquer paint is a fast-drying coating that forms a smooth, hard finish and is commonly used on furniture, woodwork, and selected metal surfaces.

Polyurethane Paint

Polyurethane paint is a resin-based coating that forms a durable finish, with formulas ranging from clear wood coatings to pigmented industrial systems.

Masonry Paint

Masonry paint is a coating formulated for porous mineral surfaces such as brick and concrete, with products designed for interior, exterior, or both types of exposure.

Paint Markers

Paint markers deliver opaque pigmented color through a marker tip, with water- and oil-based formulas varying in permanence and surface compatibility.

Glass Paint

Glass paint is a specialty coating formulated to adhere to smooth glass or glazed surfaces, with curing requirements that vary by product and may include air or oven curing.

Ceramic Paint

Ceramic paint is a specialty coating for fired ceramic surfaces such as porcelain and earthenware, with some formulas requiring heat curing for added durability.

Leather Paint

Leather paint is a flexible coating designed to bond to leather without becoming overly rigid, with many modern formulas using water-based acrylic binders.

Vinyl Paint

Vinyl paint is a flexible specialty coating used to recolor or restore vinyl and related trim surfaces, with formulas selected for material and exposure.

Tempera Paint

Modern tempera is an opaque, water-based art paint used for school and craft projects, drying quickly and differing from traditional egg tempera.

Acrylic Gouache

Acrylic gouache is an opaque acrylic paint that dries to a flat matte finish while forming a permanent, water-resistant film unlike traditional gouache.

Milk Paint

Milk paint is a water-based coating traditionally made with milk protein, lime, and pigment, often sold as a powder that dries to a matte finish with natural variation.

Chalkboard Paint

Chalkboard paint is a functional coating that creates a writable, erasable chalk surface and is distinct from decorative chalk paint used on furniture and décor.

Dry-Erase Paint

Dry-erase paint is a functional coating formulated to create a smooth surface that can be written on with dry-erase markers and wiped clean after the coating has fully cured.

Metallic Paint

Metallic paint contains reflective particles that create a metal-like shimmer or sheen, with preparation and durability depending on the exact coating formula.

Glow-in-the-Dark Paint

Glow-in-the-dark paint contains phosphorescent pigments that absorb light and release it gradually in darkness after the painted surface has been charged.

Fluorescent Paint

Fluorescent paint uses vivid pigments that appear especially bright under strong or ultraviolet light but do not continue glowing after the light is removed.

Iridescent Paint

Iridescent paint contains reflective pearlescent particles that shift in appearance with light and viewing angle, producing brightness or color changes.

High-Heat Paint

High-heat paint is a specialty coating formulated for metal surfaces exposed to temperatures beyond ordinary paint limits, including grills, stoves, and engines.

Anti-Slip Paint

Anti-slip paint is a textured floor coating formulated to improve traction on walking surfaces, unlike separate anti-slip additives mixed into other coatings.

Elastomeric Paint

Elastomeric paint is a flexible, high-build exterior coating designed to expand and contract with masonry or stucco while bridging minor hairline cracks.

Textured Paint

Textured paint is a decorative coating formulated to create a visibly textured surface and reduce the appearance of minor irregularities without replacing repairs.

Limewash Paint

Limewash paint is a mineral coating made mainly from slaked lime, water, and pigment that soaks into porous surfaces and dries to a breathable matte finish.

Silicate Paint

Silicate paint is a mineral coating made with potassium silicate binder that chemically bonds with compatible mineral surfaces and dries to a breathable matte finish.

Hammered Paint

Hammered paint is a decorative coating formulated to create a dimpled, hand-hammered appearance on metal, with some formulas also providing corrosion protection.

Reflective Paint

Reflective paint contains light-returning particles that improve nighttime visibility when illuminated and does not store light like glow-in-the-dark paint.

Antifouling Paint

Antifouling paint is an underwater marine coating designed to deter fouling on boat hulls, with formulas selected to suit the hull material and water conditions.

Intumescent Paint

Intumescent paint is a passive fire-protection coating that expands under high heat to form an insulating char layer over an approved substrate.

Conductive Paint

Conductive paint contains electrically conductive pigments in a resin binder and can provide shielding, grounding, ESD control, or conductive circuit paths.

Traditional Tempera

Traditional tempera is an artist paint made from pigment and an emulsion binder, with egg yolk the best-known binder among several historical formulations.

Egg Tempera

Egg tempera is a traditional paint made from pigment, egg yolk, and water that dries quickly in thin layers on a rigid, smooth, absorbent ground.

Casein Paint

Casein paint is a water-based paint that uses milk protein as its binder, dries quickly to a matte finish, and becomes more water-resistant as it cures.

Encaustic Paint

Encaustic paint is a wax-based art medium in which pigment is suspended in melted wax, applied warm, and fused with heat to form a durable painted surface.

Distemper Paint

Distemper paint is a traditional water-based coating made with mineral pigments and a glue- or protein-based binder that dries to a matte, breathable finish.

Magnetic Paint

Magnetic paint is an iron-rich functional coating that creates a magnet-receptive surface and is typically used as a base beneath a compatible decorative topcoat.

Bituminous Paint

Bituminous paint is a black, water-resistant coating made with bitumen or asphaltic binders and used for protective applications on metal, masonry, concrete, and timber.

Cement Paint

Cement paint is a cement-based decorative coating for mineral surfaces such as concrete, plaster, brick, and masonry, typically drying to a matte mineral finish.