What color to paint the walls in the apartment? Types and characteristics of paints for walls

No modern repair can not pass without the use of different varnish-and-paint products. Someone uses it to carry out minor decorating works, and someone - as the main material used to finish the walls and ceilings. Reliability of repair in the latter case will depend entirely on the correctness of the choice of the composition, so its purchase should be approached very responsibly.

Thinking about what paint to paint the walls in the apartment, you need to pay attention not only to the color of the products, but also to many other criteria, which we will discuss in detail in this article.

Basic functions of coloring compounds

The use of paint greatly facilitates the process of all repairs and opens up great opportunities for the owners in terms of decorating the room. With its help you can create a cozy monochrome interior or turn walls into a real art object, decorating them with different patterns and compositions.

This option of wall decoration attracts owners with its simplicity and unpretentiousness. Bored colors can always be painted with more fresh tones, and it is not necessary for this to arrange global repairs and hire professional workers.

In addition to the decorative function, the paint should serve as a protective coating, protecting the walls from the negative impact of the environment. This quality is especially important in rooms with an aggressive microclimate, so for them, finishing materials are selected more carefully.

But how to understand the huge range of compounds and understand what color to paint the walls in the apartment and in each separate room? To make the right choice, you should consider all varieties of such coatings, their technical characteristics and scope.

On what parameters of paints it is necessary to pay special attention

When choosing products for painting internal surfaces, first of all the characteristic of paints for walls should be considered. Particular attention should be given to such indicators as:

• ecological compatibility;

• durability;

• requirements for care;

• hiding power;

• time to complete drying;

• Resistance;

• consumption.

When it comes to the repair of a dwelling, a very important role is played by the harmlessness of the materials used. Not everyone knows that many coloring compounds can harm a person's health even after full drying. Paints unsuitable for use at elevated temperature and high humidity emit a large amount of toxic substances, which should be taken into account when using them.

Wear resistance and care for each composition is also different. Some coatings can be rubbed and washed using chemicals, others do not accept contact with water at all. Taking into account the specifics of the premises being cleared, the most appropriate option should be chosen.

The opacity indicator indicates the ability of the composition to overlap the previous color. The larger its value, the fewer layers it will take to use before painting the old shade.

For rooms located on the sunny side, the lightfastness of the paint is very important. That the painted walls in due course did not lose color saturation, for such premises it is recommended to choose a covering resistant to influence of an ultraviolet.

The drying time determines the speed of the repair work, and the paint consumption indicates the cost-effectiveness of this coating, which is also very important.

Basic varieties of paints

If you can not decide which paint to paint the walls in the apartment, consider all the existing options and determine the best for the particular case.

So, all modern coloring compositions are divided into two main groups:

• alkyd;

• emulsion.

The first group is made on the basis of alkyd resins, because of which the compounds have a rather unpleasant smell, which often persists even after drying. This product is characterized by fire and susceptibility to alkaline exposure.

Alkyd compounds include oil and enamel paints.

Oil coatings are made on the basis of drying oil, due to which they have the lowest price tag. However, this is their only advantage. This paint is very toxic, dries long, quickly loses its original color. Oil paints for walls are not used in interior decoration.

Enamel coatings are made on the basis of varnish. They dry quickly enough, they fit perfectly on any surface, have good resistance, withstand water and light and, most importantly, are non-toxic.

A group of emulsion paints includes harmless coatings that do not emit unpleasant odors and harmful substances. They are fireproof, resistant to alkaline compounds, quick drying and a wide variety of shades. Therefore, if the choice of paints for walls causes difficulties for you, feel free to give preference to this group, which includes the following compositions:

• Acrylic compositions;

• latex coatings;

• water-based paints;

• silicone coatings.

Let's take a closer look at all of the above types.

Acrylic paint for walls and ceilings in living areas

Compositions based on aqueous dispersions of acrylic resins are considered the most suitable for internal work.

They are characterized by high drying speed, minimal toxicity, abrasion resistance, no sharp smells, resistance to moisture and the ability to color in any shades.

Acrylic paint for walls and ceilings today is presented in a glossy, matte and pearl version. Also, there are special varieties of this product, designed specifically for bathrooms, kitchens and surfaces located next to the heating appliances.

Due to the ability to call the mixture in a variety of shades, acrylic water-based paint is actively used in the decoration of internal walls. Its functionality allows you to paint almost all surfaces in living rooms (walls, ceilings, doors and other objects). She perfectly lays down on equal wooden, brick, concrete bases and cinder block.

Acrylic water-based paint has become very popular in the decoration of bedrooms, living rooms and children's rooms. Despite its water resistance, it is not recommended to cover the walls near the sinks and shower cabins, as this material does not tolerate direct splashes.

On the walls the composition is applied by any paint tools in several layers. If necessary, the paint can be diluted to a more liquid state with ordinary water.

Latex inks

Decorative paint for walls with the addition of latex is considered the most expensive subspecies of emulsion compounds. It is absolutely harmless and fireproof. Its main difference is very high resistance to abrasion. Latex additives contribute to the creation of a strong water repellent film on the surface, so that the walls can often be washed.

This coating is very resistant to moisture, good vapor transmission and does not form condensation. Antiseptic and antifungal properties, which paint has, can be used in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens.

Latex structure of the coating promotes the masking of small cracks and chips.

Liquid composition can be applied to wallpaper for painting and decorative plaster, walls made of wood and other plastered surfaces. It should be borne in mind that the glossy moisture-resistant paint for walls (latex type) strongly emphasizes all the irregularities and defects, while the matte hides them perfectly.

On the surface, the paint is applied using a roller with medium pile or a broad brush. The coating is obtained as dense and uniform as possible.

The disadvantages of latex-type paints include weak resistance to ultraviolet rays and high costs.

When choosing a latex paint, you should take into account the type of surface on which it will be applied, since for ceilings and walls the manufacturer produces completely different compositions.

Water-based paint

The most short-lived and cheap for today is the paint water-emulsion (for internal works). The price of such compounds attracts many buyers, however, in addition to the cost, you should pay attention to some features of this coating.

It can not be used in a room where wet cleaning is often carried out, as the paint is gradually washed off under the influence of water. Nevertheless, compounds of this type are very much appreciated for absolute environmental friendliness and safety for others. Also, positive features of water-based paint include:

1. Very fast drying (up to two hours).

2. Absence of an unpleasant smell in the process of staining.

3. The possibility of tinting. Initially colorless paint can be given absolutely any color (with the help of special pigments).

4. Easy operation. The paint is easily applied. The soiled tool, hands and clothes can be cleaned with water.

5. Excellent vapor permeability.

Use this paint on any smooth surfaces that do not come into contact with water and are not subjected to friction. When processing plaster bases, the paint is applied in three layers, if walls with wallpaper are removed, two treatments are sufficient.

Silicone paints

Silicone decorative paint for walls does not have in its composition volatile and harmful components, so it is used even in children's rooms. It has a high cost, but it has a number of positive qualities:

• Water vapor permeability . Due to the fact that when using this composition, natural air exchange is preserved, a favorable microclimate reigns in the room.

• Absolute water resistance . This coating can be used in rooms with high humidity, the walls will not accumulate condensate and mold will form.

• Resistant to sudden changes in temperature and sunlight . This paint perfectly tolerates elevated temperatures, so it is actively used in the decoration of bathrooms.

• Resistance to contamination . The coating does not attract dust to itself and is well cleaned of any impurities.

• Versatility . The composition can be applied to any substrate. They can be covered with wood, brick, plastered walls and natural stone. Also this option will be an excellent choice for those who need paint for concrete walls. The composition well disguises all cracks, crevices and all kinds of defects.

• Durability . Re-finishing the walls will take no more than 20 years.

Apply silicone paint on the pre-prepared surfaces. They are cleaned of debris and dust, and then ground.

Textured paint for walls: how to apply and in what its features

It is impossible not to mention one more kind of paint coatings, which is very popular in interior decoration - textured paint for walls.

With its help the most unusual and refined relief coatings of the most diverse patterns are created.

The following qualities are attributed to the indisputable advantages of textured compounds:

1. Good resistance to ultraviolet light.

2. Flexibility of the frozen coating. In the process of natural shrinkage of the building, cracks are not formed on the surface of the walls.

3. Resistance to humidity. Surfaces are not covered with mold and fungus.

4. Resistance to any contaminants. The walls do not attract dust, dirt and do not absorb smells.

5. Absolute ecological compatibility. The product does not include harmful components, which makes it suitable for use in all rooms (without restrictions).

6. An extensive range of colors. Shades of paints for walls (texture type) can be very diverse, which allows you to choose a color for any style of decoration of the room.

7. Ability to apply to any substrate.

8. The ability to hide small flaws and surface defects.

Painted textured paint is extremely simple, without the use of any expensive equipment. To create unusual textures in it, you can add small wood dust or quartz sand, which will give the coating rough terrain or create fine lines.

Depending on what effect the owner of the room wants to achieve, the application uses one of the following tools:

• ordinary sponge;

• textured cushions;

• comb;

• A metal spatula.

Before applying the composition, the surface is cleaned of debris and old coating. If there are deep cavities in the walls, they are closed with putty. The smooth base is treated with an acrylic primer of deep penetration.

The prepared mixture is thoroughly kneaded, the colitating elements are added, and then mixed again until the color is uniform.

In order to give the desired reliefs to the coating, the mixture must be applied with a sufficiently thick layer. Work should be performed simultaneously on the entire surface of the base. If the walls are to be finished with interruptions, the places of joining the frozen and new composition can be noticeable.

After drying, the textured paint can be covered with decorating acrylic compounds.

Manufacturers of paints

It is quite difficult to make an unambiguous conclusion about which paint is the best for interior walls. When choosing any coating, you should take into account the specifics of the room in which it will be used, the characteristics of the product itself and the reliability of the manufacturer. Sometimes expensive products have a lower quality than similar materials (with a smaller price tag) from well-known firms.

In the modern market, one can find coatings of excellent quality from most European manufacturers. For example, the Wandfarbe and Dufa paints proved to be very effective. Today Finnish paint for walls - Tikkurila and products of the Polish manufacturer under the brand Sniezka - are very popular.

Domestic manufacturers also ably compete with foreign products. Excellent quality and availability of Russian paint "Eurolux", "Admiral", "Oreol", "Bindo" and others.

How to choose high-quality paint

If you are thinking about how to paint walls in an apartment with paint, pay attention to several criteria of the variants chosen by you:

1. Reviews of the manufacturer.

2. Resistance to various external influences.

3. Complexity or ease of application.

4. Cost-effectiveness.

To understand if a particular product is suitable in your case, you can look at its packaging. Usually, the manufacturer indicates the main characteristics of the composition and factors that may adversely affect the color fastness and the life of the coating itself.

Do not give preference to very cheap compositions, as a rule, they are the most short-lived.

For example, high-quality matte paint "Oreol" has a price tag of 450 rubles for a 5-liter bucket. The paint for the interior "Maestro" will cost about 1400 rubles for 5 liters.

Water-dispersion paints for finishing the internal surfaces of Oasis have a price tag from 1700 rubles for 9 liters. Products of the Finnish manufacturer has a higher price tag, which starts at 6,650 rubles for 5 liters.

Domestic water-based paint will cost about 30 rubles per 1 liter, and the textures (of good quality) should have a price tag of not less than 950 rubles for 18 kg.

In this article, we examined the most popular types of paints, their characteristics and approximate cost. We hope, after reading the above information, you do not have any questions about their choice. Successful shopping and easy repair!