Painting the walls is easy and compared to many other finishing works - the result is spectacular. You can successfully paint the room yourself, and only a brush or roller is enough to apply the product to the surface. There is no need to buy professional tools or hire specialists. However, this quick method of freshening up the interior will be great when choosing the right material. The choice depends not only on the color of the emulsion, but also on its properties and the type of components used in it. The room that needs to be painted and the conditions in it also play a role. If you take these basic criteria into account and choose a paint that suits your taste, the renovated interior will retain its impeccable appearance for a long time. For example, modern kitchens are increasingly using warm colors.
Expert advice
Before buying a paint, make sure it is designed for the surface we are dealing with. Most paints are applied to plaster, concrete, putty or brick - both colorless and previously painted. To paint wallpaper or metal, you will need a paint option adapted for this. Information on this can be found on the product label.
Types of interior paints
Among the paints intended for use in interiors, you can find, first of all, water-borne versions. Depending on the type of binder used in them, one can distinguish:
Organic binder paints
Emulsion paints - all kinds of resins are the connecting link in them. Wall paints of this type have many qualities. Among the species should be highlighted:
Polyacetate paints - used for application on thin coatings of glue paints (the latter are not used today, but their layers can still cover the walls in many houses). This type of paint was popular before the production of acrylic and latex products. They are rarely used today.
Acrylic paints - the link here is acrylic resin. They have a universal application and leave behind a coating that is not only resistant to washing, but also has a vapor permeability - this affects the microclimate of the room. Acrylic paints effectively coat and can be used in all rooms. They will be good in the office, study, bedroom, garage.
Latex paints - belong to the group of acrylic paints, but they contain more resin in their composition. A layer of latex paint hides imperfections well and also allows the walls to breathe properly - albeit to a lesser extent than acrylic products. A very big advantage of this type of paints is that they are abrasion resistant - so they work well in difficult conditions of intensive use and in bathrooms, kitchens or laundries. Latex preparations intended for kitchens and bathrooms also provide an antifungal coating. Due to the fact that they do not emit an unpleasant odor, there is no discomfort during application. They are safe for human health.
Interesting Facts
Latex paints, contrary to their name, do not contain latex. Latex preparations contain acrylic resin (acrylic copolymer).
Acrylic paints are best used for the bedroom, study, office, garage.
For expensive kitchens, baths, laundries, it is best to use a latex or acrylic paint specially designed for this type of room. In addition to being washable, they also contribute to the formation of condensation.
Latex and ceramic paint are well suited for the hallway, corridor.
Washable latex or ceramic paints, as well as silicate paints safe for health, are suitable for the nursery. It's also worth considering using chalkboard paint, which is available in several colors.
Acrylic latex paints - combine the properties of acrylic paints (good breathability) and latex paints (durability and abrasion resistance).
Vinyl paints - PVC or polyvinyl acetate is used as a binder. Walls painted with this look can be washed safely. The disadvantages include the low vapor permeability of the walls and the restriction of "breathing" of the walls, as well as the fact that, although they are washed, they absorb dirt a little more than other types of emulsions. They are suitable for business law.
Ceramic paints - In the wall paints category, you can also find modern products containing ceramic molecules. They form a single layer that does not absorb dust and dirt and is also stain resistant. They are easy to wash and even clean with a detergent, making them ideal for removing dirt. This allows you to maintain a fresh and aesthetic appearance for a long time. It should be used in the hallway, kitchen or children's room.
Expert advice
Paints that absorb dirt to a lesser extent also include preparations with the addition of Teflon. Due to the presence of these particles, the decorative coating does not absorb dirt and is much easier to keep clean than conventional emulsion paint.
2. Paints on mineral binder - products of this type can be divided into lime and cement, but they are not popular. They are used less and less and are appreciated mainly by supporters of green building or restorers of monuments.
Paints for special applications
Among the traditional paints, there are also special products that stand out for their special effects. They are especially suitable for situations where conventional interior paints cannot cope with a precise surface finish, or when you need to give the wall an original character.
Stain and smudge paints - This type of product can be used wherever walls or ceilings are stained with cigarette smoke, soot or grease that are difficult to remove. They are also good at insulating stains. These formulations prevent tough stains from bleeding through the finish coat.
Structural paints are products with their properties located at the junction of paints and plasters. Their use consists in applying them in a thick layer with a spatula. When they dry, they apply a pattern to the surface with a textured roller (sponge or cloth). To the touch, such paints are noticeably heterogeneous. Their advantage is the possibility of washing, as well as the absence of the need to fill small cavities in the bases covered with them.
Tips from paint experts
When the wall finished with structural paint is dry, it is worth covering it with varnish or glaze. This will increase the aesthetics of the finish.
Decorative paints - allow you to give the painted surface a completely unusual look. They perfectly imitate stone, wood and even cracked plaster.
Chalkboard paints - after being applied to the selected surface, it gives the appearance and properties similar to a real blackboard. On such a surface, you can easily draw or write with chalk - all traces can be easily erased with a soft cloth, and the "board" will be ready for work again. The big advantage of this type of paint is the ability to cover not only walls, but also doors and furniture.
The range of paints for interior decoration is very wide and includes products with different properties. You can buy phosphorescent or magnetic paint, which will leave a coating that attracts the magnets. Also worth mentioning are mosaics and fragrant paints, the pleasant aromas of which persist in the painted interior even for several days.
