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Which Type of Wall Paint is Best?

Paint protects the walls and also adds colour, pattern and texture. Find out which paint is best for your home

Pooja Khanna Tyagi
Pooja Khanna Tyagi25 June 2019
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
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Planning to upgrade the look of your home with a fresh coat of paint? You’ll want to make sure to pick the right type of paint, finish and colour so as to infuse a dash of personality into your home decor. But before you commit, take a look at five different categories of paint available in the market.
Conarch Architects
1. Acrylic emulsion paint
Acrylic emulsion paints are water-based and some of the most preferred paints for homes.

Pros
  • Emulsion paint is quick-drying, with a very low level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
  • The paint is available in various finishes, such as matte, satin and silk.
  • The paint is extremely durable and long-lasting.
  • Emulsion paint is washable, and stains can be removed by simply wiping the surface with a damp cloth dipped in water or a mild soap solution.
  • It is resistant to fungus and mildew.
  • Another plus is that emulsion paints contain non-yellowing agents, which ensures good stability of colours that do not fade in the presence of sunlight.
  • The paint is acrylic based, which makes the paint elastic and highly resistant to cracking.
Cons
  • Emulsion paints require a coat of primer before application of the paint.
  • Another drawback is that the glossy finishes of emulsion paint show up all the imperfections and undulations of the walls.
2. Enamel paint
Enamel paint is a solvent- or oil-based paint.

Pros
  • Enamel paint is highly durable.
  • It is glossy, which imparts a rich finish to the walls.
  • Enamel paint is best suited for areas that are subject to high moisture and humidity.
Cons
  • One disadvantage is that enamel paint is less flexible in comparison to emulsion paint. It may develop cracks over a period of time.
  • Enamel paint takes a longer time to dry.
  • Another minus is that this paint emits strong odours, which may also be harmful to health.
  • Solvents such as turpentine are required to clean the paint brushes.
Find an interior designer from the directory of Houzz professionals to help you choose the right palette, paint and treatment for your walls
3. Distemper paint
Distemper paint comprises chalk, lime, water and some colouring agents. This type of paint is commonly known as ‘whitewash’.

Pros
  • Distemper paint is also known as cement paint because it can be applied directly onto the plastered surface without the use of any primer.
  • These paints do not crack in the presence of sunlight.
  • Distemper paint is very economical and can be used on both the interior and exterior walls.
Cons
  • Distemper paint is not fully washable; it has the tendency to come off when wetted.
Look for more wall decor products
richa bahl
4. Textured paint
How about creating an accent wall with textured paint? These are water-based paints that create specific effects on the wall, when used with techniques such as sponging, distressing, stippling, brushing, ragging and so on.

Pros
  • Textured paint can impart a rustic look to the accent wall or create the effect of marble, stucco and so on.
  • Textured paint is usually thicker than the other conventional types of paint.
  • This paint is a great way to cover minor defects such as an uneven or damaged wall or even wall cracks.
Cons
  • Textured paint is comparatively more expensive than the other conventional types of paint.
  • Once the surface of the textured paint is damaged, it becomes very difficult to touch up the surface in precisely the same colour or texture. There is likely to be a slight colour variation.
  • Only expert painters can work with textured paint.
10 Gorgeous Spaces Transformed by Textured Paint
Allison Cosmos
5. Metallic paint
Metallic paint is a water-based paint that contains minute particles of metal, such as aluminium, copper, bronze or stainless steel, and is best suited for an accent wall.

Pros
  • This type of paint has a metallic finish which imparts a high-look luxurious look to the space.
  • Metallic paint works as a great alternative to wallpaper.
Cons
  • These paints are very expensive, but, on the other hand, it takes only a small section of wall painted with metallic paint to create a stunning effect.
Read more:
The Secret to a Long-Lasting Wall Paint Job
Where to Use Which Paint?

Tell us:
Which paints did you choose for painting the walls of your home? Share your tips in the Comments section below.
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