Decorative wall paint: how to choose the best one?

Painting is a popular option for interior wall decoration. With the help of a decorative coating, you can realize the most daring design ideas. How to choose the best paint from all the variety of its types?

Decorative paint does an excellent job of interesting wall decoration. With the help of such a finishing material, you can create an imitation of various types of surfaces and textures. There is no big difference in the composition of decorative coatings and other wall paints. The only difference is that the decorative mixture is thicker and contains some special additives.

Using ordinary paint is harder to achieve an original coating and even more so to imitate various textures. To create an interesting effect, it is necessary to use special technologies for applying a conventional coloring composition, when the decorative composition allows you to create an interesting coating without much effort.

With the help of a decorative mixture, you can paint the surface like wood, silk, velor, metal, and so on. To achieve this effect, special additives in the composition of the finishing material and the solvent, which is used to dilute the coloring composition, allow. The solvent contains a special plastic element.

The decorative coloring composition has quite a few advantages.

Let's consider its main advantages:

• Low consumption. In order to cover one square meter of surface, decorative paint will be required significantly less than decorative plaster or conventional paint and varnish mixtures. Thanks to the economical consumption, the cost of interior wall decoration is reduced.
• Mix weight. Such a finishing material is significantly lighter than other types of wall coverings. Light weight greatly facilitates renovation work in the apartment. After finishing the finish, the applied composition will not create additional stress on the walls.

• Long service life. Good quality finishing material will last for many years without losing its original appearance (without fading, cracks or peeling).
• Variety of shades and textures.
• Antistatic. This coating does not attract or collect dust.
• Health safety. Decorative coatings are absolutely environmentally friendly, as they consist only of natural ingredients.
• Ease of application.

Like all finishing materials, decorative paint has its drawbacks.

The disadvantages include:

• Thorough surface preparation before painting. Most types of decorative mixture must be applied to absolutely flat walls. The surface preparation process can be quite time consuming.
• The paint does not increase the level of sound and heat insulation.

The number of types and methods of classifications of decorative paint is quite large.

All mixtures of this type can be divided according to the method of application into the following groups:

• for exterior wall decoration;
• for interior decoration.

Alkyd mixtures include oil and enamel paints. Suitable for both interior and exterior decoration. Such mixtures have a rather pungent odor and dry for a long time, therefore they are most often used for painting the exterior walls of buildings.

The advantages of this material include durability and moisture resistance. Also, such paint is not exposed to direct sunlight and does not fade. The disadvantages of the material are poor resistance to alkalis and fire hazard.

Suitable for painting on wood, as well as for metal and plaster surfaces. Before use, the coloring composition is diluted with turpentine or drying oil. If the paint is used for interior decoration, the room must be well ventilated before painting. This contributes to good adhesion of the dye composition and the treated surface. For application, you can use a roller, brush or spray gun.

Water is used as the basis of the adhesive mixture. Additionally, the composition of such paints can include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, casein and starch.

After painting, this material forms a porous surface, which contributes to good air exchange (walls "breathe"). However, if the humidity is high, mold can form on the surface.

Such a finishing material is usually sold in the form of a powder, which must be diluted in water before use to obtain a dye mixture.

There are several types of adhesive mixtures:

• Casein. When such material is applied to concrete, brick or plaster, a matte surface is formed, the strength of which only increases over time.
• Dextrinated. The composition includes bone glue. Has a low level of moisture resistance.
• Polyvinyl acetate. This type of paint is mainly used for ceiling decoration. The mixture is very sensitive to moisture and can be completely washed off over time. The advantages of the material include low cost and lightfastness.

The basis of this composition is water, binding elements and pigments. When paint is applied to the surface, the water that is part of the mixture evaporates, which leads to the formation of a polymer film.

In turn, water-based coatings are divided into:

• Acrylic. Contains acrylic resins. One of the most popular types of paint. It is characterized by high strength, moisture resistance, elasticity and wear resistance.
• Latex. High quality paint. This dye mixture can be applied in one layer. The finishing material does not fade in the sun and is resistant to various external influences. The disadvantage of this paint is the high cost.
• Silicate. The composition of such mixtures includes liquid glass and colored pigments. This finishing material is quite durable - the service life can be twenty years. After application to the surface, it forms a protective layer. Protects wood surfaces from fire. Ideal for outdoor wall decoration.

After drying, decorative paints can have a different structure. Consider some types of coloring compositions that are distinguished by an interesting texture and original look.

The composition of such a finishing material includes multi-colored flakes (flocks), which allows you to get a bright finish. Such material masks small surface defects. First, a base layer of adhesive (a component of flock paint) is applied to the wall. Then flocks are applied to the surface using a special pistol.After the paint dries, the surface is covered with acrylic varnish.

The material contains granules of different colors and sizes. Due to its granular structure, such a coloring composition can fill in small irregularities in the wall. Easy to apply. No complex preparatory work on the surface is required before application.

Textured paint has a special application technology, which involves the use of special tools. To obtain a wall finish, you will need a textured roller and a curly trowel. Embossed paint can simulate a wide variety of textures.

The most popular coatings are:

• Under the stone. A popular option is to imitate the structure of granite. The paint does not contain granite chips. This effect is achieved thanks to the colored acrylic bubbles that are present in the dye mixture.
• Concrete look. This surface structure will look great in a loft-style interior.
• Chameleon. The surface changes color at different angles and when the light level changes. This effect allows you to visually enlarge the room.

• With a mother-of-pearl sheen. Such a coloring composition is applied to a base, which can be made in absolutely any color. Decorative paint with a mother-of-pearl effect transmits the color of the base and additionally creates a silvery glow.
• Under the metal. A good option for high-tech interior decoration.
• Imitation velvet. Due to the hard colored particles that are present in the paint, such a coating visually resembles a fabric.

• Natural surface. There are many types of coloring compounds with different particles: sand, shells, shiny minerals, and so on.
• Antique. Most often, aerosol decorative paints are produced with this effect.
• Luminescent. Glow-in-the-dark paint. During daylight hours, the coating accumulates light and for some time in the dark is able to give it off.
• Imitation of decorative plaster.

Color palettes for decorative paints come in a wide range of colors. Shades can be either standard (monochromatic) or with various decorative effects that simulate different types of surfaces.

Consider the most popular shades of decorative paint:

• Silver.
• Metallic. Simulates a metallic surface.
• Gold. Perfect for classic interior decoration. Creates an atmosphere of luxury and grandeur.
• White paint. Most often used as a base before applying a textured layer.
• Turquoise.
• With a silk effect (beige, pink, golden yellow shades).
• Light pink.
• Light blue.

The peculiarity of decorative coloring compositions is that with the help of the application method, as well as depending on the type of surface, you can change the shades. Certain types of such a finishing material are composed of particles of different colors, which gives the effect of an inhomogeneous coating. Also, the color can shimmer or change at different angles (chameleon).

Before choosing a paint and varnish material, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the most famous manufacturers. The most popular are Italian, German and French paints, which are of high quality.

• In Russia, one of the leaders in the production of decorative paints is Dessa Decor factory... The company is ready to offer high quality decorative finishing materials at affordable prices both wholesale and retail.
• Ferrara Design - a large manufacturer and supplier of decorative coatings. The Italian company offers luxury decorative paints at prices only slightly higher than Russian ones, which favorably distinguishes Ferrara Design from other Italian manufacturers.

• German factory Kreidezeit NaturFarben GMbH it has been on the market of finishing materials for over 20 years. Decorative paints of this company are made exclusively from safe natural ingredients.
• Clavel company in Russia is the leader among the French manufacturers of decorative coatings. Clavel offers high quality elite finishing materials made using a unique technology.

In the modern market of finishing materials, there are many varieties of decorative paints that differ in composition and properties.

To choose the right coloring composition, the following factors must be taken into account:

• The purpose of the room.
• Application surface. It is important to consider its type (for walls or ceilings), the type of finish (external or external) and the material on which the paint will be applied.
• Interior design style.
• The quality of the paint.
• Manufacturer.
• Colour.
• Desired texture.

The dye mixture has a number of features that you should pay attention to before buying.

Consider the following characteristics:

• Gloss level. Matte paint is great for walls with small cracks. Glossy coloring mixture can make the room visually more voluminous.
• Transparency. The opaque paint retains its tone and completely hides the base to which it was applied. Glazing (translucent or transparent) does not overlap, but only slightly changes the tone of the base.
• Texture. It will help to hide the unevenness of the wall.
• Cohesion of surfaces. The degree of adhesion affects how well it adheres to the wall and how it interacts with the surface. The service life of the paint depends on this.

The purpose of a room or room is also important when choosing a finishing material. Eco-friendly paints without strong odors that do not emit harmful substances are ideal for a children's room. Whether the finishing material has such properties can be specified on the label.

For a loft-style living room, you can use paint with the effect of imitation of concrete. For the bathroom and kitchen, alkyd or latex paint is a suitable solution. These types of finishing materials have a high level of moisture resistance. In addition, they contain antifungal components.

Matte water-based paints can be used to decorate the bedroom. Such finishing materials are absolutely safe for health, as they do not contain toxic substances.

For the hall, the best option would be an acrylic paint mixture. Acrylic paint has a wide range of colors, so you can get interesting design solutions for wall decoration in the living room.

To decorate the corridor, you need paint that will be resistant to mechanical stress and have a long service life. Acrylic, latex and silicate paints meet these requirements. Choosing the desired color, preference should be given to light shades.

Before finishing work, it is necessary to prepare the surface for painting. First of all, you need to remove the old coating. In the presence of deep cracks, the wall is plastered.

Most decorative paints must be applied on a flat surface. You can use putty to level the walls. A mandatory stage of processing before painting is a primer or abrasive treatment (depending on the degree of adhesion).

The tools with which the finishing work will be carried out are selected depending on the type of dye.

You may need:

• rollers with different nap;
• trowels;
• sponges;
• rags;
• paint gun;
• cotton napkins;
• brushes;
• stencils.

Certain methods of applying the finishing material allow you to achieve interesting effects.

The following tools are used:

• Brush. With a brush, you can apply strokes one on top of the other, which will create an unusual texture. Suitable for creating three-dimensional patterns.
• Sponge. Helps to achieve a flat and smooth surface. Ideal for creating metallic surfaces or overflowing effects.
• Rag. It will help to give the surface interesting and unique shapes. You can create the effect of imitating stone or other interesting patterns and structures.

The technology of applying the finishing material "Golden Fleece" allows you to achieve a relief golden surface. At the first stage, white paint is applied to the surface using a rubber spatula. After the white layer has dried, a tinted paint is applied to it. Then the top layer is sanded with sandpaper until white paint appears. The final stage will be the procedure for coating the surface with varnish.

The effect of the water surface can be obtained using the "enchanted lake" technology. The decorative coating is applied with a fur roller. When the finishing material is dry, use a template and a rubber spatula to apply the pattern. To create this effect, you can buy a ready-made kit, which includes all the necessary components and a stencil.

• Chameleon effect paint creates an incredibly beautiful silk texture.
• With the help of textured decorative paint, you can imitate the most unusual textures. The wall in the bedroom looks like it was covered in gold.

• Interior paint can create the effect of sand dunes.
• Mother-of-pearl walls in the bedroom.

For information on how to paint walls with decorative paint, see the next video.