Beyond standard gloss and emulsion paints, several specialized paints are available for particular needs:

• Primer: Used to prepare unpainted surfaces, preventing subsequent coats of paint from being absorbed unevenly. Primers come in both oil-based and water-based varieties. It’s crucial to select the appropriate primer for the specific surface you’re painting: wood, metal, plaster, or tiles. Some “all-purpose” primers are formulated to work on multiple surfaces.
• Undercoat: Typically oil-based, undercoat is applied after primer. Its primary function is to provide a consistent base colour for your finishing coats. The undercoat should be chosen in a colour that complements or matches the topcoat for optimal results.
• Anti-Condensation Paint: Specially formulated for use in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms. This paint is designed to create a surface that doesn’t become as cold to the touch, thus reducing the likelihood of condensation forming. While it doesn’t eliminate condensation entirely, it mitigates its effects on painted surfaces. These paints often contain a fungicide to help prevent mould growth. In environments with mild condensation, standard emulsion paints may be sufficient.
• Radiator Paint: Formulated to withstand the high temperatures of central heating pipes and radiators without discolouring, which can occur with ordinary paints.
• Fire-Retardant Paint: Contains additives that increase its resistance to fire. While not fireproof, it slows the spread of flames compared to standard paint, providing valuable extra time in an emergency.
• Bituminous Paint: Often used for waterproofing rather than purely decorative purposes. Bitumen doesn’t “dry” in the same way as conventional paint. It is thick, usually black, and can become brittle and crack when frozen or sticky in hot weather. It’s best suited for areas where waterproofing is paramount and appearance is secondary, such as the insides of cast iron gutters and metal cold water tanks. Overpainting bitumen with conventional paints is problematic, as the bitumen can “bleed” through and its movement with temperature changes can cause the topcoat to crack. If overpainting is necessary, a coat of aluminium paint should be applied first to seal the bitumen.