DIY: What is Insulating Paint?

If it is time to paint, be it a room or the outside of your house, you may want to consider using insulating or thermal paint. Insulation (or insulating thermal) paint is a latex based paint that has ceramic partials (although some products originally used aluminum in the paint) infused and suspended into the paint. Thermal paint keeps the heat out during the summer and keeps the cool in during the winter. It also comes as a dry additive and can be added to paint. The premixed paint looks like regular paint and it comes only in white; however, it can be tinted to a share that you wish. Whether you use the pre-mixed paint or the additive, once the paint dries it becomes a ceramic coating for your house. The paint is easy to apply, simply apply like regular house paint that can be found at your local home improvement center.

According to James Dulley of Sensible Home (www.consumersearch.com/interior-paint/insulating-paint), insulating paint or ceramic paint was first used by the military as a strategy against heat seeking missiles as the coating in essence "lowers the emissivity of wall surfaces", which simply means that heat could not be found by the missile as it was able to hold heat inside. Further, according to Insuladd (which is one of the few places you can purchase this additive online at www.insuladd.com), NASA brought this ceramic coating to the public's attention when it was used on the space shuttle.

Originally insulation paint was only commercially available, but thanks to the internet it can now be purchased (as a dry additive to paint) online. Unfortunately, home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's do not carry this additive as of yet, but may carry it one day. There are painting companies that will apply such a coating; asking ensures that you are getting the insulating coat even though it may cost a little more, in the long run you will be saving on your heating and cooling bill.

Prices range from $15 for enough additive for a gallon to $65 for five gallons. The additive can be added to any locally available house paint for either interior or exterior surfaces. Further, it is safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly for both hot or cool climates. It can also be used for either home or commercial uses.

Even though insulating paint or the additive can be a little on the expensive side, painting with insulating paint is a good investment for the homeowner.