Types of Wall Paint and How They Differ

 

Choosing wall paint is not only about colour. The type of paint decides how the surface looks, how it handles stains and moisture, and how long it stays fresh. This guide explains the common paint types used in Indian homes, where they work best, and what to expect while planning interiors. It is informational and brand neutral so you can compare options with your contractor or painter.

Water-based vs solvent-based

Most interior walls today use water-based paints. They have low odour, faster drying, easier cleanup, and lower VOCs. Solvent-based paints use mineral spirits or similar solvents. They level very smoothly and give a hard film but smell stronger and take longer to cure. As a thumb rule use water-based for walls and ceilings and keep solvent-based for special needs on metal or high wear surfaces.

Distemper (dry and oil-bound)

Dry distemper is the most basic. It gives a chalky matte finish, covers minor irregularities, and costs less. It is not very washable and can powder if rubbed. Oil-bound distemper binds better and resists mild scrubbing but still marks easily. Distemper suits temporary rentals or store rooms where budget is tight and expectations are simple. For living rooms or bedrooms in most homes emulsions are a better long-term choice.

Interior emulsions

Acrylic emulsions are the standard for Indian homes. They offer good colour range, smoother finish, and better washability than distemper. Within emulsions you will see tiers like economy, premium, and luxury. Higher tiers usually mean better stain resistance, richer colour, lower odour, and better hiding with fewer coats.

Finish levels matter as much as quality.

  • Matte hides surface flaws and looks calm. It marks faster than satin but many premium mattes are washable.

  • Eggshell adds a soft sheen that resists stains better while still looking gentle.

  • Satin reflects more light and cleans easily. It reveals wall undulations so surface prep must be good.

  • Semi-gloss and gloss are rarely used on large walls. They are useful on trims, windows, and doors where a hard, wipeable surface helps.

Choose lower sheen to hide plaster waves and higher sheen where cleaning is frequent.

Washable and stain-resistant emulsions

These are emulsions with stronger binders and additives. The film resists coffee or crayon marks better and allows repeated wiping with a damp cloth. Helpful in corridors, kids’ rooms, kitchens not exposed to grease, and rental flats where fresh look matters. Remember that even “washable” paints need gentle cleaning. Use mild soap and a soft sponge. Hard scrubbing can burnish the surface and leave shiny patches on matte paints.

Low-VOC and odour-less ranges

Low-VOC paints reduce smell during and after painting which helps if you plan to occupy the home quickly or have kids and seniors. Many premium interior emulsions now carry low-VOC claims. Good ventilation still matters while painting and during the first week of curing.

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives

In humid cities and monsoon months fungus can appear on shaded walls. Many interior paints include anti-fungal agents. They help prevent growth on a dry and sound wall but they are not a cure for dampness. If a wall has seepage fix the source first, then use an alkali-resistant primer and a quality emulsion.

Special interior coatings

  • Enamel (solvent or water-based) gives a hard, smooth film that is very wipeable. Good for kitchen doors, metal grills, and high wear trims. Solvent enamel smells more and takes longer to dry. Water-based enamel is gentler indoors.

  • PU clear or pigmented is used more on wood than on walls. It gives a tough finish for furniture and handrails.

  • Textured paints create sand, stucco, or fabric-like effects. They hide minor cracks and add depth. They are harder to touch up later so plan where you want them.

  • Mineral or lime-based paints breathe well on old lime plaster. They look soft and natural but need skilled application and compatible surfaces.

  • Epoxy is mainly for floors, garages, and wet areas not for standard interior walls.

Exterior paints

Exterior walls face sun, dust, and rain. Exterior emulsions are tougher with UV resistance, dirt pick-up resistance, and anti-algal protection. In coastal or high rainfall zones premium exterior emulsions or elastomeric coatings handle hairline cracks better. Exterior work needs careful weather planning, sound plaster, and proper curing time between coats.

Primers and putty

A good topcoat needs the right base.

  • Cement or acrylic putty levels small undulations and gives a smooth substrate. Let it dry fully and sand to an even profile.

  • Acrylic interior primer improves adhesion, blocks mild stains, and evens porosity so the finish looks uniform.

  • Alkali-resistant primer is important on fresh plaster and damp-prone walls. It reduces efflorescence.

  • Exterior primer is formulated for sun and rain. Always pair interior paints with interior primers and exterior paints with exterior primers.

Coverage, coats, and curing

Coverage varies by brand, shade, and how porous the wall is. Dark colours often need one extra coat. Fresh plaster, repaired patches, and textured areas absorb more paint. Allow each coat to dry as per the product data sheet. Even water-based paints need a few days to reach full scrub resistance. Keep rooms ventilated during this period and avoid aggressive cleaning.

Climate considerations in India

  • Humid and coastal: prioritise anti-fungal emulsions, fix seepage, ventilate well. Avoid painting during peak monsoon unless the site is dry.

  • Hot and dusty: washable interior emulsions and UV-resistant exteriors help. Plan colours that hold in strong light.

  • Hard water areas: bathrooms can stain around taps. Use tiles or high-quality paint with proper caulking and give good ventilation.

Common defects and what they mean

  • Peeling or flaking usually points to poor surface prep, moisture, or wrong primer.

  • Blistering can come from painting on a damp hot wall or trapped solvent.

  • Efflorescence shows as white salts on plaster. Let the wall dry, brush off salts, apply alkali-resistant primer, then repaint.

  • Mildew appears in low light and moisture. Treat with a fungicidal wash after fixing the damp source then repaint.

  • Flashing and lap marks happen when edges dry before you blend the next stroke. Work quickly in manageable sections and keep a wet edge.

Colour and finish choices that work

Matte and eggshell create a calm look in living rooms and bedrooms and hide minor plaster waves. Satin suits passages and kids’ rooms where wiping happens often. Semi-gloss is best for trims and doors. Very dark shades show dust and handprints faster but can look striking as accent walls if the surface is near perfect and lighting is soft.

Room-wise quick notes

Living room and dining: premium matte or eggshell emulsion. Add washable grade if you have children or frequent gatherings.
Bedrooms: matte or low-sheen for a restful look. Low-VOC helps if you plan to occupy the room quickly.
Kitchen walls not tiled: washable emulsion or water-based enamel near working zones with proper chimney use.
Bathrooms outside wet zone: mildew-resistant interior emulsion over alkali-resistant primer with good exhaust.
Ceilings: dead matte hides light reflections and small cracks. Keep it a shade of white for brightness.
Exterior: exterior acrylic emulsion with anti-algal and UV protection. In crack-prone walls consider elastomeric topcoats.

Surface preparation and tools

Good prep decides finish quality. Clean dust and grease, sand glossy old paint lightly for key, repair cracks with the right filler, and prime before topcoats. Use the right roller nap. Short nap for smooth putty-finished walls, medium nap for slightly textured areas. Quality masking and clean trays keep edges neat and reduce rework.

Care and maintenance

Let the paint cure for a week before any wet cleaning. For marks use mild soap and a soft sponge. Avoid strong abrasives that burnish the finish. Keep exhaust fans running in kitchens and bathrooms. Inspect exterior walls before the monsoon for cracks and seal them early.

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Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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