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Choosing the Right Wall Paint Type
Choosing the right paint for your walls is essential for achieving the perfect finish while ensuring durability and easy maintenance. With various options available, it’s important to consider factors such as surface type, room conditions, and desired aesthetics before making a selection.
The right type of paint not only enhances the appearance of your space but also contributes to its long-term upkeep. We’ll walk you through the key aspects to consider when selecting wall paint, helping you make an informed choice for your home.
Understanding the Different Types of Paint for Walls
Choosing the right paint for your walls is crucial for both aesthetics and longevity. With a variety of options available, understanding their properties, durability, and suitability for different spaces helps in making an informed decision.
The type of paint you select affects not only the final look of your walls but also their maintenance and resilience over time. Let’s explore the different types of wall paint and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Different Types of Paint for Walls
Wall paints come in a range of finishes and formulations, each offering unique benefits. From matte to high gloss, water-based to oil-based, selecting the right one depends on factors like durability, ease of cleaning, and the desired aesthetic. Below, we explore the most common types of wall paint and their ideal applications.
1. Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is known for its durability and smooth, glossy finish. It is composed of natural or synthetic resins that make it resistant to wear and tear. This type of paint takes longer to dry compared to water-based alternatives, but it forms a hard, protective layer that withstands moisture and stains effectively.
However, due to its strong odour and high VOC (volatile organic compound) content, proper ventilation is required during application. Cleanup requires the use of mineral spirits or turpentine rather than water.
Best Used For:
High-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
Wooden surfaces and trim work
Areas requiring a durable and glossy finish
2. Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is a highly durable and glossy paint that forms a hard, protective coating once dried. It is available in both water-based and oil-based formulations, providing a smooth and reflective surface that resists moisture, stains, and fading.
Enamel paints are widely used in spaces that demand a tough, long-lasting finish. They are often chosen for surfaces that undergo frequent cleaning or exposure to harsh conditions, making them one of the best types of wall paint
Best Used For:
Metal surfaces like railings and gates
High-contact areas such as kitchen cabinets and doors
Spaces needing a moisture-resistant, long-lasting finish
Our Recommendations: Our Calista Sparkle PU and Calista Sparkle Gloss are great enamel paints for a durable and glossy look.
3. Emulsion Paint
Emulsion paint is a water-based paint that offers excellent coverage, fast drying times, and low odour. It contains binders like acrylic or vinyl, which enhance its durability and resistance to moisture.
Emulsion paints come in various finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss, making them versatile for different rooms. They are also easy to clean, making maintenance effortless compared to traditional wall paints.
Best Used For:
Interior walls and ceilings
Spaces requiring a smooth, low-maintenance finish
Homes looking for an eco-friendly, low-VOC option
Our Recommendations: One Pure Elegance Matt and Calista Ever Stay are some of our best emulsion paints for your interiors.
4. Water-Based Paint
Water-based paints, also known as latex paints, are among the most popular choices for residential and commercial spaces. They are quick-drying, emit low levels of VOCs, and are easy to clean up with water.
Water-based paints provide a smooth finish and excellent colour retention, making them a sustainable and user-friendly option. Unlike oil-based paints, they do not yellow over time, maintaining their vibrancy for years.
Best Used For:
Interior and exterior walls
Low-maintenance spaces
Homes needing a non-toxic, environment-friendly solution
5. Cement Paint
Cement paint is a water-based paint that contains cement as its primary binder. It provides excellent protection against weather conditions, preventing moisture penetration and algae growth.
It is often used for exterior surfaces due to its high resistance to heat, rain, and dust. This type of paint requires curing with water after application to enhance its durability and strength.
Best Used For:
Exterior walls and facades
Areas exposed to extreme weather conditions
Surfaces needing a rough, textured look
Decoding Types of Paint Finishes: Choosing the Right Sheen for Your Walls
The finish of your paint is just as important as the type, as it influences the overall look and feel of the room. Different finishes offer varying levels of shine, durability, and texture, making it essential to choose the right one for your needs. Here is a closer look at the different finishes.
1. Gloss Finish
Gloss finish paint offers a highly reflective, smooth surface that enhances light reflection. It provides superior durability and is resistant to moisture and stains. However, due to its high sheen, it can highlight imperfections on walls.
Best Used For:
High-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
Trims, doors, and mouldings
Spaces needing a sleek, polished look
Our Recommendations: Use Style Cover Max Gloss and Calista Sparkle Gloss for the best glossy finishes.
2. Matte Finish
Matte finish paint has a non-reflective surface that helps hide wall imperfections. It provides a sophisticated and elegant look, making it popular for large wall areas.
Best Used For:
Bedrooms and living rooms
Ceilings
Spaces requiring a sophisticated, muted aesthetic
Our Recommendations: One Pure Elegance Matt offers a matte finish like no other paint does.
3. Textured Finish
Textured finish paint adds depth and character to walls by incorporating materials like sand or stone. It enhances wall aesthetics while covering up minor surface flaws.
Best Used For:
Accent walls
Spaces looking for a rustic or artistic feel
Areas needing added durability and concealment of imperfections
Our Recommendations: Achieve a stone-like texture with the help of One Timeless Stone.
4. Satin Finish
The satin finish offers a subtle sheen that balances durability and elegance. It is smooth and slightly glossy but not as reflective as gloss paint.
Best Used For:
Family rooms and hallways
Areas needing easy-to-clean surfaces
Walls require a subtle sheen with durability
Our Recommendations: Products such as Calista Sparkle Satin bring an elegant satin finish to any wall of your choice.
5. Eggshell Finish
The eggshell finish has a slight sheen that falls between matte and satin. It is more durable than matte but not as glossy as satin, offering a soft and smooth appearance.
Best Used For:
Living rooms and dining rooms
Low-traffic areas needing a refined look
Walls requiring a slight sheen without excessive gloss
Best Types of Paint for Interior and Exterior Walls
When choosing the best type of paint for interior and exterior walls, consider factors such as durability, exposure to elements, and ease of maintenance.
Best Type of Paint for Interior Walls: Emulsion and water-based paints are excellent choices due to their smooth finish, low odour, and ease of cleaning.
Best Type of Paint for Exterior Walls: Cement paint and high-quality weather-resistant acrylic paints are ideal for exterior surfaces, offering long-lasting protection against harsh weather conditions.
Making the Right Choice for Your Walls
Whether you're painting interiors or exteriors, selecting the right type and finish can transform your space and elevate its appeal for years to come. For an even more refined approach to paint selection, tools like the Colour Quiz and Imagine Machine provide intuitive ways to visualise your design ideas, helping you explore different types of paint and colours and find what suits your needs.
If you’re looking for a truly personalised touch, expert consultations through PaintCraft can help ensure that every design element, including the finish and colour balance, aligns with your aspirations. With the right tools and guidance, you’re not just painting; you’re creating a space that reflects your unique style, built to last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Painting your home is fun and hassle-free when planned well. For that, you must know all about various aspects of the painting process. Find answers to all your paint questions here!
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Terms and Conditions
This Website/ App is owned by Grasim Industries Limited, Birla Paints division (“Grasim”).
“we” / “us” / “our” means Grasim Industries Limited (Grasim)
“You” or “your” means any person who visits our Website/ App.
Please read these Terms and Conditions of use carefully before using this Website/App. The Terms and Conditions set forth below (the "Terms") as well as those contained in the Privacy Policy of the Website/App governs your use of the Website/App and are legally binding on you. If you do not agree to all of these Terms or Privacy Policy, do not use access or otherwise this Website/App or any information contained on the Website/ App.
Your use of the Website/App shall be deemed to be your understanding of, and agreement, to each of the Terms set forth herein. Grasim may revise and update these Terms from time to time. Your continued usage of the Website/App shall be considered as an implied acceptance/deemed consent to abide by these Terms for usage of this Website/App.
Privacy Policies
1. PURPOSE
Thank you for visiting our Website/ App. This Website/ App is owned by Grasim Industries Limited, Birla Paints division (“Grasim”). This Privacy Policy is designed to tell you about our practices regarding collection, use, and disclosure of information that you may provide via this Website/ App. Grasim is committed to protecting the privacy of every individual who installs and/or uses the Website/App. We have adopted the following Privacy Policy, which sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be handled and dealt by us through your use of the Website/App. Please be sure to read this entire Privacy Policy before using, or submitting any information, to this Website/App, which is intended for use by residents of India.
2. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
- This policy will be applicable to all personally identifiable information that you provide to Grasim while visiting or using the Website/App. This Website/App contains links to other Apps. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other Apps. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our Website/App and to read the privacy statements of any other App that collects personally identifiable information.
- Grasim expressly reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy periodically in future which will be exercised at its sole discretion, and at such intervals of it choosing the right without prior notice to the users. User shall review our Privacy Policy available at the Website/App regularly to be sure you are fully updated with our current practices and procedures in this area. Your continued use of the Website/App will be subject to the then-current Privacy Policy.
- The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for the Website/App:
- Overview: As part of the normal operation of the Website/App, we collect and, in some cases, may disclose personally identifiable information about you. This Privacy Policy describes the personally identifiable information we collect about you and what may happen to that information.
- By accepting this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use, you expressly consent to collect, store, delete, use, combine and disclose your personally identifiable information in the manner prescribed in this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and is subject to the conditions of the Terms of Use and governs all use of the Website/App by You.
- We may collect your name, address, email address, telephone number, location data and other personally identifiable information you submit on the Website/App. Such personally identifiable information will not be posted in areas of the Website/App viewable by the public or users of the Website/App. Location data is collected for the purpose of enabling real-time surveyor allocation and improving operational efficiency in assigning site visits.
- By using this Website/App, you agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy. Whenever you submit information via this Website/App or through any other mode, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
3. DATA GATHERING
Collection of Information: We may collect information that you share with us through your use of our Website/App, for example by:
- E-mailing or writing to us using the contact details posted on our Website/App; or
- Submitting other enquiries.
4. OUR USE OF YOUR INFORMATION
Our primary goal in collecting personally identifiable information is to provide you with a smooth, efficient and customized experience. This allows us to provide services and features that are most likely to meet your needs, and to customize the Website/App and our services to make your experience easier. We may use the information we collect from you to provide you with information and services that you request from us. We use personally identifiable information in the files we maintain about you, and the other personally identifiable information we obtain from your current and past activities on the Website/App to provide you with services.
4.1. Our Disclosure of Your Information
- Due to the existing regulatory environment, we cannot ensure that all of your private communications and other personally identifiable information will never be disclosed in ways not otherwise described in this Privacy Policy. By way of example (without limiting the foregoing), we may be required to disclose personally identifiable information to the government, law enforcement agencies, or third parties under certain circumstances; third parties may unlawfully intercept or access transmissions or private communications; or users or authorized users may independently abuse or misuse your information that they collect from the Website/App in violation of our Website/App’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Therefore, although we use industry standard information security practices to protect your privacy, we do not promise, and you should not expect, that your personally identifiable information or private communications will always remain private.
- As a matter of policy, we do not sell or rent any personally identifiable information about you to any third party. However, the following describes some of the ways that your personally identifiable information may be disclosed.
- Other Corporate Entities: We may sometimes share data with our affiliates, associates, subsidiaries, joint ventures, group entities, and third-party service providers that provide us with services and/or provide you with services. To the extent that these entities have access to your personally identifiable information, we will ask them to treat it at least as protectively as they treat personally identifiable information they obtain from their other authorized users or members. Our affiliates, subsidiaries, and joint ventures will follow privacy practices no less protective of all authorized users and members than our practices described in this document, to the extent allowed by applicable law. It is possible that Grasim, its subsidiaries, associates, affiliates, joint ventures or any combination of such, could merge with or be acquired by another business entity. Should such a combination occur, you should expect that Grasim would share some or all of your personally identifiable information in order to continue to maintain and provide access to the Website/App.
- Legal Requests: Grasim co-operates with law enforcement inquiries, as well as other third parties to enforce laws relating to matters, such as intellectual property rights, fraud and other rights. We can (and you authorise us to) disclose any personally identifiable information about you to law enforcement and other government officials as we, in our sole discretion, believe reasonably necessary or appropriate, in connection with any investigation.
4.2. Changing Your Personally Identifiable Information
In case you request to remove your personally identifiable information from our records, we will retain such information in our files and databases, in order to use it in some unavoidable circumstances, such as to resolve disputes, troubleshoot problems, and enforce our terms and conditions. Further, such prior personally identifiable information is never completely removed from our databases due to technical and legal constraints, including stored "back up" systems. Therefore, you should not expect that all of your personally identifiable information will be completely removed from our databases in response to your requests.
6. SECURITY
Grasim will use reasonable security measures to safeguard the confidentiality of your personal identifiable information. Although we will put our best efforts to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to our Website/ App; any transmission is at your own risk. Once we have received your information, we will use strict procedures and security features which are appropriate to the type of personal information you have provided to try to prevent unauthorised access or inadvertent disclosure. However, you agree and acknowledge that "perfect security" does not exist on the Internet.
7. CHANGES TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY
We reserve the right to change, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Website/ App at any time. Any modifications we may make to our privacy policy in the future will be posted on this page. Continued use of the Website/App will signify that you agree to any such modifications.
8. LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This is the official Website/ App of Grasim Industries Limited and provides general information about Grasim Industries Limited. The information and content are based on the laws applicable in India. While efforts are made to keep the information on this Website/App accurate and timely, Grasim does not guarantee or endorse the content, accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, hyperlinks and other items contained herein or on any other server. This Website/ App and the materials, information, and references to services and products if any herein, including without limitations, text, graphics and links, are provided "as is" without representations or warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. To the fullest extent permissible, Grasim disclaims any warranties, express and/or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, freedom from computer virus and warranties arising from course of dealing or course of performance. Grasim does not represent or warrant that the functions contained in the Website/ App will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that the Website/App or the server that makes the Website/App available are free of viruses or other harmful components. Grasim does not make any warranties or representations regarding the use of the materials in the Website/App in terms of their completeness, correctness, accuracy, adequacy, usefulness, timeliness, reliability or otherwise. Users, shall always keep indemnified, defend and hold Grasim, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents harmless, from and against any claims, demands, causes of action, debts or liability, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorney's fees, based upon or relating to a third party claim against Grasim arising from any action or inaction of User or for any liability or expense-due to claims for personal injury or damage to property arising out of the fault or negligence of the User. Grasim is not responsible for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages that may arise from the use of or the inability to use, the Website/App and/or the materials contained on the Website/App irrespective of whether the materials contained on the Website/App are provided by Grasim. The contents of this Website/App are subject to change without notice. Commercial use of any of the contents of this Website/App in any manner is prohibited without prior written permission from an authorised person. No reproduction of any part of the Website/App may be sold or distributed for commercial gain nor shall it be modified or incorporated in any other work, publication or Website/App, whether in hardcopy or electronic format, including postings to any other App. Grasim reserves all other rights. No information on this Website/App shall constitute an invitation to invest in the listed companies belonging to the “Aditya Birla Group” conglomerate. Neither Grasim nor the entities belonging to the “Aditya Birla Group” conglomerate, nor their respective officers, employees or agents shall be liable for any loss, damage or expense arising out of any access to or use of this Website/App or any App linked to it, including, without limitation, any loss or profit, loss of business, loss of use, indirect, incidental or consequential loss. By viewing this Website/App you are deemed to agree to jurisdiction of the courts at Mumbai, India in respect of any action arising therefrom or related thereto.
If you have any questions about this Policy or other privacy concerns, you can also email us at legal.birlapaints@adityabirla.com
August 2023
9. Customer Consent
By agreeing to this privacy policy, you agree to receive promotional messages, offers, and updates from the Company via SMS, RCS (Rich communications message service), WhatsApp, etc.
GRASIM INDUSTRIES LIMITED, Birla Paints division
9th floor, Birla Centurion, Century Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai– 400030, Maharashtra, India.
Registered Office:
Birlagram, Nagda- 456 331 (M.P.) Tel: (07366) 246760-66, Fax: (07366) 244114, 246024, CIN: L17124MP1947PLC000410
Allwood Contractor App Helpdesk
Call: 1800 120 1234, Monday to Saturday, 09:30 am – 6:30 pm (Except Public Holidays).
Product Warranty
Terms and Conditions for product warranty registration of Birla Opus products
The Warranty shall be effective from the date of purchase of the Product as per the tax invoice (“Warranty Start Date”), provided that painting work is fully complete, and the Consumer registers the Product for warranty.
The Product must be registered within 15 days from the date of purchase by calling customer care at 18001201234 or registering on www.birlaopus.com and furnishing purchase details as required during the Warranty registration.
The Warranty shall be valid for parameters and period as defined in the respective product warranty document (‘Warranty Period’) from the Warranty Start Date.
Upon settlement of any claim, Warranty of replaced Product will not start afresh, and will continue for the remainder of the Warranty Period from the Warranty Start Date.
If there is a break/ lag in completing the painting work, the registration of the Warranty and Warranty Start Date will be determined by the Company at its sole discretion.
The Company may appoint a person to examine and confirm the application of the Product as per the directions specified prior to registering the Warranty.
For registering of Warranty, where quantity of Product purchase is equal to or more than 200 litres, please call our Helpline on 1800 120 1234 with requisite details. The registration of Warranty in such cases is subject to a satisfactory pre‐inspection at site by Company’s representative.
- For the warranty to be applicable:
- Minimum volume of the product required to be purchased needs to be met
- Birla Opus recommended system needs to be used
- Product coverage and application guidelines need to be adhered
For more details, please refer to respective product specific warranty document and product information sheet.
Consumer may raise a claim within 30 days of discovering issue(s) noticed on the affected areas based on Warranty Parameters/ scope
The Consumer is required to notify the Company of the issue(s) noticed along with the invoice details, sample pictures and basis for Warranty invocation by contacting the customer care at 1800 120 1234. The Consumer shall provide such additional details as required by the Company and/or allow the Company to visit/inspect the painting site either in portion or entirety at the Company’s discretion.
In case where the Company decides that the Warranty is applicable on the issue(s) noticed on the affected areas, the Company shall bear the Replacements Costs as detailed in respective product warranty document to repair/ repaint the affected areas.
Replacement Costs shall mean the cost of material and labour required to correct the affected portions, as determined by the Company.
In case where the Company decides that Warranty is not applicable, the same shall be communicated to the Consumer.
Warranty is applicable only to the affected area where the Product is used in accordance with application guidelines and not to the rest of the areas.
In case the Consumer carries out repair works on the areas covered under the Warranty, the same shall be at their own risk and the Company’s Warranty on the Product shall not be valid on such repaired areas.
The Warranty will cover only manufacturing defects of the Product and will not cover any defects arising out of factors not in control of the Company. For more details of exclusions, please refer to the warranty document of respective product.
Except expressly stated, the Company disclaims any liabilities whether in contract, tort or otherwise. The Company makes no warranty regarding merchantability or fitness of products for any particular purpose.
The Company shall not be held liable towards loss or damages of incidental, indirect or consequential nature or for any value more than the tax invoice value.
In case of any disputes, exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai shall apply. Governing laws shall be Laws of India.
The facts and all matters concerning any Warranty/ claim/ dispute will always be kept confidential by both the Consumer and the Company.