Are you pondering over picking the perfect wall paint for your beautiful home? Well, we have got you covered. Choosing the right wall paint and finish is extremely important. Since the market is flooded with different wall paints, HomeLane has done all the required research, so that it becomes easy for you to make the right choice.

1. What is paint?

Paint is a liquid material. It gets dried to a lovely finish. Through a complex process, the liquid gets transformed into a thick consistency, which makes the application process easy. 

A manufacturer will use four components in paint, and they are pigment, solvent, additives, and resin. The resin acts like a binder that holds pigments together. Resin allows the colour to adhere to the surface. Additives, another critical component of paint, enhances the properties of the paint. Additives will enable you to glide the paint easily on the wall with a brush. 

Apart from this, additives make it scuff and mould resistant. Solvents act as a carrier, and it binds both resin and pigments together. Finally, pigments are what give the paint its sheen and colour. They are categorised into two groups, extender and prime. The prime pigment will consist of colours, such as red, yellow, green oxide, and white. At the same time, the group of extenders will include barytes, mica, talc, calcium carbonate, to name a few. 

It was the French and Spanish people who first made use of paint. The first use of paint can be traced back to some 20,000 to 25,000 years ago. Unlike today, artists used to use natural substances to paint the walls. Things like milkweed sap, blood, lard, juices from berries, charcoal, and earth pigments, these were often utilised. Even Hebrews and Egyptians used these materials to paint the wooden parts of their ships in order to create a protective coating. 

However, the actual paint mill was built by Thomas Child in the 1700s. The paint mill was situated in Boston, Massachusetts. In the year 1867, the company started mixing paints to sell to different consumers. 

2. Steps to follow for wall paint

If your home walls are looking dull and outdated, sometimes, all you need to do is pick a few brushes and paint the wall. For those who are taking help from the professionals, there's nothing that you will have to worry about; however, if you are thinking of painting the walls on your own, you need to be cautious. Lucky for you, we have just the right tips. Follow our step-by-step guide to paint your walls efficiently.

Step 1: Fresh walls

Before painting the walls, ensure the wall is clean and fresh. Remove grease spots, dirt, and dust with water. If need be, you may use a mild dishwashing detergent as well. Use a cellulose sponge and start rinsing the walls.

Step 2: Tape the door frames, trims, and windows

Since you don't want wall colour paint to ruin windows, trims, and doorframes, use a painter's blue tape on these areas. You can apply the blue tape a week ahead. Once done, remove the tape immediately. This way, you won't peel off any paint with it.

Step 3: Prime the walls even for repaint

It is a common misconception that walls don't need primer even if you are going for a repaint. A primer will allow homeowners to maximise the coverage of paint and sheen and will give a finish coat, which will appear to be more uniform.

Step 4: Use the w technique

Start by colouring the corner of a wall. Use a three-by-three-foot W pattern. Once you are done with it, fill the wall paint, but ensure not to lift the roller. Keep colouring the section until you are finished. Make sure to paint one wall at a time only.

Step 5: Paint the trim

After you are done colouring the walls, it's time to remove the painter's tape from trims, windows, and doors. Remove the tape immediately after you are finished colouring the walls. Pick the paint for these areas, and use a two-inch angled brush.

3. Wall paint types, cost, and finishes 

While choosing a paint finish for your wall, one needs to follow a basic rule of thumb. The higher the sheen will be, the higher the shine will be, and the higher the shine will be, the more durable the wall paint finish will be. 

Flat paint will have no shine at all, whereas high-gloss will be all about shine. In between these two are semi-gloss, stain, and eggshell, each with its own decorative and practical job to do. 

Here’s how to choose the correct paint finish for the painting job:

3.1 High gloss

High gloss is easy to clean, and it is the most durable. High gloss paint is light-reflecting, ultra-shiny, and hard. This paint finish is best suitable for areas that sticky fingers touch, such as doors, trim, and cabinets. However, for the interior walls, high-gloss will be too much shine.

Practical application: Window trim, door, and kitchen.

Durability: Extremely high.

Price: Starts from Rs. 200 per litre 

3.2 Semi-gloss

The semi-gloss paint finish is best for those rooms where grease stains, drips, and moisture challenges walls. These will have a bit more gloss in comparison to satin. However, satin-gloss is not that reflective. The biggest advantage of these paint finishes is that they are resistant to moisture, which is why they become the perfect options for kitchen and bathroom walls.

Practical Application: Chari rails, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Durability: High.

Price: Starts from Rs. 175 per litre

3.3 Eggshell 

One can’t go wrong with eggshell paint finish. It’s between a flat on the sheen and satin. The name is eggless because it is a flat (no shine) finish; however, it will have a little lustre, just like a chicken’s egg. To cover a wall’s imperfection, eggshell paint is the perfect option.

Practical Application: Living rooms and dining rooms.

Durability: Medium

Price: Rs. 2899 per price (approx)

3.4 Satin

For those who want a yummy lustre, satin will be an ideal choice. Satin paints are perfect for high-traffic areas as they are easy to clean. However, the biggest drawback of satin paint is that it reveals application flaws, for example, brush strokes and roller. Even touch-ups can become a bit tricky.

Practical Application: Kid’s bedroom, hallways, foyers, and family room.

Durability: Very high

Price: Rs. 250 per litre (approx)

3.5 Matte

Matte finish is non-reflective. Matte or finish is a friend to the walls that have things to soak up or hide, rather than reflecting light. The matte finish will provide the most coverage and has the most pigments. Matte finishes are commonly used on the ceilings. However, retouch could be required as it attracts grime and dirt.

Practical Application: Adults’ bedrooms

Durability: Medium to low 

Price: Rs. 400 per litre (approx)

4. Trending colour pallets for the walls 

Choosing the best wall colour pallet is arguably the toughest decision. After all, we are surrounded by so many lovely colour pallets; it is bound to get difficult! If you are all set to paint your home and give it a different look, these trending colour pallets for the walls will help you choose the one that suits your home and personality and also update your living space efficiently.  Read on to see which colour pallets are trending.

• Blush : As soon as the term “millennial pink” was coined back in 2016, the colour gained immense popularity in interior designing. Experts say that Blush will continue to be one of the popular colour pallets in the coming years as well. This colour pallet looks chic and modern. Blush is also a good alternative to cream and beige. To create a beautiful colour combination, you can create a contrast of green. 

• Navy: Another trending colour pallet is navy. For interiors, particularly, navy looks really good. The reason why navy is gaining popularity is that it goes well with different settings and is considered to be a relaxing shade as well. If you want to give a dash of sophistication hint to your interiors, navy will be an attractive option. 

• Burnt orange: There are people who look for an invigorating pop of colour in their lives. Burnt orange, which is a trending colour pallet, thus becomes the right choice which works really well on an accent wall. This hue adds a cheerfulness and warmth vibe to rooms. You can paint your wall with bold colour and add neutral furniture to make your home look dreamy. 

• Green: When it comes to a timeless colour, light green, in particular, is trending currently. The good thing about this colour pallet is that it goes well with both exterior and interior walls. Green is a timeless colour. This is a colour that infuses both nature’s and life’s positivity to the room. 

• Clay: If you thought that clay colour is boring, you need to think again because clay is becoming a trend! Clay can make a room feel warmer. It has an earthy touch, which creates a calming environment. 

• Purple: One colour pallet that is sweeping the interior design scene is purple. Just like other bold colours, one can plan to use purple as an accent colour. Satin purple colour will make your space look gorgeous. 

• Yellow: Yellow screams fun and energetic. It is a colour of happiness and optimism. To make your space lively, nothing can be better than yellow. Homeowners can try painting walls of their kids’ rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms. If you want to incorporate yellow colour in the living room walls, try adding some white décor elements to balance the look. 

• Red: Homeowners used to avoid red for their wall colours. But gone are the days because the red colour pallet is trending. The sheer red colour will add a hint of sophistication and warmth to your living space. Rather than painting the whole walls with red colour, choose a single wall and use it as an accent hue. 

5. Common Colour combinations

Colour combination is one of the most crucial aspects of any wall painting project. Whether complimentary, warm, cool, or bright, every shade has a role to play. And it is evident that finding the right colour combination for a home can be pretty daunting. That’s why we are here with our colour combination ideas that you can be inspired from. 

Comfy and neutral 

All shades of white can let you create a comfy and neutral look for your living room. You can pick different shades of white, such as winter mood, pale smoke, oatmeal, bone white, or whatever white shade you like to have this look. The comfy and neutral look is ideal for your bathroom too. 

Mellow agate 

To give your space a cheerful and vibrant look, we will suggest trying different shades of yellow. One may think of creating an accent wall by using different bright shades of yellow as well. This colour combination will surely grab the viewer’s attention. 

Subdued succulent 

 Succulents and cacti are becoming major trends these days. These plants have fun and calming green and blue hues, which make them the perfect inspiration for the next wall painting project. 

Rosy reds 

Rose can be found in all kinds of red and pink shades, making them the perfect inspiration to paint your walls. You can create an accent wall using different shades of red and pink. Your bedroom walls can have this wall colour combination too. 

Electric purples 

 Time to amp up your wall colour designs with vibrant hues. You can use lilac, steel pink, eminence, and Valentino colours to create this electric purple look. Those who have a bar area in their house, this colour combination will be perfect.

6. Exterior colours

For those who want to colour the exteriors of their house, look no further because we have come with some of the best colour ideas for your house’s exterior and garden.

1. House exteriors

• Light terracotta + white: Summers in India are scorching hot, and for Indian homes that are used to the hot summer, light terracotta and white will be an ideal choice. Also, if your house is surrounded by a lot of plants and trees, light terracotta and white will create the right ambience as well.

• Brick + grey: Here’s another good combination for house exterior. Brick and grey give away a homely and warm vibe.

• Shades of yellow: Yellow is a beloved colour of many homeowners. You can go for amber, ochre, or mustard shades. You can use it as accents or as a dominant colour.

2. Gardens

• Inviting and cheerful colours: Garden needs to feel harmonious and fresh, that’s why you can go with soft yellow, green, purple, blue, and pink colour pallets. These colours are a great choice for the front yard and entryway.

• Energetic and dramatic: Another way to make your garden the centre of attraction in making it look energetic and dramatic with colours like dark purple, periwinkle blue, medium grey-green, and yellow ochre. These rich colours will shine all year.

• Serene and cool: Colour combinations of sky blue, deep blue, white, light sage, and leaf green will set a tone for a tranquil landscape.

7. Interior colours

The right colour combination plays a significant role in transporting us to a happier mood. That’s why interior colours should be picked carefully. The colour combination that you will pick for each room of your house will be the direct reflection of you and everyone else’s personality.

7.1 Bedroom colours

• Indigo and white: To create a soothing effect, pick indigo and white. Indigo is warmer than blue and creates a soothing ambience. Rich indigo wall paints paired with white, create a cosy environment.

• Brown and cream: Another popular choice for bedrooms is brown and cream. This combination gives an urbane and elegant look.

• Off White and lavender: The off-white and lavender colour combination is good for those who want their bedrooms to look unique. This one is a rather colour combination, but off-white and the lavender colour combination gives away a comforting and calming aura.

7.2 Kitchen colours

• Pale grey: When it comes to choosing the most elegant wall colour for the kitchen, nothing can be better than pale grey. To break the monotony of grey, add paisley or geometric patterned back-splash,

•  Olive and light green: Paint the cabinets of a kitchen with olive green colours, and use pistachio or pale green for the walls.

• Deep plum: To create a royal feeling, deep plum will be the perfect colour choice for your kitchen.

7.3 False ceiling colours

• Lighter colours: To make a room look bigger, go with lighter colour false ceiling colours. You can pick the lighter shade of your wall colour to create the right combination.

• Darker colours: For a dramatic look, our advice would be darker colour false ceilings. Take a look at your wall colour, and pick 2 or 3 darker shades. This option is good for larger spaces.

• White false ceiling: White is always a favourite among homeowners when it comes to false ceiling colours. This is the safest and of course, the best colour for a false ceiling.

7.4 Bathroom Colours

• Soft grey: To keep things neutral in the bathroom, one can go ahead with a soft grey colour option for the bathroom walls. To create a more vibrant look, add some pops of colours in the accessories.

• Bright white: White is the ultimate colour choice for any bathroom, big or small! It is indeed a relatively simple concept, but white adds sophistication to any space.

• Light blue: Light blue makes you feel relaxed and calm, and once you are surrounded by the dreamy blue colour; you are bound to fall in love with it.

• Other options are charcoal, light green, creamy white, pistachio, and brown.

7.5 Kids bedroom Colours 

• Softer colours: Softer colours are best for babies because it creates the right environment for your baby to have a good night sleep.

• Orange: For toddlers, orange is the right wall colour.

• Yellow: Whether a boy or a girl, one colour that never goes out of fashion is yellow.

7.5 Home office Colours 

• Beige: Beige creates the right soothing effect. You can add small pops of white, black, and red too.

• White: If you are going for a neutral look, choose white. It gives a clean appearance.

• Blue: Blue is best for those who need fewer distractions. Blue enhances productivity, as well!

• Grey: Grey looks fantastic in a home office and is one of the most popular choices.

7.6 Study room Colours 

• Off-white: The study room should have a neutral and calming effect that will let you concentrate on your work properly. Pick off-white.

• Yellow: Create a conducive learning space by applying yellow colour paint on the walls.

• Brown: Brown helps you feel relaxed, and it reduces fatigue as well.

7.7 Living room

• Blue and white: Blue and white combination is not just a favourite for the bedrooms, but homeowners pick this combination for the living room as well. Blue has the calming effect white always goes well with blue.

• Grey, white and mauve: For those who want a sophisticated look for their living room that won’t make the guests feel out of the plates, mauve with grey and white undertone is the ideal choice.

• Yellow and grey: The yellow and grey colour combination is becoming a popular choice for Indian homes. These colour pallets create a playful yet classy effect.

7.8  Accent walls

• Green and red brick Accent wall: Amplify the energy of any room, try adding red brick colours to an accent wall perpendicular to a green wall.

• Navy, brown, and pink: Never feel scared of trying a bold accent wall colour. Pick a rich blue colour for an accent wall, and alongside have some softer as well like baby pink and brown.

• Blue and cream: An accent wall doesn’t mean adding one single solid pop of colour. You can opt for patterns as well to create some personality.

8.  Wall paint maintenance for both interior and exterior  

Painting both the exterior and interior walls requires some investment of both money and time. To enhance the longevity of your paint, follow these tips. 

Interior paint maintenance 

• Whenever it comes to cleaning the walls of a house, it would usually mean Diwali. However, make it a habit of cleaning the walls at least twice every year. This way, fungus and moulds will stay away, making your walls look fresh and clean. 

• Make sure to invest in good quality paint because the paint will fade eventually. Walls that are exposed to sunlight more, they will fade a lot faster. Pick good quality window coverings to make sure the walls are away from pollution, dust, and sunrays. 

• Most of the paint companies offer waterproofing solutions for the walls. Ensure to waterproof your home. If not, it can ruin your pricey paint job. 

• As soon as you see smudges over the wall paint, make it a habit to clean it with a soft sponge or cloth right away. 

Exterior paint maintenance 

• Make sure to inspect your walls regularly. Fix issues straight away if any to stop the problem from getting worse. 

• Any time of exposure to humidity and moisture will result in mildew and mould issues. Fix the damages with mould because during monsoons moisture may seep in the walls. 

• If you did your last paint job five or six years ago, go for pressure washing. Pressure washing will easily remove dirt and other contaminants. 

9. Wall paint cost per sq feet

Comparative price chart ​(Tabular format, a comparative study across major metropolitan cities. Follow the reference provided on the False Ceiling content) – Details unavailable. Only a general cost idea is available. 

While buying paint, consumers don’t really pay attention to the manufacturing process. What you actually get to see is the colourful tint that you later apply on different walls. However, paint is so much more than that.

You know about the different wall paints to go for and also about the finishing options. 

However, one can’t pick a wall paint colour, just like that. We need to get down to do some calculations. Once you have the knowledge about the total cost of the whole painting job, it will help you make the right decision. 

Cost of the paints

When it comes to wall paints, there are four leading brands ruling the Indian market today- Dulux, Berger Paints, Nerolac, and Asian Paints. Each one will offer luxury and premium paints, economy paints, and distemper. The price for each one of them will vary. The paints will generally come in 1, 4, 10, or 20-litre buckets. However, if you want to mix colours to get the desired shade, the cost will be extra. 

Note: 1 litre of paint will cost you more than 20 litres of paint. For example, if someone purchases 1 litre of premium paint, it will cost you around ₹280, whereas, when it comes to 20 litres of paint, it will cost you ₹4,550. 

Surface area

The surface area will be measured in square feet. Multiply the height and width of a wall, and you will get the surface area. Areas, such as windows, doors, and any areas of the wall that don’t require any paints, subtract them from the total surface area. 

Labour charges

Since you will need the help of professionals, you will have to pay the labourers as well. Ask a painter, and they will tell you that the painting process in India consists of cleaning and sanding of walls, one coat of primer along with 1-2 coats of putty work, then comes another coat of primer, and finally two to three coats of paints. Hence, the labour charges will include these services as well. However, if you want repainting to be done, putty work will not be involved, making labour costs much cheaper. 

Location

You might not be aware of this, but location plays a major role in deciding the overall cost of the paint job. Depending on the city you reside, the cost of the painting job will change. Do keep this mind because labour charges will vary in Mumbai, then that of Delhi. 

Interior Paints

Distemper: ₹800-830 per 20 litre Covers: 40-50 square feet / ltr/ coat Charges: ₹12 per square feet

Exterior Paints

Please keep in mind that these costs will vary from painter to painter and city to city.

Primer

Wall putty

10. What are the Texture paint, stencils, wall cleaning?

Texture paint

Just like the name suggests, texture paint will have tangible texture, and this is what makes the wall pop up. Texture paint is very different in comparison to all the other variants that you will see. Texture paints are mostly water-based. Washability is medium to high. 

Advantages of Texture Paints

• Texture paint gives a refreshing and new look. It highlights the focus walls of a house. 

• Texture paints are a good alternative to wallpapers. 

• Protects against ultraviolet and Alkali. 

• Covers imperfections and uneven surfaces of the wall.

• Since professionals do texture paint, the output is always appealing. 

• For long-term needs, texture paints are a good option. 

Disadvantages of Texture paints

• Texture paints are more expensive than other types of paints. 

• The paints are not easy to handle. It has to be done through a professional only. 

• Once applied, texture paints are hard to remove. 

Stencils 

Many homeowners love patterned statement walls. Stencilled walls can enhance the feel and style of any room and can surely make a huge impact. Wall stencils let you choose any paint colour that will match the room décor. Also, one can use stencils to decorate the entire wall, rather than purchasing rolls upon rolls of pricey wallpapers. 

 Advantages of Stencils

• Using stencils is not difficult to work with and is quite budget-friendly. 

• One can obtain a great variety of colour effects with the use of stencils. 

• Stencils give you the freedom to get rid of the pattern whenever you want. 

Disadvantages of Stencils

• Stencils involve manual work, meaning it can be laborious and tiresome. 

• Paints done by the use of stencils can fade. 

Wall cleaning 

Keeping your walls clean means that you are allowing your wall paints to last longer. Every wall will become dirty once a while, particularly when there are small children around. Readers must note that not every wall paint is easy to clean; hence, you need to know the type of paint you have used. In some cases, you might have to hire a professional to clean the walls. 

Advantages Of Wall Cleaning

• Walls should be cleaned at least twice in a year. It will increase the longevity of the wall paints. 

• Some wall paints can be cleaned just by using some soft cleaning agents and a sponge. 

 Disadvantages 

• Frequent wall cleaning can affect the wall paint. Meaning, the paint might come out if it is of poor quality. 

• If professionals are called to do wall cleaning, you will have to invest in them again and again. 

Comparative price chart ​(Tabular format, a comparative study across major metropolitan cities. Follow the reference provided on the False Ceiling content) – Details unavailable. 

11. Furniture paint, types, maintenance

Apart from painting your walls, homeowners can give a fresh look to their furniture as well by painting furniture with beautiful and lovely colours. The only constraint that you will have is considering the right type of paint for the furniture. The paint for furniture details that we are going to share will have their own sets of advantages. By the end of reading it, you should have a good understanding of which type of paint will be best suitable for your furniture. 

Latex paint 

One of the most popular paints for furniture is latex since it is available in every colour. Depending on your need, you can pick a gallon or pint of latex paint. There are no to low volatile organic compounds and are highly recommended for furniture paint jobs. Latex paint will dry fast and will retain its soft finish for a long time. 

Under latex paint, you can with flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss paints. If affordability is your top priority, latex paints are definitely the right choices. 

Pros

• Available in a wide range of colours. 

• Easy to clean

• Available in different finishes. 

 Cons

• Not suitable for heavy use.

• Not all paints are washable.

Maintenance

Use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner and warm water to clean latex painted walls. Dip a sponge in the soapy solution, and wring it dry. Rub the wall gently. 

Chalky paint 

Chalky paints are ideal for reclaiming vintage furniture. Chalky paints are water-based and will come along with latex as its base. This one delivers a buildable and thicker texture. You will get chalky paints only from speciality retailers. Those who have never used chalky paints earlier, there can be a steep learning curve. It dries fast. 

Pros

• Fast drying time. 

• Gives a smooth finish.

• Adheres well to every surface. 

Cons

• Can be expensive. 

• Brushstrokes could be visible. 

Maintenance 

To clean chalk paint furniture, simply use a damp cloth, dip it into normal water, rub it gently all over the furniture. 

Milk paint 

Those looking for natural paint that has a thinner texture in comparison to chalky paint, milk paint will be an ideal option. This one is a non-toxic paint. Milk paints are considered to have eco-friendly ingredients and are becoming popular among homeowners. Milk paints are sold in powdered form. You will have to add water, and the amount of paint required accordingly. 

Pros

• Non-toxic. 

• Dries pretty fast. 

• One can use it almost on any surface. 

Cons

• Without sealer may chip or scratch. 

• Bonder might be required. 

Maintenance

Milk paint is vapour permeable. This means that moisture can pass through if left unsealed. Use a sealer to allow the milk paint to maintain its freshly painted look. 

Acrylic paint 

Another water-based paint, which is often used for furniture painting is acrylic paint. One can use acrylic paint on multiple surfaces. For smaller-scale projects, using acrylic paints make sense. Working with acrylic paint is easier too. 

Pros

• Easy to apply. 

• Gives a rich colour.

• Resists stains. 

Cons

• Long curing times. 

• Sold in small containers. 

Maintenance 

Use oil-based soaps to clean acrylic paint furniture. Grime will come off easily without affecting the paint. 

Oil Paint 

Oil-based paint is the final option to paint any furniture piece. It is quite durable, and since they last longer, the cost of oil-based paints will be more. If you are looking for a lesser VOC, oil-based paints might not be the right option. Also, oil paints take more time to dry. 

Pros

• Durable finish.

• Can be applied on most surfaces. 

• Self-levelling. 

Cons

• Contains a high level of VOC. 

• Longer drying time. 

• Expensive. 

Maintenance

 Just like acrylic paint, use oil-based soap and water to clean the dirty spots or the whole wall.