Types of Wall paint: All you ever need to know

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Written By ms

Many types of wall paint are available today, each offering a unique interior design look. To achieve a specific look, it is always better to know all the wall paint options commonly used for home interiors.

Various types of wall paint may all look the same, but they are actually very different. You see wall paints are basically chemicals that are made to protect your walls, and add some aesthetic value while doing so. Needless to say, for choosing one type of wall paints, both beauty and purpose are equally important. That’s why you must understand the types of wall paints before painting your home.

Wall paints come in different kinds, finishes and colours.

But before that, let’s talk about our options a little more so that you really understand them well.

Less is more.

The texture is essential.

As well as scale.

Trip Haenisch

Firstly, there are 3 Types of wall paints. I am sure you have heard these names– Acrylic, Distemper, and Oil. Then there are four commonly used paint finishes, namely Matt, Satin, Texture and Glossy. Lastly, the colours offer endless choices. All you have to do is mix and match the types of wall paint as per kind, finishes, and colours to achieve your perfect décor.

Wall Paint kinds:

•    Acrylic Emulsions are used for the superior smooth finish on walls and ceiling. Available in matt look or pearl touch, this is a high-grade product with a lifespan of up to 7 years. One of the expensive options- it comes with the washable and anti-fungal specification. However, there is one catch. To achieve the best effect of acrylic emulsions, you need a perfect pop surface, so the application does get expensive. Of course, the paint can be applied without pop surface, say on cement plaster or putty; but then you will compromise on the smoothness and the flawless look.

•    Distemper paints are the most commonly used paints. Available as oil bound or water base, these paints provide a standard finish to your walls and ceiling. Distemper is highly economical, but also has a low life of 2 to 3 years

•    Oil paints come in enamel and lustre categories and are characterised by a glossy look. Due to this, oil paints are commonly used for decorative purposes. Also, they are long-lasting. Just a note of advice, oil paints produce powerful chemical odour, especially during application. It is best to apply them in an open, well ventilated and dust free space.


Also read: Home painting and how to maintain the new look

Wall Paint Finishes:

•    Matt is the most popular finish for interiors purpose. With the lowest level of reflection or gloss factor, the subtle look underplays the wall surfaces. This type of wall paint is great for smaller rooms due to its finish quality.

•    The satin finish gives a pearl-like glow to your walls and works wonders in any size or style of space. However, it doesn’t really do much for the ceiling, a matt or a gloss finish is better to finish your roof

•    Texture finish comes in grains, waves, streaks or any random pattern. These finishes can be used to create a focus wall in an otherwise mundane room. They are a very durable solution for exterior walls.

•    The glossy finish is mostly used for furniture, doors or wood, but also sometimes on the ceiling. This finish produces a sort of aura around the wall and also makes it super durable in high moisture areas


Colours:

This is where you can go all wild and adventurous – colour tones build up the character of your home, they make it an extension of your style. Today there is technology to make you feel confident about the colours you choose. From apps to paint labs, you can literally experience wall colours in your own space. Asian paints have some compelling ways to add zest to your walls. Visit an Asian paints color lab, and they will hand hold you into choosing the right colour and also the types of wall paint. But of course, all these solutions are virtual technology. The real effect of wall paint gets determined by the lighting. So, before finalising your paint colour, make sure to ask sample patches to be applied on your wall- see them in sunlight and under your room lighting. Wait for a day or two, and then choose.


Different types of wall paint offer many choices- the sky is the limit, so be creative.

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