After all the construction work is completed, painting the walls is the next important interior design
work that is most focused on. Painting gives a complete look a building and enhances the appearance of
it. Choosing a perfect paint to your house or office would be the most difficult part as there are different
types available out there with different uses. Knowing the features of each type of paint is vital to select
the right paint for various applications.
Here we help you with some common paint types and their uses
Water-based Paints
This is the major wall paint used today, mainly because of its ease of use. Also called “latex paint”, it is
the most commonly used paint, around 75%, for walls and ceilings which won’t see a lot of wear and
tear. The advantages of using water-based paints for your walls include:
- No pre-treatment is required
- Toxic emissions are low
- They get dried up quickly
- Can be easily cleaned up with water, no chemicals like soap required
- They don’t fade in sunlight and stay stable over time
- No mildew growth
- Flexible finish resistant to cracking
Oil-Based Paints
This is another most used paint type due to its high durability and rich finish. Oil-based paints are almost
used on all surfaces to achieve mat and glossy finishes. They are affordable and easy to apply with a
white lead as a base and in three coats such as primer, undercoat, and finish coat. Oil paints are mostly
applied in surfaces such as walls, windows, doors, and metal structures. Some of the features of oil-
based paints include
- Best for high-moisture rooms like a bathroom, kitchen, etc.
- Good levelling
- They are hard and more durable than water-based paints
- Attractive gloss surface
- Smoother and best-looking finish
- A longer dry time which is good for making mixes
Cement Paint
Cement paint is frequently applied in rough internal and external surfaces. It is primarily available in the
powder form and is mixed with water to achieve paint consistency. The base material used is white or
colored cement, and it also contains pigments, accelerators, and other such additives. It should be
applied in two coats to prevent dampness on the surfaces. Its features include:
- Durable and waterproof
- Has longer drying time, about 24 hrs
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is produced by adding zinc or lead to varnish, and pigments are included to achieve
different colors. It is commonly used to apply on the interior and exterior walls, wood trims, doors &
flooring, stairs, windows, and surfaces like masonry, wicker, plaster, glass, concrete and metals. The
advantages of applying enamel paint include
- They form hard and glossy coatings
- Easily cleaned
- Waterproof & chemically resistant
- Offer good coverage and color retention
Emulsion Paint
The next most frequently used paint with polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene as binding materials. Cobalt
and manganese are used as driers in emulsion paint. It is applied to ceilings, interior walls, and masonry
work. Emulsion paint can be water or oil-based, and the pigments are used to get the desired color. Its
benefits include:
- Offer durability
- Good color retention
- Alkali resistance
Apart from the above paint types, there are many other kinds available in the market for different
applications like Bituminous Paint, Aluminium Paint, Cellulose Paint, Synthetic Rubber Paint, Silicate
Paint, Plastic Paint and many more. Appropriate paint selection will reduce project costs and give you a
visual retreat, surface durability, chemical, and pest protection.
As colors reflect your personality and paints reveal it on your walls, there are many factors that should
be taken into consideration before you decide on a type of paint for a specific use. From where the
room is located, large or small the room is, to the overall look you want to achieve on the surface, many
other elements must be taken into account before you choose a paint. If you are confused about which
type of paint you should use on a specific surface, consult our experts.
