Home painting ideas: Things To know about painting your home apartment in India- part I

In India, we mostly depend on hardware or a paint shop and ask for a painter to be sent home. The contractor of the painter comes home and offers a quotation. The focus thereon is on getting the painting task done within one’s budget with lesser regard for what we should be looking for in a painting. At times even the design/colour element is not a priority.

However, things have been changing now with home buyers and owners seeking aesthetics, durability, design and the right kind of styling (mood effects).

While a number of Indian homeowners are seeking aesthetics, few are even taking up the task of painting themselves.

This article will help you with- 1) ‘hire help on contract’ or, 2) better your ‘do it yourself’ resolve!

The first part of the article is all about the type of paints available in the market. The second will be about the specifics and technicalities of painting itself!

Type of home paintings in Indian markets

Picking the right type of paint, finish and colour matters. All your rooms need to represent who you are, and add to the home décor!

To do so, let’s look at the 5 types of paints available in the market in India, and what they can do for you!

1. Acrylic emulsion paint

[Source- https://www.maydoscoating.com/

[Source- https://www.livspace.com/]

• Water-based
• Most preferred paints for Indian homes
  
  

Pros

Cons

Quick-drying, with low level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This means they dry very fast  Available in finishes like matte, satin and silk Durable and long-lasting Washable Stains can be removed by wiping the surface with a damp water-dipped cloth, OR mild soap solution  Resistant to fungus and mildew Contains non-yellowing agents Stable colours that do not fade due to sunlight Acrylic based paint Paint is elastic and does not crack

Emulsion needs a coating of primer before application Glossy finishes of the emulsion can highlight uneven walls/finishes

2. Enamel paint

[Source- https://www.brillux.com/ ]

[Source- https://www.angi.com/]

Enamel is an oil-based paint.

Pros	Cons
Highly durable. Glossy and imparts a rich shiny finish to walls Good for areas with high moisture and humidity	Not so flexible compared with emulsion Can crack over time Takes longer to dry, and emits odour for longer duration Turpentine is needed to clean the brush

3. Distemper paint

[Source- https://indigopaints.com/]

Distemper paint comprises chalk, lime, water and some colouring agents. This type of paint is commonly known as ‘whitewash’. 

Pros	Cons
Also called cement paint Can be applied directly on a plastered surface without a primer Don’t crack in the Sunlight Economical for both interiors and exteriors	Not flexible as an emulsion Cracks over time Takes a long time to dry, and emits odour for a longer duration Turpentine needed to clean brush Not washable, and comes off upon wetting with water

4. Textured paint

Water-based paints create special effects on the wall. Need specialized techniques like sponging, distressing, stippling, brushing and ragging.

[Source-Home painting ideas: https://www.beautifulhomes.com/ ]

Pros	Cons
Can create stunning effects like marble, stucco Thicker than others paints Can be used to cover defects in walls or even wall cracks	More expensive than other paints Cannot do touch-up of textured paint once wall of painted surface is damaged Colour variation happens Used only by experts

5. Metallic paint 

Pros	Cons
Pin with metallic finish gives a luxurious look when applied An alternative to wallpaper	Very expensive But, a small section of wall is usually painted with it for a stunning effect

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To know more about “Home Painting Ideas: Things To Know About Painting Your Apartment In India- Part II”. Click here!