The Best Types of Wall Paint for All Walls

Just like the quote states, the selection of the colours of your walls reflects your vision and rationale. A lot of homeowners like to pay special attention to the colours of the walls to showcase their creativity to everyone. If you are looking to give your walls that special touch of brilliance or just planning a revamp, we recommend going through this guide about the different types of wall paints available in the market. This will enable you to make an informed decision while selecting the colours and types of wall paint from the various options available in the market.

“Design is intelligence made visible” - Alina Wheeler.

Different Types of Wall Paint

Before you select a colour palette, it’s a good idea to understand how paints are classified. Based on the surface of application, wall paints can be classified into two different categories- interior and exterior. Similarly, when we take into consideration the type of base material used, there are different kinds of wall paint available in the market. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of wall paints and how to make the perfect choice based on the type of surface to be used. 

Type of Paint for Interior Walls

There are a lot of different types of wall paints in India available for the interiors of your walls. Here are some of the best types of paint for interior walls:

1. Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paint is one of the most widely used types of paint on walls. It gives a rich, rustic feel to the interiors of a home and is water-based. Emulsion paint is humidity resistant as well making it very durable. This acrylic-based paint is ideal to use in the walls of humid rooms like the Kitchen and Bathroom. An emulsion can also withstand the harsh sun and doesn’t crack in easily. This is one of the best paint types for walls that are located on the exterior of the home.

Pros	Cons
Quick-drying	Requires a coating of primer before application.
Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)	Can highlight surface imperfections on other walls.
Available in different finishes
Durable and long-lasting
Easy to maintain, stains can be washed with a damp cloth.
Fungus and Mildew resistant
Doesn’t crack in the sunlight

2. Enamel Paint

Enamel paint is oil-based solvent paint that is mostly used for painting interior surfaces and walls. Enamel paint is used for coating bathroom doors and kitchen cabinets as it provides strong resistance to humidity. 

Pros	Cons
Highly Durable	Less flexible than emulsion paint, prone to develop cracks over time.
Imparts a rich, glossy finish	Takes a longer time to dry after application.
High resistance to humidity and mildew	Emits a strong, pungent odor.
	Has toxic residue that needs to be cleaned properly after application.

3. Distemper Paint

Distemper is a cost-effective internal wall paint type commonly used in Indian homes. It is also known as cement paint commonly and doesn’t require the use of a primer before application. Distemper has evolved over time but it usually comprises chalk, lime, colouring agents and water.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective and economical	Prone to discoloration and washing off
Durable
Can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces

4. Metallic Paint

Metallic Paint is water-based paint that is mostly used for painting ceilings and contains microparticles of a metallic agent like aluminium, copper, bronze or stainless steel. 

Pros	Cons
Imparts a luxurious, rich metallic look	Very expensive
Highly Durable	Difficult to match the color palette
Light protection against UV damage
Used to conceal defects

5. Textured Paint

Textured paint is a water-based paint. It is basically a type of finish used to impart a rich, rustic appearance to your walls. This is not a common type of house painting colour and it is only used on a few walls to enhance the aesthetics of the house.  This is the best paint for walls that need to be the focal point of the room.

Pros	Cons
Imparts a rich feel to the walls	Expensive
Thick and durable	Not easy to retouch
Great option to cover defects	Needs professional assistance for application

Type of Paint for Exterior Walls

The exterior walls of your home make the first impression and act as the first layer of defence against the harsh sun, hailstorms, heavy rains, dust, snow, and now even viruses. That is why it is very important to take special care about the type of colour to be used for painting the exterior walls of your home. 

The paints that are used for the interior walls are in trend for exterior walls as well and have found wide application. Depending on your usage, you can select the perfect type of exterior wall paint from the same categories.

Different Type of Wall Paint Finishes for Your Home

Now that you are aware of the different types of interior paint, it’s a good idea to get an idea about the different types of wall paint finishes to give the perfect coat to your walls. Let’s take a look at some of the best types of paint for interior wall finishes that are in trend for 2024:

1. Matte Finish

The matte finish uses flat paints to provide a soft sheen to your walls. It is perfect for hiding imperfections and minor defects on your walls. Since it helps hide most imperfections, it is considered best suited for interior wall paint. 

Pros	Cons
Provides good coverage	Low durability
Hides imperfections easily	Tough to clean
Very cost-effective	Limited color options

2. Satin Finish

Satin finishes provide a good reflective wall surface and it is the perfect choice of wall finish for areas that don’t have ample sunlight like the kitchen or bathroom. Satin finish imparts a velvety, pearl-like texture to your walls and can be considered if you have newly plastered walls. The satin finish is regarded as the best paint for interior walls since it helps give the room a luxurious feel.

Pros	Cons
Rich, elegant sheen	Reveals imperfections of the walls
Highly durable	The finish isn't glossy
Perfect for kitchen and bathroom	May require more preparation on walls
Provides a smooth and velvety texture	May be more challenging to clean compared to other finishes
Offers good stain resistance	Can be more expensive than other paint finishes
Provides a luxurious appearance	May show brush or roller marks
Reflects light for a subtle glow	Limited color options compared to other finishes
Resistant to fading and yellowing	May require additional coats for full coverage

3. Eggshell Finish

Eggshell Finish, like the name suggests, imparts a velvet, eggshell like texture after drying. It is very easy to clean eggshell finishes, making them very durable and the perfect choice for a kid’s room. 

Pros	Cons
Soft sheen	Not as shiny as satin paints
High concealing properties, provides good coverage	Requires multiple coats for darker colors
Washable	May show brush or roller marks

4. Glossy Finish

A Glossy finish is a go-to option if you are looking to give your walls a premium finish. Undoubtedly, this is the best option among the different types of wall paint textures available. The glossy finish is very easy to maintain and provides the highest durability. 

Pros	Cons
Highest durability and best sheen	Very Expensive
Easy to maintain and clean	Requires more coats
Provides a premium finish to the walls	Can't hide imperfections and reveals defects

Choosing the Perfect Paint Finish: Actionable Tips for Different Requirements

Enhance the visual appeal of your home by choosing the right paint finish. Here are some actionable tips that cater to the different requirements of your home.

1. Consider Surface Type: For blemished or uneven walls, opt for flat paint finishes or textured walls as they help conceal imperfections.

2. Assess Desired Sheen Type: Determine the level of sheen you desire. Matte finishes provide a non-reflective appearance, while satin and eggshell finishes offer a subtle sheen. Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes provide more shine.

3. Consider Specific Room Requirements: To make your walls stand out, it’s very important to pay special attention to the area of the house in which the wall is located. This includes assessing the room type, cleanability levels and the amount of traffic the walls are exposed to.

• Room type and atmosphere: For the living room, satin or eggshell finishes offer a pleasing appearance. Matte finishes are ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms. Emulsion with satin finish works well in kitchens. Bathrooms benefit from glossy finishes with mildew and humidity resistance. High-gloss or eggshell finishes are suitable for kids' rooms.
  

Room Traffic/Cleanability Levels: For areas with high traffic or frequent touching of walls, prone to dirt and stains, choose more durable paint finishes with higher cleanability. Semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes are easier to clean and resist stains effectively.

By applying the right knowledge, you can transform your home with a vibrant and luxurious appeal. Make sure to consider your personal taste and style when implementing these tips. With numerous options available, decision-making can be overwhelming. You can seek guidance from NoBroker Painting Services for expert advice and top-notch service.

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