The Best Wall Paints to Transform Your Space

Buyer's Guide: The Best Wall Paints

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the look and feel of a room. From the rich, classic hues to the sleek and modern, painting is a cost-effective way to change the mood and décor of any space. With plenty of paint varieties and finishes scattered all over the internet, choosing the right wall paint for your home can be a tiresome and confusing task. Check out this detailed guide so you can make an informed buying decision.

Choose the Right Type of Paint

There is more than one way to paint a room. The trick is picking the right method and paint type for the space you’re working on. Each type of paint has its own pros and cons, and if you’re not careful, your project can be ruined before it even starts. The most commonly used paint types are mentioned below.

Latex paint

Latex paints are ‌the most popular option for new or DIY painters because of their lower cost and easy cleanup. This type of paint often has a low VOC, resists cracking and chipping, and doesn’t turn yellow‌. It is not impervious to moisture penetration, so it won’t adhere well to rough or porous surfaces such as unprimed drywall or stucco. Still, its flexibility and excellent coverage make it ideal for applications such as painting windows and walls, sealing cracks in ceilings, and finishing furniture. Latex paint is accessible in a range of colors and finishes, from gloss to flat to eggshell, so you can easily choose the one that blends in with your décor.

Textured paint

Textured paint is a fun way to add character and personality to a room and can be used in place of wallpaper or other decorative elements. It has a thicker consistency than regular paint and can ‌hide minor flaws in the wall or ceiling. You can buy special texturing rollers for applying the paint or make your own using items like bristle brushes and cotton balls. The latter method is more cost-effective, produces an excellent finish, and is much easier than using a special roller.

Primer

Primer is a special type of paint that acts as a base coat for your walls to create a smooth surface for paint. It helps to block stains, seal out moisture and mask existing shades of paint. Additionally, it helps to improve the adhesion of the paint to the wall and eliminate brush strokes or flaking. A good-quality primer can make a real difference in the durability of your paint job.

Consider the Color Scheme

Color is undeniably one of the most effective ways to make an impact in any space, but it’s important to use a color scheme that feels like you. First‌, ‌determine the mood you’re trying to create in the room. Are you going for a light and airy feeling, or would you prefer a cozy and warm atmosphere? This will help you determine the proper shades of paint to use. Since colors can vary depending on factors like pigmentation and your mobile screen, it’s helpful to see paint chips in person before you buy. Some brands offer a sample-sized container for user convenience. Before buying paint in bulk, it is important to get a sample container, swatch it on one corner of the desired wall and observe it during different times of the day. This will not only save you money but also help you make a wise choice.

Get the Right Finish

Just like colors, wall paints are available in a wide range of finishes, so you have to pick carefully to achieve the desired look in your home. The most popular ones are mentioned below.

• Eggshell – Creates a glossy effect without being overly shiny. This is a popular option for the frequently used room because it is easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep.
• Tinted – This is a very popular choice because it allows you to get the color you want without using over one coat of paint. Tinted paint is typically mixed with white paint to get the perfect color match.
• Flat – This creates a dull finish that has little or no luster or shine. It is typically used in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms where people want their walls to blend in with their furnishings.
• Semi-gloss – This has some shine but not as much as flat paint. It is often used in kitchens and bathrooms, windowsills where moisture resistance is important.
• Glossy – This gives walls the appearance of being wet and shiny, so it isn’t used on ceilings or other high-traffic areas because it shows every fingerprint and water spots. It works best in rooms like bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Give Priority to the Right Formulation

The chemicals used in manufacturing paint significantly affect its properties, durability, and performance. When you are buying paint, check for the “VOC” content. VOC is volatile organic compounds that are harmful to your health when inhaled. The lower the VOC content is in a paint, the better it is for your health. Apart from that, look for paints with advanced technology formula as it prevents mildew growth, chipping, and cracking‌.

Check the Color Retention

Color retention is based on how well a ‌color maintains its original appearance‌. In simple terms, the better a paint covers and hides flaws in surfaces, the longer it keeps its original look without turning yellow. It always pays out to get the paint with maximum color retention and coverage.