Know your emulsions from your acrylics, and the right types for painting the home's interior & exterior

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.

• 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.

Ensure the preparation of a smooth surface for a good paint finish. To achieve this, use POP (plaster of Paris) to repair all the holes and cracks in the wall. This should be followed with priming to seal the walls and provide a good base for the paints to adhere to.

• 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.

Certain emulsions like Royale Aspira from Asian Paints come with a five-year warranty, which covers defects like flaking, peeling, fading and fungal growth. For a fire-proof home, consider paints that are flame-spread resistant.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Paints with water-beading technology are recommended in high-humidity areas, so that when water comes in contact with the walls, the hydrophobic nature of the paint prevents water from penetrating and forces it to roll down as little beads.

• 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.

Try to avoid solvent-based enamel paints as they may have high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that may be harmful when inhaled, and choose the safer acrylic enamels.

• 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.

Apply chalkboard paint on a wall and let the children have their way.

• 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.

Another innovation is dust-guard technology (offered by brands such as by Berger Paint). The surface does not allow dust to settle on the walls and gives the building a fresh look for a longer period of time.

Some paints have a high carbonation resistance that provide excellent structural protection from corrosion to the structural members of the building.