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When painting a home, selecting the right kind of paint is as important as choosing the right colour. Paints are categorised not only as water-based acrylic and oil-based enamel paints but also by numerous finishes, which can radically change the look and feel of a space. With a multitude of paint options available in the market, shortlisting the exact products you need can get a bit daunting. Don’t worry; here’s all the info you need to make an informed decision.

1. Top-quality acrylic paints for the walls and ceiling
Acrylic paints are preferred for homes because of their superlative properties: they are quick-drying, extremely durable, and resistant to peeling, flaking or cracking when subjected to extreme conditions of weather and temperature.

It is advisable to go for quality paints that come with good antimicrobial qualities that protect walls from dark spots created by fungal growth. These paints also include non-yellowing agents that prevent the paints from fading over a period of time. Make it a point to go for odourless, chemical-free and environment-friendly products with safe levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Brands like Berger and Dulux have such paints on offer.

2. High- and mid-sheen emulsions for rooms
Also known as velvet, satin or silk emulsions, these paints look elegant and are some of the most commonly used paints in interiors. The high- or mid-sheen finish is smooth, washable and has enhanced radiance because of its ability to reflect a bit of light.

To retain the shine of the surface, routine cleaning should include wiping the walls with a damp cloth every three months.

3. Low-sheen paints for ceilings
I would recommend a low-sheen (or matte) finish paint for your ceiling. Avoid a reflective paint for this area as the combination of direct and indirect lighting may cause light reflections to bounce all around the room. This will not only distract the eye but even highlight the imperfections in the ceiling. One could consider shades from the Royale (normal) range or Apcolite premium emulsion.

4. Matte finish paint for deep-coloured walls
A matte finish goes great with deep wall colours; the paint is non-reflective and has the tendency to absorb light. Such paints work well on poorly-finished walls as it effectively hides imperfections like dents, patches and nail holes.

Keep in mind that the usual matte-finish paints are not easy to clean, so I would suggest you to go for washable matte-finish paints.

Some paints like Royale Matte come with enhanced burnish-resistance properties, which prevent the walls from getting patchy due to constant rubbing or cleaning.

5. Semi-gloss paint for bathrooms and kitchens
There is no better place for semi-gloss paints than bathrooms or kitchens, which are exposed to the moisture and humidity. These finishes have a shiny surface and high resistance to fungal growth.
An enhanced stain-guard technology in these paints prevents stains from penetrating the surface and ensures easy cleaning.

6. High-gloss paint for wooden or metal surfaces
By rule of thumb, the higher the shine, the more durable the paint is. High-gloss paints are very hard, lustrous and durable; they offer an easy-to-clean surface. The best part of this finish is that it is ideal for any surface like wood, metals and even walls.

7. Easy-to-clean paints for kids’ rooms
How about going for easy-to-clean wall paints for kids’ rooms? This is a great solution for homes where children like to scribble on the walls.

Many brands like Asian Paints have introduced products with a teflon surface protector which reinforces the strength of the wall. Also, it protects the wall against stubborn stains and ensures easy cleaning of any marks on the surface.

8. Weather-coat external paint
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to exterior painting of the house. Contemporary paints come with silicone additives which impart good water resistance and external protection. To maintain a paint’s longevity, look for products like SmartCare Crack Seal with a crack-bridging technology where the paint has the ability to stretch and protect the surface from cracks.

An important technological breakthrough in the paint industry is the introduction of nanomaterials as an ingredient in conventional paints. Each coat of paint is composed of densely packed molecules, among which are added nanoparticles of materials that resist the ravages of many aspects of external weather conditions. Nanotechnology is also also used to create thermal insulating paints which reduce the amount of external heat penetrating into the building.