Let us help you choose the best paint for interior walls. Interior wall painting is an important aspect of home decor and can greatly impact the look and feel of a room. With so many different paints available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. In this article, we will discuss the 6 best paints for interior walls, tried and tested by Plascon Paint Experts, and the factors you should consider before making a purchase.
Table of Contents
The Low-Down on Paint Sheen Levels
- Water-based Acrylic Paints
- Mid-Sheen Paints
- Matt Paints
- Solvent-based Paints
- Satin Sheen Paint
- High Gloss Paint
The Low-down on Paint Sheen Levels
Sheen levels of paint refer to the amount of gloss or shine a paint finish has. The sheen level can range from a flat finish to a high gloss finish and can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a room. When choosing the best paint for interior walls, it’s important to consider the sheen level because it can affect the durability, ease of cleaning, and visual appeal of a paint job.
6 Best Paints for Interior Walls in 2023 by Plascon Paint Experts:
1. Water-based Acrylic Paint
Water-Based Acrylic Paints offer excellent coverage, versatility, and durability. They are also sometimes known as latex paints.
3 key features of good quality water-based Acrylic Paints:
- Acrylic Paints are easy to clean.
- Acrylic Paints are quick drying.
- Acrylic Paints emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
A great example of a premium quality water-based acrylic paint is Plascon Double Velvet Pure.
This product is specially formulated with Breathe EasyTM, formaldehyde abatement technology. This technology actively cleans the air. A Double Velvet coating will break down and neutralise the formaldehyde in the air of your home, releasing harmless vapour. This helps improve the quality of the air that you are exposed to. This makes it the best option for homes with children, pets, or those who suffer from allergies or chemical sensitivities.
2. Mid-Sheen Paints
A very popular class of water-based acrylic paints are the mid-sheen coatings. Premium quality paints in this category offer great durability and washability. Two top examples are Plascon Double Velvet Pure, and Plascon Easy Living Multi-purpose Sheen.
Easy Living
3. Matt Paints
Matt paints also known as flat paint, are perfect for creating a soft, subtle look and are ideal for spaces that require minimal reflectance. They are also great for hiding minor surface imperfections. However, they are not as durable as other paint finishes and may require more frequent touch-ups.
Matt paints have the least amount of sheen and are best suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms. Matt paint is known for its smooth and uniform appearance, but it may be more susceptible to dirt and stains.
Plascon Cashmere is a fantastic plush matt coating. This premium quality paint has the following features:
- Plush matt finish
- Hides plaster imperfections and wayward brush marks.
- Washable and stain resistant, does not burnish when washed with a soft cloth.
- Low odour.
- Hard wearing finish.
- Quick drying – 2 coats can be applied in one day.
- No added lead.
- 15-year quality guarantee.
Other great matt paints are Plascon Easy Living Matt and Plascon Super Acrylic Polvin.
Exterior
Interior
4. Solvent-based Paint
Solvent-based (also known as oil-based) Paints offer a smooth and durable finish. They are ideal for areas that receive heavy wear and tear, such as doors, mouldings, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They are also great for covering up previous oil-based paint jobs. However, solvent-based paints take longer to dry, have a strong odour, and emit high levels of VOCs.
5. Satin Sheen Paint
Satin sheen paints are ideal for harder-wearing areas that require a slight sheen, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Premium quality satin sheen paints are highly washable and scratch, chip, and stain resistant. Plascon Velvaglo is probably the most well-known satin sheen paint in South Africa. Some of its features and benefits:
- Contains AquatoughTM, a unique polyurethane-acrylic hybrid that forms a resilient barrier that is UV, peel and flake resistant.
- Dries to an attractive satin finish which is completely washable, tough and mar resistant.
- Heat, steam, chip, and stain resistant
- Unique gel formulation – does not drip during brush application and achieves a higher film build than most water-based coatings.
- Quick drying and easy to clean up.
- No undercoat is required on enamel surfaces sanded to a matt finish.
- Environmentally friendly, Low VOC and odour.
- No added lead
Satin sheen can come in solvent-based or water-based, such as Velvaglo Water-based Enamel.
Interior & Exterior
6. High Gloss Paint
High-gloss paint is the shiniest of all the sheen levels and is best suited for areas that require the most durability, such as trim, doors, and cabinets. Its high-sheen finish makes it easy to clean and can help reflect light, creating a bright and open feel in a room. However, its glossy finish can also emphasize imperfections on walls, so it’s important to make sure the walls are smooth and well-prepared before applying this type of paint.
High gloss paint is available in both solvent and water-based versions. Plascon Super Gloss Enamel is a solvent-based enamel with a high gloss finish, and Plascon Water-based Super Gloss Enamel is the newly launched water-based version.
Interior & Exterior
The sheen level of paint can greatly affect the appearance, durability, and ease of cleaning of a room. It’s important to consider the sheen level when choosing paint, as it can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a space. When selecting paint, consider the type of room, how much traffic it will receive, and what kind of finish will best suit your needs and style preferences.
In conclusion, choosing the right paint for your interior walls depends on a variety of factors, including the type of finish you prefer, the amount of traffic in the room, and the level of durability you require. Acrylic paints are a great all-around option, but solvent-based paints are also worth considering for specific applications. Ultimately, the best paint for your interior walls is the one that meets your needs and fits your personal style.
