Tips on painting your interior and exterior

The various choices available for paints for interior walls are as follows: Paints for interior walls can be water or solvent-based. In water-based paints there are three choices available i.e. premium emulsions, acrylic emulsions, and distempers. Premium emulsions give a smooth finish, are corrosion resistant, have high durability and are the most expensive of the three. Acrylic emulsions give a smooth matt finish, they are washable, easy to maintain and less expensive. Premium and acrylic emulsions are popularly known as plastic emulsions.

Now regarding an economical option for interior paints, distempers are an economical alternative to emulsions. Once again these are oil and acrylic-based. Of the two, acrylic distempers are superior in finish. If economy and value for money is the criteria for choosing the paint then oil-based distemper would be your choice.

Solvent-based paints are the second choice for interior paints i.e. these paints are to be mixed with a solvent such as turpentine oil. Basically they have a different chemical composition. They are of two types — flat oil and luster finish. Flat oil paints give a matt or porous texture and are best suited for ceilings. Luster finish paint gives a silky finish and a smooth sheen. They are durable and do not loose sheen even after washing. They are superior paints at a reasonable price.

Regarding the exterior of the house there are the following types of paints and you can decide upon which paint to use depending on your requirement.

Emulsion Paint: These paints are suitable for wall areas of masonry and wood. Nowadays modern high performance acrylic multi-surface paints are suitable for previously unpainted wood and metal if properly prepared and primed. These paints come in matt and satin finishes, which give protection and colour. Exterior emulsion paints are commonly water-based, so are easily cleaned with soapy water. These paints are microporous, allowing the painted surface to breathe, so minimising blistering and flaking otherwise caused by moisture coming from within the building.

Masonry Paint: These paints can be used on masonry, render, pebbledash, concrete and brick. These come in smooth or textured finishes and are also available as 1-coat products. They contain fungicide for anti-mould properties. These paints give a smooth finish that resists dirt pick-up and the textured-finish paints are good for hiding minor imperfections.

Gloss Paint: These paints are used for exterior wood and metal surfaces. These paints give a tough and durable protective finish. These are available as 1-coat paints and come in satin or gloss finishes. Gloss paints are dirt and mould resistant and non-yellowing.

Floor Paint: These paints are recommended for the concrete surface of garage floors and stone steps. These are tough and durable paints and can withstand heavy wear and tear. They are water or solvent-based and can be applied with a roller. Ideally one should ensure loose bits are wire-brushed and cleaned before sealing, priming and painting.

Metal Paint: These paints are for use on metal surfaces such as gates, drainpipes, garden furniture and garage doors etc. These paints are designed to give protection to the metal surfaces and they come in gloss or satin finishes. It is recommended to remove rust prior to painting and use a wire brush and fill pitting with epoxy-based filler (a rust inhibitor). Degrease the surface prior to painting metal in thin layers using soap and water. If the paint is sprayed on to the metal surface then wear protective clothing, including goggles and a face mask and ensure the protection of surrounding areas.

Waterproof Paint: These are used on metal gutters, drainpipes and concrete. These are bitumin-based to create a waterproof surface. Remember, do not over paint waterproof paint with ordinary paint — it can only be repainted using another bituminous paint.

Snowcem Paint: These are the most commonly used paints for exterior surfaces. These are cement-based paints.

Now regarding your last query about paints and colours. A single painted wall or a room with all walls in a certain colour can totally change the look and mood of the room. A single painted wall can become the accent wall of that particular room and can be used to display photos, paintings etc. Be careful while using colours since one must keep in mind factors such as the amount of time spent in that particular room. Some bright colours can make the rooms look smaller, while softer lighter shades can make the same space appear bigger.

Broadly speaking, human association with colours can be in four different categories. Colours can be warm (orange, yellow, red, etc.) or cool (shades of blue, green, etc.). Secondly, they can appear heavy (dark blues, reds, purple, etc.) or light (peach, lemon, lilac, etc.). Thirdly, colours can be perceived as having depth i.e. they appear to be receding (shades of blue, green, violet, etc.) or advancing (shades of red, orange, yellow, etc.). Lastly, colours can have an appetising effect i.e. food colours (green, orange, yellow, etc.). Keeping these factors in mind decide upon the colours for the various rooms or walls.